𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧 • 𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐨 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳

Cuidado

The present:

It was hot in Cali today. Everyone was barely out due to the heat. Stores were open on the block, you can hear kids laughing as they played with the fire hydrant. Business was slower than usual. I was dripping in sweat, the only fan was pointing at me as i cut the meat, but it only blew hot air. I wiped my sweat with my arm and took someones order. I wrapped it up and gave it to the women.

"Gracias." I told her. She gave me the money and smiled as she walked away. I leaned against the counter top and saw two couples fighting.

Flashback: i was making my way to the shop. I had my earphones on listening to some Romeo Santos. I felt a hand on my arm and I grabbed it, pinning its arm against its back. I took off my earphones.

"Marisol." I groaned. I didnt let go. It was Roberto. I hated the man with all mi alma. Only if I can just eliminate the problem Coco told me.

"Stay the hell away me." I walked away. Roberto got on the ground and grabbed my ankle. I tried to shake him off. I was in front of the store now. "Let me go!"

"Please Marisol! I want you back." He started to cry. "Im sorry what I did, I promise you, i will never do it again."

"Of course you wont, you know why?" I asked him. He shook his head no. "Because we're not gonna be together anymore. You are nothing but a rapist, coward, and an addict."

"I stop using coke!" I kicked him off my leg and walked onto the street. He followed me again and grabbed my arm. "Please. Give me one more chance!"

"Estas loco!? Im never going to be with you! I hate you so much that when i see you or even hear your name, i want to vomit! I hate you with a passion!"

"Mari-" I slapped him across the face. He looked back at me. He raised his fist and i was about to do the same until my dad came in. He wack Roberto with a broom.

"If you lay one finger on mi mija, im going to hurt everything and everyone you love. I should kill you right now, but i gave dios my word, and i will break it if i see you again." My dad grabbed my hand and pushed me behind him. "I will haunt you to the end of the earth, day and night. I will kill you." He swung one more time at Roberto and he ran away. He took me to the shop and hugged me. "Estas bien?" I shook my head no.

"Why can it stop!?" I cried out.

I snapped out of my thoughts and wiped my sweaty forehead. My father came back from the backroom. I smiled at him. He turned the sign to close.

"Get cleaned up, I can do this." I kissed his cheek. I took off my apron and went to the bathroom. I turned on the cold water and splashed it all over my face. I looked at myself. The past two years Ive changed. I got two more tattoos, one mayan symbol on my arm, and a cross on my hand.

"Its done." I heard talking in the shop. I dried my face and i walked out.

"Ezekiel's here." My face lit up. I ran outside and hugged him.

"God i missed you!" I said as I let go.

"Me too." I hit Ezekiel's arm. "Ow! What was that for!"

"You never texted me! You never called! I was worried sick!" I sighed. "Now i know you're safe." Ez got on his bike.

"Sorry." then Angel pulls up. I walked up to him and hit him.

"Fuck was that for?!"

"No call, no text!" I across my arms. "Im not playing guys. I don't want this to happen again." Angel gave me a hug.

"Its okay hermanita, we're the Reyes."

"Exactly." I backed away.

"Called Coco yet? Bet he's gonna get it." Angel asked. Ez rolled his eyes.

"Come on man."

"First, ew. Second, he's coming later after work." They both sighed. "Another run?" They nodded. "Well, i gotta hurry before Coco gets yelled by Bishop." I kissed them on the cheek.

"Time to go, Prospect." Angel started up his bike. "We'll text you when we get to Vegas." I gave them a small smile. "I got him, Marisol."

"Be careful." I said as they drove off. My dad came on front with car and we drove home. I saw Coco waiting outside, leaning against his bike. "Ill be there." I told my dad. I ran up to Coco and gave him a big kiss.

"I'm gonna miss those lips." He whispers to me.

"Its only a couple of hours." I told him as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"But i miss you."

"Stop being cocky Cruz." I smiled. Then I remembered. I let go and pouted.

"I know! I know! But sometimes i cant text you.
Galindo is on our asses 24/7. But before you get mad, ill send you a text when I leave and when I make it." He pulled me back to his arms. "You cant stay mad at me forever."

"I know." I held his hand. "Please Be careful. Keep a eye on my brothers."

"Angel doesn't need to be watched, Boy Scout does."

"Boy scout has a name, its Ezekiel. Be nice. I know he's a prospect, but he's my brother." 

"Whatever makes you happy." I gave him a quick kiss.

"Be careful thats all im asking." I gave him the father, the son, and the holy spirit. He kiss my hand.

"You're always by me, amor." He pulls out a picture of me from his vest. He kissed it. "You're close to my heart."

"Go before Bishop get mad." He smirks and gets on his bike. "Bye amor."

"Bye." We rolled out. I saw him drive away and i went inside the house. I spent my night painting a surprise for Coco, preparing dinner, and wash some clothes. I dried my hands off.

"Good night mami." I kissed my hand and placed it on my moms vase. I walked away. I saw my dad passed out on the couch. I grabbed a blanket and covered him. I turned off the tv and lights and headed upstairs to my room. I laid down and began to fall asleep.

RING!

I woke up at 3 in the morning from a text from
Angel.

Angel: We got ambushed, but we're okay. Heading back tonight, see you in the morning.

I covered my mouth with my hand. Then Ezekiel texted me.

Ez: We're okay. Everyone is fine. See you in a few.

Then i got worried. Coco never texted me. I got out bed and paced around my room. I fucking knew that this run with Galindo is bad news. Minutes passed then a ding pop up.

Coco: Im okay. Dont worry. Got some scratches and burns, but im okay amor.