Love Through Pain Page 8

  “Your sister’s here.”

  He swiveled his head between the door and her. “What?” He rushed to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” he yelled through the barrier. After a few minutes, he came out in sweatpants and a T-shirt.

  Jazmine chuckled. The look on his face when she’d mentioned that his sister was in the other room—priceless.

  “Not funny.” He combed his hair with his fingers.

  “You shouldn’t be stepping out of the bathroom naked.” Jazmine rolled her head in a joking manner.

  His smile wavered. Stalking to the door, he placed his hand on the knob. “I didn’t know you were home, or I would’ve never insulted you that way,” he said without looking at her.

  Javier must have taken her seriously.

  “Javy…” She watched as he placed his forehead on the door.

  “Jazmine, I apologize.” His voice was barely above a whisper.

  She pushed herself up with her hands and strolled over to him. Slowly she ran her hand across his shoulders. “Please, look at me.”

  He took a deep breath, and then turned around, gazing down at her.

  She cupped his face. “I was just kidding; you in no way or form have ever disrespected me. In a way,” she giggled, “you made my day.”

  His full lips curled into a smile, and his large hand caressed the side of her neck. He gazed at her mouth as she licked her bottom lip. Javier pulled her closer and bent his head.

  “Javier!” his sister shouted.

  They stared at each other, and he released his hold on her, and for some odd reason she felt disappointed.

  “Ya voy!” he yelled back, breaking their connection.

  Jazmine moved out of the way so he could leave the room. “She’s waiting for you to eat with her. I stopped and picked up some food on the way in.”

  He opened the door. “Thank you. Aren’t you going to join us?”

  “I’m really tired.” She yawned, now walking to the bed.

  “Get some rest then.” His eyes never left her face. “I’ll check up on you later.” He eased the door open and moved around it. The door was shut with a quiet click.

  She sat on the bed, moved back, and lay in the middle of the mattress, touching her belly. Why was her body betraying her? This arrangement was about the baby; once the baby was born, she would never see either one of them again—and that thought made her sad.

  ***

  Javier sat at the table eating with his sister. She told him what happened, and how Jazmine had helped her. What was she thinking going down there by herself? She could’ve been hurt, he thought.

  “Why didn’t you call my cell?” He looked at his sister while he opened his burger box.

  “I was, but Jazmine listened to me.” Lucy took a bite of her nugget.

  “She’s pregnant, what if something would’ve happened?” He put down his sandwich.

  She stared at him with big gray eyes. “I didn’t now she was pregnant, or that she was living with you.” She munched on a fry. “She insisted, and nothing happened, Javy, she’s fine. She taught me that there are other ways to solve problems, besides using your fists.”

  Javier smiled. “Well I guess it’s better you spoke to her before me, because my answer would’ve been completely different.”

  As his sister kept talking, all he could think about was the way Jazmine’s eyes sparkled when she’d inspected his body. He’d noticed her as soon as he finished drying his hair. He thought she would’ve detected that he’d been staring back at her when his cock jerked, but instead, she’d licked her lips. Fuck, he needed to get laid.

  “Javy, did you hear me?” Lucy asked.

  “What you say?” He shook his head, paying full attention to his sister.

  “Jazmine told me you’re adopting her baby, that’s so sweet.” She grinned.

  “What else did she say?” he asked curious.

  “Nothing much, she just said she couldn’t care for the baby, and you offered to raise him.” She continued eating.

  “What do you think of what she’s doing?” Curious to hear what his little sister thought about the situation.

  “I think it’s wonderful.” Lucy grabbed her drink.

  “For real?” He leaned forward on the table.

  “Yes, she’s giving this baby a chance. She could’ve killed him, or even given birth, and then thrown him in a dumpster, like I’ve seen on the news. She’s doing what’s best for her baby.” She took a drink. “She’s a good person, she’s just not ready to be a mom.”

  He stared at his sister. “When did you get so wise?”

  “When you weren’t looking.” She giggled. “I’m fifteen, I’m not a kid anymore.”

  “I’m proud of you, Lucy. You’ve kept up your grades, and you’re a good kid.” He grabbed her hand.

  “Thanks.” Her mouth opened like she wanted to say something, but she closed it. And watched him.

  “Say what’s on your mind.”

  “Why don’t both of you raise him?”

  He was surprised by her question. If only she knew the truth. “What you mean?”

  “I mean, I can tell you like each other. She’s a very nice lady. I know the baby isn’t yours, but that doesn’t matter. Dad raised Jose like he was his own, and he loves mom.”

  “Lucy, we don’t have that kind of relationship. She’s just living here because of the baby.”

  “Why don’t you have that kind of relationship with her?”

  He arched his eyebrow.

  “You like each other, but this baby is keeping you apart when it could bring you together.” She threw the wrapper to her food in a paper bag.

  “I thought you liked Monica.”

  “I didn’t have a choice, she’s like family. Oh, before I forget, they’re having a family dinner. When you take me back, Monica and her family will be there,” she said, standing up. “You haven’t been home in almost three months, Jose will also be there.”

  “Que beno!” he raised his voice.

