Loving Vicente

XIV

VICENTE’S POV:

I could feel my anger reaching its breaking point the longer I stared at Isa's limp body. Daniella sat next to me, holding onto my hand. Her mood seemed off tonight but I couldn't place my finger on it. Looking down at the time, I notice it was approaching sunrise. "Let's get you back home, Hermosa," I say, my voice coming out rougher than I intended.

Surprisingly, Daniella shook her head no and remained seated. I knew she wanted to be here for me, but I wanted to avoid a run-in with my dad. He had already known about the break-in and was on his way back. If Daniella is here when he finds Isa, it won't go over well. "We have to go, Daniella." This time, my tone comes out serious as she slowly stands and follows me towards the front door.

I take a last glance at Isa. She didn't deserve this. She was set to start a new life for herself, away from all this. Not being able to handle the pain that came flooding up, I punch a hole into the wall. My chest heaves with anger as I try to steady my breathing. Daniella's gentle touch and soft voice break me out of my thoughts.

"Vicente, please. Take a deep breath and relax." She says. After regaining my composure we continue our walk towards the door. The door flies open, stopping Daniella in her tracks. My father's angry figure comes into view, sending me into a panic. "What the f**k happened!" His loud voice causes Daniella to back further into me.

I whisper in her ear to remain calm and quiet as I step forward and try to de-escalate my dad. "They broke in while I was sleeping. We didn't know." Trying to remain stoic, my father silences me. I watch as he walks towards Isa's body, falling to his knees and pulling her into his arms. My father lets out a cry. Keeping my feelings at bay, I take the opportunity to try and get Daniella out of here unscathed.

"You!" He points at the doe-eyed brunette, making her jump. "It's your fault my baby is dead. Vicente should have never gotten with you, puta." (b***h) He hisses out like the snake he is. Daniella's face crumbles upon hearing his words. "I'm sorry-" He doesn't let her finish as he lunges for her, trying to grasp onto her beautiful curls.

My father was an intimidating man, but I was worse. I grip his arm before he extended his reach. "Touch her and you will never see me again." I spit out, causing shock to form on my father's face. "You would pick her over your own blood?" His voice comes out venomous. I don't reply to his comment. Pulling Daniella closer, I walk out the door. Whether he liked it or not, I love this woman and I would not give her up.

The ride to Daniella's was quiet. Looking over at her, I see her lost in thought. After everything, I forgot she had Anna to tell. "I'm sorry about him, Hermosa. He doesn't know what he's saying." She doesn't respond, just takes hold of my hand and continues looking out the window. Once we pull into the driveway, Daniella sits still for a moment.

Telling me she loves me, she walks out of the car and towards her house. The drive home left me alone in my thoughts. I try to brush everything that happened away but every time I closed my eyes, Isa's face flashed in my mind.

Parking the car, I walk back inside ready for my father's vengeful words. I may not stand with him all the time, but this was different. They took my sister. And now, I was going to burn them to the ground.

A few days later, my father cremated Isa. He didn't let anyone come to her funeral, saying nobody deserved a goodbye. I couldn't argue with him.

DANIELLA’S POV:

My uncle had knocked on my door shortly after I crawled back through the window. "Daniella? Are you awake?" He asks through the door. I quickly wrap the blankets around me and shut my eyes. When he slowly creeks the door open, I hold my breath. He exits quietly, leaving me alone. Events from the night replay in my head. How was I going to tell Anna?

It had been three days since Isa's passing. I still hadn't been able to tell Anna what happened. I just knew it was going to be devastating. Vicente had texted me saying nobody was allowed at her funeral, it was only him and his father. Anna knocked on my door, cutting me out of my thoughts. "Come in," I say, preparing myself. "Isa isn't responding to me. I'm getting worried." Anna huffs out as she takes a seat on my bed.

I let out a deep sigh, knowing I couldn't avoid it anymore. "Anna, I have to tell you something." My voice comes out small, weak. I hated it. Her face pales as she looks at my reaction. She stays quiet, waiting for me to finish. "Remember when I went to Vicente's for the night?" Anna shook her head, yes, motioning for me to continue.

"A rival cartel broke in while we were asleep... They killed Isa." A sob escapes my lips as I look up to my cousin. She sat in a daze, just staring off into the distance. "Anna... I'm so sorry." She doesn't say anything as she stands and walks out of my room. I sink further into my pillow and shed more tears for Isa. She didn't deserve it, she was getting out of here.

Vicente picked me up later that night, taking me to the same viewpoint we went to the first time. I still hadn't told him I was pregnant, but I knew I had to. Pulling into a parking spot, Vicente turns and grabs a blanket before opening up my door and leading me down the path. As he sits, I take my place between his legs. His broad chest is warm and holds me up as we gaze around the town.

"Isa showed me this place." He says quietly. I turn my head to listen as he speaks. "I didn't know what to do on our first date, so she drove me here and helped me decorate." A small smile flashes across his pained features as he recalls the memory. "She was so sweet, I'm sad I didn't get more time with her," I reply, causing him to pull me closer. "I have to retaliate Daniella." His tone grows cold, making a shiver roll down my spine.

"Please, Vicente. Don't do this." I beg, my eyes pooling with tears. "They killed my sister. I don't have a choice." His face twists with anger as the words leave his lips. "Vicente... I'm pregnant." My voice comes out shaky as I utter the words. Vicente looks down at me, shock written all over his face.

"What?" He deadpanned. "I found out the night Isa died, I just didn't know how to tell you." A tear rolls down my face. Vicente turns to face me, grabbing my face in his hands. His thumb wipes away the stray tear as he says, "We are going to give this baby a beautiful life." He places his hand on my belly, his eyes filled with newfound love.

"Vicente... I can't raise this child in violence. I leave at the end of the month." His face changes like he forgot I was only here temporarily. "I'll leave with you." His voice cracks. "It's not that easy, do you even have papers?" I ask him, knowing you had to have a passport to get back into the States.

"Of course. My father got them for me as a child in case I ever wanted to attend college." His response makes me giddy. He's going to come with me. I throw my hands around his neck as he pulls me into him. "I love you, we're going to get out of here." His voice is filled with relief. I went home that night excited. We were going to be a family. Laying in bed, my thoughts are filled with my parents.

What they were going to say, how they were going to react. I had thousands saved up from working at the dinner the last four years, I could get an apartment and we could start small. Will they disown me if I move out without a husband? The thought brings tears to my eyes, my mother was my best friend and I couldn't imagine not speaking with her. After the battle in my mind finally winded its way down, I fall asleep with a smile.