When we met I didn't like you...
Money. The root of all evil, yet the root of everything as a whole. If you can't live contently with it, you'll just have to settle living restlessly without it. It's contradictory and unfair really, but who cares about my opinion? I am just a small and unknowledgeable girl in a vast world of 7 billion mindsets and ideologies. But for the record, I don't believe money buys you happiness necessarily, but it definitely solves a majority of your problems.
For instance, I could buy one of the many lottery tickets at the checkout counter next to me, win big, and never have to stand here in this itchy, ill-fitting, brown work shirt and bunion-forming slip free monochrome shoes, pretending I genuinely care about what this woman in front of me is ranting about. "...I mean come on, right? How ridiculous is that?!" the woman groaned. I shook my head free of the reverie that was occupying it and smiled. "That is pretty ridiculous."
"Yeah, I thought so myself." She huffed. The woman, possibly in her mid-forties, was clearly well endowed. So much so, I was wondering what a woman like her was doing on this side of town. It wasn't the "slums" per se, at least not yet. But it definitely wasn't her speed either. I glanced down at the smooth, cool box I was scanning for her; hair dye. Figures. They must run out of the Kerastase she presumably accustomed to. "That'll be $29.97, ma'am." I replied monotonously. "Keep the change." She winked, passing me $30.00. Gee thanks, I thought. "Here you are." I said, pressing a smile to my face. "Thanks for your help...?" the woman trailed.
"Ysabel." I answered, pointing towards my name badge saliently resting on my chest. The question mark on the woman's face was almost palpable. "Iz-ah-bell?" she struggled. "Sure." I muttered. "Right well, thank you, hun." The woman slid her designer sunglasses over her emerald eyes and sent me one more smirk before sashaying out the automatic doors. I sighed and glanced up at the clock above my lane: 1:22 pm. Eight more minutes, I thought. Come on Ysa, you can do this. A few moments later I decided perhaps cleaning my lane would pass the time faster. As I was just beginning to wipe the cleaning spray from the belt, I caught the eyes of an elderly lady.
Insert mental groan here. "Please keep walking," I whispered to myself. I checked the clock again: 1:27 pm. A smile crept across the lady's face as she hurriedly made her way to me. Damnit. "Are you checking out?" she asked in a rushed manner. "Yes ma'am." I answered curtly. She gave me a crinkled eye smiled and quickly threw a bag of black licorice and a deck of playing cards on the conveyor belt. "If you don't mind, I'm in a hurry. I'm not supposed to be here alone." She winked. "Sure." I replied. That works better for me too; 1:29 pm.
"$6.50 please." The woman slid me a folded ten-dollar bill from her skeletal-like hands. Honestly, this elderly lady looked great for whatever her age must be. Pretty minimal wrinkles, fair complexion resting a mischievous smirk, and a standard issue retirement home uniform with a silver walking cane. Fashionable, might I say? "There you are." I smiled handing her due change back. "Thanks-" "Mio!" a voice screeched. The woman rolled her dark eyes before turning slowly to face the voice.
"Mio where have you been?!" a young man called. "Right here." Mio shrugged. The guy frowned shaking his head incredulously. He was clearly a frustrated caregiver for this Mio. His name tag read: Kevin, adorned his blue scrubs. I could sense the angry yet worried energy he was radiating, so I felt the need to defend the older woman. "Excuse me, Kevin? I can assure you Miss. Mio here was no trouble." I chimed, handing Mio her items. The creases in his furrowed brow seemed to slightly relax at the statement. "I'm sure miss, but she isn't allowed to even be out of her room, let alone out of my eyesight." He replied.
Mio sent me an appreciative smile. "Thank you." She whispered. "Let's go." Kevin said walking away with Mio tight in tow. I pondered what had just happened in front of me, before realizing it was 1:35 pm and I was late to clock out. I definitely didn't need my boss on my case again, she wasn't exactly a basket of roses. I hurriedly turned out my lane's light, packed my backpack and headed for the time stamp machine which was conveniently at the other end of the store. Luckily, the store wasn't busy so I wouldn't be disturbed in my pursuit to leave. I had important things to take care of anyway.
Just as my foot was brushing against the doors threshold a voice called from behind me. "Ysabel?" I knew that feline-like voice from anywhere. Miranda Gordon, store manager. I spun slowly on my heel to meet the emotionless brown eyes of the slender woman. "Y-Yes, Mrs.Gordon?" I replied shakily. She wordlessly handed me an envelope."You forgot this. And I had Katy peer review your stocking skills yesterday, they need improvement. Be here 8am tomorrow. Sharp." She said sternly.
Katy? As in Katy from the deli? The one that never minds her own business and swears up and down she's assistant manager, when she's actually just a deli meat slicer with a heartbeat? You've got to be kidding. "And Adeola called in sick for tomorrow, so you'll need to fill her shift anyway." I cast my glance down to my shoes, Addy hadn't texted me about her being sick...
"Yes ma'am." I nodded, taking the envelope and rushing out the doors. I carefully opened the envelope as I made my way toward the town. It was my check as expected; $375.50. Might actually have enough for dinner tonight. I shove the paper in my pocket and make my way to my favorite place in the world: E-Z Trip gas station. Why, you ask? Because when I walk in... "I heard milk does the body good but, damn chica how much have you been drinking?"
