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Ana Lucia Vasconcelos experienced a heartbreaking disappointment in Andradas Square, a beautiful city she cherished dearly. Only the vast waters of the São Paulo seas and the sandy beaches could provide her with comfort as tears streamed down her face. After dedicating much effort, she finally received the scholarship she had always dreamed of to study astronomy at Weber University. Upon arriving in Ogden, USA, Ana Lucia began working at the Bennett family mansion, where she met and fell in love with Albert, the eldest son of Annette and Matthew Bennett. Despite possessing immense wealth and having no particular profession, Albert enjoyed a lavish lifestyle of luxury parties and traveling the world with his competent girlfriend and fiancée, Brianna Willis. Over time, Albert discovered a deep affection for Ana Lucia, the girl who introduced him to his true passion: astronomy. However, everything changed when he learned of his severe illness, which left him feeling rejected for the first time in his life. The future of their love remains uncertain as Ana Lucia faces the most difficult decision of her life. Blue of Your Eyes explores new emotions, unexpected discoveries, and tender words, as true love is put to the ultimate test.
Strolling through the squares of the city of Santos was like going back to the past, reliving the story in a unique and exciting way. That was why Ana Lucia Vasconcelos loved the place so much. The Andradas Square was her favorite; the Portuguese mosaic floor and the lighting of the thirty-four double poles were the perfect setting for that special night.
Sitting on the wooden bench, between the two small alleys open to facilitate the movement of the people, she waited anxiously for the arrival of Gabriel, a boy with whom she had been flirting for some time. It was a thing, one of those passions that might become love. The date was set by him in a hurry the day before.
The people moved almost without looking to the sides, mechanically, accustomed to the landscape around, some sitting on the benches, but for Ana Lucia all the beauty of her hometown never tired her.
Anxiously, she would not stop looking at her watch, she was sure Gabriel would ask her to date. Even though she was leaving for the United States of America, she was sure she could sustain a relationship at a distance. Ana Lucia just wanted a love.
Everything involving stars, planets, the universe enchanted her so much that at thirteen she bought her first telescope to observe the stars in the sky.
She became an orphan at the age of fifteen and became accustomed to her solitary life in the beautiful city of Santos. She lived in the house of her cousin Alice, worked as a nanny, waitress and learned to speak English fluently. Some passions passed through her life, but not to stay.
The clock showed exactly 8pm when he finally appeared. Ana Lucia got up from the bench, he approached and she smiled as sincerely as never before.
“Gabriel, I'm glad you're here. You're late. It almost kills me with anxiety.”
“Sorry for the delay. Today I stayed late at work, the movement in the store was intense, bigger than usual.”
“It's all right. No problem.”
“I really need to talk to you, Ana Lucia. It’s important. It can’t pass from tonight.”
“So tell me, I'm here to hear you.”
“I really like you, you are a smart girl, loves to observe the stars, got a scholarship to study astronomy in the United States... You deserve to follow your destiny and be happy doing what you love so much.”
“Wait, I already know where you're going. I understand... by your tone of voice you're trying to tell me you will not stay with me because I'm leaving for the United States and you do not want a relationship at a distance. But think about it, it might work, even if you're so far away from each other. If we love each other, we can at least try.”
“Ana Lucia, I'm sorry, but it's nothing like that. I do not love you!”
“What?”
“Yeah, I do not love you.”
“Explain this better, because I never expected you to love me. We're still getting to know each other.” She said without understanding.
“I know you'll never forgive me, I'm sorry for what I'm going to tell you now, but I need to tell the truth. I already have a girlfriend. I am engaged!”
“What? What absurd is this that you are telling me? How come you already have a girlfriend and you're engaged?”
“I messed up. I know we went out together several times, we flirted, I find you a very interesting woman, you're wonderful, but unfortunately I can’t have anything else with you, I'm going to marry another woman.” Gabriel nodded in the cruelest way.
Ana Lucia felt a quick dizziness; she could hardly believe the rude and dreadful words that had just come from the boy's mouth that she believed could be her great love.
“Gabriel, why did you do this to me? How could you be engaged to another woman if you stayed with me? We went out together several times, you gave me affection, and we dated! I fell in love with you! How can you have another woman? Explain it to me.”
“I know, I was a coward, I made a mistake. But I'm here while there's still time to tell you that you must go your way in peace. Go to the United States to fulfill your dream and be happy.”
