Isela's Love (33 page)

****

Once Jezbah finished tending to Brendan’s injuries, he and Darrios helped him up.

“Let’s get you to the guest room,” Jezbah said.

“I’m not going back to Maggie’s?”

“It’ll be easier for me to look after you here, son. I want to make sure there’s nothing more serious internally.”

“I don’t need a babysitter, Jezbah.”

“Actually, until those injuries heal, you kinda do.”

Brendan blew out an exasperated breath just as the door burst open and Maggie came rushing in, Bernie right behind her.

“I told her you were fine and tried to get her to wait, but you know your wife,” he said to Darrios. Darrios gave Bernie a knowing look.

Maggie shot Bernie an icy glare. “I had to see for myself that Brendan and Darrios were okay.” After giving Darrios a once over look, satisfied he wasn’t hurt, she ran over to Brendan, but didn’t touch him. Her eyes scanned his torso frantically. “I’d hug you, but I’m worried I’ll hurt you. My God. What did they do to you?”

“I’m fine, Mags. Jezbah fixed me up. It’s just a couple of busted ribs. Nothing to worry about.”

Isela recalled finding Brendan bleeding on the floor, barely conscious. She remembered how terrified she’d been for him. He was clearly playing down the damage done to his body to ease his sister’s mind, but Isela knew better.

Maggie turned to Jezbah. “Is that true? Is he okay?”

“He’s pretty banged up, but he should be fine...as long as he stays put and gets lots of rest.”

“He will, won’t you, Brendan?”

“Yes, Mother,” He said mockingly.

“Maggie, I want to keep him here for awhile, just until he’s a bit more mobile,” Jezbah said. “You’ve got the baby and all. Gin and I can look after him.”

“Sure, Jez, whatever you think.” She took Brendan’s hand, kissing it. “If you need anything, just holler, okay?”

Brendan nodded.

“I’m so happy you’re home, Bren,” Maggie said tearfully.

Isela’s breath caught in her throat. Because he wasn’t home. He was at his aunt’s. Then he’d go to his sister’s. Then once he fully recovered, he’d go home. He’d leave. The heaviness in Isela’s chest made it difficult for her to breathe. How could she possibly go back to living without him? The mere thought made her want to cry out to him not to leave her.

She jumped at the sound of her name.

“Isela?” Brendan asked, “Didn’t you hear me?”

“I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“I introduced you to my sister. Maggie, this is Isela.”

Smiling, Maggie stepped forward and hugged Isela, catching her off guard. She returned the embrace awkwardly.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Isela.”

“You too, Maggie. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

She glanced at Brendan, then back to Isela. “I’m sorry, what awful things did he say?” she teased.

“On no. In fact, your brother thinks the world of you.”

She pretended to punch him in the arm. “Yeah, I know the feeling. Right back at ya, bro.”

“All right, everyone, let’s give Brendan some space to breathe,” Aunt Gin said. “You can all come back later.”

Everybody started out, Isela taking up the rear. Gin touched her arm.

“I wasn’t talking to you, dear,” Gin said, giving Isela a sweet smile. “I’m sure if we ask Brendan, he’d prefer it if you stayed.”

She glanced into his eyes. Longing and warmth. He extended his hand, reaching for her. Isela’s heart ached. Of course she’d stay with him, but how long would he stay with her? Once his injuries healed, he’d go back to his life in the other world, leaving her here, alone.

Plastering on a smile, Isela took his hand. “Would you rather I stay?”

He kissed her fingertips. “You know I would. The question is do you want to?”

She nodded. “Yeah, of course I do.”

“Goodnight, lovebirds,” Aunt Gin sang out, closing the door behind her. Isela and Brendan laughed. He lightly tugged on her hand, pulling her closer. She sat down on the bed next to him, softly skimming her finger down his cheek. She frowned.

“What’s with the sad face?” he asked.

Isela shook her head, glancing downward. “No sad face. I just want to make sure you’re okay. It looks like it really hurts.”

“Not really, well not since Jezbah hooked me up. Did you see when he mixed up that powder?”

Isela nodded.

“Powerful pain killers. I feel pretty good, actually.” He smirked. “Wanna go dancing?”

Isela smiled. “How about we wait a bit on the dancing and I just sit here with you instead?”

“Don’t ever say I didn’t ask.”

