The Chosen

Chapter 19 - Thank You

It's kind of long, but oh well

(Flashback)

*****Loukas P.O.V. *****

It was a hot and sunny day. We were out doing a little grocery shopping at the fresh food market in the city. Levina had decided to come over and make dinner for us tonight.

I had no idea what to get so I held Ziya's hand as Levina spoke with a vendor. I looked down at Ziya who was rubbing her eyes and yawning, so I picked her up and she rested her head on my shoulder.

"Levie, estás a punto de terminar? Zee es cada sueño.' (Levie, are you almost finished? Zee is getting sleepy)." I said in our native tongue as we made our way to another vendor.

"Sí, sólo tenemos una cosa más y voy a hacer' (Yes, we just need one more thing and I'll be done.)" She said squeezing Ziya's cheek as she picked up some peppers and smelled them.

She smacked Levie's hand away from her face and frowned at her. Ziya always hated for people to treat her like a baby. I took notice of that the day she returned.

I often wished that the Septonians had never took Ziya away. I understood why, but I never got the chance to raise her as my own child. I didn't get the chance to change her first diaper, to see her take her first steps, or to protect her from the "boogie man". They took her away before I could even experience what being a father was like.

I always loved her and her mother with all my heart. And I will keep loving them even after the day my heart decides that it doesn't want to beat anymore.

I remember the day that she was born. I was the happiest man on earth, but that all went away once I realized that Ziya and her mother had to leave.

My own wife and newborn daughter had to abandon me. I couldn't be mad at them for leaving because she told me way before we made love to each other nine months before Ziya was born.

I had to accept the fact that they weren't mortals like me. They were created for a purpose.

I felt left out. I felt alone, but Levina was always there to remind me to keep hope alive. She was there when all seemed lost.

She's like a big sister to me. She always looked out for me. It had been tough living without my wife and daughter, I never understood love until then. Now that I have Ziya, all I need is her mother to complete the package. And when that happens, my life will be complete.

"Papa, que el hombre sigue seguirnos.' (Papa, that man keeps on following us.)" Ziya said looking in the opposite direction I was facing.

I turned around to find a white man wearing a suit with snow white hair and dark shades standing in the middle of the crowded street with his hands in his pockets. He stuck out like a sore thumb compared to everyone else, who was of color.