Here's a little chapter to tide you over the holidays! Have a happy thanksgiving and the next chapter will return soon afterwards!

Chapter 11: Feelings

Diego had been bed ridden and he spent this time reading all about the martial arts and studying their techniques. His thoughts would constantly return to Anna Maria and how he was going to explain to her his secret identity. He would crimp his lips then reread the paragraph he had glossed over.

Alejandro had informed him that no more bodies had surfaced and that all had seemed quiet. "It appears that he thinks you are dead," he lowered his head, "Capitan Morales has kept the flag down. He wants to see Zorro."

"I have to go."

"You have to stay and build your strength," Alejandro was very adamant and Diego could see the stubborn will he had inherited and knew he would get nowhere trying to argue.

Another morning had passed and Diego was feeling hungry and needed to stretch his legs and craved some fresh air. Bernardo was still in Santa Barbara and his father was downstairs, so he did not think anyone would be there to force him back to bed. He slowly managed to scoot out of bed and spied a shirt that was lying on the chair. He painfully lowered himself to grab it. He slipped it over his shoulders and was only able to button two buttons before he had to stop from fatigue. He held his side with his left hand and walked to the door. He poked his head out to see if the coast was clear before exiting his room. Thankfully, he was in the comfort of his home and did not need to explain his incomplete appearance to anyone.

He shut his door and took in the breeze that met him. The clean air already began to revitalize his limbs. He walked to the stairs and stopped. This was going to be painful, but he did not want to go back to his room. He held onto the ledge and slowly descended the stairs. Every step reminded him of every laceration and every bruise. He stopped midway and took a breath and mustered the strength to continue. He stopped again upon hearing a small buggy and horse approach. He continued on down and waited at the bottom.

The patio door opened and Don Gregorio entered with his daughter following a few steps behind.

"Diego!" Gregorio smiled, "Your horse sure gave you a beating," he took in the young don's rumpled appearance, "I am sorry about your accident and glad you are on the mend."

Diego smiled as he clutched his shirt closed, "Pardon my appearance, I did not know we were expecting company."

"No need to apologize. I am here seeking your father's advice. And Anna Maria has been cooped up for the last few days so I thought the fresh air would do her some good."

Diego dared to glance in her direction and she was looking off at the tree. "My father is in the library. Do you know the way?"

"Si, gracias. Glad you are on the mend," he carefully walked passed Diego and disappeared into the hacienda.

They stood in awkward silence for a moment. Diego shifted uncomfortably, his heart breaking each second. He cleared his throat, "Would you care to join me? I was going to have some wine," Diego stiffly walked to the table and gingerly pulled out a chair for her. In reality, he needed to sit before he fell. The patio had begun to spin.

"Gracias," was all she said and sat.

He carefully lowered himself down and tried buttoning the rest of the clasps on his shirt, "Again, my apologies for my appearance."

"I understand falling from a horse can be very painful. If that is indeed what happened."

Diego treaded carefully, "Si, Dante spooks easily."

Anna Maria adjusted in her chair. She caught his eyes with an icy glare, "You will forgive me if I do not fully believe your story. But, everyone has their secrets, breaking their word of honor."

This was not the reaction he was expecting from her. He frowned, but continued with caution, "What do you mean? Why would I make up a story?"

"I do not know, Diego."

He breathed in and felt a pain in his side and he winced as he put some pressure on it. He gritted the pain away, "Anna Maria is something troubling you? Have I done something to displease you?"

Her eyes glistened and her fists tightened, "I feel like such a fool. How could I have believed you to be a man of honor? I thought Diego de la Vega would be different."

Diego was beginning to piece together what she was thinking. She did not believe he was Zorro, she believed he never gave it to the Fox and kept it for himself. "I assure you, I have done nothing that would jeopardize—"

"Diego," Anna Maria rose abruptly, "no more lies," she bit back her temper and inclined her chin, "I have never been so embarrassed—and to think that I was letting myself fall—" she stopped.

Diego's eyes widened. What was she about to say? He started to lean forward.

"I do hope you heal quickly. I am not in the mood for company. Please, tell my father that I returned to the pueblo."

"Anna Maria, wait," Diego tried to stand quickly to stop her, but froze from the rush of pain. He grabbed the table when the patio began to spin again. He closed his eyes and hung his head. All the pain he was in, his heart was what hurt the most. He blew it. There was something growing between them and now any chance of it was for naught. As long as he withheld the truth from her, she would hate him forever.

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That evening, Diego could barely eat. Overall, he was feeling better, the soreness and achiness was diminishing. It hurt less to stand and sit. He would admit that food was actually helping but he did not have much of an appetite.

He sat quietly as his father finished dinner then declined a game of chess. Besides, he did not have the concentration for chess. His thoughts were constantly on Anna Maria and how much pain she must be in. Diego moved to the couch and Alejandro retrieved the books on martial arts before leaving for the library to finish some bookkeeping. Diego's mind, for once, focused solely on the information within the pages.

There was a knock on the door and Diego was thankful that his father heard it and answered the door. "Moneta," Alejandro smiled, "it is good to see you."

"Don Alejandro," she smiled, "it is good to see you too. Is Diego available?"

Alejandro gestured to the couch, "Diego. You have a guest," he then left the two alone.

"Moneta," he pushed himself to stand while putting pressure on his side, "this is a pleasant surprise."

"I apologize for coming so late," she approached him.

"Please, sit down," he offered her a spot on the couch then lowered slowly down.

"What happened to you?"

"My horse got spooked and I wasn't prepared for the results," Diego chuckled, the lie slipping out too smoothly.

"Are you all right?"

"Mostly embarrassed," he smiled, "Now, to what do I owe this visit?"

Moneta lowered her head, "You and I have been old friends, Diego. Now, I do not wish to pry, so please stop me if I have overstepped the line of friendship. I am concerned for you, Diego. Anna Maria, well, she is upset. I do not why, nor did I ask. In the short time that Anna Maria and I have become friends, she has confided in me. Whatever has happened between you two, I hope that it can be resolved. Diego, I do not know if I should say this, but Anna Maria has feelings for you."

Diego's heart melted.

"And I am only here because, I know you feel the same about her. You deserve happiness, Diego," she took his hand and gave it a squeeze.

"Gracias," his whispered.

"Please, do not hesitate if you need someone to confide in. I am your friend."

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