Isela curled up next to him on the big overstuffed bed. It was considerably larger than the bed she’d had in the prison. Glancing around, she noticed the feminine touches the room held for the first time. The curtains were lacy and light. The walls were painted a pale pink and the floors were hardwood with a couple of throw-rugs, just a shade darker than the walls.

She let out a relaxed breath and closed her eyes, enjoying the faint scent of lilacs wafting through the room. Brendan kissed the top of her head.

“I love you, Isela,” he whispered.

She opened her eyes, meeting his gaze. “I love you too, Brendan.”

“As soon as I can move again, I’m going to show you just how much.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

It had been four weeks since they’d escaped from Guarros. Brendan was healing nicely, and faster than Jezbah had expected. Isela had gone to the farm for the day. Brendan had encouraged her to go. She hadn’t left the house in a month, staying by his side. He thought she needed a break, and she’d only been gone a couple of hours, but still, he missed her.

Maggie sat in a chair next to the bed where Brendan sat, propped up on pillows.

“So, since we have a little time to talk, just the two of us, are you gonna spill or what?”

Brendan smiled wickedly, happy to have a chance to play with his older sister a bit. “Spill what?”

“Oh, come on, Brendan. About Isela. You two seem pretty thick.”

“Ohhh, that.”

Maggie stood up, pointing her finger at him. “Do I have to beat it out of you?”

Brendan gave her an exaggerated laugh. “Puhleeaze, even with broken ribs I could still take you.”

She took his face in her hands, pretending to squeeze. “Uuuhhh, what am I going to do with you?”

She sat back down. “Okay, I’ll rephrase the question. What is your relationship with Isela and what are your intentions?”

“That’s two questions.”

“Brendan!”

He thought for a minute, of Isela’s face, of her smile, of her spirit and determination, of her giving nature. He looked at his sister.

“I love her, Mags. More than I ever thought I could love anything. She walks in the room and I get warm. Her smile makes me lose my breath. Her kiss? I know I sound corny, but—”

“No,” Maggie said, steepling her fingers over her mouth, tears welling in her eyes. “You sound like a man truly in love, and I think it’s beautiful.” Carefully, she hugged her brother. “I’m so happy for you, Brendan.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“So what are you going to do? Has she agreed to go back to Missouri with you?”

“I haven’t asked her yet. This is all new to her. I don’t want to overwhelm her. I thought I’d wait until I’m better and then bring it up.”

“What if she says no?”

Brendan ran his hand through his hair. “I don’t know. I’ll have to wait and see.”

“What about Social Saviors?”

“I haven’t renewed my contract, yet.”

“But it’s your dream. It’s always been your dream.”

“I guess I have a lot to think about. Maybe it is time I talked to Isela.”

“If she loves you like you love her, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” She took his hands in hers. “As long as you’re honest with her. Don’t hold back. That girl has been through a lot. Something tells me she could handle just about anything.”

“Thanks, Maggie.”

“So when do you want to come back and stay with Darrios and me? I want all the time I can get with you before you go home, and I really would like to get to know Isela better.”

“Actually, the thought of both Isela and I sleeping on your couch is a little weird, don’tcha think?”

She tapped him on the nose. “Newsflash, baby brother: while you’ve been over here laying around on your ass, Darrios and Bernie, along with Pete’s help, added on to the house. We now have three more bedrooms and a second bathroom.”

“Why three bedrooms?”

“Well, one for a guest room, because I insist on frequent visits from you, one for Lucan, and one for his future brother or sister...but definitely not the near future, let me tell ya.”

“In that case, I’ll tell Jezbah and Aunt Gin at dinner tonight. How does tomorrow sound?”

“Perfect, I’ll have everything ready for you and Isela.”

****

Isela went inside the main building and knocked on the office door. Darrios answered it smiling.

“Isela, how are you?”

“I’m fine thanks. Brendan thought I needed a break, so I thought I’d come see Mae. I hope that’s all right.”

“Sure it is. I think she’s in the canning plant. I’ll show you where it is.”

Isela thanked him, following his lead. They left that building, walked past three others, and entered the last one.

“This place is really something,” Isela said, glancing around.

“It really is,” Darrios agreed, beaming. “Bernie’s been back and forth to the States...to the other world. He’s gotten us about as state of the art as we can get around here with what we have to work with. It’s turned out better than we hoped for.”

