Lucrecia and Nadia were getting ready to leave to New York and they were at the airport with Nadia's family. Lucrecia was touched with how much her parents cared about their two children and how far they came along. Yusuf accepted that Omar was gay and found a way to support his son, he also accepted that his daughter would be spending four years aboard alone and found a way to believe in her and trust her to live that far away from him surrounded with temptations. She kept looking around hoping to see her parents, or at least her mother but there was no one there for her. Not even Valerio… She hoped at least he would come to see her off, but he was not there. Just as they were about to leave to the passport control she heard familiar voice calling her name. He was there… Valerio came to see her. Nadia gave her a smile and Lucrecia just stood there as Valerio was running toward her. He stopped and needed a moment to catch his breath.

''I almost missed you… There is some chaos in the city and I spent forty minutes stuck in the traffic.''

''You are here?''

He gave her a smile.

''I wouldn't miss it for the world…''

''You hate goodbyes.''

''But you love them… And I wanted you to know….''

''I know…''

''No, let me talk…''

She just nodded and let him speak.

''Our parents…both mothers and our father… No, not father… sperm donor…''

She smirked at that…

''…they screwed us up in so many ways… They failed us… They damaged us on so many levels… But we made it… I made it because you had my back Lu… You always had my back…especially when I didn't deserve it… And today I promise to have yours… It's a lie that we don't have a family… We have one another and I promise to you no matter what… I am here Lu…and I will never fail you again… I promise this to you now… I am just one call away…for anything you need. And I am going to kick ass with this job Carla gave me and take advantage of it the best way possible. I will not be a screw up honorable ambassador believes I am…''

''You are not…''

''And you are the only one who believes it.''

''And so does Carla.''

''Fine, two of you.''

She put her hand on his cheek and gave him a smile.

''You can do this Val… You can do this and you can convince yourself that you are amazing, worth it and so many other things no one gave you credit for. I can't wait to see all the amazing things you will do. I know you will make it far in the world of marketing and party planning… That's you… That is in your blood and I know that you will do this right. It makes you happy. It makes you light up like nothing in this world. You are made for this Val…''

He hugged her and it was time to go. He whispered into her ear.

''I love you Lu…''

She didn't get a chance to respond because Nadia was dragging her so they wouldn't be late for their flight. She felt he put something in her pocket, but she didn't get the chance to see what it was until they boarded the plane. Nadia was too busy fastening her seatbelt and fighting her nerves. She was not really into flying so she was not paying attention to Lucrecia. She got out of the pocket small envelope and opened it. Inside was his grandfather's ring made of gold and small emerald. It was his most valuable possession because he loved his maternal grandfather very much and he was the closest thing he ever had to a father. So, Lucrecia knew how big for him was to give this to her. There was a small note inside too.

I Valerio Montesinos Hendrich give you this ring as my promise you that I will make you proud and give back to you all that you've lost thanks to me.

Love always,

Val

She put it on her finger and smiled. Nadia noticed the ring but she didn't say anything. She knew that Lucrecia was not someone who spoke about her true feelings easily. Yes, they became close and friends, but she was sure they were not there yet. Valerio and Lucrecia were sore subject to each other and if she wanted to know something, she had to be very careful about it.

They took off and flight attendant brought them drinks. Lucrecia had vodka juice and Nadia had only juice. Lucrecia raised her glass and smiled.

''To amazing four years and taking over the world.''

Nadia smiled to that and raised her glass too.

''To amazing time in New York and our bright future.''

Four years later

Lucrecia and Nadia graduated with honors and found a way to stay in the states. Lucrecia was one of the top students when it came to political science and Nadia was top of the class in law. They were very proud of their success and both of them were now working for the UN as interns. It took a lot of blood sweat and tears to finish school and all they wanted, but in the end it was worth it. It took them some time to accept the sacrifices and high prices of their success, but in the end it was all worth it when they got diplomas and internship contracts. Nadia's parents came to visit them and few times Omar and Ander came to visit too. As usual, Omar had a lot of hot gossip that Lu enjoyed and Ander talked about his school and how he started giving tennis lessons in LGBTQ youth center. Omar was proud of his boyfriend and how invested he was in working with youth and Ander felt a bit uncomfortable with all the attention and praises from the boyfriend and friends. Lu was happy to see Ander or hear from him because it usually meant some news from Valerio. In the first year of her studies, they spoke almost every day but after that summer between first and second year, it stopped. They both realized it was too painful and they exchanged text or two for holidays, birthdays or when one of them was drunk out of their mind. Lucrecia dated during her last two years of college. Those boys were there just to relief the tension and she used them mostly for sex. There were no feelings on her side and she couldn't form any deeper relationship because she was still stuck in her head. Valerio still occupied her mind and heart and she couldn't move on. Same was for Nadia with Guzman, but at least he was coming to visit when he could and they spent time together when they would return to Spain during the summer. Lucrecia's current fling was their neighbor who was also at Columbia studying business. His name was Jason and he was one of those model looking guys that was very self-centered. Sometimes Nadia believed Lucrecia intentionally picked that sort of guys so they wouldn't notice how uninterested she actually was. In public they were perfect couple. She was beautiful, he was beautiful and many envied them on the person they were with. He was perfect gentlemen in public, opening the door for her, helping with the chair, always bringing some wine or chocolates, but basically it was just sex and killing loneliness to both of them.

