Post by El León Azul on Jan 4, 2017 19:39:59 GMT -5
Lola pulls up to the hospital not sure where to locate him, but she figures to check the emergency room. She sees Alechs sitting against the building, knees to his chest. His face buried in his hands. He does not notice any surroundings as he keeps his face down.
Lola walks swiftly over to him, resting her hand on his shoulder and immediately firing off questions.
Lola: Alechs, what happened? Why are you at the ER???
He doesn’t answer right away, her voice now more urgent sounding.
Lola: Alechs, what happened???
Alechs looks up to her. His eyes red. Tears streaming from his eyes and down his cheeks. His hands bloodied and messed up.
Alechs: Arturo.
Lola: Arturo what? I told you I’ll talk to him...let me talk to him.
She looks down at his bloody hands and shakes her head.
Lola: Where is he? I’m talking to him RIGHT NOW!
She goes to move her hands off of his shoulder and towards his hands but freezes, her hand still resting on his shoulder.
Alechs: He’s gone, La. He’s gone.
He buries his face against her chest as she wraps her arms around him. Alechs loses it as the sobs and tears escape him. His new friend can only rub her hands up and down his back, cradling him with support.
Lola: I...I’m so sorry.
Lola, who has never been through such a traumatic event, struggles to find the words in the moment. How can you tell someone things will be okay when they just lost a member of their family?
Multiple minutes go by and Alechs is still very upset. The sobbing has slowed but the tears continue to stream. Lola whispers in his ears, still holding him.
Lola: Where is your mom? Does she know?
Alechs: I cannot believe it. He was slinging.
He shakes his head, and punches the ground. Obviously the bloody knuckles are self inflicted.
Alechs: Some vatos came by and shot him up. Seven bullets. He bled out.
Lola: He was only a kid…
She grabs his arm and holds it up as blood drips off of his bloodied knuckles.
Lola: We need to get you inside and get you something for your hands.
Her grip tightens around his arms.
Lola: Where is Ms.Alerie, Alechs?
Alechs stands up.
Alechs: She is inside with Antonio. She is a mess. I got to take care of this on my own.
He lifts his shirt, showing a piece tucked into his waist band. Lola shakes her head, eyes widened.
Lola: No...what are you, crazy? You saw what just happened to your brother, do you REALLY want to do something stupid and have your mother coming back here again for you?
She’s trying to be sensitive, but also wants to really beat into his head how bad of an idea this is.
Lola: So you go find the guys who did this to Arturo, then what? His friends come look for you, and it becomes a never ending cycle. Do you want someone else’s blood on your hands? Do you want to bring that kind of retaliation to where Antonio and Ms.Alerie sleep at night? You have to think things through Alechs…
She holds her hand out.
Lola: Give it to me.
Alechs: Fuck those putos. They think they can get away with this shit? No.
The look on his face shows to Lola that he obviously means business. And he is going to be hard to stop.
Alechs: I’m sorry I text you. You need to get outta here. Ain’t no place for some fancy girl.
He comes off like an ass, but it’s his way of dealing with the situation. Just as he tries to step past her, Alerie steps out of the ER.
Alerie: Alechs. There you are.
He wipes his nose.
Alechs: I’m good, ma. Gonna go take care of business.
Lola: Ms.Alerie, don’t let him go. He’s going to-
She’s interrupted by Alechs.
Alechs: La! Don’t!
Alerie: Alechs, what are you going to do?
Antonio joins his mother and brother as he walks out the door.
Alechs: I am going to take care of this, ma.
Alerie: And end up like your father?
Alechs: A man has to do his thing. He has to protect his family.
Alerie: You are making a boy’s decision. Not a man’s.
Alechs: Whatever, ma.
Alechs goes to walk past Lola who steps in front of him and lifts his shirt, showing his brother and mother what he’s moving with. He quickly pulls away and pulls his shirt down.
Antonio: Bro, what the hell man?
Alerie: Alechs, what was that?
Lola takes a few steps back, giving the family some space. She presses her back to the wall of the ER, her heart pounding at everything going on.
Alerie: I asked you a question, Alechs.
Alechs: It’s dads. I grabbed it. I am going to end this shit, tonight.
He look back at Lola, giving her a dirty look. She involved herself in his situation by meeting his family. It was her choice. He said for her to leave. He didn’t want her getting hurt either.
Alechs: I’ll be back. Know that.
Antonio: Alechs...please, man. Don’t do this. I already lost Arturo…
‘I already lost Arturo’ plays in his head a few times over. He hears people talking around him but can’t make out the words as he’s lost in his own thoughts. He finally snaps out of it and see’s his mother and brother staring at him.
Antonio: Bro?
More tears stream down his face, but not showing his weakness, he wipes them.
Alechs: We ain’t no punk family. Sorry ma.
Alechs takes off down the street walking with a quick pace, hand on the piece tucked into his waistband. Lola pulls herself off the wall and catches up to him. The singer, who is fresh from the recording studio has on expensive earrings, a bracelet and a cross hanging around her neck, small, but at the moment as she put herself in front of Alechs, it caught his attention.
Lola: Alechs...I’m asking you NOT to do this. If you go, I’m going with you.
She takes a step back, still standing in front of him now.
Alechs: Don’t be crazy. You ain’t going nowhere. And you ain’t gonna do nothing about it.
His language is much different than the normal, respectful man that he has been with her.
