To Thine Own Self

The flight to Texas was emotional. She held his hand most of the way and he said very little. It was a somber Felipa who met them at the airport with the driver. She must have barely got home before she had to turn around and come back to the airport.

"How is Alondra holding up?" Alex asked Felipa as soon as they were seated.

"I suppose as well as could be expected," Felipa replied.

Carmen looked at Alex and Felipa in turn. Why would Alex ask about Alondra specifically? What about Felipa?

Felipa addressed Carmen. "You did not know? Alondra and Morino loved one another very much. They wanted to get married but Father was against it. He told her he did not raise her to marry small."

How cruel - and typical of him. Carmen rolled her eyes. "That man wants to be in control of everything, doesn't he?"

Alex was watching her with an intensity that indicated deep emotion. Maybe he thought her remark was inappropriate. It probably was, under the circumstances. "I'm sorry," She said. "I shouldn't have said that."

"It is true," Felipa interjected. "It is because of his disapproval that Alondra is in this situation now. She is afraid to tell father. She looks for a place to go."

Carmen and Alex looked at each other.

Alex turned his attention to Felipa. "What situation? She's not leaving because he expressed disapproval, is she?"

Felipa slowly shook her head, obviously contemplating whether it was wise to confide in them. Finally she leaned forward and whispered.

"Alondra carries his child." She put a finger to her lips. "We must not speak of this to father."

Alex sat up straight, his brows lowered and eyes flashing.

"Why not? He's going to find out eventually."

"Shhh!" Felipa said with a finger to her lips again. She leaned forward and whispered. "She wants to keep the baby. Father would not let this happen."

"Oh for …He has a lot of room to talk." Alex growled. "He could kick her out, but it sounds like she's planning to leave anyway. I'll talk to her."

Felipa looked doubtful, but she didn't contest him. He was probably the best friend the girls had. If anyone had a chance of getting Senor Medena to listen, it was Alex. In any case, this was something Alex could do. There was nothing he could do about Morino.

At the hacienda a teary Alondra met them at the door. Her eyes were swollen and red. When she welcomed them with a hug, she burst into tears.