La Mujer de Lalo (Lalo's Woman)

The O.D.

A day beofre his date, Lalo met with his dear Tío Hector and discussed the Tuco situation. He knew for sure that his Tío would support Tuco's decision. But to his surprise, his uncle was unable to decide. He guessed, being in that phase of life, not knowing when it'll all end made his uncle rethink every choice. The old Hector would've flung the girl into a lake and be done with it.

Hector was angered by the news his favorite nephew had brought him. He knew that it was too late to do anything. He had been asking all his 4 nephews to take up their wives and start a family. But none of these cabróns listened to him in this matter. Unwanted expenses. Extra stress. They gave all sort of lame excuses. Right now, sitting in his wheelchair, Hector regretted not being more stern with the buys at the right time. He had always assumed that they'd come to the right road. And therefore didn't bother much.

He looked up at Lalo. How much his facial expressions reminded Hector of his sister. He missed her so much. All the love He had for her, he poured into Lalo and groomed him to be his heir, to take over the Salamanca family business one day. He doubted if he would ever settle down with a woman. Women didn't mean much to Lalo, as he never got to be around one much.

But this cabrón Tuco. He should've known better. After all, he did grow up with a sister, who was now married and settled in Guadalajara with her husband and 2 boys. She was the only Salamanca member who had married. He would've never allowed Tuco to take as his wife, simple peasants such as this Andrea Álvarez. But right now, his thoughts were all into one thing. Continuing the Salamanca dynasty.

Hector asked Lalo to come and meet him after 2 days. Said he'd have an answer by then. They also discussed business matters concerning a certain chicken man. Before leaving, Lalo gave his Tío a present, a bell, and he could see the old man jump with glee inside.

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After coming home from her date. Ana was restless. She lay down on the bed but couldn't sleep. She tried rolling left and right, hugged her pillow, kicked it away, then hugged it again. Ugh. She could only see Lalo's face. His smile. His eyes. She swore she could smell his musky perfume on herself. And that peck on his cheeks at the end, she knew she caught him off guard. Hell she caught herself off guard. She didn't know what had taken over her that prompted her to kiss him. But whatever it was, she hoped it would help her break her barrier and be more open with him.

The next evening, she returned home from work and knocked on the door. No answer. She was sure that Andrea was supposed to be home. She twisted the door knob and their door opened. How careless could she be. She went and placed her things on the counter and turned towards the kitchen and froze at the sight she saw.

Andrea lay on the floor, bleeding from her nose and gurgling, struggling to breath.

"Ey pandejo (Idiot), what have you done?" Ana screamed as she kneeled beside her friend and started to shake her.

"Andrea, hey, Andy wake up. Look at me honey."

No response. She started becoming pale and her breathing became shallow.

Ana ran to the counter and took out her phone and dialed Nacho. He'd know what to do. Nacho cut off her call.

"Shit."

Dial again. Switch off.

"Ay dios mío."

Ana was helpless. Without hesitation, she called Lalo, hoping at least he'd pick up. His lime rang for a long time and just as it was about to drop, he picked up.

"Qué sorpresa, Chiquita" (what a surprise girl) came his voice. She could vividly imagine him smiling on the other end of the line.

"Lalo, come home quickly. I need you here. It's Andy, she's bleeding and is unconscious. Please help me, please." She was begging him.