Alechs: I ain’t risking you.
He looks her up and down.
Alechs: You ain’t from here. You will get hurt. Or shot. Or even end up like Arturo. I can’t worry about you and watching my own back too. You ain’t gotta care about some poor ass family from the projects. Get back to your fancy ass mansion. Count your bills. Enjoy what you got.
In any other time, she would be gone. This wasn’t the same man she had enjoyed spending the last few days with, this was someone completely different, but the situation was also very different. She stands her ground.
Lola: I’m not going anywhere other than with you. Friends are there for each other through things, right? I’ve only known you a few days, but who did you text tonight? I don’t see your homies from the neighborhood, I don’t see any of the other guys from the gym. I see your mother, your brother and me, so obviously you value our friendship just as much as I do, regardless of how new it is.
She steps closer to him. The shoes she was wearing gave her a few extra inches.
Lola: If you want to go there, fine, but I’m coming with you. So let me ask you again...are we going to handle this or are we going back to your family?
Alechs: You don’t understand, La. This? This is war. And this?
He again shows the gun.
Alechs: This is what I have to protect me and my family. I can’t roll over like some puppy showing my belly and shit. I need to hit them back. I need to show them that they can’t roll like that over my family. You remember those guys in front of your car? Yeah. They were the ones that turned their backs on Arturo.
He waits to see her reaction; being feet from the guys that basically murdered his brother.
Lola: It was those guys?
She struggles with the revelation, realizing just how dangerous his living conditions are, and that she truly could have been hurt the previous night.
Lola: I...Alechs, I had no idea how dangerous the area was, but now I see it, which is why I’m asking you not to go back there. Not right now. Why don’t you and your family get a hotel room for the night? Give it time...please?
Alechs: Easy for you to say. I left work because of this. And I will likely get fired. My ma has to work three jobs. THREE, La. Just to keep the lights on. I can’t afford shit. My “room” is a part of the living room. You just don’t get it, do you? It’s kill or be killed out here.
Lola: You’re right, I don’t get it. I can’t relate to what you live with every day, but I do understand the value of human life. Arturo isn’t coming back, nothing can change that now. But if you go out and get yourself killed, what good does that do? What kind of pain will your mom be in? Do you think Antonio is ready to be the man of the house? Be a MAN, Alechs.
She shakes her head and turns her back to him now.
Lola: Since you’ve made it obvious I don’t belong here, I’m leaving. You have my number if you need anything.
She finally starts walking back towards her car, unsure if anything she said will change his mind.
He walks up behind her, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her back towards him.
Alechs: I get it, okay? I get it. You are right. I just don’t want you hurt either. Okay? I might be ready to kill whatever vato I gotta, but I still care about things. I care that my little brother was gunned down. I care about my ma having to deal with losing someone else. I care that Antonio might be following in his brother’s footsteps with drugs. And I care about you.
He stands there, opening his heart. Not sure what her reaction will be.
Lola: Let me help you guys tonight? I know you aren’t a charity case, but everybody needs help sometimes. Let me put you guys in a room, get you away from that place. Can you talk to your mom? See what she says?
Lola see’s the Alechs she has come to know just by looking in his eyes, but she also see’s him fighting himself to remain calm.
Alechs: We don’t need no handouts. Too proud for that, La.
He breathes deeply.
Alechs: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say those-
Lola: It’s okay, I’m not upset. I can’t imagine what you guys are going through.
She holds her hand out towards him. She has NEVER touched a gun in her life, but she obviously wanted it from him.
Lola: Give it to me, please? I want to make sure you don’t change your mind.
He begins to break down, in front of her. He reaches into his waistband, and looks at it. Checking both sides, his eyes focused on the metal of the gun. He holds it in his hand like he is thinking it over.
Lola: I’ll put it in my car and I’ll get rid of it tonight. You don’t need it. Remember what you just said, think about Antonio. Do you want him to see you do something stupid? What if he mimics you? Your mom lost one son….
He thinks it over, and lowers his head. He hands the gun over to Lola as she takes it. He falls hard to his knees in front of her, completely losing everything. He remains silent in the middle of the sidewalk. It is nearing midnight, and he has no clue what to do now.
She kneels directly in front of him. She looks over his shoulders and see’s Alerie and Antonio looking in their direction.
Lola: I need you to walk to my car with me so I can put this away, okay? Can you do that?
She nervously clutches the piece that he had handed her. It makes her uncomfortable even holding it, but she doesn’t want it back in Alech’s possession.
He nods, saying nothing. Blinking slowly, he follows her to her car. In rare form, Alechs remains completely silent the entire time and maintains a blank stare like he is zoning out. Lola places the gun in the car, locks her door and then turns back to Alechs. She leans her back against the driver door, facing him.
Lola: Go back to your mom and brother. I’m going to go get some cash and bring it back to you guys so you have somewhere to stay tonight. Okay?
She tries reading his face but it remains blank, almost as if he went from being more upset than he has ever been to being numb.
He looks at her face, and yet somehow does not make any eye contact. Looking straight on, he nods and heads over towards Alerie and Antonio. He appears to be nothing more than a zombie. From such lows, to anger, and now a state of being numb; he is a rollercoaster of emotions.
Lola has followed behind him and looks at Alerie.
Lola: Can I talk to you for a second, Ms.Alerie?
She takes a few steps away from the brothers, hoping their mother will join her.
