The Angel Trumpet

8.

Banging on the car window wakes me as I'm still parked in the car waiting out the storm I'm currently in (metaphorically speaking) to a homeless man swearing as he keeps pounding on the glass mad that I took his sleeping spot. I warm up the engine leaving back to the house wincing as I touch my head seeing if the blood dried up more. I make it to a burning house with the guys talking to the firefighters that are there trying to put it out. My last memory, the last of everything of my parents and grandfather goes out in flames right in front of my eyes. My feet land on the ground but my heart falls to the ground each step I take closer to the orange flame. The guys try to ask me where I was and how I got hurt but I push them aside taking it all in watching the wood creak and fall apart. He did it. He found the one button and pushed it to the point of breaking it knowing this would ignite full retaliation.

Okay, you got it this time Fernando but now it's my turn.

The firefighter says they were able to save one thing and hands me the picture of my family all together smiling on a beach. "I'm sorry about your house burning." He says genuine showing his condolences as I take hold of the picture frame. "Thank you." I smile low turning to the guys with their eyes showing sympathy and guilt written all over their faces thinking it's their fault for not protecting the house and me. "We have some work to do." I say stern walking back to the car having them follow right behind me. The car ride is silent but needed. I pull up to Conor's mechanic shop putting the car in park hopping out and knocking on the blue door. He opens after a few minutes not expecting me or anyone. "This was a long shot. I didn't know you would be here but I need a favor." I say almost sounding desperate but at this rate it would help more than mess things up. "God, what happened to you?" He touches my head but I grab his wrist stopping him from doing anything. "My house just burned down and I need a place to crash for a bit. Is there one already renovated? Up and running?" I ask using puppy dog eyes hating that I have to act soft for him to actually believe my innocent act.

"Yeah give me a sec and i'll show you."

I nod thanking him walking back to the car dropping my face only having a straight expression.

"Conor is going to get us a house to squat in for a little bit. Be nice." I direct my comment to Pito not wanting him to say anything.

Pito raises his hands up keeping whatever slick remark he had to himself making the trip to our new place easier.

Conor has me follow behind as he takes us stopping at a rich foundation with a balcony and everything even having a pool in the backyard. When he parks and gets out checking the mailbox that's when I knew it was his house. The guys patted my back telling me I did good and are happy with their new home to keep up with whatever I have with Conor forever. I shoot them a look telling them to stop talking and to wait here. I get out closing the car door walking up to Conor looking at the house closely. "Please tell me this isn't yours." I say rubbing the back of my neck showing uncertainty. "It is actually. I live here by myself and don't mind having you and your family here." I check it out one more time before giving in signalling the guys to come meet Conor finally. They rush out closing the car door walking up to us both smiling except for Pito who is frowning heavily. "Conor this is Leo, Pito and Tobias. They're like brothers to me." Conor reaches his hand out to them and they shake it half trusting half out of politeness. "It's nice to meet you guys." Leo and Tobias take off leaving Pito, me and Conor standing awkwardly together.

"Mind showing us around?" I try to sound cheery but fail miserably.

He smiles saying it would be an honor taking us inside then to the backyard showing us the pool, grill, and mini bar all installed in this big but small area. My eyes travel to Conor's as he talks with the guys trying to get to know them better forcing a real smile onto my face but it actually turns out to be a real one. I didn't expect this from him. How can he afford all of this? I hug myself as a cold breeze sweeps through forgetting I'm all banged up on the outside and inside but not minding it like I should have.