The Beast's Roast

8

Carlos had made a lot of sandwiches, packed water bottles and an emergency kit along with clean clothes, blankets and pillows. He took the money he had saved up for his car and to help pay his college fees and put it on his bag, he had saved around 5,000 dollars between tutoring gigs, summer jobs and snow shoveling during the winter. He felt like that was enough money for them to at least stay in a motel for a couple of days, just until he could find a job stable enough to go somewhere else. He hid all his bags in his closet and went to bed.

He tried to close his eyes but he could barely fall asleep. Was this really it? Was he really going to do this? He turned around on his bed for a long time before he could finally fall asleep, determined to do whatever it was he needed to do to get his sister the life she deserved.

The next morning he followed his usual routine, woke up, made his bed, made breakfast, woke Maya up, dressed her and he did her hair as well. Maya was bouncing off the walls with excitement for what was to come.

I am so excited for our trip Carlos! - she said loudly

Maya, be quiet. Remember that this is our little secret, okay? - Carlos brushed her hair into a ponytail. Maya nodded and shushed him as she giggled. Carlos finished tying her hair up - Do you have everything you need?

Yes! I am taking Mr Bear with me - Maya said as she held her teddy bear tightly and smiled

Great, let's go.

Carlos smiled softly and took his sister's hand, as he walked out of her room he looked around, taking in all the memories they had made in that room, he did the same as they walked around the house. All the memories involved their mother, how she sang as she cooked, how she sat on the couch to knit and watch telenovelas, but most of all how she was always there when they needed her. Carlos felt a great sadness in his heart as he realized everything he remembered that made him happy was long gone. But he felt reassured that all that he could do now was create new memories, and be there for his sister in the same way his mother had been for him.

He grabbed al his bags and helped Maya put her backpack on, He reached for the doorknob

Good morning - Alonso walked into the dinning room through the hall, he had a raspy tone as he had just woken up, he was still in his pajamas

Carlos felt his heart stop, he turned to his father trying to hide his nervousness

Hey, good morning - he replied as he kicked the bags behind him. Alonso looked around the kitchen and then at Carlos.

I see there's no breakfast today. Guess i'll have to make some myself

Yeah, sorry, we ran out of eggs - Carlos chuckled nervously as he held Maya's hand

So, you two are leaving already? - Alonso said as he looked at the both of them

Yes! Carlos and I are going on a trip! - Maya spoke excitedly, and just as those words left her mouth Carlos' eyes widened, he turned rapidly towards his father

A trip to school! you know Maya, she gets excited about learning! - Carlos felt his hands start to sweat, his heart beating faster as every second passed.

What? no i do - Maya couldn't even finish her sentence before Carlos covered her mouth, she mumbled a "hey!" and tried to get his hand of her face