Alerie: Thank you so much hun. I was so afraid I would lose Alechs too.
She lowers her head.
Alerie: I don’t know what you said, but I think it worked.
She reaches out and pulls Lola in, grabbing her for a huge hug.
Lola: I don’t want you guys going back home tonight.
Alerie lets go of the hug and looks at Lola, confused.
Lola: I want to go get some cash and put you guys in a room for the night. Alechs has already told me how hard you all work, and I want to help however I can. Please let me do this to help out? I feel like this is the only way I can really help.
She thinks it over, and shakes her head no.
Alerie: We will make it on our own. We work for what we get. I appreciate it. But we will be fine. I’ll get these two home on the bus, and we will spend the night together as a family.
Lola feels horrible. Warmth takes over her face, not in anger or embarrassment, but just in her emotions making their way through her body.
Lola: I really don’t think it’s a great idea, but I respect your decision.
She looks down, wishing she could change the woman’s mind.
Lola: Will you make sure Alechs is okay at least? Have him text me later?
Alerie: I will do my best. I always do. That is all that I can do.
Alerie lowers her head, trying to fight back the tears. Antonio steps forth, trying to comfort his mother.
Alerie: Alechs never listens to me anymore. You must have a way, Miss Lola. You must have a way.
Lola doesn’t know what else to say to this family. She closes her mouth and forms a bit of a smile.
Lola: I’m a call or text away. Take care.
She turns and begins to walk towards her car as Alerie and Antonio head back towards Alechs. Part of Lola hopes she hears from Alechs again later in the evening, asking if the offer for the room still stands, but she isn’t expecting it. This is family built on pride, and she had only hoped that she didn’t offend them in any way.
Alechs: LA!
He yells. She turns back towards him. He runs up to catch up with her.
Alechs: Thanks.
He offers a slight smile, knowing that she cares. He wraps his arms around her and hugs her, feeling like he never wants to let go.
Lola: You don’t have to thank me.
She sighs, her warm breath brushes the side of his neck.
Lola: I’m sooo sorry for your loss. I just met him 24 hours ago...he was so excited just to get something to eat. I can’t…
She sniffles a little, the pain she was feeling was nothing compared to the family, but the reality sets in that this boy that she had just met was gone, never coming home.
Whispering in her ear.
Alechs: Thank you…. Thank you. Thank you. You don’t know much it means. Can I… can I ask you something?
Lola: Yeah, you can ask me anything. What’s up?
Alechs: I can get ma to stay with my unc in the burbs. Antonio would stay with her. But he and I don’t see eye to eye much. You think I could- Nevermind. Sorry. You barely-
Lola: Yes.
Alechs stops, looking at her.
Alechs: Wait, you’re serious?
Lola: You can stay at my place tonight. Not to brag but I have a few guestrooms.
She laughs for the first time of the night.
Lola: I don’t have to know you to know your heart. Talk to your mom and meet me back at my car? I can take you home to get some clothes, or we can just stop at a store, that’s probably the better option but you refuse to let me do anything for you.
He nods and heads over to his mother and brother. He gets on the phone and say something, explaining things. The three of them hug as Alerie mouths “thank you” to Lola. She and Antonio head back inside of the ER as Alechs makes his way back to Lola.
Alechs: My unc is gonna pick them up. He’ll be here soon. They will get started on the arrangements soon.
He sighs as she slowly pulls out of the ER parking lot.
Lola: Whatever I can do…
She was hinting that she would be willing to help with the arrangements, but didn’t want to push anything.
Lola: Did you want me to take you home, or did you just want to pick something up to wear for the night? I would offer clothes but...I don’t think you’d fit anything I have.
She laughs, trying to get his mind off of things as much as she can.
Alechs looks at his clothes.
Alechs: I’ll be fine I guess.
A few spots of blood from his knuckles are on his shirt. His pants dirtied up from being on the ground. He looks like he has been living outside for a couple of days but does not want to ask for too much from his new friend.
Lola: You aren’t fine, you have blood on your clothes. We don’t have to stop anywhere fancy, isn’t that the word you kept using?
She gives him a look.
Lola: Let’s just stop at the store, get you some shorts and a shirt for the night. I won’t even go in with you. I’ll stay in the car.
She looks towards her purse.
Lola: My card should be right in the side pocket in there.
Being almost midnight, she finds a 24 hour Wal Mart and pulls into the lot.
Lola: I haven’t shopped here in forever….
She laughs again.
Lola: Seriously, take my card and go in there and pick up a few things. Clothes, deodorant, whatever you need for the night.
He nods grabbing the card and heads inside. Having no clue why she is so nice to him, he buys very basics. A shirt, a pair of shorts. A couple of toiletries. He checks out and heads back to the car with a bag in hand. He slides back into the car.
Alechs: Thanks. You didn’t have to do that.
He hands her back the card with a receipt which she tucks into her purse.
Lola: It’s no problem.
She pulls out of the parking lot and again they are on the road. This time, the conversation is minimal as they approach her house. 15 minutes later, they pull up a long road in a much nicer area than Alechs has ever seen. He thinks to himself, that under a half an hour away is the place where his brother was gunned down, and this seems like a completely different world.
The Lamborghini stops in front of a large metal security gate.
Lola: One sec.
