Nothing To Lose

Survival Respect

Chleo's POV

"Where's his office?"

"Back of the stairs, all the way down."

"Thanks."

I washed down my last cookie with some lemonade and made my way to Alejandro's office.

I knocked on the door.

"Come in, Chleo."

"You wanted to see me, boss."

"Yes, I wanted to discuss a few things with you."

"Like..."

"What happened at the table will not be tolerated again. I understand that this is an adjustment, but that doesn't mean you can disrespect your elders."

"So, it means they can violate my privacy and disrespect me, and I just have to take it?"

"Privacy is a privilege, Chleo."

"Sure, in prison. Am I in prison, Alejandro?"

"No, of course not, but it is limited to your well-being, and it can be taken away."

"It's funny you say that because it sounds a lot like a prison to me."

He exhaled and pulled out a piece of paper.

"These are the rules you'll be following now that you're with us."

- There will be no disrespect towards your elders.

- You will have either a guard or one of your brothers with you when you leave the house.

- Dress appropriately when leaving the house.

- No tattoos or piercings, no dying your hair.

- No smoking, drugs, or alcohol.

- Curfew on weekdays is 8 pm, in bed by 9. 10 and 11 pm on weekends. After those hours you aren't to leave your room.

- Do not go into any of our offices without or permission or down to the basement.

- No dating or fornication.

At School

- You will ride to and from school with them.

- Only acceptable marks in school. (As and Bs)

- Sit with your brothers at lunch.

- Any incidents or concerns will be reported to me.

If any of these rules are broken there will be punishments and probations.

"Do you understand?"

"I have many things to say." He nodded for me to continue.

"Are you serious?"

"I'm sorry?"

"These rules; are you serious? Some of these rules are ridiculous."

"Which ones are you meaning?"

"To start, the first, I mean I can already tell that you guys are the type to demand respect out of fear rather than earning it."

"I can assure you that the rest of your brothers and I will never do anything unless it's in your best interest."

"And I can assure you that I'll never do anything that isn't in my own best interest. I've been taking care of myself for years to know what's best for my present and future."