“Yes, of course I will. I don’t need you! You know what? I hate you, I hate you! And does your fiancée know that you date other women?”
“No, she doesn’t!”
“You're no good! Why did you deceive me?”
“I could not resist. You're such a beautiful, intelligent, fascinating girl. But I love my fiancée; I want to stay with her.”
“Then stay with her and leave me alone!" She shouted. She was trembling with rage and she could not stop crying.
Ana Lucia left in a hurry. He ran after her.
“Wait, Ana Lucia! You're very nervous. I'll give you a ride home.” Gabriel took her arm.
“Let me go! Stay away from me! I do not want your pity. I'm going to my house alone. I despise you. You made me be your lover. I've never been so humiliated in my entire life. Get out of my way. I do not want to see you again. Get out of here!” She cried in bewilderment.
She ran out of there. She ran like never before. She went to Ponta da Praia do Gonzaga and went straight to the sand where, on her knees, wept even more, lamented her fate, and threw into the sea the bracelet Gabriel gave her as a gift in their second date.”
Ana Lucia left the bags ready for her departure that would happen the next day. She was full of expectations with her new life coming. She would leave for the United States of America, exactly for the city of Ogden. At last she would fulfill her greatest dream: to study astronomy at Weber State University!
She fought hard to earn that scholarship, spoke fluent English, and had always been an exemplary student at school.
On the day of embarkation, toward a new destination, her heart raced with anxiety. She got into the plane and was all shivering, as if she sensed something special was going to happen. She could not wait to get to Ogden.
***
Ogden-Hinckley Municipal Airport was busy that winter afternoon, more than usual. Ana Lucia took a taxi and went directly to the university housing. The surrounding mountains covered with snow made the landscape even more admirable.
“This is my new home. Now I'll be happy studying what I love so much.” she exclaimed as she entered the room she would share with another college student. Shelly Parker was her new roommate.
A week had passed since college began. Ana Lucia was delighted with everything she was learning and knowing. That new culture was slowly becoming part of her life.
On another weekend night, roommates dined at Applebee's, a popular, cozy restaurant in the Riverdale. As they retired, the Brazilian watched closely a newspaper fall on the floor before her, after a sober gentleman got up from the table and left the tabloid on the cold floor.
Ana Lucia crouched down, picked up the paper and read it curiously. The open page was just the ads and jobs section. With attentive eyes, she went through the statements, thinking that perhaps she could find a job that fit his profile.
“Ana Lucia, I've never seen anyone as interested in a local newspaper as you, unlike that gentleman who, in a rude way, threw it to the ground.”
“I just thought maybe I could find a job in the ad session. You never know where our great opportunity will be...”
“Find anything interesting? Too bad I do not have a seat in the university cafeteria; otherwise you could work there with me.”
“Do not worry; I'm seeing a job here, something not unlike anything I've ever done.”
“What is?”
“A Bennett family urgently needs a maid on their farm. From what I see they are very rich. This would be a great opportunity to meet new people, to acquire more knowledge, to have new experiences.”
“Call and schedule the interview.”
“Yes, I'll do it right now.”
She took the phone from her pocket and called the farm trying to find more information about the job she had just seen in the newspaper ad.
“Ana Lucia Vasconcelos, so you are Brazilian and astronomy student here in Ogden!” Annette started the interview on the living room sofa.
“Yes, I study astronomy, which is what I love most in this life.”
“Very interesting. You mean you really like watching the stars? Want to know the mysteries of the universe?”
“Not just the stars, but everything out there. The cosmos fascinates me.”
“Splendid! I see that you are a cultured, hard-working girl. I like people like you. Know that here on the farm there is a hill with a beautiful view of the night sky.”
“I think so. This place is incredible!”
“Well, from what you told me on the phone, you have experience in domestic service.”
“Yes I have. I've done everything in my life. I know how to cook, I take care of the house, and I’m a nanny too. I'm in Ogden on a student visa, but I got the consulate's authorization to work part-time every day.”
“Great. We need a general service assistant in the afternoon and Saturday mornings.”
“It's fine by me. I am available in these shifts; I study in the morning only on weekdays.”
“I liked you. You can work in the afternoon and already stay here at the farm to make your observations at the telescope during the night. We have a maid's room available. If you want to live here, I think it might be best for you.”
