by Blue Saffire
“You’re kidding, right,” I huffed. “I’m willing to watch anyone else and learn.”
“What is with you two lately?” Aunt Tali asked.
“Nothing,” Victor muttered and narrowed his eyes at me.
“Meliyah, you really don’t have a choice right now. Maybe if Victor is so terrible to be around that will serve as part of your punishment.”
“Torture is more like it,” I mumbled.
“I’ll check on you two later,” Aunt Tali said and got up to leave the room.
After she left the room and Victor picked up the headset and put it on. He started to write on the notepad next to him, then put it in between us. I sat with my elbow on the table and my face in my palm as I pouted.
“This is your user name and password. Don’t give it to anyone else. Your activity is tracked through it and if someone else uses it and does something wrong you’ll be held responsible,” Victor explained.
“How do I know I can trust you with it?” I grumbled.
“Pay attention,” he grunted. “This is your laptop for the company. Everything is set up on the desktop for you. You click the icon here to get into the main system and use the information I just gave you.”
“Okay,” I replied and moved a little closer to see what he was doing.
“You should be taking notes,” Victor said, his voice didn’t sound like he wanted to spit venom at me for a change.
I picked up the pen and started to write the steps he was giving me. He was actually being the Victor I missed. Vic took his time to explain the process to me.
He also made sure I could do it on my own. Victor made the first few calls to show me how it’s done and then it was my turn to try. I was proud of myself. I had followed directions and Victor let me finish the stack of files that had been piled on the table.
Aunt Tali popped back in to make sure we got lunch. She also wanted to make sure we weren’t trying to kill each other. Victor was on his best behavior.
He just made sure to double checking everything I did to make sure I did it right. Aunt Tali returned again, when it was time to go home. Victor packed up the laptop for me, then walking over to Aunt Tali. He kissed her on the cheek.
“Later Mom,” he called and rushed out of the door.
I realized he wasn’t taking me back home and he was in an awful big rush to get away from me. I shrugged it off. I followed Aunt Tali to her office where she locked up the laptop.
She said her assistant would put away the files we left in the board room. Alexis was standing at the receptionist desk looking as exhausted as I felt, when we made our way from Aunt Tali’s office.
We climbed in Aunt Tali’s truck and passed out in the back seat. Alexis and I both asked to have our dinner set aside for a little later, so we could go to our rooms to sleep a little more once we got home. Alexis knocked for me around nine o’clock that night.
We went down to eat together. We watched a little TV together before going back up to bed. I was so glad it was Friday.
chapter Twenty-three
Freedom
The next morning, I woke up to the smell of waffles and syrup as I walked downstairs. Al was already at the breakfast table with a stack of turkey bacon and waffles on his plate.
He waved me over to sit next to him. Which surprised me, Alex had been keeping his distance since Victor and I broke up. This morning he was all smiles and looked excited to see me.
“Hey, heard you’re learning the family business,” Al said as I sat.
“I guess,” I replied returning the warm smile he had.
“That’s cool. If you do good they’ll pay you for it. Well, when you get off punishment. I was thinking about helping out this summer since there’s no camp.”
“Really, so you’ll be at the office too,” I said a little excited.
“Maybe, my dad has another office. I may go there. We’ll see. Hey, you do know you can watch TV, hang at the pool, and just about anything else around the house, right?”
“No, I kind of watched TV last night. I’ve never been grounded, so I didn’t know the difference,” I said shyly.
“Never,” he laughed and I shrugged. “Well, I just thought maybe we could hang out if you want. Vic is extra grouchy these days and my friends all left out this morning.”
“Cool, I mean, if you want to. You sure Vic isn’t going to try to bite your head off.”
“Nope, he’s been up to something, who knows if he’ll notice,” Al shrugged.
As if he heard his name being mentioned, Victor walked into the breakfast area. He had on a pair of basketball shorts with no shirt, showing off his effortless six pack. I was trying not to pay attention when the huge purple mark on his neck jumped out at me.
