Cholo

(2) Dos

I stood there in the midst of the swelling crowd. The sun beating mercilessly onto my head and I could feel the sweat trickling down my back. The straps of my backpack ate into my shoulders, while my purse cut into my wrist - a friendly reminder always pack light, puta [whore]. I attempted to cool off by fanning myself - epic fail might I add. Sure, I felt a slight breeze but it left my wrists aching.

Every ten minutes the intercom would announce the arrivals and departures, often shouting them over the loud voices of the travelers. I settled on a green bench near the arrivals. An old woman with graying hair and bushy eyebrows sat next to me. She turned and smiled warmly.

"Buenos Dias [good morning]." She greeted croakily.

I nodded my head in acknowledgments.

She attempted to start a conversation but gave up after my monosyllable answers. She shook her head mumbled about our generation in Spanish as she got up and left. I sighed in content.

"Welcome to Freeridge, María," I mumbled under my breath as I allowed my aching body to relax and eyes to flutter shut.

It was only a matter of minutes and my tranquil state was cut short by someone honking repeatedly. It wasn't until I heard a familiar voice. "Mi sirenita [my little mermaid]!"

I shot up from the bench, smiling at my father's antics. I love how he always chooses to be flamboyant than normal; any normal parent would've called - but not my papi.

"Venga [come on], Mia!" His thick Spanish accent slurred my name. The feeling of belonging nestled itself in my stomach. I shook my head. As quickly as I can make my way towards his car. He quickly left the vehicle and made his way towards me. His arms engulfed me to the point of suffocating.

"No puedo respirar [can't breathe]!" I managed to choke out.

His stomach rumbled as he chortled. I dramatically rubbed my throat. He rolled his eyes. "Drama queen." Nudging my shoulder as he grabbed onto my heavy luggage and heaved it into the trunk.

"For a Viejo [old man], you're surprisingly strong." I flexed out my muscle-less arm, as I joked about his age.

"¡Cállate ya!  [oh shut up]." I laughed and got into the car. My dad soon following.

"Welcome home, mi  sirenita. [my little mermaid]. "

"Gracias Papá [thank you, dad]."

As the engine rumbled to life and we drove through the heat. I averted my gaze to the passing houses. The neighborhood did not change one bit. My smile slowly turned into a frown at the thought of Caesar getting jumped in. I did not like it one bit. And the pendejo [asshole] broke his promise.

Protect his brother, my ass.

-     C     H     O     L     O    -

I flopped onto my bed after a heavy meal. God, I missed my bed. I buried myself in the yellow covers and hugged my pillow. Suddenly, feeling tired. My eyes drooped shut, only to open again at the buzzing of my phone.

I patted the bed until I grasped the cool surface of my phone. Titling the screen upwards and praying that the brightness is on low- nope it's not and I'm blind! I narrowed my eyes as I read the text.