Page 63 of Bratva Bastard

“Yeah, and you told me to leave! Sent me packing! Thank God Crissy’s father was there to support me. He was a good man. Not that you would know. You never bothered to know him. You cast us away.”

My grandmother’s eyes were narrowed into slits. But behind her anger was a layer of remorse. “I apologized for that! When he disappeared, we took you back in, and supported you in every way we could. Yet, you still hold onto the past. When are you going to let it go, Sandra?”

I watched as my mother’s delicate fingers trembled, shaken up from their argument. Hearing them tear at each other had left me discouraged, guilty that it was all my fault they were arguing in the first place. But then, the tide shifted, and it was like the tension in the room had finally started to dissipate.

“Sandra,” My grandmother said, her tone less brash than before. She reached for her hand, trying again. “Can we please let go of the past? I’m an old woman, I don’t have much time left in my life. You’re sick, and don’t need the stress. We’ve both made mistakes, so what do you say we put it all behind us?”

My mother nodded, squeezing Abuelita’s hand. “I’d like that a lot.”

“And baby, just know that if anything were to happen to you, your father and I would look after Crissy and her baby. I’m truly sorry for not making amends sooner, but I’d like to enjoy our time together now.”

“Thank you,” my mother said, a smile on her face that held warmth and relief. “I’d like that too.” She took a deep breath and faced me, much more relaxed than before. “Now, Crissy, what’s your plan?”

“All I can do is try to keep my baby safe.”

* * *

“I’m soproud of you, Mama.” I sat on the bed behind her, brushing her hair. She didn’t have the strength to do so herself, to lift her arms behind her head. The first night I returned, her hair had so many knots from going unbrushed for days. But I always looked forward to our talks.

“Thank you, baby. That means a lot to me. I’m glad you brought us here. I never said it, but it always left a hole in my heart not having a relationship with my mother. But now we can finally be close again, and it’s all thanks to you.”

I put the brush on the nightstand, patting her shoulders. “All finished.”

She gave me a weary smile, and lay back in the bed. Scooting over, she patted the blankets, and I laid down beside her, watching as her chest rose and fell. Her breathing had become shallow, and raspy.

Grabbing my hand, she looked up at me and smiled. “I just know you’ll be a wonderful mother.” Her words were slow coming out, and it was as if her very life was being sucked away from her. “I’m so proud to be your mother, mija. Always remember how much I love you.”

I kissed her cheek, and rested my head against her shoulder. “I love you, too, Mama.”

Staring at the ceiling, I felt such gratitude for having such a supportive family. My mother had finally reunited with her parents. For the first time, my pregnancy didn’t seem so daunting. Everything felt…right. Things were finally looking up.

My mother’s hand fell limp, and I chuckled to myself, assuming she fell asleep. “Mama, I’m going to go to my room now, okay?”

No response.

I nudged her shoulder. “Mama.” But when she didn’t respond again, I slid out from beside her. My mother’s eyes were open, unblinking, and I realized she wasn’t breathing.

“Mama?” I shook her, gently at first, but when she didn’t answer, I shook harder. Grabbing her wrist, I felt for a pulse.

Nothing.

I placed my head on her chest, but couldn’t hear a heartbeat.

No.

No. No.No.

“Abuela! Abuelo!” I choked out a call for my grandparents, unable to grasp what I knew to be true. “Somebody, please, come quick!”

It didn’t matter how fast they came into that room, because it wouldn’t change the outcome. The fact that they’d finally reunited, or that my life had looked hopeful, meant nothing.

My mother had died.

And my heart had broken into a million pieces.

30

Maxim

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