Sunset Ride

DJ Dubois

June 2020

Notes Part 1: This is my first Zorro story. So let's see how it goes….

Notes: Part 2: New World Zorro belongs to the Family Channel and other copyright holders. Please send comments to dante0220 .

Chapter 1 [Right at the End of the Series Finale]

Los Angeles and its residents had run the entire emotional gauntlet. They celebrated at Victoria's Tavern on the previous night. Emissary Gilberto Rescendo shocked everyone at his sunrise resurrection. Finally, they watched as Alcalde Soto and his lancers led a horse with said-Emissary's corpse slung over its back. Sergeant Jaime Mendoza's 'pardon by circumstance' and the survival of the De la Vegas relieved the villagers as well. And that was before Diego's announcement of Felipe's adoption kickstarted yet another celebratory mood.

Truly it was an amazing day indeed…..

Victoria embraced Felipe. Joy warmed her heart. She'd watched him mature from the hesitant boy to a confident teenager. She'd gained respect for his attitude especially in that he never used his disability as a crutch. And now, she'd seen Loyalty reward him with a place in the family.

As an orphan herself, she certainly understood the symbolism. Indeed, Jealousy stabbed at her for a heartbeat's space. Longing ate at her for her mother's warmth. She filled the void with her work at the tavern. Don Alejandro and Diego certainly made every effort to bring her into their orbit. Even if she didn't live in their hacienda, she was part of their familia.

Diego….

She peered over Felipe's shoulder. Her eyes followed father and son across the plaza. She could clearly see Concern and Interest playing out across Don Alejandro's face. She noted Diego's anxiety and stiff movements. His eyes skittered away from his father's persistent attention….

…and toward her….

She pondered that observation. She'd wondered about her best friend. Since his return from Spain, he'd been polite and a shoulder to lean on. She'd enjoyed their conversations in the tavern. She admired his artistry and intellect. If only he was not such a pacifist, she would've broken with tradition and gone to Don Alejandro herself.

Felipe glanced back toward his new family. Then he turned back toward her. He wanted to sign his question but knew she wouldn't understand. He motioned with his head.

"I am sorry, Felipe." She kept her face toward him so he could read her lips. "I hope Don Alejandro and Diego are all right."

Felipe smiled. He nodded. What is going on with them?

"Gracias." She saw the two caballeros stop by a building. What are they talking about? Why couldn't they talk about it in front of us? Her eyes narrowed. Suspicion danced with dark thoughts across her mind.

"There is something I think I need to tell you all for quite some time. Now would seem like an appropriate moment. Felipe with your permission…." Memoria replayed Diego's words for her consideration.

And then Don Alejandro had pressed, "Diego, there is something that has been gnawing inside of me."

Diego's voice answered, "Father, there is something I have meant to tell you for some time. Victoria, if you will excuse us?"

I understand he'd be emotional about Felipe's adoption. She rubbed her chin. No there's something else. What else could it be? Diego knows he can talk to me about anything! She frowned. Given how the day's events had already played out, she expected him to be wrung out emotionally.

Diego acted quite the opposite. Despite Loss' impact on his psyche, Hesitation and even Fear impeded his speech. His eyes lacked confidence. He weighed each word as if any of them could ruin their friendship.

Desperation both reaching out to and shying away from her simultaneously.

What is it? She struggled with her own thinking. On the one hand, she respected Diego's privacy. On the other hand, she wanted him to know that she was there for him.

Felipe tapped her on the arm. He figured out the source of her depression. He needed to divert her attention. He motioned toward the tavern. He made a motion with his hands as if drinking from a glass.

She nodded. "I agree. I think a cold lemonade will be good. Let's get inside. They will join us when they're ready."

Felipe grinned. His mouth and throat burned. Given the day's increasing heat, the drink would help. Besides he wanted to get her away from the new family.

Despite his effort however, she wasn't satisfied. Perhaps a cold drink would get them to relax. I can hope! She led Felipe toward the tavern.

Curiosity and Longing would not leave her alone….