He had a hickey twice the size of a quarter. I looked at his face to see the huge smug smile he had as he watched my reaction. I started to wonder what I saw in him, because he was being so childish now.
“Good morning,” Aunt Tali sang as she entered the kitchen. Victor had just taken the seat next to me to make sure his neck was right in my face.
“Good morning,” we all replied.
“Victor Ramon Delgado, what in the world is that on your neck?” Aunt Tali shrilled and came over to push his head to the side.
“Nothing,” he chuckled.
“I told you before, I don’t want these fast girls marking you up,” she hissed and popped him upside the head. “I want it gone, Victor. By the time I get home, you better get rid of it.”
“Mom, it’s nothing,” he replied stifling a laugh.
“It’s tacky,” I blurted out by accident and cringed.
“Exactly,” Aunt Tali agreed. “And if she isn’t worth bringing home, then you shouldn’t be letting her try to claim you as her territory. You think I was never your age Victor.
“Girls do that mess to make other girls jealous, which means she is insecure in the first place. I’m not raising you to be insecure or to date insecure people. You better get it right, Victor.”
“Better than my last girlfriend, the liar,” Victor hissed with venom dripping from each word.
“Okay, I didn’t ask you all of that and I think you need to watch your tone,” Aunt Tali said as she shifted her weight to one leg and placed her hands on her hips.
“Sorry Mom, I didn’t mean it like that,” Victor whispered.
I know the comment was meant for me and so was his harsh tone. Two could play Victor’s game. I’d going show him just how much he was hurting me.
“So Alex what are we doing first today? Swimming, a movie or the four wheelers,” I chimed.
“Wow, that’s right, you’ve never been on the four wheelers. Mom, is Meliyah allowed to ride around the community at least?” Al crooned with excitement.
“I guess, you two just make sure to follow the rules. Your father and I already agreed you guys are paying your own tickets this year. You and Vic got crazy last year on those things,” Aunt Tali replied.
Al chuckled, but Victor wouldn’t crack a smile. He stared at me and then at Alex like he betrayed him as well. Sometimes, I wondered if Vic was trying to see me all alone, no boyfriend, no friends. I decided to rub it in some more.
“So four wheelers it is and then we can hit the pool. It’s supposed to be hot today. We can watch the movie later,” I chimed.
“Since when are you two best friends?” Victor grumbled.
“Since my ex-boyfriend turned into a jerk and I got grounded for a week,” I hissed.
“You know what, Meliyah. You have a big mouth,” Victor yelled at me.
“And you make me sick,” I shouted back.
“What in the world,” Aunt Tali gasped. “Okay, I thought Alex was exaggerating when he said you two were yelling at each other yesterday. Is there something going on I should know about?”
“No,” we both said quickly.
“I don’t know. That just came from nowhere. Vic, you should try being nice to Meliyah like Al is. What do you reall
y care if they are friends?
“I have a doctor’s appointment this morning, but I want to talk to you, Victor. This mess with you is going to stop, now.”
“Yes, Mom,” Victor answered and looked down at his plate. That smug look had completely vanished.
I got up to walk with Aunt Tali to the front door before going to get ready to go riding with Alex. I was just trying to make Victor mad, but I had become excited about riding after all. I put on a white swimsuit under a pair of denim shorts and a red tank top. I was ready to ride the four wheelers and go right to the pool after.
When I got downstairs, Victor and Alex were waiting with sleeveless t-shirts and basketball shorts on. I groaned at the sight of Victor standing there, with a helmet and his arms folded. He had to have some plans. He was not going to ruin my day.
“What are you doing?” I grumbled at Vic as I approached him and Al. Al held out a helmet toward me.
“My father said he doesn’t want you on the four wheelers alone until we teach you to ride it,” Victor smirked.
“That is still not answering my question. Alex, why is he here?” I hissed.
