The Tax Collector (GirlxIntersex) Book 1

Chapter 39

Chapter 37/final
Lucia POV
1 week later

Staying with Garcia for just one day was awful. Garcia wasn't exactly the issue, but her aunts were. They despised me and made certain to shove it right in my face. Well, not directly, but indirectly direct.

It does not make sense! They did ridiculous things like claiming to have forgotten my plate of food at the dinner table and saying even sillier things like "We hope Deja and Val have a kid" or "We hope they marry."

I know they say these things at ear length, and I have no option but to listen to them. I hate to say it, but I can't wait to be back at Valentino's place. I hate to admit it, but I felt secure, warm, and welcomed.

I also felt awful for harboring resentment toward her family, or at least part of them. What kind of person did I have to be to detest them?

I looked down at the phone as I stuffed the final piece of clothing into the bag. I didn't fold them correctly since I was so pleased Valentino was about to pick me up. I know I couldn't have her, but our one-week separation demonstrates how much I like being around her.

She has not phoned or texted, which I understand. She was with her; I doubt she remembers me, up until now that was.

"Lucia?" Garcia whispered, her phone to her ears, a pallid expression on her face.

"Yeah?"

"Val's mother wants to talk to you." She handed me the telephone.
I accept the phone call, perplexed as to why Valentino's mother would want to speak with me.

"Hi, Mrs. Rodriguez..." I greeted the woman on the other end.

"Hello." She snapped. "Val is terrified to tell you the truth, so I will." She said.

I nodded. I didn't aware she couldn't see me, but I imagined she sensed my nod as she continued to speak.

"She doesn't want you back at the apartment with her anymore."

"What?" I didn't understand what she was saying. It was as if I did not comprehend English or any other language. I couldn't understand what she had said, or perhaps it was astonishment.
And the shock kept me from accepting what she said. "Could you repeat?" I quietly inquired.

Perhaps this time my brain will register what she said. Maybe I can take it with an iron heart that Val essentially threw me out but was too afraid to face me about it, so she let her mother do the dirty job.

"I want you out of her house. Garcia will drop you off someplace."

"But I don't know where. I don't have anywhere?" I explained, hoping the woman would sympathize with me. But her chilly attitude told me everything I needed to know: I had been betrayed again.
**************
I looked out the window at the massive crowds that lined the street. I couldn't cry. I wanted to. I guess I could have seen this coming a long way, though, because I didn't quite get through my trust barriers.

"I'm so sorry, Lucia." Garcia apologized for the tenth time. I counted it. I was using it to avoid perceiving her as the evil guy.

"It's okay, Garcia." I whispered. "But did they have to take my phone?"

"They claim Val wants it back, so you'll have no way of reaching her."
"I would not have called her." Although I did send a few texts and consider calling during the week, I kept telling myself that the end of the week would arrive, only to be met with disappointment.

"There is a—."

"You can leave me here." I whispered.

"I was thinking I could leave you in a shelter."

I shake my head. "This is fine. And I don't want to be a hassle." I opened the car door despite the fact that the engine was still running. This, however, led her to stop the automobile on the sidewalk, nearly knocking down a few people.

"Lucia, if I had my own apartment, I would have allowed you to remain with me."

"It is okay."
She spreads her hand in the back seat and takes up her handbag. She swiftly fished through it and pulled out a small purse.

"What're you doing?"

She sighed, and I saw tears in her eyes. "I feel so awful and useless." They wanted you out, so I tried—"

"It is fine. I am fine. I'll figure it out." I hurried. "Bye." I was ready to go out, when she grabbed me.

"What?!" I clinched my teeth and fought to fight back tears.

"This is a couple hundred; it will last you a few days. I'll attempt to look for you.

"Don't...I might be back where I came from."

"Mexico?" she questioned.

I nodded. I wasn't sure how I was going to get there, but I'll find something out. She took my hand and shoved the money in it. "Be careful." She leaned over and pulled me into a hug, but I remained still. As soon as she pulled away, I got out of the car. I was at a loss for what to do. However, I am aware that it was not something I wanted to witness—the car driving off.