Healing Old Wounds

Chapter Four: Reunited

Javier knocked quietly on his front door cradling Ramon in front of him. It was Chabe that came to the door, "Go get Mother ok Chabe?"

"Ok," She eyed Ramon with open curiosity but did as she was told.

"Javier, what in the…" Mrs. Suarez stopped dead in her tracks, "Javi? I…"

"This is your second grandson Mother," Javier grinned, he waited for a moment and when his mother did not respond he continued, "Katie is back!"

His mother's face split into a sad smile, "The American girl you met during the revolution?"

"Yes!" Javier smiled, "And she brought me a son, my son!"

"I…" She wagged a finger at him, "You let her go away to America with your child in her all on her own, Javier I'm ashamed of you!"

Javier shook his head, "I didn't know, I only found out today…"

Understanding dawned on his mother's face and she enveloped him in a warm embrace, "Oh Javi…"

"Mother its alright, is Carlos still home?"

"No he went out to pick up some things for dinner why?" Carefully she took Ramon from Javier and smiled down at him.

Javier grinned mischievously, "Because a certain Cuban Rose has returned from America and she's still heartsick over him."

"You mean? Maria is back?"

"Yes Mama, Maria is back and she's staying here for good!"

Mrs. Suarez moved excitedly towards the front door, "We have to tell him the moment he gets home!"

"No, no, no!" Javier shook his head, "He will find out tonight at La Rosa Negra, I'll just tell him that a certain señorita from his past is sorely awaiting a dance."

"Javi you're so bad sometimes!" She grinned though, "Alright I'll keep a secret but you'd better not screw things up! Now off you go and get ready, I'll watch over this little señor."

Javier grinned and dashed off to prepare.


"Javier," Carlos hissed as they made there way into La Rosa Negra, "I don't see what Katie's return has to do with me? Why are you dragging me along with you on this wild goose chase?"

Javier smiled at his brother, "You'll see, you'll see."

Carlos groaned, "You'd better not be trying to set me up with some 'nice girl' again Javi, I'll kill you!"

"I swear I'm not setting you up with a 'nice girl', ok?" Javier winked and then disappeared into the crowd, making his way toward a blonde head that could only be one person.

"Javier!" Katie threw her arms around him, "Where's Carlos?"

"Right here."

Katie jumped and then smiled, "Hello, how are you Carlos?"

"Fine," Carlos crossed his arms over his chest, "and you?"

"Wonderful," Katie smiled, "It's great to be home."

Javier's eyes widened and he spun Katie to face him, "Home? Do you… are you…?"
"I'm staying," Katie smiled, "I'll apply for Cuban citizenship and I will stay."

"This is wonderful!" Javier laughed in delight and spun her around, "Oh Katie!"

A new voice joined the group, "Hey Katie I got you your… Oh my god!"

The crash of a glass breaking made all three of them turn to face the newcomer.

"Marianna Garcia you klutz!" Katie scolded kneeling to gather up the shards.

Javier joined her on the floor leaving Marianna and Carlos facing each other, opened mouthed in shock.

"Maria?" Carlos stepped around the mess and his hand rose to gently touch her cheek, "you're… you're back."

"Yes."

"To visit?"

"No."

Carlos withdrew his hand and stepped back, "Vacation then."

"No," Marianna said quietly, she stepped forward bringing them closer together, "to stay."

"To… to stay?"

"Yes," Marianna gestured to the lively club all around them, "I own La Rosa Negra now, I will stay, this time for good."

Carlos felt a heat rising in his chest. There was pain, a longing ache, and desire. The need to hold her, kiss her, touch her; but things had changed, he had no right to act as if they hadn't.

"I…" Marianna was at a loss for words.

"Would you like to dance?"

She smiled and took his offered hand, "Of course, but beware, I've gotten better since the last time we danced."

"So have I." His voice sent shivers down her spine and she felt her heart skip a beat.

A new song started up as they moved to their place on the dance floor. Katie and Javier had taken a similar one close by. As the beat of the music flowed through her Marianna let herself go and allowed Carlos to lead her in more than just a dance, she also let him lead her back to her heart.


Katie melted into Javier's hands, she moved with him, their bodies almost becoming one. She found it hard to discern where she ended and he began and that was just the way she liked it. As the first song ended and another began, Katie's breath caught in her throat. Her heart was almost too full as she leaned into his embrace, "I love you Javier."

"Then marry me," He whispered, "and make me the happiest man alive."

Katie felt her heart thud in her chest, her stomach flipping and fluttering with a thousand butterflies, "You mean it?"

Javier nodded, his hands were shaking and he was terrified that she would say no but he continued their dance, "Will you?"

Katie smiled, her face flushed and her eyes sparkling, "Yes, yes!"

Javier spun her out and yanked her back in, "then I think it best we return home, as the love birds have done."

"What?"

"Look around."

Katie searched the crowed for Marianna and Carlos but they were gone. The music slowed and stopped and she smiled brightly at Javier, "Perhaps I should come stay at your place?"

Javier winked mischievously, "They won't want to be disturbed."

Katie winked back and stood on her toes to whisper in his ear, "Neither will we."

Javier felt his body flood with the heat of desire, "This way."


OOC: Hey guys, sorry it took so long for this chapter, hope you like it!