Shattered Loyalties

4: For The Love

Three hours

"Time to wake up, baby," Dad says. He rubs my leg back and forth.

A truck waits for us on the private air strip. "Good evening, Mr. Vargas," says the driver. He curtly nods just as he did with the captain of the plane.

Carlo sits in the back with me. I sit and continue to look out the window. It's what is calming my racing heart.

...

Home's aren't necessarily houses nor are houses homes. Homes are the people who make you feel safe. How do I know if this is a home if I haven't even met these people yet? Can I even call this a home? I mean, I surmise I did live here once, but that was once too long ago.

I guess if definitions of homes are made of people who love you, I never really had a home.

When we arrive at the house, I'm in complete aw. This feels like a castle made of modern blacks and whites. Gardens overflow in the backyard and cars are parked in the driveway and garage.

The driver drops us up in the driveway. It's dark. I can see the foyer light on. Carlo opens the door for me. "When we get inside, I'll show you to your room. Tomorrow you can see the rest of your brothers," he suggests.

"Dad!" Someone rushes outside. "I gotta go. Glad I saw you before I left. Got a race to get to and shit—" he stops and looks at me as I step out of the car. "No fucking way," he says. Even in the dark, I can see his eyes gloss over with tears. He looks at Dad and then looks at Carlo. "Is this, please tell me..."

"It's your sister," Dad assures. "Bella, this is Ale—"

"Alejandro," I say and smile so timidly.

"Guys! It's Isabella!" He rushes inside and goes to find his brother.

"So much for a quiet entrance," Carlo mumbles. He walks inside. Dad touches the small of my back to lead my inside. Don't flinch. Don't flinch at his touch. He's your father. He won't hurt you.

"Isabella?!" I see someone else run inside. "Fuck baby. You're here!" He laughs.

"Javier," Carlo says. I smile. "Antonio is out right now. He'll be back tomorrow morning. Where is Diego?"

"In his room," Javier scoffs. "He's just like that. Rude and arrogant."

"I missed you so much," Alejandro says. He engulfs me in a hug. Don't flinch. Don't tense up. It's just a hug.

"Don't startle her, son," says Dad.

"Can I have a hug, sissy?" Asks Javier. How could I say no to a guy as kind as him?

He's so gentle towards me. I feel safe there. It's the first time I've felt safe other than being in the arms of my father which must be a good thing...right?

"Here, I'll show you to your room, Isa," Alejandro says. I look to Dad. He smiles so sweetly at me and nods. He's letting me know that it's ok to go with him.

Alejandro takes me upstairs to the end of the hall. That's where my room is. There inside is a beautiful room that's fit for a princess. "We had it remodeled a while ago knowing you'd come back to us."