Lola exits the car and walks up to the gate, pressing a few buttons on the security keypad. The gate slowly opens as she returns to the car. She drives up the long pathway and slowly pulls up closer to the house. Alechs see’s a few other expensive cars parked in the driveway. She pulls up beside one of them and parks the car. The house before them is HUGE!
Lola: Are you ready to go inside?
He nods, not saying much. Grabbing the bag from Walmart he heads out of the car and follows her lead. The two walk up to the door as she pulls her keys out and unlocks it. She opens the door and they step inside.
Lola: Welcome home.
She sits her purse down on a table by the door. The table had a large mirror resting on it as she dropped her car keys and looked in the mirror a moment.
Lola: There are a few showers in here, but the best one is up the stairs, second door on your left. There are towels in the closet. Make yourself at home.
She steps out of her heels, walking towards the kitchen. Alechs see’s expensive decorative pieces on the walls and on tables. The place is spotless.
Lola: If you need anything...text me, I probably won’t hear you from down here, okay?
Alechs: Okay.
He looks up the stairs, and it completely taken back. He cannot believe his “friend” has all of this. He begins heading upstairs and stops halfway.
Alechs: This is all you? No husband? Boyfriend? Family?
Lola: This is all me. I haven’t had time for a boyfriend with my crazy schedule. I signed my record deal when I was 16. By the time I was 18, I lived here, on my own. I have a staff that comes by every other day to clean, but otherwise it’s just me here.
She decides to join him, to give him a better idea of where he’s going. She walks up the stairs and meets him, taking his hand. She pulls him along behind her as she marches up the steps. She points to the door just ahead of them to their left.
Lola: That’s it. I think I might take a bubble bath in one of the other bathrooms. I had a pretty crazy day today. That studio session was pretty nerve-racking. Apparently I wasn’t hitting the notes properly and I just stressed myself out. I need some relaxation.
He nods, appreciating her trying to change the subject.
Alechs: Does it get… lonely?
He looks around, so many rooms and so much space. He is not sure what to think at all.
Lola: Not really. Think about it, I’m around people all the time. Plus, at the height of my career, I traveled alot so it was rare to even be here. Now, when I do get a chance to come home, I love the serenity of it. Now that I’m focusing on wrestling, I’ll be here alot more though, so it might end up getting a little lonely, but I could always invite you over if you don’t end up hating me by the time you’re done training me.
He smiles for the first time really tonight.
Alechs: Nah, I got a sweet spot for you. You ain’t-
He clears his throat.
Alechs: You aren’t a pain to work with at all. I enjoy hanging with you.
He twirls the bag a bit, not sure how to act around her. Out of his element, he tries to maintain respect.
Lola: Then maybe you can come over more often?
She asks the question not fully expecting an answer.
Lola: I’ve never lost someone so close to me...I wish I knew how you were feeling so that I could help better.
Alechs: Being here helps. I really appreciate it. I don’t really have many friends. Well, true friends.
He smiles at her, the thought that someone as pretty as she is offering up so much for him; just another kid that could easily go a path that is easy and make bank. But instead, he is trying to actually better himself. Though they are around the same age, he feels almost like a teenager around her.
Lola: You have one now.
For the two that had just met a few days earlier, they were quickly bonding. She playfully put her hands against his back and pushes him towards the bathroom.
Lola: Go ahead, get all of that dirt and blood off. I’ll see you before I go to bed?
She wanted nothing more than to relax in her bubble bath, but she didn’t want to walk away from him until she knew he was okay.
He nods heading into the bathroom. Closing the door behind him, he starts up the shower and get himself ready.
He finishes his shower pretty quickly and finds one of the empty rooms and sits down, just thinking. It’s nearly an hour later when she walks into the room. Her hair is damp, and she’s in a silky pink robe.
Lola: Hey, you picked your room for the night? Are you okay? I’m getting a little sleepy myself.
Alechs: Yeah. If this room is okay with you.
He bites his inner cheek.
Lola: Yeah, any of the rooms is okay with me.
She walks over to him, joining him on the edge of the bed. As she sits down next to him, he can smell the shampoo and bubbles she had just bathed in. She rests her hand on his leg, turning her head to face him.
Lola: Are you going to be okay tonight? Honestly. You don’t have to be tough here, no one is watching, I promise.
Alechs: I am not sure if I can even sleep. I will likely just lay in bed and think.
He shrugs.
Alechs: I don’t even know what to think or do anymore. And I am not sure if I even have my job anymore.
Lola: If they can’t understand why you had to leave, then you can do better. We’ll find something for you.
She clears her throat.
Lola: So one thing you should know about me is I’m very nurturing. I’m not trying to throw my money in your face, when I offer something, it’s because I care. If for some crazy reason you lose your job, I’ll find something for you, even if I have to hire you myself. Okay?
He smiles.
Alechs: You don’t have to do that. You have done way more than enough for me. And I really appreciate it.
Lola: I only do things because I want to.
She laughs quietly and then rises to her feet.
Lola: I’m going to try to sleep, if you need anything I’m the last door at the end of the hallway on your right. I’m a pretty heavy sleeper so just bang on my door until I answer, okay?
Alechs: Okay. Um, okay. Thanks, La.
He reaches up and hugs her once more, his grip is tight. He lets go and smiles at her as she returns the smile.
Lola: Goodnight, Alechs.
