OFF THE RECORD (First Person)

33. This Feels Like The End

December 2014/January 2015

Memo

As soon as the clock marked twelve, I held Erica by her waist, pulling her close to me, to kiss her. She smiled on my lips, trying to sneak a grape in her mouth. I winked at her, to do the same, stuffing the twelve grapes in my mouth, one after each new coming month, and each followed by a wish.

Being at her side forever was my last wish, before asking for a stress-free uneventful wedding.

I went around the room, to then embrace Jose, Joshua, Letty and Regina.

We had had a fancy dinner made by Letty in Jose's apartment. She wanted to meet her boyfriend's friends, and what better way to do it than on New Year's Day, followed by steaks and drinks.

Maybe it was because we had all hanged out before, or because she was wearing a shimmering gold dress while the rest of us dressed more comfortably, but Letty stood out as a sore thumb.

She was elegant, poised, and she had a schedule for everything. Now, it was time for pictures, and I would rather be anywhere else. The night had been bearable if only thanks to Erica. Still, I cooperated, not trying to act rude.

I turned to see Regina, who was loosening up after a few drinks, but her uncomfortable expression didn't leave her face since she entered the front door. I would enlist Erica to talk to our friend, see what was bothering her. Maybe she was going to some trouble with her family. There was always something going on with the Gonzalez, either be because of her sisters or her family's business.

"What are we doing now, Letty?" Asked her Joshua, right after blowing on a loud party favor.

"We must do some karaoke. The worst out of tune, the better." She clapped her hands together, walking to the living room, looking for a pair of microphones.

I sighed. It wasn't that late, but I wanted to head back home. I was tired from work.

I followed Erica, sitting next to her.

"We should bounce out of here." I whispered in her ear. She turned to face me with her lips pursed, to then give me a peck on my cheek. She nodded.

She stood up, excusing herself to Jose. She did actually have to work early in the morning, and I was her ride, so it worked out.

"Where was Reggie?" I asked Erica as we walked to the elevator.

"She left when we were taking pictures. She told me goodbye, but she seemed like she didn't want anyone else to notice her leaving."

I shrugged. I could have given her a ride back home, since she was drinking, but I didn't blame her. The atmosphere was pretty frigid in there.

As we reached my truck, my phone started ringing. My eyes opened widely.

"Memo, something happened. Can y'all come? I'm a few streets away. Almost between Water and People street." Regina's voice cracked.

"Are you okay?" My worried tone made Erica stop.

"I—I don't know. I think I killed someone." Blurted Regina.

"Don't move. We're on our way." I ordered her.

I didn't have time to explain. Erica followed me without question.

By the time we arrived, a cop patrol was already parked by the stop sign, a hundred feet away from Regina's white mustang.

I ordered Erica to wait for me inside the truck. I ran to the officers as I recognized them. "What is going on? Glover? Perez?"

"Leon, you are off duty. Why are you here?" Asked me the older officer, Perez.