A New Ride

A long road

Joe

"See ya partner",
Joe muttered to himself as he watched Sachio get farther, and farther.
Though watching the kid leave on his bike gave Joe goosebumps, he couldn't deny the smile that cracked through his face. Sachio was making a name for himself and Joe couldn't have felt more happy with life.

The sky shone with a brilliant array of color that morning. Joe admired this for some time while thinking about how far they've come.

If it weren't for them, I woulda been another sorry soul on the streets. 

After a long ride passed the city, a familiar scent of fresh chile and tomato filled his nose. The battered white truck came to a halt by the entrance of Casa and as if Joe had been expected to come; he was greeted by children throwing punches and  clinging hugs of the rest of the folk. God he missed this.

Marla, the woman who came to love Joe as family after Chief had passed, was watching from behind the crowd, one hand rested against her hip while the other held a ladle. He slowly walked over to her and held her in a long embrace. Not long after, Marla shooed him inside to get a plate

"Hombre Delgado! Joe have you been eating?" Her sweet smile turned into that of a nagging mother. He couldn't help but give her a goofy side grin in return.

"Course I have, nothing beats your cooking though, Marla.  not in a long shot".

The woman rolled her eyes and shoved a plate of Carne asada at Joe and placed a plate of her own down as well.

"How's everyone holding up with chief?"
Joe asked after a few minutes went by.

Marla smiled sadly, "he continues to bring our family love each day,Joe. Thanks to you."

Joe nodded with a sly smile dancing on his face. Marla knew what this meant.

He had just finished his meal and started his way to the kitchen when Marla grabbed his arm gently.

"Joe, I've been meaning to ask you. What happens now that you've finished boxing? I assume your family is doing good since you are. So what now?"

The question threw Joe off for a split second. What now? Hell if I know
       He flashed a look of longing that Marla recognized. He didnt have a plan.

   She slid her hand up to his shoulder and gave a light, friendly squeeze.
    "I know you are young, Joe. You are capable of many things if you put your mind to it! Have you thought about settling down?"

   "No, I haven't."
Joe muttered that last part. The two finished the dishes and walked out into the old fairground without another word to be said. Though deep down, the idea of settling down was an entirely new world to Joe, he has never seen a girl that way before.

The night was warm and the crackling of the large fire which encircled the trailers hummed with the sweet song of the Hummingbird and remembrance.

Joe's mind went back to Chief. The man who had saved him from the grave he so bitterly dug for himself. He would want me to keep moving forward.

He shifted slightly, just enough to stare up into the clear night sky, he sipped on his sake and closed his eyes, taking in the sound of laughter and music and dancing. The scent of fire, good food and a mid-summer breeze.

Mio, Marla's son had noticed his shift, the young lad walked over to him, eyes still closed. Mio placed a hand gently over Joe's to get his attention, he gave him a sly smile.

"Hey man, whatever is going on you know we have your back here. You helped me too."

And just like that, the boy left Joe with a surprised look, he had never seen Mio being more than Marlas some what bratty teenager. This growth made Joe feel glad to be here.

They all spoke of stories well into the night, the ladies talked of tomorrow's meal, while the men drank and quietly spoke of all the recent news as well as some talking about Chief, the man was sure to be spoken of even after their time has passed.  he won this battle for these people's freedom.

Before long, Joe had stretched his arms and yawned. staggering, and needing to sleep. He nodded towards Marla and walked toward the familiar trailer that kept him alive all those nights before. He opened the door and silently hung his jacket on a hook. The light of the fire still warm against the window gleamed as Joe plopped onto the cot he'd grown accustomed to. He couldn't help but wonder how things would've been if he brought the kids along to meet the people of Casa. they'd fit right in, however he knew where his home was,and he was eager to be back.

(Sorry this chapters short.)