Page 19 of Hate That Blooms
“I’m sorry for everything, but I just can’t. I’ll have my lawyer set up all the paperwork. It’s better this way.” He turns and walks away. Away from Mireya, from my mother, and from me.
I wipe my eyes and swallow hard as I walk back into the room, ready to explain to Mireya that when we go home, mom won’t be coming with us. At least like this. How the fuck do you explain to a three old that their mother is dead? In a way that her beautifully neurodivergent brain will understand.
With my hand on the door handle, I pull it open and step into my new reality.
* * *
The atmosphere in our house is different now. When I left this house the other day, I was just the big sister that takes care of her little sister, helping her mother out during a shitty life transition. Now I am her sister and legal guardian. I really am the parent now, and that thought scares the shit out of me.
After taking my mother off life support, signing all the paperwork, and having her body sent to the funeral home, we could finally go home. Mireya doesn’t understand what has happened, so I am left alone in all of my grief. The nurse, Nora, gave me her number in case I needed anything. She also sat down with me and helped me make a list of next steps, like calling my mother’s lawyer to see about a living trust.
I sit at the dining room table, surrounded by paperwork and bills, the weight of my new responsibilities sinking in. Being a parent at such a young age was never part of my plans. I know people do it all the time but I was supposed to be focused on finishing school and pursuing my own dreams, not taking on the role of a parent. Life had other plans in mind for me.
I take a deep breath, trying to push aside my fears and doubts. I know I need to be strong for Mireya, who now relies on me for everything. It’s overwhelming, but I need to be proactive in handling my mother’s affairs and ensuring Mireya’s well-being. I don’t know anything about insurance or running a household but I’ll be damned if I fail her.
But amidst all the paperwork and legal matters, there’s another pressing concern—money. I glance at the stack of bills that need to be paid and feel a knot forming in my stomach. How am I going to manage it all? How will I juggle school, parenting, and financial responsibilities?
I know there are no straightforward answers, but I have to try. I have to find a way to finish school while being the best parent I can be for Mireya. It won’t be easy, and sacrifices will have to be made. I will undoubtedly have to put my already limited social life on hold. But I have to remind myself that Mireya’s future depends on me.
I take a moment to collect myself before focusing on the immediate task at hand. I set Mireya up at the table, making sure she’s comfortable and fed. Then, I resume my search for the lawyer’s information, determined to tackle these challenges one step at a time.
Even though I may be scared and overwhelmed, I won’t allow those feelings to consume me. I will do whatever it takes to provide a stable and loving home for Mireya, even if it means putting my own dreams on hold for now.
Chapter11
Joaquín
Aweek. Gabriela hasn’t been at school for an entire week, and when I see her standing at her locker, I take in her appearance. She has dark circles under her eyes, her face is a little thinner, and she wears absolutely no makeup. Maybe she got the flu and just didn’t say anything to anyone. I asked Thiago if Cora had told him anything and he just said no. Gabriela is still the most beautiful girl I've ever seen, and the fact that she makes my heart beat faster when I look at her pisses me off.
Spotting her at her locker, Isaac makes his way from the other end of the hall with a smile on his face. “Hey Gabby, did you bring my jersey? I need it for my away game today.” She nods silently and pulls out his crisp white lacrosse jersey. I watch her hand over the jersey, my fists clenching tightly as he leers at her, his gaze filled with a predatory hunger. “Thanks—I’ll be seeing you.”
And he just walks away. Not another word said to her. Treating her like he wasn’t all over her at the dance, asking her to wear his fucking Jersey at school after he won. Like she barely fucking exist.
Good, because she’s mine.
She stands there, tears welling up in her eyes, her lips quivering, and her face etched with hurt. I pull away from the wall and cross the hall toward her. “Aw, did he hurt your feelings, Gabriela?” My fake sneer transforms into a mischievous grin, and I playfully taunt, “Did you seriously think he was going to be your little boyfriend?” I pressed my chest into her back, my breath quickening as I felt the thumping of my heart against her spine.
“Please,” she whispers, “just leave me alone. I know you hate me. I get it. But I really don’t need this right now.” She tries to move forward, but I wrap my arm around her middle and hold her tight to me.
I lean down to her ear and whisper. “What makes you think I care what you need?” After the words leave my lips, I keep my arm firmly around her, feeling her stomach dip with each breath. She probably thinks I’m going to hurt her, and I will, but with my words. “You really thought one of the most popular guys in school wanted you? He probably heard that you're a little slut and thought you’d be an easy fuck.”
“Is that why you’re acting like this? Are you worried about me fucking someone?” She grips at my wrist to pry my arm from around her. “What’s the matter, Joaquín? Jealous that I would have sex with him and not you?”
She is ballsy—I’ll give her that.
“I don’t have sex with little sluts like you. Nah a girl like you would get fucked hard then passed of to the next guy.” I smirk, pressing my lips against her ear. “Is that what you want, Gabriela? You want me to pull you into an empty classroom and fuck the shit out of you? I bet your slutty ass would like that.”
“Quín!” I roll my eyes at the sound of my name coming from behind me, Nathan appearing at my side. “Aw shit, are we about to tag team the school slut?” He moves to stand in front of her. Instantly, Gabriela recoils and presses herself back to my chest.
She’s scared of him but not me.
“Back off.” The words come out as a growl, and I feel her trembling against my arm and chest.
As much as I hate her, I would never share her. She’s mine. Nobody but me touches her.
I let my arm drop, and she takes off, running out of the hallway. I turn my attention back to Nathan. “She’s mine. If anyone’s gonna fuck her, it’s gonna be me. So don’t get any ideas.”
"Aw, come on, bro.” He smacks my shoulder. “It’d be a great way to break her. She’s got three holes, and there are three of us. The math is mathin’.”