... a familiar sense of home always surrounds me. Yes, he was flirting with me, but I knew him. He's my best friend. His name is Malakai, Kai for short. Dropped out of high school to be a cashier at his Dad's gas station after his Mom left. Solid plan, right? "Want to simmer down with the pickup lines, Kai?" I chuckled. "That one was good though, right?" he smirked.
Kai was nice, pretty good looking too; kinky brown curls hover over a slender nose sprinkled with freckles and a pair of sterling silver eyes. Not to mention he's well over six foot tall. I'm quite surprised he's single, though I'm not exactly his preference. "You're such a dork," I shook my head. "Oh yeah? What does that make you?" he leaned in. "The friend of the dork. Dork by proxy if you will." I said, ruffling his hair.
He rolled his eyes, passing me my hard-earned money. "Hey, are we still carpooling to the book store tomorrow?" he called. "Of course!" I answered. "Is, uh... is Adeola coming too?" he asked hesitantly. "I'm not sure, I have to fill her shift tomorrow. Manager Evil, I mean, Miranda said she called in sick." I replied. "Well that's convenient." He muttered.
Malakai and Adeola weren't exactly the best of friends. In fact, I'm almost positive they'd avoid each other at all costs if it weren't for me. "I'll text her when I get home and find out if she's okay." I smirked at Kai's unamused face. Ugh, these two. They mix about as well together as water and oil. "Sure." He grumbled. "Anyway," I exclaimed loudly. "I get off at 2 so I'll see you then." I grinned over my shoulder. "See ya, later!" I felt his grin from behind me.
After securing the money, I began the trek to my "house". In reality said "house" is a glorified shack of sorts. Two bedrooms only separated by a thin plywood wall, a kitchen, a bathroom and sitting room that had a rather large hole in the ceiling. God only knows what lived in that hole.
But, the landlord sort of gave up hope of us paying him rent anymore and obviously didn't see any value or need to harass us for anything, so it's the best we can do. Of course, there is still that lingering feeling of uncertainty, of wondering whether or not one day he'll come to his senses and leave us homeless like he's legally able to. But until then, its our home sweet home. Sort of. I turned to step foot on the short gravel driveway and sighed contently. The light of my life, the only reason worth fighting for was sat behind that front door. I stuck my key in and turned the lock open.
"Ysa? Is that you?" a sweet melodic voice called. Instantaneously as smile crept across my face. A small pigtail yielding frame came bounding around the corner, latching onto my leg. "Hi, Mari." I grinned, hugging her back. "I missed you." She mumbled shyly. "I missed you too. Where is Bo?" I asked her. "She's in the dining room." I nodded, taking her hand and heading that way. I was incredibly grateful for Bowen; she was Malakai's sister who so graciously helped me by taking care of Mari while I worked. "Oh hey, Yse. How are you?" she asked, swinging one slender leg over the other.
In many ways I was jealous of Bowen. She had everything going for her; she was tall, thin, and gorgeous. A spitting image of her baby brother; her perfectly brown coily hair hung neatly around her sun-kissed skin. Hazel eyes shined just as brightly as her smile.
She wasn't only a looker, but she also was a course away from getting her bachelors' degree in marketing. Her parents were still together, she's never had to work a day in her life; I could go on for days. Bowen went through boyfriends quicker than anyone I've ever known, but could you blame her? Some people are just handed the golden ticket in life, but I wasn't. And I've made my peace with it. I think.
"Good. Thanks for watching Mari again," I replied. "Sure." she shrugged. "And um..." I trailed, clasping my hands together. "How is... she?" I added. I was referring to my "mother". I refrain from that word due to her abandoning the title. It was a while ago, but the effects still ripple in me and Mari's lives still and probably forever. Having a mother ridden with PTSD and selective mutism was difficult to say the least for both parties involved. "Still the same, Ysabel." Bo replied sadly.
I sighed heavily. "Yeah, thought so." "Sorry. I'll see you tomorrow." She said, sending me a pity smile before patting Mari on the shoulder and exiting. I turned to face the expectant girl next to me, her small shoulders riding and falling with every breath she struggled to take. "Is this what you want to wear to the doctors?" I questioned. Mari nodded eagerly, doing a spin in her overall dress, her brown eyes gleaming.
I grinned grabbing up her hand, "Let's go."We started our short trek to the 102 south bus stop near our abode. As usual, I paid the fare for the both of us as we claimed our favorite seats near the back, the bus took off shortly thereafter. Mari and I sat in comfortable silence as we do often, enjoying each other's presence.
But suddenly I felt the air between us tense up, as we passed Sunnyview High School, the place I'd given up three years ago to help my family. I felt a sadness for the people and opportunity I'd left behind, but never felt regret. Doing what I did was the right thing, at least in my eyes. Mari sighed next to me. "What's wrong, Mari?" I frowned, worried. "I'm sorry, Ysa." she stated.
