Orange Blossom

Chapter 14

Maria's (Mom) P.O.V

"Thank you again for the ride, José. I'm so sorry for calling you last minute," I said again as José parked in front of my driveway.

"It's okay, Maria. Not everyday does your tires get popped by somebody. It's my pleasure to take you home," he said as he put his hand on my knee, squeezing it reassuringly. He reached out toward me for a kiss, which I happily gave him.

"Let me walk you to your door," he said about to open the door.

"No! I mean-it's okay. My-Blossom just needs a little more time and-"

"It's okay, mi Amor. I understand," he said honestly, "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye," I said lastly, kissing him again. I got out of his car and waved him goodbye as he drove off.

I sighed. Now I had to get ready to face my daughter AND my brother.

I walked to the front door and opened it. As I closed it behind me, my instincts started to kick in. Something felt off. The house was too quiet and dark.

"Blossom...," I called putting my bag and keys on the nearest table, making my search.

Living room, of course, is empty, kitchen, family room....

Oh no.

"Blossom!!!" I yelled in fear running to her room.

Her room was found a mess and she was nowhere in sight.

"Oh my God!!! Mateo!!!" I yelled now trying to find my brother while double checking every room in the house again.

"Blossom! Mateo!!!" I yelled again in fear.

I was about to reach for the phone to call 9-1-1, but then I stopped myself. I didn't know exactly what was happening so I had no choice but to still look for them. That's when I noticed a draft coming from the living room.

The backyard door was slightly open.

"Blossom!" I yelled, running out of the door.

As I look around the dark, I noticed a shadow of a man standing in the corner of the yard with smoke coming from them.

I realized who it was walking slowly toward him. As I reached him, I started tearing up.

"Mateo, where's-"

Instead of answering me, he handed me a note without saying a word.

Reluctantly, I took it from his hand and began to read it.

Mom,

I love you with all my heart, but I am tired of the lying. I need to know where I come from and hopefully find some answers here in Italy. I promise I'll be back within a week or so. I just need some time alone. Please, don't get mad at Tío! He didn't know about me leaving either. I'm sorry.

Love,
Blossom

I read her letter to myself over and over again. Italy. My daughter's going to Italy.....

"Oh my God..." I said below a whisper to myself as more tears made its way down my cheeks.

"Maria, I-"

"What the hell, Mateo?! I thought the THEY had kidnapped her! Blossom's in ITALY! SICILY, ITALY, her FATHER'S homeland! What if something happens to her? She doesn't know what she's getting herself into! She's-she might-"

"She took it," he said quietly, interrupting me.

"Took what...?" I asked.

He looked me in the eyes and then I realized what she had took.

The necklace.

I ran back into the house to my room.
My eyes found the empty drawer and I put my hands over my mouth.

It was gone.

"This can't be happening..." I said to myself falling on the floor.

I soon felt my brother's presence behind me while I continued to cry my eyes out.

"This isn't your fault, Maria... I'm sorry, but she's safer there than she is here..." he said to me as I lifted my head up.

"What do you mean...?"

"Earlier, I went out to see if she'd still be at the airport, but I realized that I was too late. She somehow got an early flight to Cinisi Palermo, Italy. It's weird because I felt someone's eyes on me while I was looking for her and made my way out the airport. Someone was following me, but I don't know who," he admitted rubbing the back of his head.

"Do-do they know you're here...?" I asked slightly stuttering.

"Maybe, but if they did...there'd probably only be two men sent to spy around here. You need to be cautious," he answered truthfully, as he pulled out his gun, checking his bullets.

"Oh my God," I said unbelievably shaking my head, "I just hope she's safe and hopefully doesn't find out the truth..."