Chapter 1
Grace
BUZZ. BUZZ. BUZZ. I wake up to the infuriating clamor of my alarm clock. I rub the sleep from my eyes and sit up slowly, stretching, and massaging the ache out of my shoulders. When I'm fully awake I hurl my legs over the side of the bed, and let my thoughts of the day immerse in my mind. Today was the day I loaded up all my belongings, and started my journey to Mexico. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and after I graduated 2 months ago, I wanted to help children less fortunate across the world. So I set my sites on leaving Basin Texas, and educating the youth in Tierras Rocosas Mexico. According to my research this would be my first stop, and one of the most threatening places I would visit. But, there is a calling in my heart, and I have no intentions on wasting my potential. I have always had the ability to make the harsh decisions, and stand up when no one else would. My mother says I take after my father, but I unfortunately I would never know. I quickly take a shower, dress, and load all my things into the back of my recently renovated van. My mother was waiting at the doorway already drenched in tears. I loaded the last bit of kitchen supplies under the makeshift storage cabinet, and turn to face my mother. I nervously stroked my hands across my pants as I walked over to her. I could feel the hot tears begin to stream down my cheeks. “ Please baby don’t cry. I will never let you go if you cry.” My mom’s voice sounded so gentle, and caring. I could hardly make out any words to say to her. I wrapped my arms around her, and held her in a tight embrace. “Mom I’m going to be just fine. But I’m going to miss you so much.” I managed to choke the words out of my mouth without completely falling apart. After what felt like forever we released each other, and gave one last goodbye before I climbed in my van and set off on my voyage.
Mateo
I looked down at my bruising knuckles thinking of Sarah. Her soft hair, her honey and vanilla scent. She always brought out the best in me. And now I sit on a metal bench overlooking the roped in octagon. She would be so disappointed in me, falling back into my old ways. “Mateo! Hey Mateo! Come help me with this!” Jesus called me from the ring, he is mentoring a young boy. As I approach the ring I can see the boy is in distress. Jesus is a pronounced mixed martial arts instructor, but he has no filter and often forgets his manners when dealing with children. I open the gate and lift the child from the ground, and he gives me a weary look. “It’s ok boy, you just need a teacher with patience." I shoot Jesus a sarcastic smile. When the nino is standing, I place his hands and feet in the correct position. I coach him through the proper technique, and hold my hands up indicating for him to strike. He delivers a powerful blow to my left hand that makes me shake the pain away. I give him a proudful smile, and he offers me on in return. “Well I guess that’s why you’re el jefe. I’m always learning new things.” Jesus has a hurt look on his face, I get the sense he feels like he is always second to me. I can’t imagine why, he’s a pretty good looking guy, and he has all the qualities of an exceptional boyfriend. Compared to me he has his life in order. We climb out of the octagon, and head toward my office to cool down. When we arrive I head straight to Sarah’s picture on the far end of my office. Jesus comes behind me and places a comforting hand on my shoulder. We have been friends for many years, and he can always sense when I'm upset.“She was so beautiful. I know you miss her man.” His words sting, even though I know he meant well. I politely shrug his hand off my shoulder, and form a small smile. I will never forget the night she was taken from me. When my past came to life and stole the only person who cared for me. As I’m lost in thought I don’t notice Jesus sitting at my desk and throw his feet on the table. “Hey I meant to ask you are you coming to El Bar tonight? I want to finally take la camarera home with me this time.” He sends me a mischievous look, that forces me to laugh. Yeah amigo I’ll come out tonight, I mean who’s going to take care of you if I don’t!” We both laugh and pack up our things to head home until this evening.
