Package Deal

Chapter Two

CHAPTER TWO

The Proposition

March 21, 2009. Saturday. Juan Dimas went to Hacienda de Piedad the following morning. Don Arnaldo had talked to him privately at the study room. 

“I know that if you had another choice, you would have not stolen money from the company, Juan. Your wife’s death had really been so painful for you…I know that! I could just let this pass by but then I know that it would be too much. You would also feel much guilty if you wouldn’t be given due penalization. You’re like a real son to my father and you’re like a real brother to me. I would not send you off to prison. Such act would be very harsh. But you have to pay for the money in your own way.” 

Juan replied, “Even if I worked for the company without pay until my retirement, it wouldn’t still be enough. Selling all of my properties would also be insufficient. I have nothing else but the house and lot I’m living in with my daughter. It’s not even worth half the money I had stolen from the company. I can’t think of a way to pay for the money. They only way I could think of to pay for it is imprisonment, Arnaldo.” 

Don Arnaldo disagreed, “That’s not possible, Juan. Just think of what it might cause. I’m sure your daughter would be very sad.” 

Juan admitted, “Yes. I did tell her about this.” 

Don Arnaldo revealed, “She did come here yesterday to see us.” 

Juan was surprised, “So she had been there. I’m sure she had asked you not to send me off in prison and that she would help me out in paying for the money.” 

Don Arnaldo affirmed, “Yes.” 

Juan declared, “I don’t want my daughter to be engaged in this mess. She’s entering the convent this summer.” 

Don Arnaldo stated, “It would pain my heart so see you in prison, Juan…what more your daughter!” 

Juan insisted, “I deserve to be incarcerated.” 

Don Arnaldo made his decision, “I already told Jenna that I wouldn’t allow it, Juan. And I would live up to such promise I had made. I’m giving you a week to come up with a solution to this problem. Don’t consider incarceration because I would not really allow it. It’s so degrading on your part. And I’m no evil to do such to a man like you.” 

Juan still contended, “There’s no other way but imprisonment, Arnaldo.” 

Don Arnaldo then said, “I actually have something in mind but I know you wouldn’t consider it.” 

Juan wanted to know, “What about it?”

“When Jenna came here yesterday, my son, Aaron, and my grandson, R.A. had come to like her a lot. My grandson had innocently asked her if she could be his new Mom while my son had really been attracted to her. Jenna is willing to do anything for you, Juan. She’s even considering giving up her desire to be a nun just to help you pay for the money. It would both take you so many years of hard work before you would be able to pay for the money. So I’m suggesting that Jenna be a mother to my grandson and a wife to my son. You wouldn’t have to pay for the money anymore. You could even have an early retirement and you would be well provided because you and Jenna would already be a part of the family. Jenna would be entitled to a generous monthly allowance as Aaron’s wife. It would be more than enough for her. Half of her allowance can go to you.” 

Juan reacted, “I don’t think Jenna and Aaron would like this idea, Arnaldo.” 

“Aaron had disagreed to the idea but only because he’s a gentleman. He feels that asking Jenna to marry him in such way is preposterous. But I know my son very well, Juan. I know that he likes your daughter so much from the very moment he had seen her here yesterday.”