Darkest Devotion

Chapter 11

Zaide's POV

My fingers grasp the edge of the page before flipping it over mindlessly. After Elara's situation yesterday, I haven't been able to focus properly. I had no idea that she has been treating herself like this for so long-- and worse, that I hadn't noticed.

I flip the next page. Our moment of confession as she lay in that bed has been imprinted on my mind. I mean, I've known how I feel about her for a while-- but never in my wildest thoughts would I have expected she feels the same. I was such an ass to her that I half expected her to laugh in my face. Instead, she did the exact opposite, making my world that much brighter with her in it.

Thankfully, she got treatment and she's doing much better. I made a deal with her that she would send me pictures of the meals she's having every day-- and it needs to be at least three. Even if they're smaller, she needs to start somewhere. She sent me a picture of a small breakfast this morning which helped my heart rest a little easier.

Much to my dismay, and against my wishes, she decided to come to work today. I fought tooth and nail to have her stay home for at least a couple days, if not a week, but I lost in the end. The woman I like is a stubborn, strong-headed woman, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Speaking of stubborn, strong-headed women, I haven't talked to my mom in a while. Setting down the document I haven't been reading, I pick up my phone and call my mom.

"Mijo!" My mom's cheerful voice rings from the other end of the line.

An easy smile passes on my lips. "Hi, mom. I've been missing you."

"I always miss you tesoro. Dime, how has work been?" (A/T treasure/tell me) I can practically hear the smile she's adorning.

"It's been good. I, uh, actually met someone." There's a long pause over the phone. "Mama?"

"Call me back when my son is speaking to me. He's too worried about work to be interested in anyone."

I almost laugh. "Mama... I'm serious. She's... changed something in me."

Another pause. "Hijo, are you serious?"

A grimace slowly worms its way onto my face. "...Yes?"

"Mi vida, this is amazing! Have you gone on a date yet? Tell me you made it official. I must meet her right away." Her burst of excited chatter makes me giggle.

"Mom, calm down. I'm planning to take her on a date today, but we aren't official yet. We only just confessed our feelings for each other. I promise I'll introduce you soon."

"What do you mean? You confessed but you're not dating?"

"Just because we confessed doesn't mean anything is set in stone. We have to get to know each other better before we decide." It's not uncommon that I explain these things to my mom. I love her but she is wildly out of touch.

"Your generation makes no sense," her mumbled response receives my amused chuckle. "Whatever, mi cariño has found someone he likes. You better remember your word. You told me you would introduce her to me and I expect you to follow through." Her stern voice causes me to straighten my spine.

"Yes, mama, I promise."

"Good, now get back to work. I love you mi vida, keep in touch okay?" Her regular, loving tone back in place.

"I will, I love you more jefita." I smirk at her noise of exasperation.

"I told you to stop calling me that. Ya no te estoy hablando, bye." (A/T I'm not talking to you anymore) And just like that, she hung up on me. A soft laugh escapes me at my mom's temper. She never really has a temper, and rarely ever actually gets mad, but moments like these are some of my favorites. To others it would seem like she was upset and was being petty when she hung up on me. But I grew up with her, so I know that was her way of playing while subtly lacing all of her love beneath the action.