La Reyna de León (Queen of León)

Chapter 9

As days and weeks pass by. I start to get more hang of the training. At first was super hard but now I'm getting it. I can shoot straight at the targets with the guns and knives. Fighting was something I was excelling the most. Since at school people would be afraid of me. Since I fought this girl I had problems with. She ended up in the hospital in a coma for 2 months. I got serious trouble for that. Had to go to court for aggravated assault. So I was a big deal with fighting.
Over the past weeks I've been seeing Luis. We've gotten to know each other a lot more now. Even so he we went on so many dates. My uncle says I shouldn't get to attached to him. He says it might be dangerous getting into a relationship with him. I can't help it. I just need someone other than him with me. I can't have my family with me for those same reasons. Then who can I love? Who can I have with me?
I got a phone to make calls. I thought what was the use for calling since I can't talk to my dad, or my mom, or my brother. Only Luis and my uncle are in my contact list. Making me think. Is this it? Am I going to be lonely all my life? I can't get attached to people for the fear of them getting killed or to tired by my enemies. The 12th street cartel has been very quiet lately since out last meeting.
God how I miss my family!!!
I got a nightmare last night about them. I dreamt they were taken hostage by the 12th street cartel. And they were killed right in front of me. All killed by a foreign squad holding AK-47s. There blood all over my body as I scream out crying. They all say it was all my fault. I got them killed. For killing that man. The leaders cousin. The rest of that night I didn't sleep. Since the fear crept in.
My phone goes off. It's a text from Luis.
Hey. What are you doing later today? -Luis
I don't know really. Why?
I was wondering if I could see you today? I want to show you a place.-Luis
Ok. I'll see you then.
Ok see you later. Can't wait. 😉-Luis
I had to do more training with my uncle. Well more of a test to see if I'm ready in his standards. These past weeks have been rough on my body physical and mentally. On the physical side, my muscles ached and were bruised all the time. Mentally since the day I was brought here. Not being with my family. Feeling guilty for faking my death. All these nightmares and attacks aren't helping either. They've gotten worse by the nights.
"You ready for the test?" My uncle asked.
"If my body went through hell for this. Then yes." I said.
"Ok your going to be fighting me. Only hand to hand combat. No guns or knives." He said.
I was going to fight a man almost 2x the size and weight as me. I didn't know if I could do it.
"Really? I thought I was going to fight someone harder to beat." I said laughing.
"You say that now, but let's see if you can. Ready?" He said.
"Ok." I said.
He strikes the bell to begin. I stare at him for a few more seconds and I run to strike him. He catches my arm and pushes me back. I fall to the ground. I get up and start throwing punches and kicks at him.
I was figuring his fighting style. His weak spots to strike. I knew he wasn't really protecting his lower half of his body so I strike there. He taught me to find my opponents week spots. So I found his. He also taught me once they go to protect that side to strike them from above stunning there body. My uncle was smart and started to notice what I was doing. He jabbed me at my abdomen and stuck me in my left cheek drawing blood. I fight even harder. He was hard to beat, but I had to beat him. So I sucker punch him in the stomach causing him to go on his knees then I smash his head on my knee. Then kick him in the chest. Pushing him about 4 feet from me to the ground. I beat him. I couldn't believe it.
He gets up. "Wow. I didn't think you las beat me mija. I'm impressed. You passed the test." He said breathing in heavily and wiping blood off his face. He hands me a rag to do the same.
"So what does this mean now? I don't need you to go everywhere with me now?" I said.
"I'll still go with you places. But now you can start taking lead of this business. I think your ready." He said. Me? Ready now?
"I don't think I'm ready. I....I just having so many nightmares and panic attacks. I don't know if I'm ready now." I said.
"I know you have been having rough time. I know you can't have people in your life without the fear of them getting killed. But one way or another this is all going to go down to you. You'll have to take charge one day. Now is the time." He said.
"I dot. Think I'll make a good boss." I said.
"I do think you will. Because you lead with dignity and determination." He said. That made me remember
Without control there will be chaos.
Someone had to take lead. Someone has to take charge and lead people onward. I had to keep this cartel moving the product. Make sure everything is running smoothly. I had to make sure to my enemies that I'm not the one to mess with.
"Ok. But I can't promise I'll be a good one." I said.
"Well I think you will." He said.
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I meet up with Luis at his house. He wasn't very rich. He lived in a poor neighborhood. Made me feel bad for him. Knowing I lived in the U.S and in a ascienda. I wish I could help him out. He wouldn't take my help. I offered him food and money but won't take either. Says he doesn't want to be my burden. I told him it was fine but he still wouldn't take it. So I sneak the money under his door when he's not home. So his parents can have it to pay for the stuff they need.
He walks out of his house and get into my car.
"Have I mentioned that I love your car. Oh wait I did." He said laughing.
"Yeah. I don't know how many times." I said laughing.
"But I love you more." He said as he leans in kissing me. I don't hold back or resist. It's been a few minutes before he stop.
"So where is this place you wanted to show me?" I asked.
"Oh.. your going to go down the highway and then I'll tell you when to turn." He said.
All through the highway we talked about what we did in our day. He went to work and helped his parents clean the house. I made up a lie that my uncle made me clean my room all day and help in the him with the animals. He bought it. I don't like lying to him. Especially since how much I love him.
"Oh here take a left." He points out.
As I turn I see the beach. But it's alone and no people were there. The view was amazing. The sky was a mixture of orange, pink, and blue with some clouds. The ocean water cause it to reflect making it look those same colors. The sound of the ocean always calms me down.
We get out of the car and sit on the hood.
"Wow this is so bueatiful." I said.
"Yeah. Just like you." He said.
"Oh I'm not sure of that." I said
"I'm serious. If you were nature this would be you." He said.
We stare into the horizon until he says "I've been dying to ask you this question for weeks now. But I like hanging out with you. You help me forget about my family issues. You make me really happy, Maria."
I look into his eyes.
"I wanted to ask you if you wanted to be my girlfriend?" He asked.
I was in shock. I didn't know how to respond. I wanted to say yes, but there is a part of me saying no. For the reason being that I shouldn't get attached to someone. But I wanted to have someone to love. Someone to build something with. So I respond. "Yes. I would love to be your girlfriend."
We kiss again. But this time it's a passionate kiss. Wanting more as time passes. He was mine and I was his. We don't let go of each other as we keep kissing. Who knows how long we have been kissing but it got dark and we had to go back. I drive back to his house.
"Thank you for taking me to that place. It should be our safe spot." I said.
"Your welcome." He said with a smile.
"I'll see you later then." I said.
He leans in and we briefly kiss.
"I love you." He said.
"Love you too."
He leaves and I drive back to the ascienda. I walk in with a smile on my face. I can't tell my uncle about this. So I'll keep it a secret from him.
As I walk in the living room I see my uncle on the couch looking worried.
"Where have you been?" He asked.
"I told you I was with Luis. Why?" I said. He had this worried look on his face that he can't hide.
"The 12th street cartel took your family. They have them hostage." He said with a cry.
I could believe it. I they have my family. I was afraid and angry. Before I could say anything a smoke gernade was thrown into the living room. Knocking me out.
When I wake up all I see is darkness. Giving me nostalgia from when I first came here. Then someone pulls my blind off and then I see my family all lined up. They were going to kill them. My nightmare was going to be brought to life.