Orange Blossom

Chapter 24

"I don't need a bodyguard!" I whispered harshly again with cannoli in my mouth.

"Stop chewing with your mouth open," Daniel said back amused.

Not only was I upset because now I had to have Daniel follow me everywhere I go, but my Dad and I ended last night in silence. I guess I ruined his mood when I tried to ask why they separated. Well, I guess being a leader of a Sicilian mafia can be crazy..., but why cut communication altogether?

"I swear I called my dad, Dad, at least 6 times," I said annoyingly.

"I couldn't believe I-you were his daughter," he tried to play out smoothly, but I wasn't going to let him slide.

"Tell me," I said.

"What're you taking about?" he asked.

"You said, 'I couldn't believe I' and then tried to play it off by saying 'you', well me. So what can't you believe?"

"I just made a mistake. Chill out."

"Tell me. Now," I said demandingly.

"Hold on, not with that tone."

"You're MY bodyguard."

"And?"

"Do you know who you're talking back to?"

"Look, just because you found out your Dad's a leader of the mafia, doesn't mean-"

"Whoah. Stop right there! I'm my own person. I don't give a fuck if my dad's a fucking criminal or whatever the fuck he is. That's him. You listen to me, because I said so. Because I don't take no for an answer. Not because of my "all powerful dad". I don't take shit from even him. So tell ME," I said sitting back in my chair, taking a sip of sweet lemon tea.

"Wow, you're your father's daughter," he said shaking his head.

"Stop saying that!" I said annoyingly.

"Look..., I was just going to say-"

He was cut off by my phone ringing.

"Dang it. Hold on!"

As I was reaching for my phone, he let out a loud sigh. I only rolled my eyes at him and checked the caller ID.

It was Tío. I quickly picked it up.

"Tío! Hey! I'm sorry I was going to call you I swear! But look, Mom called me and-"

"Naranja! When did she call you?" He asked worriedly.

"Just yesterday... Why?" I said getting up from my seat to talk in privately, but of course Daniel wasn't having that.

"Naranja...there's something I wasn't being honest to you about. I just know that they have her, but they shouldn't be too far. Your mom was just here, I should've fucking-! Ugh!" he yelled through the phone as I heard some glass break.

"Tío! Tío, are you okay? Where's mom??" I asked freaking out.

I heard more glasses break before it finally stop. Before he continued he took a few raspy deep breaths.

"Are you with him?" he finally asked.

"What-"

"Naranja, are you with your father right now?" he asked seriously being more specific even though I knew who he was talking about.

"No, I'm with a bodyguard... But I'm about to see him right now. Where's mom??" I asked in panic.

"This is all my fault, Mija... I'm sorry. I should've stayed in Mexico. I'm going to get her back."

"Tío! Tell me what's going on...NOW!" I yelled.

"They know about you now. They have your mom. They took Maria, because of me."

"Who??"

"The Mexican Cartel."

My body suddenly became numb. What the fuck is going on with my life.

"Zagara, what's happening?" Daniel asked me worriedly.

"Wha-what do you want from my dad?" I asked him dreading to hear his answer.

"I just need him to take care of you. I'm going to get your mom back. I promise you, Mija. I just need to make sure your safe."

"Why didn't you tell me? What the hell? Why did the Mexican Cartel kidnap her??? What did you do? Why is this happening to me?" I yelled crying falling onto he floor. I was slowly breaking down... This can't be happening.

"Mija, I'm going to get her back. I promise. Just be safe.. Te amo," he said before hanging up.

Once he hung up, I started crying even more. I never even noticed that Daniel was sitting on the ground holding me.

"We have to go! I need to see my Dad, we have to go!" I said pushing myself from off the ground then taking out running.

"Zagara!" Daniel yelled as he ran behind.