“He wants to teach you how to ride the four-wheeler,” Alex shrugged.
“Ugh! I’m grounded, isn’t that enough,” I growled.
Victor walked around me and started to push me out the door by my waist. “Just put the helmet on and shut up,” he whispered in my ear.
“You, shut up,” I craned my neck to roar at him.
Victor laughed and kept pushing me. I didn’t find any of this funny. I folded my arms across my chest as we stopped in front of the two four wheelers parked in front of the house.
Victor climbed on one and patted at the space on the seat in front of him. I pressed my lips and rolled my eyes before turning to go back in the house. There was no way.
“I changed my mind,” I murmured.
“Come here,” Victor called and reached for the back of my t-shirt to pull me back to him. “I promise I’ll be nice.” As I turned around, he looked me in the eyes and smiled.
I sighed and climbed on the seat in front of him. Vic started by explaining the four-wheeler to me and how to get it going. As I put on the helmet Victor reached around me to turn the key.
Once it came to life, Al turned his on and started out of the courtyard. Vic placed his arms around me as I took off. I was a little uncomfortable with him so close at first. All we do is fight lately, this seemed so out of place.
It was when he moved closer to me on the seat and pressed his lips lightly against my shoulder that I relaxed. I wanted to be in his arms, even if it was only for a little while. This was Victor the sweetheart, that is always so patient when he teaches me things.
I had a lot of fun. We rode around for a few hours before we went back to the house. It was getting too hot and we wanted to go back to the pool.
When we got to the house, Victor and Alex put the four-wheelers away. I went straight to the indoor pool. It would be cooler than the one outside.
I was out of my shorts and tank top and in the pool by the time Al showed up in his swim trunks. He made sure that his cannon ball was his grand entrance. We were laughing and splashing water at each other by the time Victor came strolling into the pool room.
I suddenly wasn’t as relaxed once again. I wasn’t sure which Victor I was going to get. I was tired of the back and forth.
Victor dove in the water without a word and disappeared underneath. I went back to my water fight with Alex. As I went to push Al down under the water, I felt a hand grab my leg pulling me backward.
I turned and kicked, out of reflex and Victor came up to the surface laughing. I noticed his lip was red and bleeding as he laughed and reached for it.
“I’m sorry,” I said anxiously and rushed over to him to look at it. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.” I reached for his face and stopped once my hand was resting on his cheek.
“But you did, nothing new,” he laughed and smiled.
“I hate when you do that,” I murmured, “I never try to hurt you, Vic, but you are always out to hurt me.”
“No, I’m not,” he said and placed his hand on my waist.
“Then what are you doing Victor?” I asked and pushed at the mark on his neck, he still didn’t get rid of it. He looked at me with shock, as if he forgot it was there.
“I don’t know anymore,” Victor said sadly. His face was twisted in confusion and hurt.
“Me either,” I shrugged and pulled away from him. I could feel the tears coming and I needed to get away.
I dove under the water and started to lap to clear my head. I hadn’t noticed Vic leave right away. I was pushing myself too hard. It was when Alex started to do laps with me that I saw we were alone. I stopped in the middle of a lap and rose to the surface.
“I don’t understand him,” I complained to Alex.
“I don’t really get him when it comes to you either. He likes you a lot. I know that much.”
“He doesn’t act like it. I don’t want to fight with him all the time, but he makes me so mad and why is it okay that he is with some girl, but I can’t move on. Doesn’t he think that bothers me?”
“Meliyah, I think he is confused and hurt,” Alex shrugged.
“Whatever, he needs to grow up,” I grumbled and hit at the water. “You ready for that movie.”
“Sure, sis,” he chimed and wrapped his arm around my shoulders.
“Thanks Alex,” I smiled and rested my head on his shoulder.
We went to change and met up to watch a movie. Victor did reappear a few hours later. I could see he got rid of the mark on his neck. I wasn’t sure how, but I was happy it was gone. He didn’t say much else to me the rest of the night, but I could tell he was thinking.
