Maddie said, “These homes are built in the Pueblo Revival style, designed to mimic the appearance of the Spanish Colonial West. This architecture style merges home-building concepts from Spain with the local materials and styles of Native American tribes, particularly the Pueblo and Hopi in the Southwest.”
“Fascinating. I’ve only seen houses like these on TV. I didn’t think I was a fan of adobe houses, but these homes are beautiful.”
It didn’t escape Adam’s attention that all of the cars in the driveways were Lexus, Mercedes and various other expensive cars. Adam couldn’t stand the suspense much longer, but she wouldn’t tell him anything, so he just sat back and quietly observed.
Finally, they pulled into a driveway that led to a security gate. Maddie lowered the window and pushed the intercom button. Through the static a voice answered, “How may I help you?”
“It’s Maddie and Adam. Please let them know we’re here.”
The voice on the other end indicated confirmation and the gate opened. As they wound up the driveway, Adam got his first good look at the house. From the outside, aside from being Southwestern-looking, it didn’t seem like anything special. It appeared to be about the size of any average, ranch-style home.
Before they could even ring the doorbell, the large, curved timber front door flew open, and a beautiful woman who looked to be around Maddie’s age ran out and threw her arms around Maddie’s neck so hard that they both almost fell over. She had long, black, straight hair, dark-brown eyes, and the dark complexion of a person of either Italian, Spanish, or Mexican heritage. Adam guessed she might have been of Native American descent. Both women were laughing and crying tears of happiness at the same time.
The woman said, “Maddie! It’s been so long. I can’t believe you’re here.”
Through her tears of joy, Maddie said, “I can’t believe it either. It’s so wonderful to see you again!”
They hugged for a little while longer before turning their attention to Adam. Maddie wiped her eyes, took him by the hand and said, “Sancha, I’d like you to meet Adam.”
So the beautiful woman was Sancha, Maddie’s best friend. She was the one who had taught Maddie to use Refined Transcendent Power and counseled her, the one she called when she needed advice, the one that she’d known for over a century, the one who had saved her life. Adam instantly liked her.
Sancha gave Adam a warm, welcoming hug and said, “Adam, I am so glad to finally meet you! You know, I put in a good word for you. If it weren’t for me, Maddie might not have even given you a chance.” She smiled and winked at him.
Maddie shot Sancha a look.
Adam said, “It’s nice to meet you too. Thank you for going to bat for me.”
Sancha laughed, motioned toward the front door, and said, “Please come in.”
As they entered the house, Adam realized that the front entrance didn’t give a clue to the grandeur of the home. The adobe vestibule led them across a covered outdoor pathway to the main house and into a grand living room with windows from floor to ceiling that displayed one of the most amazing mountain views Adam had ever seen. He gasped as he stared at the majestic Sandia Mountains framed by the brilliant blue sky.
It was then that Adam realized the majority of the house had cleverly been built into the side of the foothill. It wasn’t a single-story, ranch-style house after all. It was a sprawling, luxurious mansion.
He said, “Sancha, your home is beautiful.”
“Thank you so much. I’m glad you like it.”
“Like it? From what I’ve seen so far, I love it.”
“Would you like a tour?”
“Absolutely,” he said.
As they turned to follow Sancha, a tall, stocky man appeared. He looked to be around Sancha’s age, maybe a little older, and he was muscular and well-built. He had a look on his face that Adam couldn’t read. He got the feeling that this man didn’t easily trust people, and one wouldn’t want to cross him. Yet there was a softness around his eyes that suggested he could also be kind and caring. He had the same dark hair as Sancha, but cut short, and the same dark eyes and complexion. Adam assumed that he was Mel, Sancha’s husband.
Maddie confirmed this when she ran to him and hugged him tightly. “Mel!”
He easily lifted her off the ground as he hugged her back. “Madeline, it is so good to see you.”
He gently put her down and looked at Adam disapprovingly, like the look a father gives a boy who is taking his daughter on a first date. It was a look that said, ‘I don’t know you and I don’t trust you. You better take care of my girl or else.’ Adam knew he would need to treat Mel with respect.
Maddie said, “Mel, I want you to meet Adam.”
Mel stepped toward Adam, extended his large hand and said, “Miguel Ángel, a tu servicio. My friends call me Mel. Nice to meet you, Adam.” He did not smile as he gave Adam a hard stare.
Adam looked him in the eyes, shook his hand firmly, and said, “It’s nice to meet you too.”
Mel squeezed Adam’s hand a little too hard. It was only for an instant, but Adam got the message. He felt as if Mel was sizing him up and trying to see into his soul. He was trying to determine Adam’s intentions and if he was worthy enough to be with Maddie. Adam had to fight the urge to shrink away from his intense gaze, but he did not look away. He stood firm. He wouldn’t let Mel intimidate him.
Sancha
