| 6 Monthes later Maria was in the parlor having a glass of lemonade. It was a sunny day, not too hot, perfect for riding. "Anita?" Maria called out gently. "Anita?" "Yes Senorita." Anita said as she entered the room, bowing slightly. "Would you like to go riding with me?" Maria asked. "I'd love to Senorita," Anita replied. Maria and Anita took the carriage out for a ride. they had traveled about half a mile away from the house, and had stopped to rest and have a picnic lunch when Maria heard a horse riding towards her. She turned around, and saw with some apprehension that it was Antonio Reves. "Anita hurry," Maria said. "We must go." "They abandoned the picnic and started to ride. She started riding faster, thinking to outrun him, her heart was beating frantically from fear and exertion. But she simply could not outrun him in the horse and carriage, and he was so close. When she stopped, short of exhaustion, and antonio rode up along side her, ahe tried to contain her fear. "Good day Senorita's," Antonio said. "Antonio," Maria said. "I wish to speak to you." He said. "Alone." He jumped off his horse. "Dismiss your maid. "Anita go, Maria said as she disembarked from the carriage. "But Senorita," Anita protested. "Go!" Maria said. Anita took off toward the house per Maria's instructions, but something prompted her to look back, just in time to see the struggled between thm, the struggle which ended with Antonio drawing a knife and stabbing Maria in the abdomen with it. Maria slumped to the ground, and Antonio lept onto his horse, and took off, riding frantically. |