Chapter 83: Huge Family

MIA

"Big Kai?"

He smirked, making me gulp in terror as I adjusted backwards.

"Told ya. You can't run from me."

"I thought....you said I was free to go."

He clicked his tongue and shook his head.

"Free but not away from me, girl."

I gripped the duvet as my heart pounded.

"You mine."

I shook my head.

"Mine, shawty."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"YES!"

"No!" I gasped as I sat up instantly. I placed my hand on my chest, breathing heavily as I looked around me. Taking in the familiar environment, my brain picked up how I got here.

My grandparents' house. My dad's old room.

And Big is not here.

It was a dream.

Sighing, I got out of bed, rubbing my arms as I walked towards the windows.

The windows are closed but the curtains are apart. I reached for them and covered the window.

I rubbed my arms again and looked around me, taking in the environment again.

I walked to the bed and sat on it.

My eyes fell on the alarm clock on the nightstand.

It is past one in the morning.

I rubbed my face as Big Kai filled my head.

Why does he torment me even in his absence?

What have I done to deserve such a person in my life?

I don't remember doing anything wrong.

Was I supposed to leave Jay Jay to die in that awful cold?

Because that is where my miseries started.

I dropped my face into my palms as tears approached.

This is too much for me.

My heart tightened as the ugly image of the three holes on her forehead filled my head.

I let out a sob as tears flowed.

How could he kill her in cold blood?

How could he give away my five-year-old sister to traffickers?

How does he even sleep at night after all he has done?

God, this is awful.

I never want to see him again.

He is a heartless monster.

I hate him.

I hate him so much.

He destroyed my family.

I freaking hate him!

I lowered my hands from my face and took in a deep breath.

Sniffling, I wiped my eyes with my fingers and got under the duvet. I lay on the side, staring at nowhere in particular as more tears filled my eyes.

My eyes fell on my dad's picture.

I got out of bed and walked towards the counter. I picked up the picture, staring at it as I walked back to bed.

I sat on the bed while still staring at the picture. I caressed his face part of his picture as a tear flowed down my cheek.

I am clearly an orphan now.

No dad or mom.

My little sister is in an unknown place and an awful situation.

I literally have no family.

I rested my eyes on my dad's face and his happy smile.

Yes, Dad. At least I have my grandparents.

I promise to take care of them. Don't worry.

God, I miss you, Dad. I miss those good old days when you, mom, and I were a beautiful happy family.

I was the happiest though. I got my amazing parents.

But life had to happen.

Mom changed totally after she married George.

My heart ached severely as I recalled everything.

I have to stop. It makes my heart weak.

I promise to focus on my grandparents and be happy for them. They are too old to worry about me.

I am glad I have them now. At least I am not entirely alone in this cruel world.

I smiled at the picture, imagining how adorable my dad was when he was little.

He must be a happy child. He is the most amazing person I have ever met.

"I love you, Dad. Please watch over me and your parents. I know you would. Like you have always been doing."

I placed a kiss on the picture before lying on the bed. I placed the picture on my chest and hugged as I turned to the other side.

I closed my eyes as I let old memories feel my head.

Memories of when we were nothing but a beautiful happy family.

I wish those days could come back.

I really wish they could.

NEXT DAY....

"Mia, sweetie," Grandma's familiar voice made me turn on the bed as she knocked.

"Sweetie, come down for breakfast."

I opened my eyes and I realized it is morning already.

It doesn't feel like I slept much, does it?

It really....

I turned my head to the alarm clock.

My eyes widened at the sight of the time.

It is eleven am.

Geez.

The knock came again. "Sweetie, are you awake?"

Oh grandma.

"Coming, Grandma," I got out of bed and moved towards the door. I grabbed the doorknob and opened it, revealing my grandma dressed in a different dress, a green apron, and kitchen gloves.

She gave me the brightest contagious smile ever.

"Good morning, Grandma."

"Good morning, sweetie. Did you sleep well?"

I nodded as I brushed back the strand of my hair.

"I noticed. It is almost twelve noon. I knew you must be very tired."

"Yes, I was but I am energized now. I am ready to see all your farm animals today." I said, smiling.

She chuckled. "Of course, sweetie. But first, breakfast. I mean pancakes. You love them right?"

I nodded. "My favorite."

"Ooh. Your dad's too."

I chuckled as my heart tightened a bit.

"Yes. He loved them too."

"Oh, mi amor." She caressed my cheek despite the gloves.

I closed my eyes, resting my cheek on her touch.

"You remind me so much of your dad. My Julio," she said, sniffling.

I held her hand. "No, grandma, don't cry. Everything is going to be fine, okay?"

"Of course my dear. You are our new joy now," she said, caressing my cheeks again.

I smiled.

"Let's go eat okay?"

"Okay. I will just get cleaned up and come down after a few minutes."

"Alright, sweetie. Hurry."

"Okay." I sang as she walked away slowly.

I closed the door and walked towards my bag. I opened it and took out my toothbrush and toothpaste.

I walked towards the bathroom and relieved myself first before proceeding to brush my teeth.

I stared at the old mirror as I brushed.

I am instantly reminded of the mirror in my room in Big Kai's mansion, making me freeze momentarily.

"You are not so innocent, are you, white girl? Them tears ain't gonna work on me, shawty. You didn't shed a tear the last time you touched yourself in your bathroom."

I resumed brushing my teeth, using it to push those words off my head.

This is not Big Kai's house.

This is my grandparents' house. No one is watching me.

There is no camera on the mirror, Mia.

