Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve

*Gabriela*

I was able to sleep throughout the entire night. I felt more alive, fresher than I have in a long time. Sitting there in bed, looking around the room that pappi Gio had given me after that first summer, I wanted to cry all over again.

It looked just as how I had left it the summer before my mother had passed away. It was kept clean, but everything that I owned and held dear was still here in this room. Getting out of bed I walk up to the window and pull the curtains wide displaying the beautiful scenery set out before me.

I smile when I see Ernesto already out in the fields with two of his children helping. Seeing them made my entire body light up in joy. Without hesitation, I quickly dress in a pair of worn-out jeans, a T-shirt I didn’t mind getting dirty in and my own pair of work boots that were given to me as a gift my eighteenth birthday from pappi Gio.

I was ready to head out there and inhale the sweet aroma of budding fruit and to lend a helping hand to get rid of the critters that were dying to eat the tartness that was still growing. But as soon as I opened my bedroom door, I nearly slam into a fist that was raised to knock on my door.

I gasp as I peddle back just in time of getting a black eye. Enzo was just as flustered when he realized the accident that was just about to occur. Immediately my heart starts slamming against my chest like the thundering hoofs of a racing horse. Clutching the doorknob, I swallow before asking,

“What are you doing here?”

He takes a step back and I get a good look at him. He was dressed in a pair of jeans that fit him like a glove with a light blue button-up shirt that was tucked in neatly. I could just see a thin white shirt underneath making his skin tanner than it actually was. His hair was gently combed through, but those few strands didn’t seem like they wanted to be tamed.

He must have just taken a shower since his hair was still wet, making him look far way sexier than he needed to be. He too was wearing work boots that looked not quite so new. As tall as he was, I was sure he couldn’t be any more perfect. And I still couldn't believe he was standing here in front of me after all these years, in the very place I thought was special.

“I wanted to see if you would like to take a walk with me.” He clears his throat, rubbing his hands on the back of his jeans like he was nervous or something.

I raise an eyebrow at the invitation. “A walk?”

We used to have small walks every day during those two weeks that he had been here. Just to get our day started and talk about whatever we wanted. It was the best time of day for me when we had done that. I always looked forward to them as soon as I woke up each morning.

And while I desperately wanted to give in so easily and agree, a part of me was still bitter from what he had done. And the fact that he didn’t remember me…wait a minute. I scowl at him and blurt out,

“You lied to me. You knew who I was the whole time.”

A tiny smirk replaces his nervous look. “Yeah.” He says slowly only ruffling my feathers more.

“Unbelievable. Do you think I’m some sort of joke to you? I was being very serious yesterday, and this isn’t a game to me Enzo. I meant every word.” With that I push him out of my way and started walking without him.

“I don’t think you’re a joke, Gabby.” He starts following me.

I almost came to a complete stop hearing him say my nickname like it was the most casual thing in the world for him to do. I’ll be honest, I missed hearing it, missed hearing the sound of his voice. It may be a bit deeper than that nineteen-year-old version of him, but it was still so familiar to me.

He takes a hold of my wrist and gets me to turn back towards him. His face was set in seriousness now. “I just didn’t think you would have spoken to me if you knew that I remembered everything. Like you said, I had broken a promise. But you don’t know why I had too.”

Crossing my arms against my chest just to get his touch off my skin since it was making me weak with all the sudden wonderful sparks it evoked, I ask,

“Then why did you have to break it then?”

His jaw become hard, and he was hesitant. “I can’t…tell you that. At least…” He quickly puts in when I roll my eyes with a scoff, ready to turn away from him. “At least not yet, I can’t. I owe you an explanation. But my grandfather needs to know first since it will affect him more than it will with you. I hope you can understand that.”

I didn’t want to give in to him, but his expression was one of pleading. And he looked too damn adorable to refuse that request. Shoulders sagging I relent. “Fine. But I do expect that explanation, Enzo. Otherwise I’ll never forgive you for the rest of my life.” I sassed.

He genuinely smiles at me, showing me his beautiful white teeth. Ugh, the man was gorgeous, and I think he knew it too.

“Would you please go on a walk with me?” he asks nicely, holding out his hand.

I sigh knowing I was going to give him exactly what he wanted. The man was irresistible, and I was in deep trouble already. What’s a little walk on top of still being in love with him going to hurt?

Slapping my hand in his, I give a small smile. “Fine, but afterwards you have to join me in the fields to help Ernesto with the bugs.”

His grin was wide as he tightens his hand around mine, sending those electrical currents through me. “That won’t be a problem.”

He slowly let’s go of my hand, the disconnection saddening me a little. I wouldn’t have minded the touch as we walked, but then that would have been awkward. “So, where would you like to walk? On the beaten old path like old times?”

“Actually, I was wondering if you didn’t mind if we went on a different path this time. Maybe a little longer too. There’s a place I wanted to take you.”

Surprise flared up within me. “Oh, sure. It would be nice to try something new.”

Together we head downstairs to be greeted by Maria and her youngest, Sabrina, who immediately came rushing towards me.

“Gabby!” She squeals, her thin arms hugging around my waist tightly.

“Oh my goodness! Look how much you have grown!” I truly was shocked that the thirteen-year-old was a foot taller than I remember her being.

My wide eyes look up at Maria, who was beaming at us. She was setting the table of all the breakfast she had made earlier. “Don’t look at me like that mija. She eats like her brothers, what did you expect?”

Pulling her away from me I couldn’t help seeing all the changes that only six months had done. She was losing her baby fat only being replaced by young maturity of teenage puberty. It made me a little sad to see her grow up into a beautiful young adult. She was only five years old when we had first met.

“I missed you, Nina!” She gushes.

Her voice at least was still the same, making me smile. “Hm, I missed you too, love.”

I give her another hug before we head to sit down. I hide my smile when her face flushes at the presence of Enzo, who gave her a wink and a pat to her head. Shaking my head I remember I was her age when my crush started with him too.

“Speaking of brothers, how are they? I saw them out my window with Ernesto.” I ask reaching for the eggs and bacon.

Maria places the fresh homemade tortillas in the center. “Growing, that’s for sure. And a lot faster than this one.” She nods to her daughter who was now shoving her face with food. “Orlando just turned seventeen a few weeks ago and already taller than his papa. Jose, bless his heart, is volunteering at the animal shelter every chance that he gets. He’s decided he wants to be a veterinarian.” She chuckles.

Fifteen-year-old Jose was always such a sweet caring child. Being the middle child he was the calmer of the three with a head on his shoulders of what he wanted to do with his life. I always knew that boy was going to go places.

I smile hearing this, Crested Butte needed more animal caregivers. I was glad this was the direction he wanted to go.

“Maria, I’ll set up a college fund for Jose that way none of you have to worry about expenses.” Enzo offered, before taking a bite of his own food.

I was shocked that he offered, causing me to stare at him.

Maria flushed with wetness in her eyes. “Ay, mijo, thank you but your grandfather already offered. Jose refused saying he was going to get a full scholarship. He’s very determined to do his very best with no help from anyone, even his own parents.”

“Good. I hope he accomplishes it. It’s not easy to get, that’s for sure.”

Domenico comes in yawning, looking a hot mess. I watch as he ignores everyone and sits down, immediately placing food on his plate. No one says anything as we all watch him. When the silence drags on, he finally realizes and slowly looks around at us all.

“Whaw?” He asks with his mouth completely full of unchewed food.