She slowly disappeared out of the room, leaving him alone with this thoughts and the new scenery around him. In a day that will define him probably for the rest of his life, he was still here. The numbness was fading, reality was setting in, and this is where he had to start deciding exactly who he wanted to be and how to get there. This was the first day of his future.
Lola walks swiftly over to him, resting her hand on his shoulder and immediately firing off questions.
Lola: Alechs, what happened? Why are you at the ER???
He doesn’t answer right away, her voice now more urgent sounding.
Lola: Alechs, what happened???
Alechs looks up to her. His eyes red. Tears streaming from his eyes and down his cheeks. His hands bloodied and messed up.
Alechs: Arturo.
Lola: Arturo what? I told you I’ll talk to him...let me talk to him.
She looks down at his bloody hands and shakes her head.
Lola: Where is he? I’m talking to him RIGHT NOW!
She goes to move her hands off of his shoulder and towards his hands but freezes, her hand still resting on his shoulder.
Alechs: He’s gone, La. He’s gone.
He buries his face against her chest as she wraps her arms around him. Alechs loses it as the sobs and tears escape him. His new friend can only rub her hands up and down his back, cradling him with support.
Lola: I...I’m so sorry.
Lola, who has never been through such a traumatic event, struggles to find the words in the moment. How can you tell someone things will be okay when they just lost a member of their family?
Multiple minutes go by and Alechs is still very upset. The sobbing has slowed but the tears continue to stream. Lola whispers in his ears, still holding him.
Lola: Where is your mom? Does she know?
Alechs: I cannot believe it. He was slinging.
He shakes his head, and punches the ground. Obviously the bloody knuckles are self inflicted.
Alechs: Some vatos came by and shot him up. Seven bullets. He bled out.
Lola: He was only a kid…
She grabs his arm and holds it up as blood drips off of his bloodied knuckles.
Lola: We need to get you inside and get you something for your hands.
Her grip tightens around his arms.
Lola: Where is Ms.Alerie, Alechs?
Alechs stands up.
Alechs: She is inside with Antonio. She is a mess. I got to take care of this on my own.
He lifts his shirt, showing a piece tucked into his waist band. Lola shakes her head, eyes widened.
Lola: No...what are you, crazy? You saw what just happened to your brother, do you REALLY want to do something stupid and have your mother coming back here again for you?
She’s trying to be sensitive, but also wants to really beat into his head how bad of an idea this is.
Lola: So you go find the guys who did this to Arturo, then what? His friends come look for you, and it becomes a never ending cycle. Do you want someone else’s blood on your hands? Do you want to bring that kind of retaliation to where Antonio and Ms.Alerie sleep at night? You have to think things through Alechs…
She holds her hand out.
Lola: Give it to me.
Alechs: Fuck those putos. They think they can get away with this shit? No.
The look on his face shows to Lola that he obviously means business. And he is going to be hard to stop.
Alechs: I’m sorry I text you. You need to get outta here. Ain’t no place for some fancy girl.
He comes off like an ass, but it’s his way of dealing with the situation. Just as he tries to step past her, Alerie steps out of the ER.
Alerie: Alechs. There you are.
He wipes his nose.
Alechs: I’m good, ma. Gonna go take care of business.
Lola: Ms.Alerie, don’t let him go. He’s going to-
She’s interrupted by Alechs.
Alechs: La! Don’t!
Alerie: Alechs, what are you going to do?
Antonio joins his mother and brother as he walks out the door.
Alechs: I am going to take care of this, ma.
Alerie: And end up like your father?
Alechs: A man has to do his thing. He has to protect his family.
Alerie: You are making a boy’s decision. Not a man’s.
Alechs: Whatever, ma.
Alechs goes to walk past Lola who steps in front of him and lifts his shirt, showing his brother and mother what he’s moving with. He quickly pulls away and pulls his shirt down.
Antonio: Bro, what the hell man?
Alerie: Alechs, what was that?
Lola takes a few steps back, giving the family some space. She presses her back to the wall of the ER, her heart pounding at everything going on.
Alerie: I asked you a question, Alechs.
Alechs: It’s dads. I grabbed it. I am going to end this shit, tonight.
He look back at Lola, giving her a dirty look. She involved herself in his situation by meeting his family. It was her choice. He said for her to leave. He didn’t want her getting hurt either.
Alechs: I’ll be back. Know that.
Antonio: Alechs...please, man. Don’t do this. I already lost Arturo…
‘I already lost Arturo’ plays in his head a few times over. He hears people talking around him but can’t make out the words as he’s lost in his own thoughts. He finally snaps out of it and see’s his mother and brother staring at him.
Antonio: Bro?
More tears stream down his face, but not showing his weakness, he wipes them.
Alechs: We ain’t no punk family. Sorry ma.
Alechs takes off down the street walking with a quick pace, hand on the piece tucked into his waistband. Lola pulls herself off the wall and catches up to him. The singer, who is fresh from the recording studio has on expensive earrings, a bracelet and a cross hanging around her neck, small, but at the moment as she put herself in front of Alechs, it caught his attention.
Lola: Alechs...I’m asking you NOT to do this. If you go, I’m going with you.
She takes a step back, still standing in front of him now.
Alechs: Don’t be crazy. You ain’t going nowhere. And you ain’t gonna do nothing about it.
His language is much different than the normal, respectful man that he has been with her.
Alechs: I ain’t risking you.
He looks her up and down.