"I'm gonna fuck you, shawty. I'm gonna fuck you so hard that you will scream my fucking name."

I felt a reaction between my legs, adding to my anger.

I shook my head, waving off the thought as I rounded up brushing my teeth. I washed my mouth, toothbrush, and face.

I rested my eyes on the mirror.

"You have to evict that monster from your head, Mia. His absence is not enough. Stop letting him disturb your peace. Stop."

I let out a breath as I headed out of the bathroom and then the room. I walked along the small hallway and got to the stairs.

Descending the stairs, I heard laughter from my grandparents. They are seated at the dining table, eating.

I smiled as I walked towards them.

"Ah, our little princess is here," Grandpa said, putting down his paper and smiling at me.

I smiled "Good morning, grandpa."

"Good morning, princess," he said as I hugged him.

Grandma chuckled and I smiled at her.

"Have a seat, sweetie," she said, gesturing at the spot my food was. Served and waiting for me.

"Thank you. You two are eating already." I said as I walked around the table and sat on the seat close to grandpa.

"I told him let's wait for you but your grandfather is a relentless foodie," she said, rolling her eyes.

I chuckled.

"What? I love food, Maria. Sue me." Grandpa said while picking up his glass of juice nonchalantly.

I chuckled again and Grandma shook her head.

"Men are foodies, sweetie. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." Grandma said, making me nod as I picked a portion of my meal.

"The way to our hearts is food, princess," Grandpa said.

I nodded. "I know that."

"Ooh, you do?" Grandma asked.

"Yeah."

"That means you won your boyfriend's heart with food, huh?"

My heart ached as I stared at her.

Her face twitched.

I lowered my gaze as I moved my fork on my meal.

"Honey, did I say something wrong?" she asked, making me look at her.

I shook my head.

"No. It's just....." I paused as I recalled the first day I met Axel. He usually loves my cooking.

I get pleasing compliments from him. But all that was from an evil person.

I felt a touch on my hand.

I looked at Grandma.

She is looking at me with worry.

"What's wrong, sweetie?"

"I broke up with my boyfriend."

"Oh."

I nodded.

"Did he hurt you?" Grandpa asked, making me look at him.

I nodded.

"Tell me what he did. I have a short gun upstairs."

"Antonio,"

"What? He hurt our granddaughter."

Grandma heaved a sigh.

I smiled slightly as my heart melted.

I haven't felt that fatherly protection in a long time.

"Tell us, sweetie," Grandpa said.

"Your grandfather is good with his short gun though," Grandma said, making him chuckle.

"He is in the past now. Let's not bother about him." I said.

"Are you sure, sweetie?" Grandpa asked.

I nodded. "Yeah."

"If you say so." He said.

"How are the pancakes?" Grandma asked.

I nodded. "Delicious."

"I knew you would like it," she said happily.

"She makes the best pancakes in this town." Grandma bragged.

"Oh stop it, Antonio."

"It is the truth. I know her value and I am proud of it." Grandpa said proudly, making Grandma blush.

I chuckled.

They are a very cute couple.

Something tells me I am going to be very happy living here with them.

I am looking forward to it.

This feels great.

AN HOUR LATER.....

"That was a good breakfast we had, right sweetie?" Grandma asked as we washed the dishes.

The little sun from the window in front of us filled the sink as we washed.

Time flew so fast. It is already noon and very sunny outside judging by the little sun coming in through the window.

"Very. I had fun. Grandpa is very funny."

"One of the reasons why I married him," she said, making me smile.

"Funny, brave, bold, and kind. Kind men are the best, sweetie. Make sure you marry one."

"I hope so," I said, moving the already-washed plate to the rack.

"Even though we had a time with our parents before we got married."

I looked at her. She is focused on the plates.

"Hard time?"

"Yeah. I am Hispanic and he is American. Ignore the fact that I call him Antonio. His name is Anthony but my Hispanic nature can't help it." she said, chuckled.

I chuckled too.

"It affected our kids too. They all got Spanish names."

I smiled as I recalled when she spoke about my uncles. Blanco and Pedro. Then my dad, Julio.

Cute names.

"My dad wanted me to marry from our tribe but I couldn't accept it. It was your grandfather or no one," she said.

I smiled as I washed another plate.

"They accepted and here we are. You came into existence."

I smiled.

"I just regret not giving my Julio all the love and care a mother should give her child," she said, making me look at her again.

She has a sad look on her face.

"It's okay, Grandma. I believe wherever Dad is right now, he has forgiven you and Grandpa."

She nodded. "I hope so."

"I believe he has."

She looked at me with a smile.

I smiled as well.

The doorbell rang, taking our attention.

"Antonio, the door," Grandma called.

"I'm getting it." Grandpa sang from the living room.

"I wonder who that could be," she said as we continued washing.

I looked at the window, staring at the lawn and the ban at the side.

I can't wait to see the animals. Perhaps after.......

I furrowed my brows at the sight of a tall man with a familiar figure, cutting the grass with a machine.

I can only see his back but he is dressed in jean trousers and a jean jacket that lets out a yellow t-shirt underneath. He has a black face cap on that is covering his short braided hair.

"Grandma?"

"Yes, sweetie?"

"Who is that?" I asked without looking away from the man.

"Oh, that's our gardener."

Oh gardener.

Why doesn't he look familiar even from behind?

He needs to turn around so I can.....

"Maria, Pedro, and Blanco are here with their kids!" Grandpa called.

"Oh! Sweetie, your siblings are here. Come come." Grandma said, taking my hand and dragging me along happily.

Oh geez. The rest of my family is here.