Alex took them to the library and shut the door. Mahogany shelves full of dust free books surrounded them with the wisdom of many years. This was a place she'd like to spend a little time alone.
They sat down at a highly polished wooden table and Alex pushed their chairs in. When he was seated, he turned to an apprehensive Alondra and put a hand over hers.
"I want you to know that we're here for you, no matter what."
Alondra started to cry and he slid closer to her, putting an arm around her and talking to her softly.
"He isn't suffering now. It's over. You don't have to be strong for him or anyone else."
This must have been quite an ordeal for her. Did Morino know they had a baby on the way?
"Father will be ashamed of me when he finds out," Alondra sobbed.
Carmen scooted her chair over so she could console Alondra as well. She patted her on the back.
"Your father loves you."
Alondra shook her head. "He loves only Alex."
Alex flinched, apparently shamed speechless.
"I don't think that's true, Alondra." Carmen said. "I think it hurts him to see you so unhappy."
Alex found his voice. "Why do you think he will be ashamed of you?"
Alondra lifted her head and looked at him, tears streaming down her face.
"I have shamed him. I carry Morino's child. Father did not wish for us to marry, and now he will hate me for what I did."
Alex looked into her eyes. "I don't think so. Will you let me talk to him?"
She shook her head vigorously. "He must not know."
Alex looked bewildered. "How do you hope to achieve that?"
"I will go away - far away, and he will never know. He will not have the shame."
Alex leaned back and watched her until she looked up at him. His voice was quiet and even.
"Do you think he was shamed by me?"
She shook her head. "No, not you. It is different with you."
"Why?"
"You did nothing. It was your mother."
Alex nodded, his expression solemn, his dark gaze locked on hers.
"Do you think he was ashamed of my mother?" He shook his head. "No he wasn't."
"But it is different with you. I am his daughter. He has raised me to obey … to be good."