Eternal Roses

𝐗𝐗𝐕

Génesis POV
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I loved being at work, so helping people with their dreams of becoming published and successful authors had become my favorite pastime. But today my mind was just not in it. Usually, I'd been out all night killing members of the De León's, but last night against my better judgment I decided to sleep. 

Knowing sleep and I weren't best friends lately. I was listening to Mr. Rivera speak about his fantasy book and I loved the storyline he had going. Today, I just couldn't find the strength to pretend to be okay and focus on anything. 

"Mrs. Cabrera, are you alright?" Mr. Rivera asked me, pulling me from my damning thoughts. 

"Yes, I'm sorry Mr. Rivera I am just having a bit of an off day," I gave a small smile hoping he wouldn't pry any further.

"It's no worries we all have those and please I've told you to call me Cristián." He gave a friendly smile which I reciprocated, he was always very friendly when he came in. According to Aurora, he was too friendly for her liking but the last thing I got from him was flirtation. 

"Right well, Cristián I love your story I've told you that. I'm just not still sold on the ending, so what if you come up with two alternate endings and we revisit this next week with an editor?"

"Of course, no problem at all. I just have one more question before I go." I raised my brow in curiosity and motioned for him to continue. "I know this might slightly be unprofessional and this is in no way to get you to get on board with my story, I waited this long because I wanted you to actually like my work. But would you be interested in getting dinner sometime?" 

I was completely taken aback, one at the fact he said he waited this long because how fucking long was that. Secondly, I wasn't in the headspace especially not today to accept any advances, but then I remembered what Mama Val said to me the day of Matías' funeral.

Mama Val was kneeling next to me as we just sat and watched the casket get lowered. He wasn't in there but it felt like I was burying every piece of my heart in that casket as it got lowered. She grabbed my hand and hooked her finger under my chin turning my head so I could look at her.

"I know it hurts mija, but do not let your heart blacken because of this pain. He always talked about your heart and how pure it is, eres una joya en este mundo. It's okay to hurt for a while, but you must get back out there and love again eventually." 

I was too busy trying to process I didn't respond so she continued, "Don't sit around loving a ghost, move on with your life. No matter how difficult it may seem Mija." 

I was confused by her words, I was sure she'd never want me to look in the direction of another man after I was literally married to her son. Forced or not she always made it clear she was happy Mat had someone like me in his life. 

"Regardless of who you decide to love my son, you will always be family to me," she gave me a sad smile and I latched on to her in a tight hug crying more into her shoulder. We sat there for a while hugging, crying, and coming to terms with our new life. 

Our new life without Matías.

Trying not to cry at the painful memory I blinked away any tears I had and gave Cristián the best fake warm smile I could put on and gave him a simple nod. 

"I'd love to," his smile grew even bigger upon me agreeing. He stood from his chair and we exchanged numbers before he took his departure. Once the door closed behind him I let out a long breath. I looked at the clock behind my desk seeing it was 4:29 pm, I knew Sofía would be in the writers' workshop getting ready to leave and I loved seeing her before she went home she always made my day better.