I looked at her with clear confusion. "What do you mean?" I asked. "I wish you didn't have to work. I know how much you missed school. I see it when we pass." Mari sulked. "It's my fault." Shaking my head, I shifted my entire body towards her, looking directly into her eyes. "Xiomara Yvanna Reyes, this is not your fault, nor will it ever be. I did what I did because I love you, okay? And I want what's best for you. Don't you won't worry about me. Understood?" I clarified.
I had no idea where this came from, but it stops here.She nodded quietly. I held up my pinkie finger, making her giggle. "I promise." She muttered, wrapped her finger around my shaking it. "Good. This is our stop." Grabbing Mari's hand, we made our way to the homely white building.
The air inside was sterile and crisp, yet it made me anxious. We checked in and took a seat in the uncomfortable waiting seats of the screening clinic. I immediately prayed to any and every higher power I could think of, that this isn't what I think it is.
Mari's been having health problems practically since birth, but the growth found in her pancreas recently, has been causing a lot of sleepless nights. My mind produced so many theories in the dead of night, I simultaneously worked myself up and calmed myself down with the wild thoughts occupying me. But she was right here, right now and that's what we both had to focus on.
"Xiomara Reyes." The nurse called. I shook myself free of the inattention and scooped up my baby sister. "Ysabel?" Mari whispered, tugging on my hand that was wrapped securely around hers. She rarely used my full name... "Yeah?" I replied. "I'm scared." she whimpered. I crouched to her level. "Mari, you have nothing to be afraid of, I'll be right next to you the whole time." I reassured her. "I know you will, but what if it's bad?" she asked sadly.
"What have I told you about talking like that? Good or bad I will always be here, and we'll get through it together. Okay?" I smiled. "Okay." she smiled back. "Are you Miss Xiomara Reyes?" the nurse grinned. Mari nodded sheepishly. "That's us." I said, walking towards her. "Follow me please. The doctor will be right in."
Honestly, I hated doctor's offices. They took way too long to come in, forcing anxiety to creep its way into your mind and leave you with an uneasy feeling. "Alright," the doctor sighed, finally entering our room "How're you feeling today, Miss Reyes?" she asked. "I feel kind of sick, but I'm good." Mari admitted.
She'd been sick since her last visit prior to the discovery, but luckily it was nothing serious. "I see," she replied, writing something down. A long eerie silence filled the room before she looked up and said, "Okay. Well, let's start your MRI, shall we?" Mari nodded uneasily and followed the doctor into the scan room, while I stayed back holding her jacket. I watched intently behind the thick glass window separating us from each other.
Mari followed every direction perfectly, allowing the nurses to work carefully yet quickly. Within minutes we were done. "Results of the MRI and biopsy will be available tomorrow. Stop by around noon. Miss Marisol is our first patient we're working on since hers is classified as an immediate emergency."
"Is there anything we need to do for tonight?" I asked tentatively. "She needs plenty of rest and nutrient filled food for tonight." She nodded. "Thank you, Doctor." I replied. "We'll see you two tomorrow." The doctor said before waltzing away. The bus ride back wasn't as comfortable as the first time.
Mari rested her head in my lap while I tried my hardest not to constantly shift and let her rest. But my thoughts were acting up again. I quickly pulled out my phone from my jacket pocket and texted Adeola:
hey miranda told me ur calling in sick for tomorrow. u good?
Hopefully she'd answer fast. I needed to switch shifts back so I could take Mari to get her test results. I hated to call in to my job and take yet another day off, knowing good and well the consequence Mrs. Gordon was going to hit me with when I requested it, but this was of the utmost importance to me. My thoughts scrambled as my phone buzzed in my hand, bringing my attention back to it.
hey im fine just wanted a day that I don't have to wear the ugly shirt. why? are we still goin to the library?
Of course. Why did I think Adeola actually got sick? She pulls these stunts often, and it's usually me who has to take care of the shifts she constantly abandons. Sure, the extra income helps, but I miss out on a lot of important things regarding my baby sister. Things that happen to be way more important than her desire to not want to wear a mandatory work uniform.
well i actually need a favor for tomorrow...
I held my breath. Adeola's reaction could vary, it always does. She'll either outright say no or ask for a counter-favor in return. It's not like I won't be responsible for owing her a favor, it just her requests are never of equal value to mine. For example, I'll ask her to cover my shift at work, so she makes me clean her humongous house or move her furniture around the way she likes or something completely different from what I asked.
what is it this time ysa
God, I could just feel her dramatic eye roll through the screen. Don't get me wrong, Addy is a good friend, she just has her... moments.
i need to take mari to get her test results tomorrow when im supposed to be scheduled to cover ur shift. do u think u could go ahead in go in since ur not sick and ill work saturday for u so u can have a weekend off?
She replied instantly. I closed my eyes, trying to think optimistically, even though it almost rarely worked.
i guess i can this time. ill just meet u and kai at the library see u then
I exhaled a breath of relief, before the anxiety reappeared. One obstacle down, one more to go. Reluctantly I dialed the number I'd memorized months ago. "Pure Life Market Miranda speaking how can I help you?" her sharp voice rung from the receiver. "Um hello Mrs. Gordon, it's Ysabel I need to speak with you about something." I replied.
A heavy sigh escaped from the other line. "What is it?" Miranda answered. "I actually need tomorrow off; a family emergency came up." I explained hopefully. "And who will cover the shift neither you nor Miss Kamara apparently want?"