Alechs: You ain’t from here. You will get hurt. Or shot. Or even end up like Arturo. I can’t worry about you and watching my own back too. You ain’t gotta care about some poor ass family from the projects. Get back to your fancy ass mansion. Count your bills. Enjoy what you got.
In any other time, she would be gone. This wasn’t the same man she had enjoyed spending the last few days with, this was someone completely different, but the situation was also very different. She stands her ground.
Lola: I’m not going anywhere other than with you. Friends are there for each other through things, right? I’ve only known you a few days, but who did you text tonight? I don’t see your homies from the neighborhood, I don’t see any of the other guys from the gym. I see your mother, your brother and me, so obviously you value our friendship just as much as I do, regardless of how new it is.
She steps closer to him. The shoes she was wearing gave her a few extra inches.
Lola: If you want to go there, fine, but I’m coming with you. So let me ask you again...are we going to handle this or are we going back to your family?
Alechs: You don’t understand, La. This? This is war. And this?
He again shows the gun.
Alechs: This is what I have to protect me and my family. I can’t roll over like some puppy showing my belly and shit. I need to hit them back. I need to show them that they can’t roll like that over my family. You remember those guys in front of your car? Yeah. They were the ones that turned their backs on Arturo.
He waits to see her reaction; being feet from the guys that basically murdered his brother.
Lola: It was those guys?
She struggles with the revelation, realizing just how dangerous his living conditions are, and that she truly could have been hurt the previous night.
Lola: I...Alechs, I had no idea how dangerous the area was, but now I see it, which is why I’m asking you not to go back there. Not right now. Why don’t you and your family get a hotel room for the night? Give it time...please?
Alechs: Easy for you to say. I left work because of this. And I will likely get fired. My ma has to work three jobs. THREE, La. Just to keep the lights on. I can’t afford shit. My “room” is a part of the living room. You just don’t get it, do you? It’s kill or be killed out here.
Lola: You’re right, I don’t get it. I can’t relate to what you live with every day, but I do understand the value of human life. Arturo isn’t coming back, nothing can change that now. But if you go out and get yourself killed, what good does that do? What kind of pain will your mom be in? Do you think Antonio is ready to be the man of the house? Be a MAN, Alechs.
She shakes her head and turns her back to him now.
Lola: Since you’ve made it obvious I don’t belong here, I’m leaving. You have my number if you need anything.
She finally starts walking back towards her car, unsure if anything she said will change his mind.
He walks up behind her, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her back towards him.
Alechs: I get it, okay? I get it. You are right. I just don’t want you hurt either. Okay? I might be ready to kill whatever vato I gotta, but I still care about things. I care that my little brother was gunned down. I care about my ma having to deal with losing someone else. I care that Antonio might be following in his brother’s footsteps with drugs. And I care about you.
He stands there, opening his heart. Not sure what her reaction will be.
Lola: Let me help you guys tonight? I know you aren’t a charity case, but everybody needs help sometimes. Let me put you guys in a room, get you away from that place. Can you talk to your mom? See what she says?
Lola see’s the Alechs she has come to know just by looking in his eyes, but she also see’s him fighting himself to remain calm.
Alechs: We don’t need no handouts. Too proud for that, La.
He breathes deeply.
Alechs: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say those-
Lola: It’s okay, I’m not upset. I can’t imagine what you guys are going through.
She holds her hand out towards him. She has NEVER touched a gun in her life, but she obviously wanted it from him.
Lola: Give it to me, please? I want to make sure you don’t change your mind.
He begins to break down, in front of her. He reaches into his waistband, and looks at it. Checking both sides, his eyes focused on the metal of the gun. He holds it in his hand like he is thinking it over.
Lola: I’ll put it in my car and I’ll get rid of it tonight. You don’t need it. Remember what you just said, think about Antonio. Do you want him to see you do something stupid? What if he mimics you? Your mom lost one son….
He thinks it over, and lowers his head. He hands the gun over to Lola as she takes it. He falls hard to his knees in front of her, completely losing everything. He remains silent in the middle of the sidewalk. It is nearing midnight, and he has no clue what to do now.
She kneels directly in front of him. She looks over his shoulders and see’s Alerie and Antonio looking in their direction.
Lola: I need you to walk to my car with me so I can put this away, okay? Can you do that?
She nervously clutches the piece that he had handed her. It makes her uncomfortable even holding it, but she doesn’t want it back in Alech’s possession.
He nods, saying nothing. Blinking slowly, he follows her to her car. In rare form, Alechs remains completely silent the entire time and maintains a blank stare like he is zoning out. Lola places the gun in the car, locks her door and then turns back to Alechs. She leans her back against the driver door, facing him.
Lola: Go back to your mom and brother. I’m going to go get some cash and bring it back to you guys so you have somewhere to stay tonight. Okay?
She tries reading his face but it remains blank, almost as if he went from being more upset than he has ever been to being numb.
He looks at her face, and yet somehow does not make any eye contact. Looking straight on, he nods and heads over towards Alerie and Antonio. He appears to be nothing more than a zombie. From such lows, to anger, and now a state of being numb; he is a rollercoaster of emotions.
Lola has followed behind him and looks at Alerie.
Lola: Can I talk to you for a second, Ms.Alerie?
She takes a few steps away from the brothers, hoping their mother will join her.
Alerie: Thank you so much hun. I was so afraid I would lose Alechs too.
She lowers her head.
Alerie: I don’t know what you said, but I think it worked.