Grace
I finally arrived at my hotel in Tierras Rocosas Mexico. I take an anxious look around my room, and notice how defaced the building really is. The walls are missing most of their wall paper, the floors only have carpet in some places, and the bathrooms are repulsive. I toss my bags on the uninviting bed, and pull out my phone. After looking through various hotel recommendations, I come across someone in search of a roommate. I scroll through the requirement and roommate information to find a picture of who I’d be living with. It is an older girl around 25, with illuminating features. I get a sense of safety and warmth from her, and decided to give her a call at the number listed. I could stay in my van that I built just for the occasion, but since I've been on the road for almost a month I decided to get an actual bed. The phone rings three time before a very feminie voice answers. “Hola?” “Hi my name is Grace I came across your post for a roommate. I was wondering if you were still in need of one?” “Oh thank goodness, yes please, I will text you the address. You come now?” She sounded very hopeful and desperate. I paused a minute before I answered. “Yes ma’am I can come right now!” When I hung up the phone I took one last look around the disgusting room, then picked up my bags and left. I decided to walk to the address because I googled it on my phone, and it said it was only a few blocks away. I enjoy walking, I get to see things closer than you could if you were in a car. As I strolled on the sidewalk I began to remember I am not back home anymore. These streets are unwelcoming, cold, and filthy. There were many families sitting outside buildings and many menacing characters. I clung my purse to my side and flattened my dress down. I kept my eyes to the ground only picking them up briefly to ensure I was still on the right track. Once I was only steps away from my destination I lifted my head to see a gym right next to my new home. At first thought this was a gym where all were welcome, but on closer inspection I saw it was for training fighters. I have never been the type to be involved in a physical altercation, but this did interest me. I passed the gym and pushed the buzzer to the apartment, after a moment’s pause I heard a familiar voice greet me and send me up. I was greeted at the door by my new roommate who had a very wide smile on her face. “Hola! My name es Emillia. I excited to have you here, it been very hard to pay rent here.” Emillia had a very distinctive spanish accent that was immensely adorable. She was also very short about 5’5 if I had to guess with beautiful blond hair. “Hi my name is Grace, thank you for having me!” We shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. We hit it off so well I didn’t realize how late it had gotten outside. “Emillia it was wonderful meeting you. I’m excited to spend some time with you, but I have been traveling for weeks. Do you mind if I head off to bed?” A disappointed look took over her face. “But no, we have to go out tonight! We have to celebrate a new friendship!” I appreciated the thought, but the impression of being out on these street at night made me uncomfortable. “Oh I would love too, but I don’t have anything to wear, and I really need to focus on my curriculum for the kids.” “No no, I give you outfit ok, we go out tonight and work tomorrow!” She gave me a hopeful look, and I knew I would not be winning this argument. I sucked in a breath, and let Emillia lead me to her closet. She pulled out a paper thin red dress with a slit at the thigh. Emillia was a lot thinner than me so I knew this would hug my body a little more than I liked, but I wanted to start off right with her. I walked into the bathroom and changed for the night.
Mateo
It was almost 11:30 when Jesus and I arrived at the bar. I immediately took a seat at the far end to avoid any wandering eyes. It had been years since I was with Sarah, and I just wasn't ready yet. Jesus sat down next to me and cursed under his breath. I looked around to see what could be bothering him, that's when I realized it wasn’t our regular bartender tonight. “Aw I’m sorry amigo, maybe next time.” I gave him a supportive pat on the back, that didn’t seem to make him feel any better. We ordered a beer and conversed there for a while, until finally I got up to use the bathroom. When I returned Jesus was nowhere to be found. I let it be, figuring he was chasing after some girl and made my way back to the bar. Reaching the bar I observed a woman in a red dress sitting in my seat. My eyes wander up and down her body drinking her in. I shook the indecent thoughts from my mind and took a chair three seats down. To my dismay I was not the only man who noticed the girl in the red dress. “Senioretia. You are muy caliente, do you need me to cool you off?” The women rolled her eyes so far, I did not think they would come back to their normal position. The stranger then placed his hand on her hips and pulled her in to him. Her discomfort was evident and she whipped around to face him. Unfortunately for him, it was not what he was expecting. She laid a cold slap across his face that made the entire bar turn to face them. The man was shocked then exasperated, he grabbed her by her wrist and flung her to the floor. Before he could take another step towards her I was already out of my seat and pinning the 6 foot man to the wall. “I think it’s time for you to leave senior. You’ve forgotten your mother’s teachings. Do not EVER lay your hands on a woman!” The guy tried to speak, but my hand was wrapped in the collar of his shirt and pressing against his throat. I slung him to the ground and reached out my hand to the woman on the floor. She gently placed her hand in mine, and unintentionally sent shivers through my body. Her touch was intoxicating and I was not sure if I would be able to fight her off like I have done with many women before. “Thank you.” She spoke with a small voice. I could see she was very weak from the plunge. She touched the top of her forehead, and felt the warm liquid of her own blood. She began to become unsteady, and fell deeper into my hold. I moved the strands of hair blocking her eyes to see a comatose beauty. Without a second thought, I swooped her into my arms and walked out of the bar.
