Te Quiero

ONCE

I always thought mom had gotten over dad's death with the way she related with everyone but, I didn't know that behind those smiles was a hurting heart. Already thinking of what would happen when she's out of that sick bed. She was such a strong woman that I respected so much. My dad was my hero but my mom was my role model.

I reached for her hand and squeezed it. "Mum, I'm sorry you have to go through all these..."

"No Teresa, I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. Don't put this on yourself." I said then, she replied. "I would fix everything. Helen got another job for me. She said they pay well and they have a lot of maids so it won't be so tedious. We spoke on the phone..."

"Mum." I said with pain. Why will a woman who just got discharged start working like a machine? That would make it two jobs now. I bet life continues, yeah?

Damn it! The fact that mom had to go through all these was the sole reason why I would find that killer and make that person pay.

"I understand what you're saying but I must find that murderer. I know you think it's not worth it but it means a whole lot to me. About my fees, I could find something to do and get it but right now mum, I need to find that killer and pour out this anger. If not, I won't forgive myself. I won't so help me please."

I was pleading with her.

"If you kill this person, wouldn't you go to jail?" She asked then added. "And leave us. Just like your dad did. What's your aim Tes?"

I chuckled. "I'm putting the law into my hands. Don't worry, I wouldn't go to jail. So back to my questions, was dad a drug lord? Who is El Casirk? How about Demorte? Even if dad wasn't a drug lord, why did he tell me to ask you what was bothering him that morning he died? He said you would tell me and...I've thought about everything. That bullet would have hit any other person but that bullet was for dad. It was a clean headshot. So, I don't think it was accidental anymore."

She looked away and I tightened my grip on her.

"I understand that you don't want to bore me with all of these but I need to understand mom. This would greatly help me in tracking dad's killer."

She looked back at me and I added. "I don't care if you don't want to burden me but please, I need you to put this burden on me. Did dad do anything wrong? Shit. The questions keep coming in. Just tell me mom."

Finally, she opened her mouth to speak. "Your dad was a good man..."she paused and continued. "But...he had the wrong people around him...I warned him not to give Mr Charlie that car...but he wouldn't listen."

She took a long pause trying to stop the tears from escaping her eyes. I heaved in pain.

"He didn't deserve to die. He did nothing wrong. He just had bad company. Look, El and Demorte are rivals who can do anything to kill themselves. Your dad got himself into their mess by the help of that Mr Charlie. That car was meant to raise money for Mr Charlie who was owing one of the drug lords. I'm not sure of which one. I don't know what Mr Charlie wanted to use the money for but, he told your dad he was going to give him profit out of whatever amount he would sell the car. Your dad was happy cause he had no job with no money so who in his shoes wouldn't want that kind of deal." She stopped and then continued.

"But your dad got another job and wasn't interested in selling the car anymore because we needed the car. Selling it was just to raise money for us to feed which was unnecessary when he got a job. In my opinion, I told him to just sell the car since the car was already entangled in those dangerous men's business but he never listened. He was like he'd discuss with Mr Charlie to give us back the car, you'd drive the car back home while he'd go for the job."

She took a minute break which seemed like an hour then continued.

"I kept saying it's not necessary but he wouldn't listen. Then that afternoon, I heard he was killed."

"Why?" I asked.

"I do not know Teresa. I've been wondering but I don't know why they killed him. I'm sure it's because he put himself in their mess."

"Did Mr Charlie kill him because he didn't want to sell the car ? Why was Mr Charlie owing one of the drug lords? Why didn't he use his money? Why did he have to involve dad?"

My mom heaved and continued. "He didn't know that your dad wasn't going to sell the car anymore. Your dad was meant to explain everything to him when you guys had gotten there."

"Then why did they kill dad?!" I rose my voice cause I wasn't seeing the point.

"I don't know. That's how all these people in dirty businesses are. I guess it's because he knew too much about them."

"I need to meet that bastard, Mr Charlie."

"That's too risky. I would see him myself."

"Mom. Dylan knows El. I saw a picture of El on his table but I'm not sure of what relationship he has with El. I can get some information from him." This time, I was sure it was El.

"Be careful Teresa. Your dad just died for no reason so you have to be cautious so same won't happen..."

"Don't worry mum. I would get these answers." I said and added. "El's daughter is in the same hospital we're in. She was shot. I could use her to get more info..."

"How did you know?" My mom was shocked.

"I overheard the cops. I'd just get her room number and dang, I'm the silent masterpiece in all these chaos. It's simple."

My mum's eyes widened in surprise and I winked at her.

Yooo! I hope you guys are enjoying the story. Gosh, I have so much in store for this story. Share with your friends and family. Oh well, don't forget to comment and click the star. Love ya!