She reaches out and pulls Lola in, grabbing her for a huge hug.
Lola: I don’t want you guys going back home tonight.
Alerie lets go of the hug and looks at Lola, confused.
Lola: I want to go get some cash and put you guys in a room for the night. Alechs has already told me how hard you all work, and I want to help however I can. Please let me do this to help out? I feel like this is the only way I can really help.
She thinks it over, and shakes her head no.
Alerie: We will make it on our own. We work for what we get. I appreciate it. But we will be fine. I’ll get these two home on the bus, and we will spend the night together as a family.
Lola feels horrible. Warmth takes over her face, not in anger or embarrassment, but just in her emotions making their way through her body.
Lola: I really don’t think it’s a great idea, but I respect your decision.
She looks down, wishing she could change the woman’s mind.
Lola: Will you make sure Alechs is okay at least? Have him text me later?
Alerie: I will do my best. I always do. That is all that I can do.
Alerie lowers her head, trying to fight back the tears. Antonio steps forth, trying to comfort his mother.
Alerie: Alechs never listens to me anymore. You must have a way, Miss Lola. You must have a way.
Lola doesn’t know what else to say to this family. She closes her mouth and forms a bit of a smile.
Lola: I’m a call or text away. Take care.
She turns and begins to walk towards her car as Alerie and Antonio head back towards Alechs. Part of Lola hopes she hears from Alechs again later in the evening, asking if the offer for the room still stands, but she isn’t expecting it. This is family built on pride, and she had only hoped that she didn’t offend them in any way.
Alechs: LA!
He yells. She turns back towards him. He runs up to catch up with her.
Alechs: Thanks.
He offers a slight smile, knowing that she cares. He wraps his arms around her and hugs her, feeling like he never wants to let go.
Lola: You don’t have to thank me.
She sighs, her warm breath brushes the side of his neck.
Lola: I’m sooo sorry for your loss. I just met him 24 hours ago...he was so excited just to get something to eat. I can’t…
She sniffles a little, the pain she was feeling was nothing compared to the family, but the reality sets in that this boy that she had just met was gone, never coming home.
Whispering in her ear.
Alechs: Thank you…. Thank you. Thank you. You don’t know much it means. Can I… can I ask you something?
Lola: Yeah, you can ask me anything. What’s up?
Alechs: I can get ma to stay with my unc in the burbs. Antonio would stay with her. But he and I don’t see eye to eye much. You think I could- Nevermind. Sorry. You barely-
Lola: Yes.
Alechs stops, looking at her.
Alechs: Wait, you’re serious?
Lola: You can stay at my place tonight. Not to brag but I have a few guestrooms.
She laughs for the first time of the night.
Lola: I don’t have to know you to know your heart. Talk to your mom and meet me back at my car? I can take you home to get some clothes, or we can just stop at a store, that’s probably the better option but you refuse to let me do anything for you.
He nods and heads over to his mother and brother. He gets on the phone and say something, explaining things. The three of them hug as Alerie mouths “thank you” to Lola. She and Antonio head back inside of the ER as Alechs makes his way back to Lola.
Alechs: My unc is gonna pick them up. He’ll be here soon. They will get started on the arrangements soon.
He sighs as she slowly pulls out of the ER parking lot.
Lola: Whatever I can do…
She was hinting that she would be willing to help with the arrangements, but didn’t want to push anything.
Lola: Did you want me to take you home, or did you just want to pick something up to wear for the night? I would offer clothes but...I don’t think you’d fit anything I have.
She laughs, trying to get his mind off of things as much as she can.
Alechs looks at his clothes.
Alechs: I’ll be fine I guess.
A few spots of blood from his knuckles are on his shirt. His pants dirtied up from being on the ground. He looks like he has been living outside for a couple of days but does not want to ask for too much from his new friend.
Lola: You aren’t fine, you have blood on your clothes. We don’t have to stop anywhere fancy, isn’t that the word you kept using?
She gives him a look.
Lola: Let’s just stop at the store, get you some shorts and a shirt for the night. I won’t even go in with you. I’ll stay in the car.
She looks towards her purse.
Lola: My card should be right in the side pocket in there.
Being almost midnight, she finds a 24 hour Wal Mart and pulls into the lot.
Lola: I haven’t shopped here in forever….
She laughs again.
Lola: Seriously, take my card and go in there and pick up a few things. Clothes, deodorant, whatever you need for the night.
He nods grabbing the card and heads inside. Having no clue why she is so nice to him, he buys very basics. A shirt, a pair of shorts. A couple of toiletries. He checks out and heads back to the car with a bag in hand. He slides back into the car.
Alechs: Thanks. You didn’t have to do that.
He hands her back the card with a receipt which she tucks into her purse.
Lola: It’s no problem.
She pulls out of the parking lot and again they are on the road. This time, the conversation is minimal as they approach her house. 15 minutes later, they pull up a long road in a much nicer area than Alechs has ever seen. He thinks to himself, that under a half an hour away is the place where his brother was gunned down, and this seems like a completely different world.
The Lamborghini stops in front of a large metal security gate.
Lola: One sec.
Lola exits the car and walks up to the gate, pressing a few buttons on the security keypad. The gate slowly opens as she returns to the car. She drives up the long pathway and slowly pulls up closer to the house. Alechs see’s a few other expensive cars parked in the driveway. She pulls up beside one of them and parks the car. The house before them is HUGE!