“I can see that. I’m sure you’re going to be very successful.”

He crossed his fingers, holding them up. “Here’s hoping,” he said.

Isela’s eyes grew wide as she saw Mae come around the corner. Mae’s face lit up, and she came running toward Isela, arms outstretched. The women embraced, laughing.

Isela stepped back, holding Mae at arm’s length. “Wow Mae, look at you. You’re skinny!”

Mae rolled her eyes, blushing. “I wouldn’t go that far, but yeah, I’ve lost some weight. Working here has really been good for me. I spend nearly all day outside, and I absolutely love it.”

Isela fingered Mae’s hair. “I love what you’ve done with your hair.”

Mae laughed. “I didn’t do that. It’s lightened up on its own. Jerric says it’s from being out in the sun.”

“Well, it works for you.”

Darrios cleared his throat. “I’m going to let you girls catch up. Mae, honey, take as much time as you like. Hell, take the day if you want to.”

“Thanks, Mr. Derosa,” Mae called after him. She sobered, turning to Isela. “How’s Brendan?”

“He’s good,” Isela answered. “He’s getting stronger every day. Obviously you’re doing well. How are Jerric and Pete? Jeez, with all of this stuff with Brendan, I feel like I haven’t seen any of you in forever.”

Mae took Isela’s hand. “Don’t you worry about us. We’re all fine. I saw how badly Brendan was hurt. And after all he did to get us out of that horrible place, he deserves all of your attention. We’re not going anywhere.”

Isela’s eyes teared up. She hugged Mae tightly. “You’re such a good friend, Mae. Catch me up. What’s been going on around here?”

“Come on,” Mae said, motioning Isela to follow her. “I want to show you my place.”

“Oh, I can’t wait.”

Mae chattered on about how wonderful the farm was as they walked, how Evan and Darrios treated everyone so well, generously and with respect. She told Isela Pete was practically running production. He’d taken to it immediately, impressing everyone.

As they approached a small cabin, Mae stopped, beaming. She swept her arm out over the little stone walkway. “This is it. Home sweet home.

Isela couldn’t help but smile. Mae had planted just about every color of flower imaginable. The delightful fragrance treated her olfactory senses, making her want to stand there sniffing the air.

“This is amazing,” Isela said. You did this?”

Mae nodded vigorously. “I wanted to see beauty when I looked outside. I love the flowers here, so...”

She abruptly turned and ran up on the porch. She opened the door, motioning with her head, she stepped inside. Isela followed her into a small, but cozy living area. A large picture window looked out over the flower garden. A loveseat stood against the adjacent wall with an end table separating it from an easy chair.

Across the room, there was a tiny cook-stove and sink, clearly designed for one. A table and two chairs sat in the middle of the floor. A brightly colored curtain divided the area from another hidden area. Isela pointed at it.

“Bedroom?” she asked.

Mae nodded. “Bathroom too. It’s just a toilet and a sink. The shower’s kind of a community thing. Men and women have different sides of the building.” She pulled the curtain aside revealing a single bed, neatly made, with a nightstand next to it. A small lantern sat on the nightstand.” So, what do you think?”

“Oh, Mae, I think it’s fantastic.”

Mae’s voice cracked with emotion. “You know, when Darrios, Mr. Derosa, offered me a job here I thought he was being incredibly generous. But then when he gave me this...” She took a moment to compose herself. “I have never been this happy, Izzy. Not ever.”

Isela stroked Mae’s arm. “Awww Mae, I’m so happy for you.”

Someone knocked on the door. Mae hollered, “Come in,” and the door swung open. Jerric and Pete strode in, both grinning ear to ear.

“We heard you were here,” Jerric said to Isela, right before taking Mae in his arms and kissing her full on the lips.

“What the...” Isela blurted out.

“I know, awesome, right?” Pete said.

Jerric released Mae, now blushing.

“Um, yeah, Isela, there’s something else.”

They all started laughing.

“When did this happen?” Isela asked

Mae shrugged. “A few weeks ago.”

Jerric draped his arm over her shoulder, his height dwarfing her. “It took some convincing, but she finally realized how irresistible I am.”

Mae rolled her eyes. “He pestered me nonstop until I agreed to have dinner with him.” She looked up at him adoringly. “And it just happened.”

“They have quite literally been inseparable since,” Pete pretended to whisper. “It’s disgusting.”