Figured that was coming."Well actually, Adeola decided to come in and cover for me." I mumbled lightly. "Hm, what about your stocking skills we were supposed to improve? Katy is taking the next week off and all the stockers are overnight?" "I understand that, but this is important." I countered. "That's fine I suppose." Miranda replied. "Okay then." I said before hanging up.I glanced down at the innocent brown eyes looking right back at me.
"What happened?" Mari asked sleepily. "Just checking in with work about your appointment tomorrow is all. We're almost home." I pressed a smile to my face. I couldn't let her know the headache and negotiating I'd just been through to get a single day off. She didn't need that kind of stress when she should be resting.
The walk home was luckily uneventful, as we live in the not so nice part of town. We made it safely, and that's what mattered most in the end. "Go wash up and I'll make us some dinner." I suggested. The quiet girl nodded and skipped off to the shower. I took this opportunity to check up on Marisol, my "mother".
My routine with her included; emptying and refilling her water container, giving her medicine, feeding her, and bathing her. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a tad bit resentful while doing it.It was just the way she flipped when my father stormed out and never returned, that sat wrong with me.
Don't get me wrong, all the blame wasn't on her, Jaime had his share too. Father of the year, right? Walking out with an eighteen-year-old child and never looking back? Yes, father of the year. Mari deserved better than him anyway. I whipped up a quick sandwich and glass of water to take to Marisol, knowing she'd probably only eaten once today."
"Marisol?" I said, knocking lightly on her door. I walked in, seeing her sitting in the same rocking chair, staring mindlessly out the window, as she did before Mari, and I left this morning. I frowned, walking over to her and setting the food on her table.
I walked over to the cabinet, pulling out two thin orange bottles and dumping one pill from each. I honestly had no idea what the pills were or if they'd even helped her, but the psychiatrist I'd called over reassured me that every day they were to be taken, regardless if their affects were immediate or gradual. So, I did. "Here," I murmured, dumping the pills in her trembling hand.
She looked up at me, her chocolate eyes soulless. She blinked at me a few times before sliding the pills in her mouth and gulping down a splash of water. Marisol then returned to her original position toward the window. "Try to get better please. We need you." I whispered, before turning away.
Nevertheless, in her present absence I still wore her necklace. A small silver dove pendant given to her by Jaime's mother, as a wedding gift. In a way, it's like the mother I always knew is still here. By the time I'd closed Marisol's door, Mari was stepping out, water droplets dangling from the ends of her hair and clinging to her shoulders.
She danced over to me, handing me her hairbrush with a smile. I got to detangling her hair gently, while humming her favorite bedtime song. "Ysa?" she asked softly. "Hm?" I replied. "Do you think she'll ever get better?" Mari questioned, as I began to braid her hair. No matter how much I told Mari that talking about Marisol was a sensitive topic, she still found a way to bring her up. I guess I can't blame her for wanting to know the person that gave birth to her.
I exhaled, "I don't know, Mari. But we should focus on your health first. Then we'll worry about her, okay?" The girl smiled and nodded quietly. I whipped up some leftover broccoli and rice for dinner. I wasn't exactly a five-star Michelin chef, but I kept my sister and I alive, and that's what mattered the most.
We ate in mostly comfortable silence, both of us being lost in our own worlds. The nerves of tomorrow's results just ate away at me. Mari didn't deserve any of this. She deserves a long happy worry-free life; in a place she can call home and full family who loves her.
"Is Bowen still coming over tomorrow?" Mari chimed, breaking me free of my reverie. "Probably not. We won't need her since I'll be home." I smiled. "You're not going to Fresh Pages?" she asked, confused. "No, I won't get to make it this time. But that's okay there'll be plenty more chances to go to Fresh Pages. It's not going anywhere, Mari." I chuckled lightly.
Mari frowned to herself. "But you really like your book store..." she muttered. "Mari...?" I trailed. "Well, Bowen and I had a... a fun game we were going play while you were out." She replied. "Is that so?" I arched my eyebrow. She nodded. "And you should spend time with your friends like you want! I'll be okay with Bowen." I dropped my shoulders, in awe of the little genius before me.
"Hm... I suppose I could call her over, I wouldn't want you to miss out on your playdate together." I grinned. "How about I promise to go the day after tomorrow, and you promise to stop making secret plans without me? At least until you get older." "Okay." Mari giggled. I shook my head with a smile plastered to my face.
After cleaning up I got the both of us ready for bed. Mari wriggled around our shared full-sized bed before finding a comfortable spot and handing me her bedtime book of choice. She only had four of them, and after reading them to her ever night I'm sure she'd had them memorized for awhile by now.
Halfway through our reading, I could hear her breaths get slower and heavier. Carefully, I moved her sleeping head from my shoulder to her pillow. "Good night, Xiomara." I whispered. I turn toward the plywood wall separating our room from Marisol's and whispered a soft "good night" to her as well, knowing she probably didn't hear me. I joined Mari in slumber shortly after, despite how fast my mind was racing. I just hope Mari will be okay....
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!!
