The Tax Collector (GirlxIntersex) Book 1

Chapter 17

Chapter 17
Lucia POV

I couldn't take my eyes off the television. I used to watch television as a child, but it has been a long time since then. I couldn't quite understand what I was viewing; it appeared to be a movie.

By the window, I could see that darkness had descended. Valentino has yet to walk through the door. She did say she would be late. Nevertheless, I found myself caring about her. I understand I shouldn't. But I was concerned about Martinez because when issues arise, he tends to vent his anger on me. But I always cared for him.

I must now accept that he is no longer alive, which is probably best for the time being.

Maybe, It won't be long till I pray for his resurrection. In America, things can go extremely wrong or rather well.

"I'm sorry for asking, but where did you get those scars?" Garcia inquired, as she offered me a dish of food. My stomach has never been this full. My eating routine was shady, much like my life. I'd eat crumbs and scraps for breakfast. I'd be too busy for lunch, and then I'd again eat crumbs and scraps for supper. "Was anyone hitting on you?" She kept sniffing about.

I nodded to answer her.


"Thanks." I muttered as I looked at the platter of rice and chicken. This was too much food.

However, I also didn't want to throw away her meal. I began to worry about how I would eat this off without angering Valentino. She had told me to eat.

"Who was?"

"My boyfriend," I had Martinez as my boyfriend, no matter what.

"That's really horrible."

"It isn't that horrible. I suppose I deserve it."

She looked at my scars with pity. "It is abuse, and nobody deserves it."

I shrugged; it wouldn't be long until Valentino began hitting me, either for her personal delight or because I had done something wrong. I was already doing something wrong since I do not think I could finish the meal. I don't know where to start.

It didn't take long for Garcia to realize that I hadn't even touched the fork before asking, "Aren't you going to eat? Is there something wrong?

"No,"

"You should eat."

I swallowed my own spit. I couldn't finish another dish of food. I would say she feeds me every hour, which is something I was not used to.

I sprang as I heard the door open.


"It is Val."

I know it was her. My gaze shifted to the untouched food. My vision clouded. I could not eat it. And she was going to be angry. My heart sank as I heard her voice approach closer. I hurriedly wipe away my tears with the back of my hand.

"It took you long enough to arrive." Garcia grumbled, "I almost missed my shot at that party."

"You party every night; it won't harm to skip one."

"No, not this one."

I could see her from where I was sitting on the floor. She had numerous shopping bags and threw them all on the kitchen counter in an instant. I quickly turned my attention back to the untouched dinner. My heart felt like it was going to burst the longer I gazed at it.

I had largely ignored them since I was too preoccupied with hoping for a way to make my food vanish without having to make a mess all over the toilet.
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Valentino POV

My gaze finally shifted over to Lucia, who was sitting on the floor. Her eyes are drawn to the platter of food, but she does not touch it. She seems out of touch with reality.

"Hmm, I thought she was eating?" Garcia murmured.

"Has she eaten a lot today?" I began packing the food into the cupboard. Garcia quickly offered me a helpful hand.

"She did, I'll say this. She is broken. Like, glass broken. Like, record broken. Very broken." She stressed. I nodded. She was telling me something I already knew the moment I met Lucia.

"But she is lovely." She's simply there all day, cleaning, eating, and watching television. I'll admit, you really know how to snag the naïve, obedient gals."

"I didn't get her to take advantage of her."

Why do people believe I wanted something sexual or profound with her? Do I? No, I do not think so. Her attitude toward sex and other things was off. I want her to feel really comfortable. I stared back at her. I gave a ghostly smile with my lips.

I think about her all day. I felt at ease staring at her in my T-shirt.

I took out a few old cereals and replaced them with fresh ones. "What amount do I have for you?"

"I thought I was paid by the week?"

"Would you like it by the week?" Tomorrow would be Sunday, which meant no work. It's the first, I was thrilled to remain at home and perhaps learn a little bit more about her. I am aware that within the upcoming week, I will have to work hard to ensure she has a few documents under a false identity.

I have a lot to talk with her. I also want her to accomplish things on her own, such as attend college, obtain a job, go out and make friends. I didn't want her to stay inside.

However, due to the difficulty in obtaining documents and the length of the procedure, I estimate she will have roughly 6 months before truly leaving the nest.

"I'll take it now and have my hair done."

I gazed at her hair. "Your hair's fine."

"It's not; it needs a trim, and—Oh my God, I can take her to get her hair done."

I instantly rejected down the offer. I couldn't have her wandering about without any paperwork. She's essentially an alien.

"After I sort things out for her, you may take her out." I responded, handing her a few hundred bucks. She folded it up and slipped it inside her bosom. "Do you always need to cram it in there?"

"I did not pack a bag or have a pocket." She offered me a short embrace. "I've had to go; I'm losing out on the party."

"Aren't you gonna—" but she was already through the door. I grinned, as it was only Lucia and myself. I walked over to where she was. I descended to her level. I stroked her shoulders gently so as not to frighten her, yet it did.
I swiftly retracted my hand. "Are you OK?"

"Yes,"

I could see she wasn't okay since her head was bowed and her gaze was drawn to the untouched food.

"Don't you want it?"

"I am not really hungry. I can't eat everything. But I'll try not to waste it."

I grinned. I picked up the plate from the floor. "Come on, let's eat this together."

"Really?" she wondered.

"Of sure, so that it does not go to waste."

"You aren't mad?"

"No, it's just food, and you have a little stomach, so I realize not much can fit in it."

The girl remained quiet. I set the platter down and pulled her chair out. She took a seat. I pull my chair near hers. I take a fork from the drawer and then sit down with her.