Aligned

Chapter 5: Enzo

The last ten years have felt like an eternity without my "Star." She was the one person who truly cared about me.

We first met when we were just 10 years old, and we've been inseparable ever since. I vividly recall telling my parents that I had found the love of my life and that I would marry her one day.

They dismissed it, saying I was too young and idealistic. But Estrella was worth every bit of devotion. Each year, I looked forward to the summer, not only to learn new things at H.A.R.O. but also because of Estrella.

She was that radiant presence that could light up any room.

Seeing her as I walked down those stairs, I almost couldn't recognize the woman before me. She had matured, both in appearance and demeanor.

When I heard her urge Leo and Mariana to cut to the chase because her patience was wearing thin, I almost chuckled because she still had the same impatience I remembered.

I hadn't realized how much time had passed. Her hair remained, her curves more defined, and those captivating eyes, deep siren eyes in which one could easily become lost.

Her confidence was a notable trait; she usually knew how to start and end a conversation. Seeing her stutter was so unusual; Estrella was typically so sure of herself. Knowing I had caused her to stutter pained my heart. As soon as I saw her go limp, my reflexes kicked in, and I caught her before she hit the ground.

"Oh my goodness, let me get her some water and a cold rag," my mother exclaimed, covering her mouth and chest, as if she were about to faint.

Mariana and Leo quickly removed the larger pillows from the couch to make Estrella comfortable. I carried her limp body to the couch and gently placed her head on the edge, slipping a pillow behind her head.

I held her hand and gazed at her, waiting patiently. It was only when I glanced over at Astrid that I realized she hadn't moved, her mouth agape as if a fly might fly in.

I scratched the back of my head and looked at Astrid, attempting a casual greeting. "Long time no see, Astrid?" I laughed nervously. She retorted, "There's no way you just said that to me right now."

I rushed to explain, "I didn't know what else to say. Please, let me explain. My name is Lorenzo Moretti, Enzo for short, but you can still call me Shadow. I had no other choice but to fake my death; you have to believe me. I would never do anything to hurt Estrella, you know that. I loved her with every fiber of my being." I ramble.

I pleaded with Astrid, trying to convince her. She responded, "I think you should save it for Star. When she wakes up, she deserves a more thorough apology and explanation." With that, she walked away, pointing to where everyone else had gone.

I looked down at the woman I loved and brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. My mom returned with a wet washcloth, a glass of water, and some pills.

A smile crept onto my face. My mother had nothing but goodness in her heart, except for those instances when she'd chase my siblings and me around the house with a wooden spoon whenever we dared enter the kitchen when she was cooking. The memory made me smirk briefly, but I quickly refocused on the present.

Behind me, I heard the voices of Mariana and Astrid returning to the living room. We all gathered around the den, sitting and waiting. Then, a soft stirring and a groan emanated from beside me. My mom sprang into action, helping Estrella sit up, with Astrid making her way over as well.

"What the hell happened? I think I bumped my head because I thought I saw—" she cut off her sentence as her eyes met mine. She tried to stand up a bit too quickly, prompting Astrid and me to flinch and move closer in case she lost her balance.

"I'm fine," she said in a flat tone, her arms outstretched to create some distance between us.

"How? Why?" Her pleading eyes bore into me, making me want to kneel before her and beg for forgiveness. "Sunshine, I—" "Don't. Don't call me that right now. Just explain," she cut me off, her tone flat and cold.

"Can we have some privacy, please?" I asked in a monotone voice while keeping my gaze fixed on her siren-eyed beauty. I heard everyone's footsteps shuffling out of the room.

"Estrella, what I did ten years ago was for your own good. I had a mission that went south, and due to our high profiles in H.A.R.O. and the fact that we were such a formidable team, we had a target on our backs. I needed to do what I did to protect you. If I had to do it all over again, I would, but I would have told you my plan. It was too risky, especially in our line of work.

I had to go into hiding to figure out who had put a bounty on us. The only way to have it revoked was to kill one or both of us. The ones who placed the bounty wanted to be able to claim they had taken us down, knowing that if one of us went down, the other would crumble.

That's what they wanted. So, I got Mariana involved in the plan. I faked my death, went into hiding, and watched over you for as long as it took to ensure your safety. What I regret most is the pain I caused you. The way you held me, whispered in my ear, and screamed my name—those were the hardest parts. I'm so sorry for putting you through that, but I had to do it to protect you," I explained, never breaking eye contact with her.

Her dark eyes brimmed with tears. Estrella rarely showed her emotions, but when they did surface, they disrupted her profoundly. "Do you not understand what that did to me? The nightmares I had, screaming your name, and flashbacks of me cradling your lifeless body in my lap," she said, teeth gritted, anguish in her eyes.

"I never knew your name. I never got to mourn you because I never knew you. You were just a shadow in my dreams and nightmares."

"I hate you," she said in a deep, trembling voice. "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you." She began to scream and slap at my chest, pushing me away with each strike. I let her release her anger on me, for I knew I deserved it. She trembled, her voice grew shaky, her cries raspy.

"I'm so sorry for what I did to you. But I would do it all over again for you. I would go through the pain and suffering just to keep you safe," I confessed. Estrella was now letting her emotions break free, and it was one of the most unsettling sights I'd ever witnessed—Estrella so vulnerable.

She finally stopped, her tears flowing steadily. I moved closer, trying to embrace her, but she flinched. Her reaction was like a dagger in my heart, but I persisted. She needed me, and I needed to hold her. Seeing I wasn't giving up, she allowed it.

I enfolded her in my arms, holding her as if she might float away. She sobbed into my chest, and we slowly sank to our knees, clinging to each other. Her skin quivered, and her scent was like a warm embrace.

My arms tightened around her, one hand behind her head, pulling her even closer to my chest. With my head above hers, I allowed her to release all her pent-up emotions.

We remained that way for what felt like an eternity, both of us in each other's arms, purging our emotions. Finally, her tremors ceased, and her tears ran dry. She looked into my eyes, her hand cupping my cheek.

I stared back at her, cherishing the warmth of her hand on my face. I closed my eyes, savoring the moment. Oh, how I had missed this.
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A/N: I know my posting has been all over the place. Classes are kicking my butt. But I'm finally off for summer break. Only taking one class which is ASL!! I'm supper excited!! 

Thank you for all the support every read is appreciated.

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And as always:

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! <3 - ♾️ & Always S.H. 

Remember to drink water, eat, and know you are loved!!! MUAH