On the Graduation day, Nadia's family came with Ander to see them walk and receive their diplomas. Her parents were very proud of her and Nadia's dad kept repeating how he and his wife were saving money for this day and Nadia's present. She got a beautiful gold necklace as a present but the biggest present for her was the fact that her family was there. Lu felt a bit jealous watching them. No one came for her. Yes, she was ''part'' of Nadia's family, but it was not the same. She wanted someone of her own to be here and wish her good luck in the future and see her walk the stage to receive her diploma and honors. Lucrecia moved away from Nadia and her family and went to stand with Jason and some of his friends. She wanted to give the family some space. Jason put his arm around her and continued talking to his friends. Ander noticed how bored she was and walked to her. He came to Jason and gave him a very polite smile.

''I am sorry, do you mind if I borrow Lucrecia for a moment?''

Jason gave her a peck and she joined Ander in the corner where he moved.

''Is everything ok?''

''Yes, it it… I just have a present for you.''

''For me?''

''Yes…''

''Why all the secrecy?''

''I was not sure if you wanted some privacy. I personally prefer being alone with my presents.''

He got the jewelry box and small card out of his pocket.

''What is it?''

''I don't know…''

She took the box and looked at it. It looked old and familiar. She opened the box and found pair of emerald earrings that belonged to her grandmother. She loved them and she often wished her mother would let her borrow them, but she never did. It was part of her fraternal grandmother's jewelry collection and her mother used those jewels when she and her dad would go somewhere on official business. For a moment she smiled and hoped that her parents forgave her and this was the first step in mending their relationship. She opened the card and she was in for a surprise.

Congratulations my beloved Queen of Mexico and my heart. I knew you will do amazing job. I am sorry I can't be there for you and with you. I promised to you that I will give you back everything you lost because of me and this is just one small step toward making my promise good. You are always on my mind and you are the force pushing me forward.

Love always,

Valerio

Ander saw tears forming in her eyes.

''He is working his ass off Lucrecia. You have no idea how much he works… I have no idea why is he doing all he is, but he said he has a promise to keep and he will not stop until it's fulfilled.''

''I just miss him.''

''I know… We miss him too… We barely see him. He is organizing parties all over the world. He travels a lot and works very hard. He opened his own agency now and it's all high class and all sorts of fancy. He is earning a lot of money… He even has Guzman working with him. They are friends now…actually more like brothers…''

That got Lucrecia to laugh. The irony of life… Guzman and Valerio working together…

''Oh, God!''

Ander had no idea what sort of crazy things were on Lu's mind. She wanted to tease Valerio if he is being good brother to Guzman as he was to her, but she didn't. She was grateful he sent her these earrings and he was still thinking of the promise he made.

When they came home, there was one more surprise for Lucrecia. At the door was vase with red Dahlias and few bellflowers to make the bouquet more exciting and complete. Around the vase were ribbons in the color of Mexican flag. Lucrecia let go of her boyfriend's hand and picked up the vase. It was clear that her boyfriend was not really happy about someone sending his girlfriend flowers. Nadia opened the door and they all entered the apartment. Lucrecia took the flowers to her room and put them on her desk. She found the card and opened it.

To my red Dahlia from her naughty Bellflower.

( dahlia is flower of Mexico and bellflower is the flower of Chile)

There was a smile on her face. Valerio really knew her too good and knew what would make her happy and all giddy inside. She returned to the living room and Jadon turned to her.

''Who are they from?''

Lucrecia just gave him a look and rolled her eyes.

''From my brother…''

He looked at her in surprise.

''You have a brother?''

''Yes, actually he is my half-brother… We share a father…or as he calls him, sperm donor.''

''You never spoke of him.''

Nadia looked at Lucrecia unsure what she would say to that.

''Valerio is…complicated…and I don't like to talk about complicate things in my life.''

''And what's with the ribbons?''

''I am Mexican.''

Jason looked at her in surprise.

''What? You are not Spanish? I thought you said you came from Spain?''

''I did come from Spain… I lived there for six years before I came to the states… But originally I am Mexican…proud Mexican.''

''I just noticed this… I don't know anything about you… I don't know anything about your family. We've been seeing each other for six months. You've had diner in my house and you've met my family… And I had no idea you had a brother… I don't even know anything about your parents.''

Now the room was silent. Everyone waited for some comment from Lucrecia.

