Chapter 9

Diego sat in the stillness of the garden enjoying the breeze that drifted throughout. This was his favorite place to sit and think. His father had given him a calculating glance as he escorted Victoria to the den of the hacienda. The old fox was dying to ask him about his evening but decided to wait until later but he was sure Ramon would be another story…

"Good evening, Diego." The tall man looked up to see Ramon standing next to him. I knew that he could not wait until tomorrow.

"What brings you out here this evening?"

"I am sure that you know exactly why I am out here." Just tell me, Diego. I know you want to talk to someone.

"You are dying of curiosity. You are as bad as my father. Just ask," Diego smirked.

"How did things go tonight?" He would be happy to welcome him into his family officially. Victoria could not find a better man to share her life with...

"Very well, if you must know. I couldn't be happier or more surprised."

"Judging by the looks you were giving each other tonight, I knew that something has changed."

"I have always cared for Victoria but I kept my feelings hidden."

"With competition such as Zorro, I am not surprised but the Diego I knew would not have been afraid to challenge Zorro head on. You abandoned the things that once gave you pleasure…you loved to ride horses…you enjoyed toying with the sword. What changed since you went away to university? There is a part of you missing! You loved science and experiments but you also had a sense of justice…a sense of purpose that has disappeared."

"People change. We cannot stay the same," Diego said as he stared into the distance. If only, Ramon knew how close he was to the truth. He knew Diego better than anyone else, outside of Felipe and his father.

"You are hiding something. Why has it taken you so long to admit that you love my sister? The old Diego would have stated his intentions the minute he returned from Spain."

"The old Diego is long gone. I have loved her for a long time but she has always looked on me as a older brother."

"Seeing you with Aria reawakened her feelings for you."

"I hope that there is more to it than that."

"You must have confidence, Diego. I remember a man who was reckless and unafraid to face any obstacle…"

"I thought you would be happy about Victoria and me. Why all of these questions, Ramon?"

"My sister's happiness is important but so is yours…I would entrust my only sister to no one else...You are my friend, Diego. It is almost as if you are wearing a mask for some reason…Who is the real Diego de la Vega? Is he a caballero that loves his books and his experiments or the man who stood up for Aria against the alcalde?"

"It would be better for everyone if you would accept the fact that I have changed. I wish that I could make you understand…Please trust me."

"I trust you with my life, Diego. I wish that you would tell me what you are hiding."

"I wish that I could, Ramon. It would be too dangerous for you to know..."

"I hope that you will feel free to come to me if you need me." Underneath, that façade was the real Diego. He knew it.

"Gracias, Ramon." You have helped me more than you know and one day I will be able to tell you the truth.

ZZZ

Ramon pondered the dilemma that his sister and his best friend were involved in. He suspected that steady, dependable Diego was the dashing outlaw Zorro. The two men had much in common…their height, coloring and eye color… they knew how to handle a sword though Diego professed disdain for the weapon…He had encouraged Victoria to explore her attraction to Diego. He could not withdraw his support now and he did not want to...It was ironic that he objected to Zorro due to his status as an outlaw and he had viewed Diego as the safer, more acceptable option… Let him keep his secrets... I will be there for him if he needs me...

ZZZ

Diego paced the floor of the cave needing to be alone for a few moments. He suspected that Ramon knew that he was Zorro but was hesitant about confronting him with the truth. Is he waiting for me to confirm his suspicions? Why didn't he come out and say it if he knows the truth? It is almost as if you are wearing a mask for some reason…"

The web of deceit he had created would unravel one day. Am I really that afraid to tell the truth? He had lived a double life for so long that he wondered who the real Diego was. I love Victoria and I need her in his life. Ramon was right. I am keeping those I love at a distance. How can I continue to hide the truth from him? Or Victoria? Or my father for that matter? One never knew when DeSoto would launch a crusade against Zorro. He would never abandon his fight and would use any means at his disposal to rid himself of that infernal bandit…