As Angel finishes a longer-term prison sentence, she meets a world that has changed without her. While she is adjusting to the all of these new changes around her, she finds herself in a world wind of love, violence and tragedy. This is 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐢�...
The next morning, Angel was in the kitchen, pouring herself a cup of coffee. The morning light filtered through the blinds, casting a warm glow over the room. Becky shuffled in a few moments later, her steps hesitant as she sat down at the table.
"Mawnin'," Angel greeted, her voice carrying a hint of the Patois she grew up with.
"Mawnin'," Becky replied quietly, her eyes avoiding Angel's. She looked like she hadn't slept much, dark circles under her eyes telling the story of a restless night.
As Angel handed Becky a cup of coffee, she couldn't help but ask, "Becky, why yuh neva come to Veronica sooner? Yuh know she woulda help yuh."
Becky stared into her coffee, the steam rising between them. "I...I was too ashamed," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mi situation... I didn't want anyone to see me like that, you know? I felt like a fuckin' mess."
Angel's heart ached for her friend. She knew that feeling all too well—the shame, the fear of being judged. "Becky, yuh nuh need fi feel shame, yuh hear mi? We all go through shit, and Veronica, she wouldn't care about dat. She'd just want fi help yuh."
Becky looked up, tears welling in her eyes. "Mi know that now. But at the time, it felt like I was too far gone, like there was no way out."
Angel reached across the table, squeezing Becky's hand. "Yuh not alone anymore, Becky. We gon' figure dis out together, alright? Nuh more runnin'."
Becky nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Thanks, Angel. I'm so fuckin' glad you're here."
Before Angel could respond, Veronica and Vinny walked into the kitchen, the atmosphere lightening just a bit. Veronica looked between the two women, sensing the heaviness in the air but choosing not to comment on it. Instead, she offered them both a reassuring smile.
"Morning, ladies. How'd you sleep?" Veronica asked as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
"Better than I have in a long time," Angel replied, her grip still firm on Becky's hand. "Thanks again for lettin' us stay, V. Mi mean it."
"Of course," Veronica said, her voice warm. "We're all in this together."
Vinny nodded, placing a hand on Veronica's shoulder. "You both stay as long as you need. No rush."
Becky wiped her eyes and forced a small smile. "Thank you, both of you. I...I don't know what I would've done if Angel hadn't brought me here."
"Yuh safe now, Becky," Angel said softly, giving her hand one last squeeze before letting go. "We'll make sure of dat." __________________________
As they sat together, the tension in the room began to ease. Becky, however, still looked like she had something on her mind, something she was hesitant to bring up.
"Becky, yuh alright?" Angel asked, noticing her friend's uneasy expression.
Becky took a deep breath, glancing between Angel, Veronica, and Vinny. "There's...there's something else I should tell you."
Angel raised an eyebrow, feeling a knot form in her stomach. "What is it?"
Becky hesitated, her fingers trembling slightly as she clutched her coffee mug. "I know someone. Someone who might be able to help yuh, Angel...with Santos."
The room fell silent, Veronica and Vinny both turning their attention to Becky. Angel's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Santos. "What yuh mean, Becky?"
"There's this guy," Becky began, her voice low. "He's not exactly, you know, a saint or anything. But he's got connections, real ones. He's helped me out of a few bad situations before, and I think he could help you too."
Angel narrowed her eyes, trying to read between the lines. "What kinda connections?"
Becky swallowed hard. "He's got ties to people who don't fuck around, Angel. They're not like Santos' gang—these guys operate on a different level. They could help protect your family, get you out from under Santos' thumb."
Veronica frowned, leaning forward. "Is this guy dangerous?"
Becky shook her head quickly. "Not to us. He's helped me before, and he didn't ask for much in return. He's got a reputation, but he's fair...as long as you don't cross him."
Angel considered this, her mind racing. She had tried to distance herself from dangerous people after everything that had happened, but Santos was a threat she couldn't handle alone. If there was a way to protect her family, she had to at least consider it.
"What's his name?" Angel finally asked, her voice steady.
"His name's Carlos," Becky replied. "He's not someone you just walk up to, though. I can reach out to him for you, see if he's willing to help. But you gotta be sure, Angel. Once you're in, there's no going back."
Angel took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on her. "Mi need to protect mi family, Becky. If this Carlos can help, then...then mi willing to take di risk."
Becky nodded, determination in her eyes. "Alright. I'll talk to him. But just remember, Angel—this is serious. Carlos doesn't play games."
Angel met Becky's gaze, her resolve hardening. "Neither do I."
Veronica placed a hand on Angel's shoulder. "Whatever you decide, we're with you, Angel. You're not facing this alone."
Vinny nodded in agreement. "We've got your back, no matter what."
Angel managed a small, grateful smile. The path ahead was dangerous, but she wasn't walking it alone. And with Becky's contact, she might just have a fighting chance to protect the people she loved.
