8 Years Later

Chapter 11

After Maria's party, Usnavi was about to go home, but something stopped him.

He didn't really know why, but he had a gut feeling he shouldn't go home yet.

Usnavi went to the bodega.

He started to restock the shelves, it made less work to be done tomorrow morning.

A few minutes had past when the front door swung open.

"Sorry. We're actually closed right now-"

"Usnavi help me!"

Usnavi turned around. It was Maria. She was breathing heavily and she looked terrified.

"Woah Maria." Usnavi said. "What happened?"

"You need to save mommy!" She said grabbing his hand and pulling him outside.

Vanessa was laying on the ground unconscious a little ways up the sidewalk.

"Holy shit!" Usnavi breathed out before sprinting towards her

Usnavi kneeled down by her. "Vanessa wake up." He said shaking her gently.

Vanessa didn't respond.

"Um...okay." Usnavi said trying to think of a plan.

He scooped her up bridal style.

"Maria, can you do me a super huge favor?" Usnavi asked

She nodded.

"Can you carry these bags and follow me?" He asked referring to the bags Vanessa had dropped.

Maria nodded. "Uh huh."

Vanessa woke up in the morning with an excruciating headache.

She blinked, looking around. She heard music and laughing coming from the next room.

Vanessa got up and walked out of the room.

Usnavi was holding Maria and they were dancing in the kitchen.

Maria was laughing hysterically. Usnavi looked up and seen Vanessa. He smiled.

"You're awake."

Maria looked at her. "Mommy!" She said jumping out of Usnavi's arms and running to her.

Vanessa hugged her back. "Maria honey, why don't you go in the bedroom and play?"

Maria nodded. "Okay mommy!" She said then skipped into the room

Vanessa sat down at the counter.

"I made breakfast." Usnavi said handing her a plate of pancakes.

"They uh...were requested by Maria."

Vanessa smiled a little. "Thank you Usnavi." She said. "For everything."

"Its no problem." Usnavi said

"Thank you for letting us stay here for the night." Vanessa said quietly.
She paused. "Oscar kicked us out."

Usnavi looked at her. "Oh...I'm sorry."

"I'm not." Vanessa said. "He's finally out of mine and Maria's lives. I honestly couldn't be happier."

Usnavi nodded a little. "Well...you can stay here as long as you need."

"Usnavi...you know I can't do that..." Vanessa said. "I would feel too guilty."

"Why feel guilty? We're family." Usnavi said. "No matter what."

Vanessa smiled a little. "Thank you Usnavi."