Chapter 112 - There are feelings - fears
Veronica
Indeed, Miguel had taken Isaac to the registry office with Ines, and I wasn't sure how to take that gesture—admirable for taking on that responsibility, or completely impulsive. In any case, he made it clear to Diana, not in the best way, how willing he was to assume all the legal consequences that come with having a registered child. These men were a bunch of alpha males.
On the other hand, it seemed bold or domineering to overlook the mother's decision and, worse yet, to rub it in her face that she wasn't a woman to his liking when he showed otherwise. That made it seem like he pitied her, though his clenched fists told me my dear friend's reaction was out of jealousy. Friends of Roland… what they do with their hands, they destroy with their feet. I knocked on Diana's door and entered when she gave me permission. She was looking out the window, her eyes red.
"I don't know how to ask the question without sounding like a fool. I hope you understand."
"Don't worry, at this point in my life, I've been through all kinds of situations. I'm not angry about him giving his last name to Isaac. I see he's a good man and it's clear how much he adores him since the day he was born. But he's a brute!" I sat on the edge of the bed. Damn! Her feelings were very clear.
"I know I'm a tainted woman; my body has had so many hands on it, and I feel rage seeing how my dreams were shattered because more than a year ago, I was kidnapped and forced to do abominable things. Believe me, Mrs. Veronica. I dreamed of getting married as a virgin, of belonging to just one man. Maybe my dreams were archaic for these times, but I always imagined being a princess in a fairy tale, and a prince charming would come to save me. But no, what came to me was a Beast."
"I also love Beauty and the Beast," I commented, laughing. It relaxed her a bit. She sighed sadly.
"Yes, but… Belle was pure, as I was, but now… The only thing I had to offer the man who would make my stomach flutter with butterflies, life took from me once again. Now I have nothing to offer, not even if I counted three times the fingers on my hands and feet would it be enough to say how many men have been inside me.
"My son is not to blame, and I love him. I won't make the mistakes my mother made with me. Isaac won't suffer what I suffered, even though he is the result of those months I want to forget. I've had nightmares, but since I came to this house, I calm down quickly because at dawn I can see him and hold him. It may seem absurd to you, but here I feel like nothing bad can happen to me. And the worst part is, until a few minutes ago, I would have sworn that Miguel was interested in me. But it's just pity, and I don't blame him."
"You shouldn't talk about yourself like that."
"Ines told me her story before you told me part of yours. You came to your husband as a virgin. Think about how you would feel if my story had happened to you. I was less than seventeen when I was kidnapped."
"Diana…" I got up and went to the window. "You are a beautiful woman who has been through unfortunate situations. When you decide to give your body to a man, that day will be your first time because you chose it, it will be consensual, not forced. Do you like Miguel Garcia?"
"Is that going to be my son's last name?" I nodded. "He intimidates me… I suppose if I have to like something, it felt awful to hear his comment, saying that he doesn't like me, that I'm just a girl."
"Do you feel butterflies in your stomach?"
"I told you they were orangutans." I smiled and hugged her.
"Give it time, believe me, you are the medicine for Miguel, but he must fight his demons."
"Don't worry. Even though you say otherwise, I am not worthy of him. I feel too tainted to offer anything."
"You know what he does for a living, right?"
"I overhear conversations."
"Well, several members of this family have sins."
I showed her my wrists. I need to think of something to hide the ugly scars on my hands. More marks on my body—if he were here, he would regret it even more.
"But purity isn't found in the body, Diana. That purity is inside you, and let me tell you, you're the noblest woman I've ever met. With that gesture of loving your child above all things, even knowing how he was conceived, not every woman would have acted as you did. Most would have given him up for adoption.
"But you shower him with affection, kisses, hugs, caresses, you devote yourself to that little prince. You have more purity than anyone else. Don't be discouraged. If you want some advice, ignore what Miguel said. He acted out of jealousy."
"Jealousy?" I confirmed.
"I wouldn't be Veronica Vasquez if his reaction wasn't because he didn't like seeing you hug Simon." I sighed. "And have a little patience with him. Both of you need time for your wounds to heal; each of you is bruised. Let God work his miracle."
"It was with you that I returned to church, it felt good, Father Gabriel is incredible."
"Yes, he is a worthy emissary of God's word. And remember that saying, 'What's meant for the dog, the cat won't eat.'" We heard a car, and looking out the window, it was him.
"It seems my son already has a father."
"He will be a good father. It wasn't imposed on him, he chose it."
"Thank you for your words, today you confirmed what the employees and the boys said, you are an angel."
"Nonsense, and one more piece of advice. Roland, Simon, Miguel, and the boys are men who don't like easy women. It wouldn't hurt to play a little indifferent."
"I'll try, although I have simpler thoughts, but calling me a girl will cost him."
……
Simon
The lawyer called yesterday to inform us that we had a meeting with representatives from each city. I won't take the lady to that meeting for anything in the world, I'll go with Onion, Scratch-ass, and Turd. In the morning, it was with the bosses, and in the afternoon, it was the reading of his personal will, which would be done at the house. For now, we'll keep the women entertained with the preparations for Isaac Garcia's baptism. Cherry and Crust will stay to watch the house. The issue between the child's parents remained quite tense, Onion, now being the father, couldn't be the godfather, so I filled the position.
"Rat, we need to leave to get there on time." The meeting will be at one of the Boss's estates. I had a feeling storms were brewing. "What's worrying you?"
"Several things," I said. "And the main one, Dr. Mendoza's sudden trip."
I got up from the chair, looking at the photo of the dark-haired woman. According to Ines, the girl who arrived was more robust, and comparing them, it was true. One was taller, although there were the heels, while the body of the woman who brought the folders was curvier. The woman I bumped into had a slim body. I don't know if she had a butt, she was wearing a trench coat, and I had to admit I didn't pay attention to that. Another point, the little hair Ines saw was blonde, and I was very sure the one I saw was black and not a wig. I can easily detect synthetic hair. If it was the same woman, she was a disguise specialist, and that made her more interesting.
"You're still obsessed with that woman."
"It may seem strange, but there's something attractive about her... I don't know how to define it." I ran my hands over my face in frustration.
"What attracts you is that she's good at her job, she's good at being a chameleon."
"I'm going to catch her." We left the basement. "Let's go." At the exit, Turd was waiting, sitting in the passenger seat, and Scratch-ass was in the back. Onion took the driver's seat, and I got in the back of the car. The Cordovan's face was absent.
"Don't interrupt him, he's talking to his ancestors."
Turd joked, and Scratch-ass kicked him. It hit the youngest of the group from the side.
"This thing is serious. Something tells me things are going to heat up, the Boss did something, let's be careful."
"Okay, chief."
"Look, pale monkey."
Turd's face fell, Onion and I burst out laughing. The youngest of the group was completely screwed.
"Shut your trap."
Said the one with a special gift. Onion started the car, and we set off to find out what the boss did before he died.