I groggily rubbed the sleep away from my eyes. I slammed my hand on the old timey alarm in disbelief of how fast morning came. I'd just closed my eyes..."Good morning, Ysa." Mari smiled before stretching. "Good morning. Go wash up I'll see if I can whip us up some pancakes." I suggested. She nodded and rose slowly from the bed towards the bathroom.
I slapped my face a few times before rising from the bed myself and back into the kitchen. After chowing down on a couple pancakes, I popped Mari's favorite cartoon DVD into the player so she could watch while I packed our away bag.
I tried to mask my face with a brave look, to keep the worry away from mi rayito de sol. She was so good at reading people, and I couldn't let her know how my entire body was currently composited of 99% anxiety. My hands trembled as I stacked high her plate and drenched extra syrup on it. Part of me wonders if I should just be honest with my little sister.
I'm not scared, I'm petrified. I cannot lose the only important thing in my life. I just can't. It's not fair. "Ysa?" Her small voice sung. "Yes?" I smiled down at her. "I think I'm ready." She replied hesitantly. "Already? You barely touched breakfast." I frowned.
Mari slumped silently in her seat, an unsureness washing over her expression. "Xiomara," I hummed. "It's okay to be scared. I am too. But I will always be here, you'll never be alone no matter the outcome of today." She glanced up at me, her tanned cheeks flushed red.
I wrapped her in a tight warm hug, before gathering our last few things we needed to leave. I decided as a reward for her courage we could stop by her favorite park for a few hours. It's the least I could do and unfortunately... the only thing I could afford.
My mind raced a million miles a minute, yet I could think a single thought. I internally begged any higher power that listened to give us hope, a good report, anything. "Reyes? We're ready to see you." A voice called. I sighed anxiously, grabbing Mari's hand leading her in the observation room. The silence was deafening. The seconds that ticked by felt like years. Just as I was about to succumb to my trepidatious state, there was a knock on the door.
"Xiomara and Ysabel Reyes, yes?" a man asked. "That's us." I said, my voice shaking audibly. "I'm Doctor Torro. I'm a rare cancer specialist." He introduced. Rare cancer? What does- "Xiomara, it's good to see you're looking well." Doctor Torro smiled. "Thank you." She hummed. "So, let's get right into it okay? I'm sure the two of you are anxious to know what's going on." He said.
That's quite the understatement.I nodded quietly. "So, our testing did confirm our speculations. We've diagnosed the spot on your pancreas Miss. Xiomara. It's called Pancreatoblastoma. Which is a super fancy word for a type of Pancreas cancer." He stated. Oh god no. Keep it together. Keep it together, Ysabel. I gulped heavily. "And this is a rare type of cancer? How rare?"
"Very. In we've only ever had one case in our region since our hospital's establishment." The Doctor replied. "So, what are treatment options looking like?" I asked. If I didn't keep this conversation going, I'd be crying in less than two seconds. I couldn't let my sister see me like that.
She never has. "Biopsies of the tumor, we've deducted it has grown to consume about 40% of the Pancreas. After the biopsies, a lot of chemotherapy." "And... um..." I trailed. I could barely force out the final question. "Survival rates?" "At this stage... it isn't looking great Miss. Reyes." Doctor Torro answered, hanging his head.
I inhaled sharply, biting back the sting of tears in my throat. Fight it, Ysa. Come on."We do have treatments available here, but with her condition seems to be rapidly developing, we aren't sure of how much use they'll be." He added. "What can we do then?" I squeaked.
"We've found the best treatments to suit Miss Perez come from our sister location in New York City. You've probably heard of them, Nova Pharmaceuticals? They'll be better equipped to assist you two." New York?! How on Earth will we afford to get there in time?! "I see..." is all I could manage to mumble.
"I understand this is very hard to hear. Especially at such young ages. But don't give up just yet." Doctor Torro said, placing a reassuring hand on our shoulders. "I'll get you a couple booklets to read up on, as well as family charities in New York to contact. Then I'd say it's time for the two of you to get out of here and enjoy your day together." He smiled. "Thank you." I smiled back. The Doctor sent a swift nod before heading out.
"Mari? How are you doing?" I asked cautiously. As good as she is reading other people, she herself seemed impossible to read. "I'm okay, Ysa. You're here." She smiled. I placed a hand over hers. "How about we spend some time at your favorite park? Maybe grab some pizza and make it a picnic?" Mari grinned and nodded feverishly.
After the Doctor dismissed us, we headed to the much less seedy city of Waynesville. Only a short jaunt from the booming Hollywood, California. I grabbed a seat under the biggest oak tree I could find, facing the large playground. Luckily there were only a few other families there, so keeping an eye on my little love would be easy. As I watched her sweet little wavy hair bounce off to the swing set, I glanced down at the booklets Doctor Torro gave me.
Emotionally, I just wasn't ready to read them or even face the idea of the recent revelation we'd just gotten. I know it was bad to think this way, but right now in this moment, my sister was happy. And so was I. So, albeit selfish, I shoved the booklets back in my book bag, awaiting to be acknowledged later.
However, what I did delve into was an old Pop Teen magazine Bo had left on the counter in the kitchen. Even though I detested drama magazines and well... celebrity culture in general, I couldn't help but check it out. Curiosity killed the cat, right?
