The Angel Trumpet

Introduction

Twelve years old I had my parents taken from me.

What we called a way of living was another way for a man to gain power.

Fernando Ortiz was a money hungry man.

He had to have what others had to seem in control of what he didn't understand.

My parents weren't the bad guys. He was. They wanted to create change. He just wanted to feel on top of the world.

So to get the ball rolling he held an event inviting all families who were in the business (including mine) not knowing he wanted to take them out. Why? Because they were the ones threatening his money flow, his grand take over, his master plan to be the only one standing.

It all happened so fast.

My grandfather came into the house shaking telling me what just happened while I was baking cookies in our kitchen, but once he told me exactly what happened I dropped them. I realized he wasn't playing some sick joke. They were actually gone. I couldn't understand it because I just saw them a few hours before. I was telling them I loved them and that I would see them later on.

After that all that could be heard was my grandfather breaking down wailing on his knees in front of me.

That's when I knew right then and there everything just changed.

My grandfather started teaching me the basics of loyalty, respect and honor.

I was never to branch out and recruit people from anywhere it had to be right here on the island.

The last rule was to never under any circumstances fall in love.

It caused distraction, clouded judgment, and when making life or death choices it created weakness.

Then came fighting, how to defend myself with knives, guns and whatever was available to me.

This would start me off with knowing how to aim in all aspects.

I would start going down to the homemade gun range made in my grandfather's basement practicing my shooting, knife throwing and laundry.

Then when it came down to school he would advance my math to show me how to actually count money, save and divide.

After a year went by of me doing this routine and rotation of my new life, my grandfather fell ill and had to be hospitalized for months. In those months I took care of him and made sure he was as comfortable as he could be. I told him stories about school, my practice and talking to the men that soon would be my men getting to know them better.

He pulls my small hand close holding it gently as the machine beeps trying to get out the words to say i'm proud of you to him flat lining on the spot.

I let go of his hand saying goodbye crying for the last time promising myself to never cry again.

Once news broke out that my grandfather passed and I was spotted leaving the hospital, things were set into motion.

I was the leader...la jefa (the boss) and no one could say otherwise.

It was time for me to step up. Take charge. But how can a twelve year old handle such responsibility? power? burden.

The day at the hospital my grandfather left me an envelope. It had my name written on it and inside was him explaining exactly what had to be done and what had to be avoided.

He named all the men that would be by my side from here and out and gave me all access to his bank account and savings.

The last thing he granted me was his other house in California leaving me with an old car he fixed up there as well.

With little to no rest I wanted to toss the letter aside not sure what to do with what I was given.

There was no desire to take them and with that I forced myself to keep reading his letter and it said,

This is all hard for a young girl like you, I know. But we are Rojas and what Rojas do no other can. Aleya, I'm so proud of you and what you're going to do in the future. Your parents would be proud too. Keep your head up and don't let them break you. Ever.

Love,

Grandpa Louie