Bruno's Daughter

Chapter 48

 Kristi's POV:

 I couldn't believe it...I actually met and spoke with my parents and my Abuelo Pedro....Papa just sat there, staring at the tablet. I think he had a hard time believing it too. I could see that the vision took a lot of energy out of him. Makes sense, honestly. If he has energy tolls from normal visions, it makes sense this would take more because it wasn't a normal vision.

 Papa and I were hugging each other tight. I ran my hand up and down his back soothingly. I could feel him calm down as I held him. I smiled as I let go of the embrace. "Why don't I help you to your bed so you can rest?"

 "I need to tell your abuela and your tias, Kristi.." Papa said, shaking his head. "But...I will admit...It did take a lot of energy..."

 "We'll tell them together after you regain your strength, papa...I promise." I told him, as I helped him stand. He was a little shaky as he stood. "Are you alright?"

 "I'm alright..." he gave me a small smile. I nodded slowly as I helped him to the bed. I helped him into the bed and covered him with the blanket. "Is there something you want?" he asked, a smile on his face.

 I chuckled. He could always see when I kinda wanted something. "I guess...I wanted us to sing our song? Like when we used to when I was little...We haven't done it much since you came back." 

 He smiled. "I'd like that, Kristi." he sat up in his bed and took my hands. 

 "Well, I've seen a sunset that would make you cry. And I've seen storms come and go, pass on by." he began, smiling at me.

 "Well, I've seen the moon in all it's glory way up high." I added, smiling back.

 "But none of this compares to you.."

*Skip to the end of the song. I'm sorry.*

 I smiled as I looked back at my papa's sleeping form from the doorway. "I love you, papa..." With that, I walked away to find Delores. I wondered if she heard what happened in the vision...I found Delores downstairs, saying goodbye to Mariano after hanging out with him. 

 After he'd left, my cousin turned around and faced me. A serious, but gentle and emotional look in her eyes. "Explain." was all she said. I knew she'd heard everything that went on upstairs. I don't know if she heard the vision, but she definitely heard everything else.

 I took a deep breath before explaining everything that had happened. The weird feeling, the vision, the conversation papa and I had afterwards, everything. Her eyes were wide as she listened. When I finished, she held a small, sad smile. 

 My Prima Delores walked over and hugged me. "I'm happy for you, prima. And for tio. I can only imagine how much it meant to you both."

 I nodded slowly, trying to hold back more tears as I thought back to my conversation with mama, papi, and abuelo. "Gracias...It did mean a lot...It...It was so unexpected, Delores. We never expected...I mean, we had no idea that papi, mama, and Abuelo Pedro were like, the spirits of Casita. I guess I kinda knew in a way they were watching over us...But...I don't know..." I sighed, shrugging my shoulders.

 "I know...It's alright..." she smiled at me as she put her arm around me. "Is Tio Bruno asleep?"

 "When I left him he was. He was really tired after that vision...I guess it makes sense, but that doesn't make me worry any less." I sighed deeply, shaking my head. "You know, he was so tired he could barely stand?"

 "It sounded like it." Delores remarked, nodding. 

 "We're going to tell the rest of the family together later. For now, please don't say anything? I'm trusting you, Delores. Don't make me regret it."

 "I promise, Kristi. You know I can keep a secret." 

 I stopped, staring at her, my arms crossed. "Delores, you told everyone about Mirabel, Andres, and I going into papa's tower. You told everyone what was in the vision. You have trouble keeping secrets, prima."

 "Si, si...I suppose sometimes I do...But, in my defense, I did keep Tio Bruno's hiding place a secret for ten years. That's a record for me." We chuckled.

 "True, Delores. Very true." I smiled at her. "So, how is Isa's date going today with Francisco?"

 "Very well, actually. He gave her a nickname. You know, besides the usual Isa, or mi amor." Delores replied, a twinkle in her eye. 

 "Really?? Well, what is it??"

 "Flor." 

 I squealed happily but quietly, trying not to hurt my cousin's ears. He called her flower! That is so cute and fitting. "When she gets back, I want to hear everything." Delores nodded in agreement, smiling. "Does Mariano have a nickname for you yet?"

 "No. But that's alright. I'm happy without one. Besides, he does call me mi amor and sometimes, mi vida." I nodded, smiling. I always found it cute and kinda sweet when couples had a special nickname for each other. Like Isa has flor, and I have estrella. But, sometimes, there are no specific nicknames couples have for each other and that's fine. To be honest, I don't have one for my Andres and he doesn't seem to mind.

 *Dinner Time-Several Hours Later*

 Bruno's POV:

 Kristi and I were at the dinner table with the rest of the familia. We were telling the family about the vision. It was a little nerve-racking. At least for me. I watched as mama, Pepa, and Julietta's eyes went wide at hearing about papa. Kristi reached into her bag and handed mama the vision. Mama stared at it, her eyes wide, as tears flowed freely down her cheeks.

 "Aye, my Pedro..." she said in a quiet tone, a small smile resting on her face. 

 "Mama...?" I spoke quietly, looking at her. 

 She looked up at me and smiled. She stood up and hugged me tight. "Gracias, Brunito...Thank you...This means more to me than you know..."

 I smiled, hugging her back, as Pepa and Julietta joined the hug. "I think I can imagine, mama...." I whispered, looking at my daughter, who watched us with a small, sad smile. Behind her, I swear I saw papa smiling sadly as he looked at mama, my sisters, and I. I blinked, astonished, but when I looked again, he wasn't there. Maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me...

 All throughout the meal, we talked and laughed a little. Mama told stories about her and papa when they were young. I liked hearing her talk about her and papa. She was so happy. Her eyes seemed to sparkle, as she smiled. I could see the sadness behind her smile, but, it was clear she liked talking about him. She didn't talk about papa much when my sisters and I were growing up. I suppose it hurt too much...I remember I didn't talk much about Juan and Carmen after they died because it hurt too much. But, I will say, it's nice to talk about them and remember the fun times we had. It's sad, but I feel happy at the same time, if that makes sense.

 That night, after I had said goodnight to Kristi, I sat down on my bed, finishing my speech. I gave a small smile and nodded before getting up. I walked over to my dresser and placed the paper on top. I hesitated a moment before opening up the bottom drawer. That drawer really never gets opened and has only one thing inside. I smiled sadly, a tear forming in my eyes as I took the floral patterned box in my hands and opened it. 

 "It's time...I know you would want her to wear it, Carmen...I know you'd be so proud and honored.." I said quietly, before placing the lid back on the box. I placed it beside my speech before going to bed, thinking about Carmen and Juan. And, about the vision from earlier.