On cover of the jumbled-up jargon they called the "insanely important news today" section, was a full-page picture of two men dressed in by far the most expensive looking suits I'd ever seen, shaking hands. The caption read:
Ono Family to claim major stake in new Pharmaceutical endeavor. Are the Multimillionaires looking to make their legacy worth Billions?
The rich keep getting richer, huh? Enough is never enough. "Me too!" I heard Mari giggled as she slid down her favorite pink swirly slide with a newfound friend. My little social butterfly could make friends in seconds, somehow I envied that personality trait a bit. As much as it pains me, she got that from our...Marisol. Extroverted, almost to a fault those two were.
Meanwhile Jaime and I enjoyed our personal time and found making friends somewhat of a chore. It even took Kai and Addy awhile to get in, past my shy exterior. I sent a smile Mari's way before turning the page, unwillingly. On this page was a fully family portrait style picture of who I presumed to be this said, "Ono Family".
Despite having several malpractice lawsuits, all of which have been settled out of court, Nova Pharmaceuticals has forged their path as a billion-dollar industry tyrant. A force to be reckoned with. Nevertheless, who is this family of insanely hot and rich people? Meet the Ono's! California's IT family!
Well, one thing I can agree on with this overly exaggerated piece of text, is their looks. Rich, powerful, and... damn attractive. Ugh, why are the bad guys always the best looking? There was just something about their emotionless, yet strong and distinct faces that drew you in. Under each person was a small bio about them.
Interestingly enough, I was quite curious to see how they'd somehow justify what this family had done to make them "good" people.
Katsu Ono; Kingpin of the Ono family, comes from a long line of Japanese American millionaires that have permanently etched their name in history.
I unintentionally examined each detail of his face. I presumed he wasn't a day over 50 but had the face of a 20-year-old. A little gray around the ears but stood tall and proud. He was undoubtedly handsome; anyone could see that.
But his eyes... they seemed stone cold and heartless. But what can you expect from someone teaming up with a group of evil blood thirsty greedy people, out to use the pain of the less fortunate for monetary gain?
To the left of Katsu stood his sister; Sora Ono, the rumored black widow. She had long raven colored stick straight hair that fell past her shoulders, and sharp pronounced facial features.
Her deep brown cat-like eyes stared back warningly under hooded lids. She was intimidatingly beautiful. Word has it her bangs hide the genius behind the family's wealth, but that's all hearsay.
Sora Ono; One of the most influential and powerful women in the world. Keep her on your watchlist for all things new & trendy!
On Katsu's right side was his newlywed wife Aya Ono. She was tall, thin and the only one adorned with a smile. What she was smiling about, who knows? Perhaps her plot to mysteriously inherit a bottomless pit of wealth...?
Aya's manicured hands, which were placed effortlessly on her hips, were littered with more diamonds than I'd ever see in a lifetime. Adorned in everything fresh off the runway, clearly she was or had been a model of some sort and quite possibly a sugar baby turned millionaire's wife. Lucky her I suppose.
Aya Sato-Ono; the newest Ono family member. Achieved superstardom at a young age with her bikini model debut, it's no wonder Katsu chose her as his bride!
Right. Next up was Katsu and Sora's younger brother, Renyo Ono. He looked like a mini version of his older brother, minus the gray hair and scowl. I don't know what was in this family's genes, but he wasn't any less beautiful than his siblings. The glare of the many diamond link chains around his neck, shone across his sculpted cheekbones. Where was his model contract?
Curiously enough, he looked like the most inviting out of all of them. If he wasn't related to devilish dictators and perhaps, I was having a particularly good day, I might even say hi to him. But the likelihood of that happening is beyond slim.
Renyo Ono; Tech genius and Pop Teen's Most Handsome Man Alive by popular vote! (Sorry ladies, but he's taken now, sad face!)
Completely ignoring that barf inducing bio, I cast my glance to the two remaining family members. Katsu's two sons and primary heirs of the bloodline's fortune, Kenshi and Elijah Ono. Both the boys were taller than their parents but equally as beguiling.
Kenshi looked like every high schooler's crush ever. His pale skin fell in perfect contrast to his jet-black hair. His black almond shaped eyes still managed to hold depth behind them. I mean seriously, was he plucked out of the latest teen fanfiction?
Kenshi Ono; Hollywood's most eligible playboy bachelor. Will true love be his next big endeavor?
Beside Kenshi was the youngest Ono member. He was unexplainably handsome. For a moment, just a small moment, I forgot about the dirty motives that secured the bags of cash he and his entire family sat on. His slender cat like eyes were a faultlessly warm honey brown. His deep brown hair fell smoothly around his ears, ideally framing his face. He didn't really resemble the rest of his ménage, which I suppose is why my eyes lingered on him for longer.
Everything about him was different, from his envy-inducing features, to his designer clothes and sense of style. To be fair, he probably had a stylist for this shoot, but he was decorated in eccentric clothes rather than the professional business savvy attire that the others wore.
Elijah Ono; The special one. The Ono everyone has their eye on. What will he do next?
Now of course they were all fascinating, but only the one truly bewitched me. It's just... there was something about him, that just... enticed me. His eyes, looking into them captivated me like nothing ever has. He was different. Special.