  “Yep, dad convinced him to come to dinner.” She walked into the kitchen, and he followed her. “Where am I sleeping?”

  He threw his box into the trash. “I guess with Jazmine.”

  His sister crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t think so. I want to watch my novelas, and I don’t want to bother her. You sleep with her.” She wiggled her full eyebrows and left the kitchen.

  ***

  Javier gently knocked on the bedroom door, but there was no answer, so he slowly opened it, stepped in, and shut the door behind him.

  “Jazz…” He strolled over to her sleeping form.

  He turned on the lamp on the nightstand and smiled, Jazmine looked so peaceful. She didn’t know, but when she was asleep, she always held a protective hand over her belly.

  “Hey little man, I didn’t forget about reading to you.” He touched her belly with his finger and felt a thump.

  He dragged the computer chair next to the bed, and sat. Javier picked up the child’s book, and opened it.

  “In a land far, far away lived three…” He didn’t get to continue, because Jazmine began snickering as her eyes fluttered open.

  Javier closed the book. “What now?”

  “Please get another book.” She pouted her lips. “I’ve already memorized that damn thing.”

  His chuckle came out deep. “I’m not reading to you.”

  “Well, when you annoy me, you’re annoying him too.” She pushed herself up onto her elbows.

  “Now, I’m bothering you.” The side of his mouth curled.

  “Not you, that freaking book is.” Jazmine picked it up and threw it.

  He watched as it landed on the floor, and then stared at her. “What was that about?”

  “Just having a moment.” She sighed and lay back down on her left side, her back was now turned to him. “I miss my life,” she murmured.

  Javier pushed himself out of the chair, and then got
on the bed behind her. “I know how you feel.” He pushed a strand of hair out of her face. “When I’m away from my family, it’s sometimes difficult, but the people around me became my support system. Being away on a ship, or even on land, can get lonely.” He thought about those days; he wasn’t going tell her, but he’d gotten used to being alone, until she’d appeared in his life. Monica couldn’t stay in his house more than one night without him wanting her to leave.

  “But I’m here,” he whispered next to her ear. Javier could feel goose bumps on her skin, and he caressed her arm.

  Her whimper, gave him the idea she was crying. Her body trembled, and she was wiping her face with the sheets.

  “Have you called your family and friends lately?”

  “Yes, I spoke to them today,” she answered in-between sobs.

  He lay down and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “Is everything good?”

  “Yes, they think I’m away on business. I just miss everything.” She placed her hands over his. “Your sister is sweet.”

  “She is.” Now he understood what was going on. The time she spent with his sister made her miss home more. “Do you have siblings?”

  “I have two sisters and a brother. I’m the youngest.”

  “What are their names?”

  “Janice, Michael, and Jewel.”

  “Interesting, all the girls’ names start with a J.” He continued to rub her fingers. “Are you close?”

  “Yes, but Jewel and me are closer in age.”

  “Your parents?”

  She caressed his hands. “My mother is a diva, continuously asking me to get married and have babies.” She rubbed her stomach with her other hand. “If she only knew. I’m a daddy’s girl, my dad is sweet and gentle. Since he retired he has a lot of time on his hands. He’s a deacon in the church, and he always finds the good in everything.”

  “You have one more month, and you’ll be home,” he said, fighting the overwhelming sadness that washed through him—knowing she was leaving him. “Thanks for helping Lucy out, but you should’ve waited for me. What if those girls would’ve had weapons?”

  “They didn’t. Bullies usually target people they think wouldn’t stand up to them, and now Lucy has the upper hand. She has two videos, one with evidence and one showing her bully being vulnerable. So you see, they won’t be messing with her anymore.”

  “She thinks you’re awesome.” He laid his head in the crook of her neck.

  Jazmine grabbed his hands and put them over her stomach, the baby was kicking.

  “And she’s not the only one that thinks that.” He kissed her neck. “Is it okay if I sleep with you tonight? Lucy won’t give up the couch.”

  She snuggled closer to him, and then she took his hand, moving it toward her lips and kissing it. “Javier, I feel safe anytime you’re near.”

  “I will always protect you.” He felt her breathing change. Jazmine had fallen asleep. He kissed her head and closed his eyes.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Javier dropped his sister off at his parents’ house, and then drove to Monica’s apartment to talk to her.

  At her place, he knocked on her door. He hoped this went well.

  Monica had a huge smile on her face when she swung the door open. “Javy…” She threw herself in his arms.

  At a loss at what to do, he accepted her embrace. “Hi.”

  “I’ve missed you.” She pressed her mouth to his. “Come in.” Taking him by the hand, she yanked him into her apartment, kicking the door shut.

  Javier followed her over to the sofa, and took a seat.

  Monica waited until he sat, and straddled his lap. “Did you miss me?” She ground down on his crotch.

  He gripped her hips to prevent her from moving. “We need to talk first.”

  “We can talk later.” She took his hands and placed them on her breasts.

  “No, we need to talk now.” He grabbed her by the waist and sat her next to him. “Before we hop into bed, I want us to be clear about where our relationship is going.”

  “You’re my boyfriend.” She touched his forearm.