Lola: Are you ready to go inside?
He nods, not saying much. Grabbing the bag from Walmart he heads out of the car and follows her lead. The two walk up to the door as she pulls her keys out and unlocks it. She opens the door and they step inside.
Lola: Welcome home.
She sits her purse down on a table by the door. The table had a large mirror resting on it as she dropped her car keys and looked in the mirror a moment.
Lola: There are a few showers in here, but the best one is up the stairs, second door on your left. There are towels in the closet. Make yourself at home.
She steps out of her heels, walking towards the kitchen. Alechs see’s expensive decorative pieces on the walls and on tables. The place is spotless.
Lola: If you need anything...text me, I probably won’t hear you from down here, okay?
Alechs: Okay.
He looks up the stairs, and it completely taken back. He cannot believe his “friend” has all of this. He begins heading upstairs and stops halfway.
Alechs: This is all you? No husband? Boyfriend? Family?
Lola: This is all me. I haven’t had time for a boyfriend with my crazy schedule. I signed my record deal when I was 16. By the time I was 18, I lived here, on my own. I have a staff that comes by every other day to clean, but otherwise it’s just me here.
She decides to join him, to give him a better idea of where he’s going. She walks up the stairs and meets him, taking his hand. She pulls him along behind her as she marches up the steps. She points to the door just ahead of them to their left.
Lola: That’s it. I think I might take a bubble bath in one of the other bathrooms. I had a pretty crazy day today. That studio session was pretty nerve-racking. Apparently I wasn’t hitting the notes properly and I just stressed myself out. I need some relaxation.
He nods, appreciating her trying to change the subject.
Alechs: Does it get… lonely?
He looks around, so many rooms and so much space. He is not sure what to think at all.
Lola: Not really. Think about it, I’m around people all the time. Plus, at the height of my career, I traveled alot so it was rare to even be here. Now, when I do get a chance to come home, I love the serenity of it. Now that I’m focusing on wrestling, I’ll be here alot more though, so it might end up getting a little lonely, but I could always invite you over if you don’t end up hating me by the time you’re done training me.
He smiles for the first time really tonight.
Alechs: Nah, I got a sweet spot for you. You ain’t-
He clears his throat.
Alechs: You aren’t a pain to work with at all. I enjoy hanging with you.
He twirls the bag a bit, not sure how to act around her. Out of his element, he tries to maintain respect.
Lola: Then maybe you can come over more often?
She asks the question not fully expecting an answer.
Lola: I’ve never lost someone so close to me...I wish I knew how you were feeling so that I could help better.
Alechs: Being here helps. I really appreciate it. I don’t really have many friends. Well, true friends.
He smiles at her, the thought that someone as pretty as she is offering up so much for him; just another kid that could easily go a path that is easy and make bank. But instead, he is trying to actually better himself. Though they are around the same age, he feels almost like a teenager around her.
Lola: You have one now.
For the two that had just met a few days earlier, they were quickly bonding. She playfully put her hands against his back and pushes him towards the bathroom.
Lola: Go ahead, get all of that dirt and blood off. I’ll see you before I go to bed?
She wanted nothing more than to relax in her bubble bath, but she didn’t want to walk away from him until she knew he was okay.
He nods heading into the bathroom. Closing the door behind him, he starts up the shower and get himself ready.
He finishes his shower pretty quickly and finds one of the empty rooms and sits down, just thinking. It’s nearly an hour later when she walks into the room. Her hair is damp, and she’s in a silky pink robe.
Lola: Hey, you picked your room for the night? Are you okay? I’m getting a little sleepy myself.
Alechs: Yeah. If this room is okay with you.
He bites his inner cheek.
Lola: Yeah, any of the rooms is okay with me.
She walks over to him, joining him on the edge of the bed. As she sits down next to him, he can smell the shampoo and bubbles she had just bathed in. She rests her hand on his leg, turning her head to face him.
Lola: Are you going to be okay tonight? Honestly. You don’t have to be tough here, no one is watching, I promise.
Alechs: I am not sure if I can even sleep. I will likely just lay in bed and think.
He shrugs.
Alechs: I don’t even know what to think or do anymore. And I am not sure if I even have my job anymore.
Lola: If they can’t understand why you had to leave, then you can do better. We’ll find something for you.
She clears her throat.
Lola: So one thing you should know about me is I’m very nurturing. I’m not trying to throw my money in your face, when I offer something, it’s because I care. If for some crazy reason you lose your job, I’ll find something for you, even if I have to hire you myself. Okay?
He smiles.
Alechs: You don’t have to do that. You have done way more than enough for me. And I really appreciate it.
Lola: I only do things because I want to.
She laughs quietly and then rises to her feet.
Lola: I’m going to try to sleep, if you need anything I’m the last door at the end of the hallway on your right. I’m a pretty heavy sleeper so just bang on my door until I answer, okay?
Alechs: Okay. Um, okay. Thanks, La.
He reaches up and hugs her once more, his grip is tight. He lets go and smiles at her as she returns the smile.
Lola: Goodnight, Alechs.
She slowly disappeared out of the room, leaving him alone with this thoughts and the new scenery around him. In a day that will define him probably for the rest of his life, he was still here. The numbness was fading, reality was setting in, and this is where he had to start deciding exactly who he wanted to be and how to get there. This was the first day of his future.