I was happy when Monday came. I was ready to get out of the house. I like working in Aunt Tali’s office.
They had given me and Alexis an office of our own to work in. Aunt Tali was proud of me. She thought Vic would need to train me some more, but I picked up quickly and didn’t need the extra help.
I got to go out for lunch with Alexis all week. I told her all about Raul and how I had been going to see him. Alexis suggested I use her phone to call him, but I didn’t know his number by heart, it was in my phone.
Alexis and I talked about Victor too. She thought I was doing what was right for me. Victor didn’t know what he wanted and Raul did.
I just wanted to know that Raul was okay. I really missed him by Friday. I had no idea what was going on with him.
I got up Saturday morning ready to hang out with Alex again, if he was willing. When I got downstairs Aunt Tali was in the kitchen looking tired and like she had a rough night. Uncle Alex rubbed her back and talked in her ear, while I walked passed to go sit next to Al. Al looked happy as usual, but a little concerned when he looked at his mom.
Vic walked in the kitchen dressed and ready for the day. I figured he was going out with his new girlfriend, so I didn’t have to worry about him today. It would be me, Al and Alexis if she didn’t have plans. I started on a small stack of pancakes as I sat there.
“Here,” Uncle Alex said as he walked over and lightly touched my shoulder. “We want you to call home when you are going to be late, Meliyah. We shouldn’t have to call you. And I would prefer for you not to hang with our other family, you understand.” Uncle Alex raised a knowing eyebrow at his last words.
“Yes,” I responded as I looked at my things on the table being returned. I understood he wanted me to stay away from La Mafia, ‘our other family’. Meaning, Raul. “Thank you.”
“So that means you’re not hanging with me today,” Alex sighed.
I bit my lip and shrugged as I mouthed, “sorry.” I wanted to see Raul and make sure he was okay. I scoffed down my food and rushed upstairs.
I called Raul right away, but there was no answer and that wasn’t like him. I tried the other number he gave me for emergencies, and it was disconnected. I was so frustrated.
>
I thought about going to the apartment, but if I had no way to let him know I was there it wouldn’t matter. There was no telling when he would come home. I wasn’t too sure about going to the warehouse.
He had told me before; he didn’t want me coming there. I figured my best bet would be to go to the neighborhood. Someone would get in touch with him for me.
I rushed to the closet to find something cute to wear. I had a lot of time to think about Raul. I wanted to make him feel like I missed him because I did.
I put on a new denim mini skirt and a red halter top that showed off my belly. I threw on a pair of gold flat sandals and the diamond ankle bracelet Raul gave me. I knew that would make him happy. I flipped my hair quickly and changed my bag just as I ran out of my bedroom.
Victor and Alex were in the hallway laughing and talking as I ran out. Victor stopped in the middle of his sentence as I ran out of my room. He looked me over and frowned.
I was sure he knew where I was going. I was also sure he didn’t like it, but I wasn’t going to stress over that anymore. All I kept seeing was that hickey on his neck.
“Where are you going dressed like that?” Victor asked.
“To mind my business,” I sang. “Not your girlfriend, remember?”
“Meliyah –, ” he started.
“Not today, Victor,” I called over my shoulder and ran down the stairs.
I was in my car faster than I could think and racing out of the garage. I was excited to see Raul. I couldn’t wait to get to the Towers.
I just hoped it wouldn’t take long for him to get to me once I was there. I missed my car so much. I blasted my music, while dancing in my seat as I made my way into New York. I could feel my heart racing as I pulled up in front of the buildings.
I couldn’t believe my luck. I saw Harry coming out of the park as I got out of my car. I ran after him and he told me Raul was in the hood already.
I was so happy. He offered to take me to him and I agreed without thinking. We went to my dad’s old building and I was almost bursting out of my skin. I started to wonder if maybe I was meant to be with Raul. Maybe everything was so wrong with Victor because this was where I belonged.