Part two - The New Beginning by Maria-Elena Heed

Part two - The New Beginning

It was midday when Maria and Juani arrived in Valparaiso. Valparaiso was the first main freight port of Chile then, fish markets with its local treasures from the ocean; fruits & vegetables produce that could be bought in ‘Caleta Portales’; and forty five majestic hills with a maze of houses overlooking the ocean. 

Maria had plenty of time to find the Janssen family’s place before nightfall. She asked around for the address, and after a few hours walking through alleys, streets, up and down roads, suddenly she bumped into this long Avenue with trees on either side with big houses, each of them divided by high walls. Maria couldn't believe her eyes, she had never seen houses like them. This avenue happened to be Almirante Montt where the Janssen’s family lived. 

Maria finally found “Casa numero Uno”, which was at the other end of the Avenue. Although she was feeling apprehensive, she plucked up the courage and knocked on the door. A young man, only a few years older than herself, answered the door. Maria nervously asked to speak to the lady of the house. Mrs Janssen came to the door and let her in. Maria explained that Juani, who worked for her brother-in-law, had mentioned she was looking for a housemaid. Maria explained her circumstances. Mrs Janssen soon took pity on her situation and could sense Maria was a trustworthy, hardworking girl and decided to employ her. Maria was overjoyed to hear the news, and most importantly, she thought to herself “I'm not sleeping rough tonight”. 

After Mrs Janssen showed Maria around the house, pointing out what chores needed doing, she took Maria to a room which was going to be her own bedroom. That night Maria couldn't settle down thinking of everything that had happened in the last two days. How her life had turned around, thanking her God for giving her the chance to have a new life in “the big city” and so she drifted off to her dreams. 

The next day, Maria woke up bright and early, ready to start her jobs, remembering the instructions Mrs Janssen had given her. 

So a year had passed and Maria was happy with her job. She felt relaxed with the members of the family now, since they treated her as part of the family. They’d invite her to come along to the Sunday family outings, this was usually a stroll around Plaza Victoria. The Janssen’s had only one son for reasons of destiny. Mrs Janssen adored her son, Luis. Luis was nineteen years old and he was a bit of a rascal, and very much of a charmer. As time went by Maria's feelings grew stronger for Luis. Sometimes they’d meet up after Maria had finished all the house shores to have a chat. 

It was one warm summer Saturday afternoon that Luis invited Maria to go to ‘Las Torpederas’ beach in Valparaiso. Maria hadn't been to a beach since she was five years old, so she was excited that Luis had invited her. 

Part three to be continued …