There was something... more to him. I couldn't quite figure it out no matter how deeply I stared into his photograph. I wonder what this particular Ono was all about. My money is on just that; money. It's not like I'll ever find out, but I'd like to think at least one of them have something slightly resembling a heart. Or soul.
Nevertheless, I tore my eyes from the magazine and placed it on the ground beside to me, hoping I'd accidentally forget and leave it on the ground for the next unknowing victim to see. Of course, the other half of me knew good and well I'd scoop it up and bring it back home with me.
I dug around in my bag and pulled out my trusted sketchbook and pencil. Among other thingsI'd had to give up, my dream of art school was one of the biggest things.
Marisol had always encouraged me to be an artist like she had been, but of course Jaime wanted- or expected- more of me. Art was just a hobby to him, he wanted me to bring honor to our family's name. Pretty ironic given how things panned out. Law or medical school was always in the cards for me, but I could never attach myself to it. It just wasn't me. Nothing about it excited me the way it did say, Adeola for instance.
Addy could go on for days about forging her own path as one of the most talked about lawyers of our generation. Naturally, that included have her own TV show to follow her journeys. But don't worry, she promised me a minor, minor part in her show. Art made my heart race the way law school did for her.
But trying to explain something like that to my bullheaded taurus of a "father" had always proved to be too difficult of a task for me. So quickly I learned to just play along, solely to keep the peace. Knowing if I put up another argument somehow Marisol and Xiomara would be dragged into it and they didn't deserve that. But I'd never stopped drawing.
Unfortunately, I'd ran out of paint beforehand, and it was a luxury I couldn't afford anymore. Though I missed the carefree feeling of the brushes gliding across a fresh new canvas, I never let it affect me. Looking up above me, I watched how the cool wind tousled the leaves of the tree I sat under, swaying side to side. I swiftly began being hyper-fixated on capturing that perfect movement. The pencil danced across my notebook as I tried to capture the picture in my head on the page. Nothing was better than this moment.
After some time, I'd gotten the beginning just how I'd imagined. But I soon realized I couldn't hear my sister's sweet giggles anymore. "Mari?" I called out, looking around for her. Quickly, I shoved my things in my bag and rose to get a better look at the faces that surrounded me.
"Mari where are you?!" I began to raise my voice. My heart started to pound wildly the more my search yielded fruitless results. I read about moments like this in the newspaper all the time. It only takes a few minutes in a city as big as this.
My mind concocted terrifying ideas of what could've happened to her, but I shook the thoughts away. I just needed to focus on recovering the missing girl. "Xiomara!" I screamed, ignoring the startled, disapproving looks from other parents.
No please, I begged internally. She was just here. I jogged over to the swing set where she'd just been. Nothing. "Xiomara, where are you?!" I cried. The wood chips under my nervously trembling feet stumble me as I became weaker. No no no... where could she have gone?
Just when my breath quickened and hands became wet with sweat, I spotted two curly pigtails tied back with red ribbons. Mari. "Oh, thank god," I breathed. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me over to my tiny sister. "Xiomara!" she whipped her head in my direction. "Mari, are you okay?" I gave her the once over. "Yes Imi, I'm fine." she smiled.
"Xiomara Yvanna Reyes don't ever leave me like that again, understand?" I hugged her shakily. "I'm sorry, Imi. I was going to bring my new friend back to meet you." she explained. I couldn't believe I'd been oblivious to the boy sitting beside her. "Huh-?" I began. I heard someone clear their voice behind me.
I turned to see who was behind me, when my heart fell to the soles of my feet. My eyes were met by a set of familiar one looking back at me. Where have I seen those brown eyes before? As realization hit me, my mouth immediately fell open. It's him. The one and only, Elijah Ono. Is this a fever dream? How does he manage to look even more breathtaking in real life? His picture did him no justice.
"This is my sister, Ysabel." Mari smiled up at him. "I see," he said, sending a soft smile towards me. Close your gaping mouth you dope! I reprimanded myself. Come on Yse, you can formulate words remember? Now would be the best time to prove that.
"U-um..." I muttered. Nice going Casanova. "Hi Ysabel. I'm Elij- uh well, just Eli." He introduced. "Hi." I answered back shortly."W-we should probably be going." I managed to stutter out. I hurriedly wrapped my hand around my sister's and smoothed out my shirt. "Sorry if she bothered your... whatever it is you're doing." I murmured, avoiding eye contact.
I hadn't exactly intended for that to sound as snarky as it did. I remembered the deal his household struck up with the people that have drained our funds with false hope of help and suddenly I didn't feel as bad anymore.
"Uh," he started, taken aback. "I-It's okay she wasn't a bother at all." Dammit, his voice is almost if not more attractive than he is. He's the enemy, Ysa! I needed to get out of there ASAP. "Right okay. Well, bye." I said dragging my sister along behind me. "Bye!" Mari waved wildly trailing behind me. "Bye..." Eli waved slowly, confusion across his face.
The rest of the walk to the bus stop was pretty much silent. Mainly me contemplating what in the world just happened. Did I unknowingly manifest meeting him? And why couldn't I have unknowingly manifested a million dollars appearing in front of me? I mean, that would've been ten times more helpful in my current situation than momentarily meeting some spoiled trust fund boy, no matter how cute he was.
