Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 149338 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 747(@200wpm)___ 597(@250wpm)___ 498(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 149338 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 747(@200wpm)___ 597(@250wpm)___ 498(@300wpm)
She caressed the side of my face with nothing but love and devotion in her eyes. My mom was the strongest woman I’d ever known. Everything my father lacked, my mother made up for. I guess it was why their marriage worked so well. They had the perfect balance.
“You’ll always be my baby, Alejandro. Even when you’re married and have your own niños, mi bebé para siempre,” she added, “My baby forever,” with a loving smile. “Now open your gift.”
I ripped open the wrapping paper and pulled off the cover of a square jewelry box. A black beaded bracelet was placed perfectly in the center.
“It’s for protection,” she said out of nowhere.
I looked at her confused, not understanding what she meant.
“When we went back home to Colombia this summer, I went to a Santero, a Saint. I had the bracelet blessed for you. Para tu protección,” she stated, “For your protection.”
My family was extremely religious. Like most Colombian people, we were Catholic, both Amari and I were christened as babies, made our first communion and confirmation. Mom was definitely the most religious out of all of us. She went to church often, probably praying for her husband’s soul and now mine. She took us to church every Sunday. Sometimes my father would show up, but most of the time not. She always wore a sterling silver cross around her neck, always caressing it while she prayed. In all my years, I’d never seen her take it off.
She called it her protection.
With us around her, she needed it more than anyone could ever know.
“I wanted to wait to give it to you on your birthday. You’re never to take it off, it will keep you safe, Alejandro.”
“Mamá, I don’t—” The look on her face stopped me from finishing what I was going to say.
I honestly didn’t know what to believe any longer, but I still found myself praying every night for those I loved. If it gave her peace of mind, then who was I to tell her no? I’d keep my word and hold it dear to my heart.
I nodded, smiling. Easing the disappointment on her face. I grabbed the bracelet out of the box, and she helped me put it on my right wrist. She made the sign of the cross on my face and body like she always did.
“Que Dios te bendiga y te acompañe,” she whispered, “May God bless you and always keep you from harm.” She pulled me into a tight hug, kissing the top of my head. “Now, go enjoy your party. Even though Sophia is not here.”
I cocked an eyebrow. Sophia hadn’t been around at all. She hadn’t returned to school either. I don’t know how my father handled the situation with her grandparents and I hadn’t asked, knowing I wouldn’t get a straight answer.
“Your father took care of it. Give it time.”
I nodded again, not knowing how to respond.
The party started to die down, and I was finally able to make my way over to Amari. She was sitting outside by the edge of the pool, her feet dangling in the water.
“Happy birthday, Alejandro,” she acknowledged, staring out in front of her without bothering to turn around.
“How did you know it was me?” I asked, standing behind her with my hands tucked in the pockets of my slacks.
“I could smell you from a mile away. You smell like dad. You dress like him now, too,” she added in a sad tone.
I peered down at my black button-down shirt and black slacks. We had to wear similar clothes like this for school, but since I had been spending all my free time with my father, I didn’t find a reason to change once I got home.
“Do you want to be like him now? Are you not my brother anymore?”
This was the most she had spoken to me in weeks.
“Do you think I have a choice in the matter, Amari? You know who our father is.”
“You always have a choice, Alejandro. Whether you want to see it or not, it’s there if you look hard enough.”
“When I shut my eyes, even if it’s only for a few seconds, I still see them.”
Her breath hitched and she immediately closed her eyes. My words were too much for her to take.
“I still see you hiding in a corner. Broken and beaten. With dried blood on your face and tears streaming down your cheeks. A look of terror as you watched Sophia, knowing you were next. Your life was hanging by nothing but a thread. You weren’t the only one who lost your innocence that night, Amari. The only difference is you can get yours back. I can’t.”
“Do you regret it?”
Without hesitation, I answered, “No. I would do it again if I had to.”
She shook her head, disappointed with my answer. “Two wrongs don’t make a right, Alejandro.”