  He held her hand in his. “I think we need to start over. I’ll be leaving in a few months, and I think we should see if we can survive a long distant relationship.”

  “We have; you live two hours away.” She gazed lovingly up at him.

  “Monica, I haven’t seen you since you broke up with me four months ago. What kind of a relationship is that?”

  “What are you saying?” She pulled her hand back.

  “I think we should see other people until we know for sure this is what we want.” He stood.

  “What the fuck?” She raised her voice. “Are you seeing someone else?”

  “No,” he sighed, “but even if I was, you broke up with me.”

  She stood. “You’re right, we should take a break.” Monica strolled up to him, and then wrapped her hands around his neck. “That doesn’t mean we can’t fuck.”

  Javier knew she was up to something. She’d never given in so easily before, but he needed to get laid. His lips met hers, and he plundered her mouth.

  “Hmmm, that’s what I’m talking about.” She combed her fingers through his hair. “I missed you, baby.”

  She took his hand in hers and led him to her bedroom.

  ***

  Javier and Monica arrived to his parents’ house. Everyone was already there, sitting at the dining table. Monica’s parents, her sister Elissa, and brother Frankie were seated on one side. His dad, Jose, Lucy, Carlitos, and a female he didn’t know sat on the other.

  “Bendición,” he told his father.

  “Que Dios te bendiga,” his dad, Papo, answered.

  “Good Afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Garcia.” He kissed Monica’s mother, passing by and shaking Frankie’s hand; he’d shaved off his brown hair. “Long time no see, dude.”

  “Sorry I missed you birthday, but something came up.”

  “No worries.”

  “Carlitos.” He kissed his head. He sat next to his brother, and gave him a hug. “Nice to see you here.”

  “Nice to be here. You look good.” Jose pushed back his chair. “Vanessa, this is my brother, Javier.”

  Javier extended his hand and shook hers. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Where’s Mom?” Javier searched the room.

  “In the kitchen, grabbing some more napkins,” Lucy answered.

  “This celebration is for you, and you’re late,” his dad said in a stern voice, staring at him and Monica.

  He stared at his dad. “Celebration for what?”

  “Your son.” His dad was excited.

  Monica’s family all stared at her.

  “You’re pregnant,” her dad asked, his nose flaring.

  “Papa, no,” Monica raised her voice. “He’s adopting some black chick’s baby.”

  Here goes, he thought. His father stared at him. “A what!”

  Monica smirked, she knew what she was doing.

  “I’m adopting a baby,” Javier grabbed the spoon, serving himself some food.

  His brother patted his back. “Congratulations! You’re finally going to be a dad.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Is she a black Hispanic?” His dad eyebrows met.

  “Nope, she’s a beautiful African-American,” Lucy chimed in, putting down her fork.

  Javier winked at his sister. “Does the race of the baby’s mother matter? I’m raising him.”

  “No fucking son of mine will be raising a black baby.”

  Javier clenched his jaw, pushing his plate away before eating a bite, losing his appetite. “I think you forget something, dad. I’m a grown man who doesn’t need your permission for shit.” He shot his dad a dirty look.

  “It’s about damn time,” Jose mumbled.

  “Now you’re disrespecting me.” His father stood. “What do you know about raising a black baby?”

  Javier stared up at him. “What’s the different in raising
any race?”

  Everyone was quiet, listening to the conversation. He could see Monica smiling from the corner of his eye.

  “There are a lot of Hispanic children waiting to get adopted, and you pick a African-American.”

  “Ya…” His mother entered the room, and everyone watched her. “Don’t you dare talk about my unborn grandson that way.”

  “You didn’t tell me the baby was black.” His dad frowned at his mother.

  “It shouldn’t matter. I raised them to treat everyone equal,” she said, coming into the room with napkins in her hands.

  “Why don’t you go and get someone fucking pregnant like your brother did?”

  Jose’s mouth opened to say something, but he must’ve decided against it and continued eating. Jose had gotten the neighbor’s daughter, Olga, pregnant, and they disowned her. She was away at college and came to see Carlitos whenever she could. Olga was moving back home in a couple of months, and his nephew would be moving in with her.

  Javier smirked, and then glared at his father. “What if I married a black girl, and then get her pregnant?”

  “Are you in love with this girl?” his dad asked. Monica stopped smiling and waited for his answer.

  “Does it matter?” his mom asked. “That has nothing to do with my grandson.”

  “It matters, she’ll break his heart,” his father responded.

  Javier stared at his parents. “You didn’t answer my question. What if he was biologically mine?”

  “Then that baby won’t be my grandchild either.”

  “So, what you’re telling me is, you’d disown your own grandchild?” The vein in Javier’s neck began to throb he was so angry.

  His dad was about to answer.

  “Enough, Papo.” His mom threw the napkins on the table. “We’ll talk about this later.”

  “We are not talking about shit later.” His dad slammed his fist on the table. “He is not my grandson!”

  Javier stood. “You don’t have to worry about being in my son’s life. He doesn’t need you; ‘cause one thing is for sure, I’ll be a better father than you.” He walked over to his mother and kissed her cheek. “Bendición.”