Rosa Sanchez. The first word that comes to mind is always 'power'. Known as Thorn by many, she seems to be the most dangerous woman in the world. But, she wasn't always like this. That leads many people to wonder how she came to be. What made an inn...
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"Oh isn't it just wonderful? It's my favorite heirloom."
I looked at the necklace. "Mother I've never seen you without this, you can't possibly give it to me."
"You're my only daughter, I got it from my mother when I turned fifteen, now you have it too. Happy birthday my love."
She smiled at me. A fuzzy smile that could keep me alive during the harshest of winters because it was so warm.
"Would you like me to put it on you?"
"Yes please!" I had to stop myself from jumping up and down.
"It's a cross, it's not even that pretty. I could get better jewelry at a flea market." Rafael was trying to kill my mood. I would let him.
"You're just mad because Father has no heirlooms for you." I glared at him.
"Other than The Cartel." He smirked at me.
"You'll never take over The Cartel. I'm the oldest, it's not fair." I stuck my tongue out at him.
"Rosa, you know that's not how it works, it's tradition." Mother patted my shoulders.
"It's sexist that's what it is! Even if it's stupid traditions I'll marry a man a thousand times better than you! Surely father would let him rule." Surely.
"A good man would never marry a woman as disobedient as you! You're lucky you have a pretty face. Too bad he's going to have to beat it up to train you."
"Rafael Alonso Sanchez. You do not speak to your sister that way." Mother scolded him.
"She can't even cook mother. What else are women for?"
"Rafael, silencio." She scolded him again.
"That's because you know I'm right." He mumbled.
She pulled off her shoe and hit him hard on the back of the hand. Raf yelped in pain. "We respect our family in this house. Especially on their birthdays. Go to your room. Now."
He ran upstairs holding his hand. What a loser.
Mother rushed over to me and pressed kisses all over my face. "He is right about one thing." She giggled.
"That I'll never take over The Cartel?" I mumbled and looked at the ground.
"No! You can do anything you set your mind to baby. You cannot cook, however. But that's nothing we can't fix." She booped my nose with her finger.
"It's more likely I'll become the world's most famous chef than lead us. A woman's never done it before." I kicked at the wrapping paper left on the floor. My mood was ruined.
"And you will be the first. I'm sure of it. So, become the first woman to run The Spanish Drug Cartel, tomorrow, learn how to cook today." Her confidence gave me confidence.
I giggled and nodded. "As long as you help me."
"Well I can show you which spices go where, but I don't know the first thing about drug trade." She laughed.
"Spices first?" I giggled.
"Well speak of the devil. Hello baby." She grabbed Spice and pulled him into her arms.
I never really liked the dog, but Mother liked it, so I tolerated him.
"Okay." She set Spice down. "To the kitchen!" She laughed and grabbed my hand.
... "This pretty good, did Rosa do any of the work?"
"I cut all of the vegetables Father. And I only cut myself once!" It was still bleeding, I probably needed stitches.
Kitchen knives were way more dangerous than throwing knives. They get you when you least expect it!
"I'm pretty proud of her Alonso, she knew exactly what to do." Mother laughed.
"Stay out of the way?" Rafael grumbled.
"Out." Mother pointed towards the door.
"Valentina-." Father started.
"Nope. Not today. Out." She glared at him.
Raf very dramatically dropped his fork, sauce splattered onto the tablecloth. He stomped out of the room.
"You can clean that up later!" Mother yelled after him.
"That's not really his job dear." Father started.
"Well, I'm not doing it, Rosa is sure not doing it on her birthday after she was insulted. So unless you want to do it, that leaves him." She stood up and walked out.
Father cleared his throat. "Uh, happy birthday."
"Thanks."
We ate the rest of the meal in silence.
I went up to my room and Mother was sitting on my bed looking at one of my books. She was wearing her nightclothes and was clearly just waiting for me to finish.
"Come here." She patted the spot next to her.
I sat down beside her and rested my head on her shoulders.
She put her arm around me and rubbed my side. "I'm sorry about that, I lost my temper."
"It's okay, I cleaned up the mess, I know Rafael won't and I didn't want you to get in trouble." I whispered.
"Pretty sucky birthday?" She looked at me.
"Not really." I leaned down and put my head in her lap. I was exhausted.
She rubbed my hair. "Oh really?" I could hear the smile in her voice.
"Yeah." I yawned. "You believe in me. I just can't wait for tomorrow."
"What's tomorrow?"
"Other tomorrow." I closed my eyes.
"Ah." She chuckled.
She sat there for a while running her fingers through my hair. I fell asleep.
I was half-asleep when I felt her pulling my shoes off and tucking me in.
She kissed my cheek. "Goodnight my future Cartel leader."
