Page 25 of Chula
“I’m twenty-three. Do you know the average member of a gang only lives to be twenty-four?” I ask her. Her eyes sadden, and I can tell she already knew that fact. She walks toward me, raises her hand, and rests it on my cheek.
“You don’t have to be a statistic.”
“Neither do you, Chula. That’s why I’m not letting you be in this crew.”
“I need the money, Marco.”
“Then we’ll figure out something else. I don’t want this to be your end,” I tell her. I see the tears in her eyes when I lower my lips to hers. I kiss her softly and savor the flavor of her on my lips.
“Thank you for seeing more in me,” she whispers.
“Maybe it’s me who should be thanking you.”
“For what?”
“Everything, Chula. Everything.”
She smiles, and it takes my breath away. I grab her hand and lead her back out into the living room, where Hock sits withDavey, still watching TV. Luna releases my hand and walks over, sitting next to her brother on the floor. He scoots to her side and rests his head on her shoulder. I miss that with my own brother. I miss him getting close to me. I miss the times we shared.
There are times I can’t believe he’s actually gone, and I’m never going to see him again. Then there are times I think he has to be in a better place than when he was here on earth.
I stand back and lean against the wall with my arms crossed, just taking them in, and I stand by my words. She deserves more than this.
Shoving off the wall, I turn and head down the stairs to leave when her mom slams into me. I shove her off me and watch as her eyes come to mine.
“You fucking my daughter?” she slurs as I shake my head.
“Fucking junky.”
“I’m no junky! You’re a disgusting pig! Just like all the others. You’re only out for one thing!”
“Is that right? What is it I’m out for?”
“Pussy. That’s all men want is free pussy.”
“Go to bed,” I snap at her when the top door to the apartment opens and Luna stands there.
“You’re a piece of shit, just like the others. Stay away from her,” she slurs.
“Mom! Get up here,” Luna calls out to her.
“I’m warning you. Stay away from my daughter.”
“You’re yelling at the man who watched your son last night, so you might want to rethink your words!” Luna screams at her. She turns her head to look up at Luna and snorts a laugh.
“Out finding another cock to fill you?” she says to her.
“Yeah. Just like my mom.” Her mom stumbles up the steps, falling on her face as she goes. I move to help her, but Luna stops me.
“Let her drag herself up here,” she tells me. I nod my head and walk out the door, ready to get my fucking day started, even if it is a little late now.
Chapter 11
Luna
Hate’s a strong word that shouldn’t be used lightly. There’s already enough hate in this world as it is, but when I say that I hate my mom, I mean it. I’ve watched her ruin our lives since we were small. I’ve watched her ruin Davey’s life by bringing him into this world. Not that I regret him, I don’t. I love him so much it hurts, but if he didn’t have to be here and live this way, it would be better for him.
“You have a lot of deep thoughts,” Damion says as I lean back on the couch and pull my feet up.
