Page 2 of Desolation

She looks down at her nails. “I didn’t want your handouts. No one did.”

“Nessa would have taken it.”

My cousin punches me in the ribs. This time it wasn’t because I asked her. I know it was a low blow bringing up her sister. But if I leave here with her pissed, she won’t say anything to anyone.

“Get out.”

I pick up the bag of clothes she offered me and pull the hoodie over my head, bringing it low over my face. I shove an envelope of money at her for everything she has done.

“Bitch, I told you I don’t want your handouts.”

I shake my head and walk out, the screen door slamming behind me. I know she is watching me as I slink through the small backyard of her walk-up and through the gate to the alley. I double back to the front of the house and stash the money in her mailbox.

I make my way down the street toward the bus stop. The sound of gunshots in the distance has me on edge, reminding me exactly why I got out of this place.

I round the corner, ready to cross the street, when a black SUV pulls out in front of me. I jump thinking I somehow have already been found but then I see the face in the driver’s seat.

I get in the car and keep my face hidden from him. I don’t want him to ask questions about the bruises I can feel already forming on my face.

“Mari, mi corazón,” he says as his hand travels to my thigh.

I grab his wrist hard. “Don’t call me that.”

He leans over, his breath caressing my ear. “You’ve always had my heart.”

“Get off of me.”

“Mamacita, why don’t you have love for me anymore?”

“Diego, please just give me what I asked for.”

“Mmm, but I don’t have my payment,” he says grabbing my hand and putting it over his cock.

“I’m not fucking around Diego,” I yell, turning toward him. I never should have gone to my ex-boyfriend for help.

His eyes widen as the streetlight shines on my face. “Qué carajo?” His hand gently touches my cheek and I pull away. “He do this to you?”

“Don’t get any ideas. Just give me the envelope.”

He clicks his tongue but hands me over the documents I asked for. “I thought you were moving on to something better, mi corazón.”

I can’t let him know anything or else he will talk to Marco and they can’t do shit about this.

My silence must be answer enough. “You going to the Greyhound station?”

I nod.

“I’ll drive you,” his voice sincere.

“I can take the bus.”

“Not with you looking like that,” he says sternly.

“Fine,” I acquiesce. “But no more questions.”

He nods as he pulls away from the curb. We drive in silence giving me time to think. It was stupid for me to come back here. Who knows who might have seen me sneaking around but I needed help. And this was the only place I felt safe enough to get it.

Diego pulls into the Greyhound station and I hand him an envelope of cash.

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