Chapter 6

The following two days Diego remained at the hacienda, trying to decide whether to accept the offer of Associate Professor or not. He had said goodbye to Miguel and Margarite the previous day, as they were to visit her aunt in Santa Barbara but they would be back in five or six days and they needed his decision then. They had explained that not only he had so little time to decide his future but that he had to leave with them, to ensure that he reached Spain before the new semester year started.

It was an amazing opportunity for him, to learn more about science, to have access to the latest methods and equipment. Due to the necessity of hiding away in the cave, he only had the basic tools in which to perform his experiments and he had longed for a much better equipped laboratory. He had also enjoyed teaching Felipe, although most of his primary education had been done by his father, while he had been away but the thought of teaching others, of passing along his knowledge to the younger generation was appealing.

But he had to think about what it would mean for his family. Although his father seemed fit and healthy, he was not a young man and lately he had noticed his father overexerting himself, that he would return to the hacienda red-faced and out of breath from working too hard. He had felt wave of guilt and he knew that he needed to pull his weight around the ranch, so that his father can enjoy a quieter life.

What about Felipe? He didn't want to leave the young man, especially now that the adoption was almost finalised. It had taken Felipe a long time to overcome his parents death and if he left now, it would seem as though he was abandoning him right at the most crucial stage of his son's life. And what about Felipe's dream of becoming a lawyer? How could he ask him to place his dream on hold, while he travelled to the other side of the world?

And most importantly, how would this affect Victoria and his relationship with her? He could not even imagine being apart from her for the two years or more. In fact, he did not want to be apart from her. It's not as if he could ask her to leave Los Angeles and go to Madrid with him. Or could he? Would she even go? That supposes that she would even speak with him again. If he decided to take the offer, he would have to tell her now and not on her birthday in several weeks.

Later that evening, Don Alejandro called Felipe into the library, where they found Diego reading but they soon noticed that he wasn't turning any pages; he was that deep in thought.

"Diego, this isn't going to work." Don Alejandro stated as he sat down next to his son, motioning Felipe to take a seat as well.

He glanced up. "What won't work father?"

Don Alejandro sighed, it seemed that Diego hadn't had much sleep lately, he looked exhausted. "Talk to us Diego. Tell us what you are feeling about this offer."

It was Diego's turn to sigh. He knew he needed to talk, he placed the book on the seat beside him. "I...I am undecided father. It would be an incredible opportunity for me, to be able to be involved in all the latest discoveries but..."

"But what Diego?"

"But it would mean leaving you here alone, with the ranch. Granted I haven't been much help over the years. Don't get me wrong father, but you're not getting any younger. I need to be more active in the running of the place, to take more of the load from you."

Don Alejandro did bristle a little at son's implication of his age. "Oh I think I have a few good years left in me Diego, besides Felipe can help with running of the ranch. It would become his in the long run anyway. You are making him your heir so what better way than to learn the business?"

Diego nodded smiling at Felipe. "Si, Felipe will be my heir, but I know that he has his own future planned and I can't ask him to take over my duties here. And besides I don't wish to leave, at the same time as I gain a son."

Felipe had time to think about what this amazing offer would mean to his father. He thought about all the experiments that Diego had created in the cave over the years, the obvious passion he has for science and he knew couldn't ask his father to stay for his own selfish reasons, especially since it was clear to him that Diego wanted to go. He signed at a fast pace.

"You want me to go Felipe!" Diego asked incredulously.

Felipe nodded, then continued.

"You think it would be great opportunity to learn more tricks to scare off the Alcalde."

They all chuckled.

Felipe signed again. "I would be honoured to learn more about the ranch as your son."

"But what out your own dreams of becoming a lawyer Felipe, I can't ask you to put aside a couple of years to wait until I return."

Felipe shrugged and signed. "I can wait. But what is important, is your dreams father."

Don Alejandro was surprised, he had never seen Felipe sign 'father' to Diego before. He smiled, it felt good. Diego certainly has been a father to the young man. "Felipe is right. Diego, this is about your dreams. What do you want to do?"

Diego closed his eyes and sat in silence for several minutes, before finally deciding. "I...I would like to accept the offer father."

"Then accept it Diego. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity son. It's only for two years and if you don't take the chance, you may regret it later on." he paused and placed his hand on his son's shoulder. "Diego, I never told you this but I always regretted pulling you away from university just four months prior to your graduation. Don't let me stand in the way of what you want."

"Gracias Father." Diego whispered, tears welled in his eyes as they embraced. He wasn't use to having his father's acceptance. He stood and pulled Felipe into an embrace that almost crushed the breath out of the younger man.

They all grinned at each other, then Diego's face dropped again. "Dios what about Victoria?" he voice unsteady.

"Haven't you told her yet?" Don Alejandro was shocked. He couldn't believe that he hadn't revealed Zorro's identity to the woman he loved. He grabbed Diego by the shoulders. "Tell her tomorrow, son." he ordered.

Diego nodded. "I will father, that's a promise." He paused then continued. "I hope that Victoria will agree to marry me."

"Would you like her to go with you to Madrid?"

Diego nodded again. "I hope so father, I don't think I could wait another two years before making her my wife."

"What about her tavern?"

He shrugged. "I don't know, she could sell it, or get someone to run it for her. Whatever she decides, I will support her. That is, if she wants to come with me. But it is short notice, she won't be able to do anything with the tavern in the four days left. That's if she will even speak with me again..." his old doubts came flooding back.

"Diego, go to bed and try to get some sleep, you are exhausted, everything will look better in the morning, wait and see."

He nodded, he had made his decision. Now he had to tell Victoria everything.