Miss Bala

Chapter 23: Some Strange Eruption

We walked outside to see a black van pulling up the driveway. Jóse was the first to get out and I noticed his face, he looked like he had gotten into a fight. A really bad one. Me or Gemma didn't move as he walked past us in the house. Some of the other guys were right behind him, but they didn't look the same as Jóse did. Carlos was missing. Finally, I seen Lino get out the vehicle. His face had a few minor bruises and a small gash on his cheek. A little less damage then Jóse. Lino started walking towards the side of the house, the only one who didn't go through the front door. I was about to follow after him but Gemma stopped me by grabbing ahold of my wrist.

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The next morning, I found Lino sitting at the kitchen table. Everyone else was probably still sleeping. We've all been staying at Gemma's house since Zoebelle came into town. Her house is the only one big enough to fit everybody.

I set down the manuscript he gave me, the one his father wrote.

"I finished it."

"What do you want me to say?" He looked at me. Seeing his face in daylight, a bruise was in the corner of his right eye, along with his knuckles. He had butterfly stitch bandages on his cut.

"You said you wanna change things. But you keep repeating the same thing. You can't have it both ways, Lino."

"Look, change won't happen quick, or without blood... but it'll happen. It has to."

Someone was loud walking down the stairs. It was Poyo.

"We gotta go, bro." He told Lino, putting on a jacket.

Lino got up from his chair, "I'll see you later."

I nodded, not looking at him. He sighed and walked away.

I waited for the front door to close then I got up, getting myself some water.

"Morning." Gemma showed up right next to me.

"You talk to him?"

" a little, he's been kinda distant." I told her. All we knew right now was that Lino and Jóse fought while in jail.

"Sorry, Gemma." This had to be the first time things had spun out of control for everyone.

"Well," she changed her mood, "at least I have a grandson on the way."

She put her hand to my stomach til I stepped back, away from her touch.

"What?" She looked at me confusedly

I shook my head and walked to the table, sitting down.

"I don't think Lino is gonna be too happy about a baby."

"What the hell are you talking about?" It was her turn to take a seat at the table.

"Look at everything that's happening, Gemma. Ever since the car explosion, it's like he's been trying to push me away.." I looked down at my hands in my lap.

"He blames himself for everything that has gone wrong. He can't handle the thought that something bad might happen to you, too. He's lost, sweetheart. You have to be the constant.. ride it out."

"I'm not as strong as you."

"He wouldn't be doing this if he knew you were pregnant."

I stood up, "he can't know. What happens with this baby is my decision. I'm serious, Gemma. No one can know."

She thought about it, "secret babies are a bad idea."