“Thank you! I'll think about it.”
Annette Bennett was particularly sympathetic to her new maid, who had charmed her by demonstrating knowledge and at the same time simplicity. The Brazilian inspired her with confidence.
Albert appeared in the living room just as his mother finished the interview with the new maid of the mansion
“Albert, my son. Come here.”
“Yes mom.”
“This is Ana Lucia, our new housekeeper. If you need anything, just talk to her. She's a pretty girl. She studies astronomy at Ogden University. Is not that incredible? I told her that here on the farm we have a hill with a splendid view of the night sky, where she can make her observations to the telescope.”
“It's fascinating to study the stars in the sky. At last we have an intellectual employee in the mansion. Congratulations, Ana Lucia. Welcome.”
"Thank you, Mr. Albert.”
“Please do not call me sir. I am only twenty years old and single. Just call me Albert.”
“All right, Albert. I will be at your disposal for anything you need.”
“And I need. Since the other maid has resigned, my room is a commotion. Do not look, please.”
“Do not worry, I'll always leave it tidy.”
“Mom, I'm leaving, I just came by to give you a kiss. I'm going to a party with Brianna.”
“Be careful, my son! The driver takes you. I do not want you driving after drinking.”
“All right, Mother, do not worry. Josh will take me and bring me back.”
“That's better. Good bye.”
He left the room.
“Albert's still a little immature, just wants to know about parties and his girlfriend, Brianna. He lives by saying that he intends to marry, but I doubt very much.”
“But he's still so young. You should not marry so early if you do not have maturity.”
“You're right, girl. Tomorrow you will meet my youngest daughter, our little Meg. My husband is traveling, as always on business, but he will be with us for the weekend.” Annette said with a smile.
***
The future astronomer was very much glimpsed by the beauty of the farm. The Bennett family grew mainly potatoes, as well as owning a canning factory in the state capital.
The road leading to the farm was completely lit. Albert loved driving on dirt roads. He tried to pretend that he was responsible, he promised to get married, to enter college, but he was completely indecisive, without a certain course, like a leaf in the wind. He helped his parents' company in the administrative sector, but nothing that required specialized knowledge. However, he was full of dreams, life, attending the parties of his millionaire friends, always surrounded by beautiful girls, and dating New Yorker Brianna Willis.
***
That was the second night of observations on the farm hill. Ana Lucia had positioned her computerized telescope at the top. The view of the night sky was indeed marvelous; there could be no better place for her to pursue what she learned in college.
Albert approached the hill. He was extremely curious.
“Good evening.”
“Albert. You here! I'm surprised.”
“I was curious to see you watching the stars. Beautiful telescope! Great, huh!”
“Yeah, it's a computerized cassegrain reflector.”
“What does that mean? I do not understand anything about astronomy.”
“It means that it is the most suitable telescope for professional observations, even for the night of deep space. I do not usually make daytime observations.” she clarified.
“I imagine that at night, with the presence of the stars, it must be even more exciting to contemplate this beautiful sky.”
“The images he captures are sent directly to my computer. I use a special astronomy program.”
“Amazing! I noticed your notebook is here. Can I see through the telescope?”
“But of course! I will help you. I was admiring the planet Mars right now.”
Albert positioned his left eye in the telescope's monocle. For the first time he was observing a planet through the instrument.
“Ana Lucia, I'm delighted with what I saw.”
“No wonder, nature is very beautiful.”
“Now I have to go, my bride is waiting for us to dine together.”
“Yes good night.”
“Good evening.”
Brianna was waiting for him in the living room.
“Albert, what were you doing with that girl up there on the hill? I drove by and saw you. Who is she?”
“She's the mansion's new maid. Ana Lucia is an astronomy student. My mother encouraged her to make the observations on the hill.”
“Very interesting ... So now your family has an intellectual maid. I'm surprised at the news. And tell me, did she show you the stars?”
“Not exactly. I watched the planet Mars, I was curious. I had never seen a telescope up close. And it's not any telescope! It is a professional computerized telescope, a cassegrain reflector.”
“I see you learned a lot in class today. I just hope you do not go up the hill every night with that girl.”
“Are you jealous?”
“Of course not! I just do not think you're all right with the maid.”
“My love, what nonsense. Now forget that and kiss me.” Albert took her by the waist and kissed her.
Jamila Mafra