"Ysa?" Mari chimed, pulling on my hand to get my attention. "Hm?" I hummed. "Did you not like Eli?" she asked. Sigh. No, not really. I mean I did but... I couldn't. He was the most gorgeous guy I'd ever laid eyes on, but I know internal beauty, as cheesy as it sounds, it just as important as the external. And it's wrong to assume because he's an Ono he's the same as the rest of them.
But I can't help but to think when someone associates with people like them, eventually you start to be like them too."I'm not really sure what to think of him," I answered. "But I do know you can't run off with strangers like that again. It's not safe."
Perhaps changing the subject would work. "Eli isn't a stranger though..." she pouted. Nope. "Yes, he is, Xiomara. We don't know him, and we never will." "Never?" Mari asked. "He lives a life completely the opposite of us. He's probably in Hollywood at a party as we speak. I'm sure he's forgotten about us by now." I said, staring out the window at the passing neighborhood.
I didn't notice my sister's shoulder slumping at the realization. "Don't worry, you'll have plenty of chances to make new friends. Specifically, ones your age." I smiled, booping her nose. She let out a soft giggle and nodded before settling back in the seat. I exhaled sharply, bewildered by what the events of today surprised us with.
But in the back of my head I couldn't get Mari's diagnosis out of my mind. What were we going to do? At minimum wage, I'd have to work a couple years or more to save up for a trip across the country. And even if we miraculously had away to New York, what would happen with Marisol? My job? Our "house"? There were too many what ifs for this to be possible.
Nonetheless, giving up on Mari was absolutely not an option. Being homeless on the street with her alive is more probable to happen than having shelter and her...gone. "Here's us." I said, shaking the sleepy little one awake. We made it down the dirt driveway to our abode in peace.
I sent Mari to shower while I checked on Marisol. Marisol's room still managed to smell like Jaime's cologne, even after all this time of his absence. I'm positive she kept a bottle of whatever it was he wore all the time, to me it felt contradictory to her recovery. Though at this point, I doubt recovery is even on her mind right now.
In the earlier days of her condition, I would come in and read my favorite book to her. Something she did to comfort me as a child. In my young mind I figured what settled me when I was down would do the same for her. A valiant effort, but no cigar.
Eventually I'd given up and resorted to just leaving her alone and praying something would happen. Nowadays I get even a little bit perky when she moves on her own from her sitting chair to her bed. Others more blessed might find that a weird thing to rejoice over, but not me. "Come on," I said, pulling her upper arm upwards. "Time for a shower." I made sure Xiomara was off somewhere drawing while I took care of Marisol.
I pulled her long brown hair back out of the way, before pouring soap onto the bath towel. "¿Te extraño, sabes?" I whispered to her. Sometimes when I knew Mari was eavesdropping, I would speak to Marisol in Spanish. There were things I wanted to tell my... mother, that I didn't want Mari to worry about. "Ella está muriendo. Te necesito, por favor."
Pleading with her was in vain, she just stared mindlessly at the bubbles popping up from the bath. My shoulders fell, as I pulled the drain plug from the tub. I wrapped Marisol carefully in a dry towel and walked her over to the sink where her clean pajamas waited her. After dressing her, I guided her back to her room, the only place she willingly would go.
Finally, it was my turn to bathe. This is usually the only place I could freely cry. There were so many emotions I needed to let go. So much happened, and I knew it wasn't good nor healthy to restrict all these feelings and hold them under the surface like this. I figured while I bathed, I had plenty of time to wash away the tears and wipe the redness from my eyes before reappearing. Which is exactly what I did.
And like clockwork, Mari was waiting outside the bathroom door. "Ysa? What's for dinner?" Mari called from the living room. I frowned and trotted over to the refrigerator and peered in. I genuinely had no idea what was for dinner. All that remained in the fridge were two eggs, a swig of milk in a gallon jug, half a stick of butter and a jar of strawberry jelly. Not much of a spread. "Breakfast for dinner. Scrambled eggs and toast." I smiled.
Mari grinned back. "Can I help you?" "Of course. You're my sous-chef, remember?" I laughed. Mari skipped over to the cupboard, pulling out our abuela's old skillet and a spatula. I grabbed the ingredients we needed and the two of us did our thing. I made sure Mari had enough before I rationed the last remaining crumbs between Marisol and I, and we feasted. Or we did our version of feasting.
It wasn't nearly enough to fill me up, but my sister's tummy was full and as of now that's what mattered. "Ready for bed?" I asked. As if on cue Mari let out an adorably long yawn. "I'll take that as a yes." I chuckled. After sending her to the room, I made my nightly routine rounds. Doors locked: check. Lights off: check. Stove off: check. Marisol in bed: check. Now my turn.
As I planted myself on the bed, Mari nestled herself safely between my arms. "I hope we see him again." She whispered. I sighed. Seems like I'm not the only one intrigued by Elijah Ono. "Go to sleep, little one." I chuckled, pulling the covers over us. I didn't want to admit it, but I too hoped I'd see him again. Time to start manifesting again.