Chapter 4

Hernandez went down to the dinning area and sat next to Victoria.

"You wanted to talk to me?" The doctor looked at her with concern.

"Yes, I wanted to ask you about something that has brotherd me for a while." Victoria looked down at her hands in thought. "I have a feeling Diego is hiding something." She glanced up at the doctor quickly and back down at her hands.

"What do you think he is hiding?" Hernandez asked with a small smile.

"I think there is a side of him we only see when there is trouble. I also feel like he wants to tell me something, but is not sure how to explain it without hurting my feelings or making me angry with him." She worded carefully.

The doctor gave her a sympathetic smile and patted her forearm gently. "My dear, your very smart, and yes your feelings are correct. We all have parts of our lives that we hid for different reasons, but whatever he finds hard to share with you now, he will share when he feels the time is right." Hernandez also worded his reply carefully. It was not his place to tell Victoria about Diego's alter ego.

Victoria watched Hernandez closely, "you're right, he will tell me when he feels the time is right, but why is he taking so long?" She questioned the doctor.

"Some issues are more complicated than others. Give him more time, but I suspect it will be soon." The doctor said with a touch of hope.

"That is if he lives." Victoria broke down in tears and started to shake.

"He is stronger than you know my dear." Hernandez replied quietly, and patted her shoulder gently.

After a few moments of silence, the doctor stood up, "lets' get upstairs and check on Diego." He helped her stand.

Hernandez and Victoria were surprised to find Diego awake when they entered his room quietly. He was talking to his father and Felipe. His voice was hoarse and scratchy, his eyes were red and puffy.

"Victoria." Diego whispered when he noticed her in the room and tried to reach for her but his arm wouldn't move much.

"Diego, oh Diego." She cried and ran over to the bed. "You had me so worried." She sat down next to the bed and held his hand.

"I will be fine." He croaked hoarsely.

"But you still have a fever. You need to rest." She smiled and encouraged him to go back to sleep.

"I don't want to sleep." He groaned and started to doze.

"We will get you to the hacienda, then you can rest better. But only after your fever is down." His father reassured his son calmly.

Diego tried to smile but fell asleep again.