28. Serafina
CHAPTER 28
Serafina
T he old warehouse looms before me, its rusted metal siding glinting under the pale moonlight. My heart races as I scan the shadows for any sign of Lucas. Where is he? We agreed to meet here to make our escape together. To leave this life and my family behind.
The crunch of tires on gravel makes me spin around. A black van with tinted windows rolls up, the engine rumbling. This isn't right. Lucas said he'd meet me precisely at midnight.
It's ten minutes past.
The van's door slides open, but it's not Lucas who steps out. It's Alex, one of his friends from the gym—someone Lucas always told me I could trust.
"Serafina, get in. We have to go now." His voice is low and urgent.
"Where's Lucas? I'm not going anywhere without him." I cross my arms, trying to still their trembling. None of this makes sense.
"There's no time to explain. Lucas said you must come with me right now if you want out. It's now or never, bella."
Alex holds the door open, glancing over his shoulder like he expects trouble. My mind spins, heart aching. I need to trust Lucas. Trust that this is part of the plan, even if everything in me screams to wait for him.
Tears prick my eyes as I climb into the van, duffel bag clutched to my chest like a lifeline. The door slams shut, making me flinch. As the engine revs and the van peels out into the night, I stare out the back window, praying for a glimpse of Lucas chasing after us. But there's only darkness. Dio mi aiuti. God help me. What have I done?
The burner phone Lucas gave me feels like a brick in my pocket. Since he moved into the Mancini mansion, we promised to use it only for emergencies. Well, this sure as hell feels like one. My fingers shake as I dial his number, praying he'll pick up and tell me this is all some big misunderstanding.
Straight to voicemail. "Lucas, where are you? I'm in the van with Alex, but I don't understand what's happening. Please call me back."
I end the call, a sob catching in my throat. None of this makes sense. Why would Lucas send me away without him? We promised to start a new life together.
Maybe Lucas got held up. He'll call any minute now and explain everything.
The miles roll by, city lights fading into desert darkness. I must've dozed off because we're bouncing down a dusty road toward a tiny pueblo when I open my eyes again. My heart clenches. I've never felt so alone. So lost.
The van stops in front of a small house. A weathered wooden sign reads "Paz's Posada." Alex opens the door, and I step out, legs wobbly. The air smells of mesquite and earth, so different from Oakland’s gritty streets.
"Do?a Paz will take good care of you," Alex says softly. "Lucas made all the arrangements."
"But when is he coming? Why isn't he here?" I hate how small my voice sounds.
Alex shakes his head. “I’m sorry, Serafina. I don't know. But trust Lucas, sí? He would never send you somewhere unsafe."
Fresh tears sting my eyes as I nod. Alex hands me my bag, gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze, and then climbs back in the van. I watch it disappear in a cloud of dust, feeling like the last tether to my old life has been cut.
The door to the posada creaks open, and a small woman with kind eyes and silver-streaked hair steps out. "You must be Serafina," she says warmly. "I'm Paz. Come, ni?a. Let's get you settled."
I follow her inside, the scent of fresh tortillas and frijoles, beans, enveloping me like a hug. Paz shows me to a cozy room with a colorful serape blanket on the bed. "Make yourself at home, mija. Dinner will be ready soon."
"Gr - gracias," I whisper, sinking onto the bed as she closes the door. The way she addresses me with terms like 'little girl' and 'daughter' instantly calm my nerves. So, in the quiet, the emotions I've been holding back finally break free. Sobs wrack my body as I curl into a ball, clutching a pillow to my chest. I'm terrified, confused, heartbroken. But beneath it all, a tiny flicker of hope refuses to die.
Lucas would never abandon me. He has a plan. I have to believe that. Believe in him, in us. In this chance for a new life, even if it's not exactly how I imagined.
I take a deep breath and wipe my tears. Straightening my shoulders, I start to unpack my bag. This is just the beginning. Somehow, I know deep in my bones that Lucas and I will find our way back to each other. I have to trust that.
I tuck the burner phone under my pillow and head to the kitchen, the scent of Paz's cooking beckoning me forward. One step at a time. That's how I'll get through this. With patience, hope, and the unshakable belief that Lucas will be here any moment now.
Two days.
It's been two days since Alex left me here, and I still haven't heard a single peep from Lucas.
I step into the cozy kitchen, the aroma of simmering tomatoes and garlic enveloping me like a warm embrace. Paz turns from the stove, her kind eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiles. "Serafina, mija, come taste this salsa. I added a little extra cilantro, just like you like."
I dip a homemade tortilla chip into the vibrant red sauce, savoring the fresh flavors. "It's perfect, Paz. Gracias."
She pats my cheek affectionately. "De nada, mi ni?a. Now, sit. The enchiladas will be ready soon." My daughter . This woman who barely knows me is starting to burrow herself into my heart. She has already shown me more love and kindness than my own mother ever has.
I settle into a chair, fiddling with the woven placemat. The question I've been scared to ask dances on the tip of my tongue. Finally, I muster the courage. "Paz... have you heard from Lucas? Do you know when he's coming?"
Paz's hand stills, her expression softening with something like sympathy. She wipes her hands on her apron and sits beside me, covering my restless fingers with her work-worn palm. "Mija, Lucas... he won't be coming. His instructions were for me to take care of you, to keep you safe."
The words hit like a punch to the gut. I feel like I can't breathe. "No, that can't be right. He wouldn't just leave me here. He promised?—"
"Serafina, listen to me." Paz's gentle but firm tone silences my desperate protests. "No matter what happens, you're safe here. You can start a new life away from whatever you were running away from."
Tears sting my eyes, blurring the vibrant patterned tiles and green cabinets. I want to argue, to demand answers. But deep down, I know Paz is right. I got what I wanted. Besides, Lucas has always been the strategist, the protector. I have to believe he has his reasons, even if they're breaking my heart.
I swipe at my damp cheeks, nodding slowly. "I don't understand, Paz. He was supposed to be here with me."
She draws me into a hug, her embrace strong and soothing. "Lo sé, mi ni?a."
With a watery smile, I squeeze Paz's hand. "Thank you, Paz. For everything. I don't know what I'd do without you."
She winks, rising to check on the bubbling enchiladas. "Probably starve, mija. Now, let's eat. A full belly mends many wounds."