No Ordinary Love

Chapter 2: Miles Away

****NOT EDITED****

Every time Roman made his way to Zayra's apartment, he hated seeing her and her family there in the shit hole they called home. He hated the neighborhood and the filth and smells of the city. He couldn't comprehend why Zayra preferred the city to that of the countryside.

He knew it had to do with the fact that she wouldn't leave her mother's side and her mother wouldn't leave her father side and so a sick twisted circle ensued. He admired  why she stood back, she loved her siblings and mother very much and would be there to protect them from her father.

He didn't understand why his godfather didn't just order him gone. His godfather Xavier had tried endlessly to get Lucia and the kids to live with him. He loved Lucia like a daughter. She had been his son's Miguel's girlfriend since they were kids and had continued their relationship through their early adult life.

It wasn't until Lucia met David when she was 19 that it began to change. Lucia was part of a famous band in Mexico. It was a family band that she had been a part of. When she met David he convinced her of going solo and made himself her manager.

They had married a year after meeting. Soon after David began to beat Lucia and control her financially and emotionally. For the first 6 years of their marriage, Lucia would leave David and return to Miguel then leave Miguel for David, back and forth, back and forth like a pendulum swing. Even when Miguel was murdered, Don Xavier made sure Lucia always had a place in his home for them.

He loved her children as if they were his own grandchildren, Zayra being his favorite. Zayra was one the first time he met her. From there he had formed a bond with Zayra, even though he knew she wasn't his sons daughter. She was difficult, stubborn, moody and temperamental. A wild beast as Roman would describ her. She had a high spirit and a nasty left hook that Roman could attest to.

Roman knocked on the door and heard the multiple latches of the door being opened. Maite stood at the door smiling.

"Hi Roman" her dreamy voice saluted as she gazed up at him.

"Where's Zayra?"

"She's in the room getting the rest of the stuff. So we're really going back again." Maite was hesitant.

"Yeah, just for a little while."

Zayra walked out with the luggage and the baby in her hip. He quickly grabbed the bags from her. He looked at her face and saw the bruise on her chin and noticed her hand scrapes as she hugged the baby tight. Her eyes were the color of jade with gold specs. He couldn't even begin to comprehend how complex his feelings were for Zayra.

"I guess we're ready." she looked dejected.

He nodded. He looked at the four and felt the familiar pull of protectiveness he always felt for them.

They made their way into the vehicle he rented. He placed their luggage inside the trunk.

"Zayra sit up front" he commanded as she tried to sit in the back seat.

She narrowed her eyes, slammed the back door and sulkily went inside the passenger seat.

He was once again surprised that she didn't put up a fight. He knew there was something definitely up with her. He got in and started the car and made his way to one more stop. His orders were to get Lucia out of the hospital what ever means necessary.

He drove to the hospital and told Zayra what he was going to do. She nodded as she waited for him in the car. Less than 20 minutes later, she saw him wheeling her mother out on a wheelchair. She looked unconscious.