Diego's Nightmare

Chapter 1

Diego woke up in a cold sweat. His reoccurring nightmare was getting worse each night. He tried to go back to sleep, but he tossed and turned.

Later in the day Diego went to talk to the Padre about his scary and sleepless nights.

"It all starts with the alcalde leading me up to the gallows and announcing my wrong doings to the crowd gathered below. Then Mendoza puts the rope around my neck and tightens it. I feel my body falling, and as I hang there I see Victoria running up to me with tears in her eyes.

"Why didn't you tell me who you really were?" She yells and then begins to cry harder.

"I love you." I manage to whisper before all goes black.

"It sounds like it is time to share your secret with Victoria. She loves you and it shows every time you show up as your alter ego. I know you are trying to protect your family and Victoria, but in the end it only causes more pain when they find out when if it is too late." The Padre said quietly and patted Diego on the forearm lightly.

"I think you're right, I do need to tell them, but what if Victoria stops loving me once she finds out who I've been for the past 5 years?" Diego questioned the Padre and looked down at his shaking hands.

"She loves you for your bravery, heart, and most of all your commitment. All those traits and beliefs live in your heart no matter who you are at the time, Zorro or Diego." The Padre reassured Diego with a smile.

"Thank you for all your kind words and understanding. You have helped me find a part of myself that has been trying to break free for a long time. I will tell Victoria and my father tonight over dinner. For now, I need to go home and rest." Diego thanked the Padre with a warm but worried smile.

"Do not trouble yourself with worry my son, everything will turn out better than you think." The Padre said as Diego went to the door slowly.

"Thank you again, and I hope you are right about Victoria's feelings. I love her so much, I would be lost without her." Diego replied as he left the Padre standing on the porch. He mounted his mare, waved to the Padre, and rode home to rest up for his life changing evening.

When he arrived home, he sent a note to Victoria, inviting her to dinner. "Could you please take this note to Victoria. Wait for her reply and hurry back." He handed the note to Felipe.

Felipe nodded his head in understanding, and rushed out the front door.

Diego went to his room to think. He needed to tell Victoria and his father about his secret life, but he was not sure how tell them yet.