''Jason, now is not the time and place for that conversation.''

''Will I ever know anything about them?''

''Maybe someday… For now, this is my family… People in this room and few more at home are my family. My parents stopped being my family years ago.''

''Why?''

''We had some issues…and I am not talking anymore about it.''

Jason was silent for a moment and then looked at Lucrecia in a different way than before. He looked a bit disappointed and hurt.

''I just realized, you have so many secrets.''

''It's the only way I know how to survive.''

Before it could go any further, Nadia's mother suggested they eat the cake she made. Jason excused himself and went home. Nadia's parents went to the kitchen to cut the cake and prepare refreshments and Lucrecia went to her room for a moment. Nadia followed her there and found her sitting in front of the flowers. She leaned at the door and watched the other girl smell the flowers with stupid smile.

''He is miles away from here and still manages to stir things up.''

Lucrecia turned to the door and saw Nadia.

''It was a nice gesture.''

''Your boyfriend was jealous.''

''He is my brother Nadia…''

''Maybe to the rest of the world… I know the truth.''

''There is nothing between us. I haven't seen him in more than three years.''

''And yet, he manages to stir things here and make you look like idiot with that smile.''

''Let's not go there.''

''Ok, as you wish… But you are not fooling me girl.''

That conversation ended because Nadia's mom called them to come and eat the cake. The rest of the evening went nice. They talked, laughed and had so much fun telling different stories. Even Nadia's parents shared some of their stories from the youth. Yusuf and Ander cleared the table together and did the dishes. Lucrecia noticed how happy Omar was that his dad and boyfriend were doing well.

In next few days, Lucrecia and Nadia spent a lot of time with Nadia's family and they were showing them around New York and their favorite places. It looked as Jason finally gave up on Lucrecia and whatever was going on between them. As usual, Lucrecia didn't show much emotion when it came to that brake up and him not calling her at all. One day Lucrecia went out with Ander and Omar and left Nadia at home to talk to her parents about internship and her desire to stay in the States. Both of them knew it would not be easy conversation, but they also knew they had to have it. Nadia had to tell her mom and dad what shew anted and somehow get them to let her follow her dream.

Nadia told her parents that she wishes to stay and work for the UN. Her dad was not happy about it because this meant her stay could be indefinite.

''Nadia, that was not the deal we made.''

''I know baba, but…''

''You said that you want to come here for school. I let you do that, against my better judgment, and now this… This was not part of the agreement we made.''

''I really want to stay…''

''I don't know Nadia… I will have to think about it.''

He got up from the sofa and went out of the apartment. Nadia and her mother remained in silence.

''Give your father a minute. He will let you stay in the end. You know he is so proud of you.''

''I know mom.''

''Good… Just let him have a moment.''

Lucrecia and the boys came home and found Nadia and her mom in a weird silence.

''Is everything ok?''

''I told mom and dad I want to stay.''

''Oh…'''

Lucrecia had pretty good idea that the conversation didn't take best possible turn.

''Where is your dad?''

''Out… Somewhere… I think he needs a moment.''

Nadia's mother asked Omar and Ander to walk her to the hotel and finally girls were alone.

''Do you think he will let you stay?''

''I don't know Lu… I hope he does.''

''I hope too… It would be boring without you around here.''

''I don't think so Lu.''

''I know so Nadia… I got used to you.''

''Oh, thank you… That makes me feel better, loved and wanted.''

''Let's not overdo things.''

They hugged and spent few moments like that.

''I will really miss you.''

Girls went to their rooms for the night. Nadia went to bed and couldn't stop thinking about her dad and what his decision would be and Lucrecia couldn't stop thinking about Valerio. She put on her earrings and took a selfie beside the flowers. She sent it to him. Few moments later she got a message from him.

V: I see you've got my gifts.

L: Yes, thank you. How did you get them?

V: That is for me to know… and for you to wear them with pride.

L: Did you steal or kill my mother for them?

V: No, I got them legally.

L: Do I want to know?

V: Soon, my sweet Lucrecia… Be patient…

L: Now, I am scared.

V: There is no need… I am very close to making my promise to you. Just few more months…

L: Valerio…

V: Lucrecia… just believe in me this one last time…

L: I do… I always did…

V: Good… And make sure to be in Madrid beginning of September.

L: Why?

V: Surprise… I will send you plane ticket in the morning. Don't even try to get some more info from me. I will not tell you anything. You know I hate to spoil any of the surprises I have for you…and plus… There are things I don't want to jinx.

L: Fine… Good night Valerio… :* :* :*

V: Good night Lu… (bunch of clown emoji's)

That night Lucrecia went to sleep with a smile on her face and mess in her stomach… All the excitement and feelings of anxiety to see Valerio again were back and making a mess in her tummy. She kept repeating to herself…four months…four months… She could wait that long to see him again.