The Tax Collector (GirlxIntersex) Book 1

Chapter 32

Chapter 32
Lucia POV

My eyes widen as I observe too many people stomping across the garden grass. It pleased me that no one saw Valentino and me since they all appeared content and occupied with their interactions. We proceeded past the crowd of people to get into the home, which was much like pack like a can of sardine.

I could feel myself wanting to leave, probably returning to the flat, where it was quiet, just people talking on the television. My eyes were having difficulty focusing on all of the faces. Were this all her family?

This made me wonder whether I had family elsewhere, not here, but in this planet.
She leads me into what appears to be the living room, where the television is playing but no one is watching it.

My heart skipped a beat as I heard the boisterous laughter of what appeared to be elderly people. Valentino turned back to gaze at me. She had a troubled expression.

"You okay?"

I nodded. I really felt lost. I felt like I shouldn't be here, with her family. Maybe I overthought it. "I'm fine. I'm ok." I find it much more difficult to smile. And I end up baring my teeth like a hungry hound. She grinned. Her smile was authentic. Her smile served as a helping hand in this scenario.
"It's tradition to greet my parents first, but they're not here...thank God." She whispered. "Instead, you'll meet the aunts and uncles. Warning: They are a little rigorous and hard around the edges, yet they can be incredibly lovely."

I wasn't sure how acknowledging their imperfections and then saying they are "sweet" would make me feel better.

She brought me closer, and it seemed like I was ready to stand in front of judges and be judged. Being in the midst of the living allows us to receive the attention we so desperately need, in my opinion.

"Valentino! You are here." A man holding a can laughed. He laughed so hard that he choked. He pointed his hand toward her. "Glad you can join." He stated that in between coughs.

"Work..."

"And who is on your side?" An older woman said. She has black hair with faint streaks of gray hair. It's like silver is traveling through her head.

"Lucia, she is staying with me."

"Yes! Yes! Your mother told us about her." The woman's grin faded, and she stared at me. My hand slid from Valentino's and gripped her forearm. I assume she despises me.

"Lucia, these are my mother, sister, and uncles..." She gestured to the gazing women and laughing uncles.
"This is my father, brother; he's deaf." I looked over at him, and he was the only one watching television.

"Hi." I waved timidly because everyone's gaze was still fixed on me.

"It's nice to meet you." One of the uncles put his arms out. I stepped in for a timid shake.

"So, how has work at the office been?" The staring aunt inquired. I didn't know their names, but I'd definitely ask Valentino later. I could ask for their names, but since it appears I've done something to irritate them, I'll simply stick to Valentino's side.

I hope one day I will have the courage to tell her that I do not want to return to this situation.
We were only 10 minutes in, and I felt quite uncomfortable. I groaned to myself; I wasn't exceptional, so who am I to feel welcome?

"Work at the office has been good."

My forehead wrinkled at the floor, as I pondered. She worked at an office. I mean, she dressed for one, but I doubt somebody who works in an office would kill people and steal money. I doubt that someone who works in an office has tattoos, and if they do, they are covered.

I can bet on two things. She both works in an office and has a side hustle, or she was lying to them about what she actually does.
Given how judgmental they are, I imagine she has to lie a lot in order to avoid the glares and the conversation.

"Will you be getting one of those things, where you get more money?" Uncle asked.

She grinned with cunning. "Probably,"

"I nearly forgot, Deja. She has been hunting for you."

"Uh...Well..."

I looked up to Valentino. She chuckled and shook her head. "Wh-Where is she?"

The aunts smirked and giggled to themselves. "She is around."

"Well, I will see her around."

I wonder why she stammered when she heard her name.
****************
Lucia's POV

After Valentino introduced me to everyone, I could finally relax my aching legs.
With a snack in hand, I sat between Garcia and Lola, whom I had recently joined. They smells like cannabis and beer.

The throng appeared to expand as the hour progressed, but I could still see Valentino. She was now socializing with a few acquaintances. She appeared popular, particularly among the girls. In the previous hour, she had received embraces from at least ten different girls.

"Do you like it so far?" Garcia inquired.

I nodded, keeping an eye on Valentino. I fear that if I take my gaze away, I will disintegrate. I hate to say it, but she was my safe place. A secure area I didn't trust, but nevertheless an orb of insight.
Lola sneered beside me, "There's nothing to enjoy about this trash. Consider yourself lucky not to meet the aunts."

"I did."

"How'd it go?" She asked. It went okay with Valentino there, but without her, it would most likely be disastrous. Even if I was going through anything worse than the derision of elderly women, I would most likely cry.

"It could have been better."

"The aunties are like, what keeps us in line. But, in order to combat them, we must keep each other's secrets." Lola giggled.

"Yeah, like the fact that Lola sells her body, I'm still evaluating my life instead of going to college, and Val works for the cartels. "If we tell the aunties, they will probably die."

"Maybe we should tell them, and see if they'll die."

"Oh, stop it. They're not too horrible."

I filtered them out the second I noticed a female approaching Valentino. Valentino smiled wider than I'd ever seen before. The pale-skinned girl hesitantly stepped into her arms and embraced.

"Great, who the heck invited her?" Lola let out a hiss.

"Who is she?"

"Clearly not one of us. Deja." She mumbled. I paused, having chewed the piece of chicken in my mouth for however long. My eyes double in size. No surprise she refuses to sleep with me. This girl embodied the concept of an American princess.
Blonde hair, I couldn't see her eyes since she turned sideways to me, stunning pale complexion, bright red hair, and wonderfully clothed.

I pushed myself to swallow the food that was in my mouth. Upon glancing at my dish, I noticed that the meal was no longer visually appealing.

"She isn't that horrible."

"She is a cheater."

"And Val is a liar; they were destined for one other." Garcia stated. I gazed at her. "Okay, were." She came to a shameful conclusion. I attempted to grin, but failed miserably. I have no fucking chance with Valentino, especially since she is accustomed to her females looking like walking beauties.

I saw the body movement between them and attempted to interpret it.
Deja stroked her arms; she had a stunning side profile. They looked into each other's eyes, and it appeared that the talk was flowing well. I want that with her.

Instead, I was a damn null. I could scarcely speak. This, Deja, appeared to be the very epitome of confidence. The spotlight was on her. And I can feel myself becoming ugly again.

"They've been broken up for maybe a year or two."

"That is not long." I whispered, "If anything, they still have a spark of love between them."

"I hope they never get back together. The family adores Her because she is 'bettering' herself. She's doing things that we can't, I guess. In all, the bitch always acts as if she is better than us." Garcia declared.

"Let's suppose we strand her ass in Mexico and see how things go for her." Lola stated. I find myself smiling. "You like that, huh?"

"What?"

"That diabolical smile on your lips. You enjoy the notion of his being trapped in Mexico."

"No,"

"Hush, we won't tell her."

I looked just in time to see Deja escorting her away towards the home. Valentino appeared to be in a daze as she, a girl who weighed less than her, led her away as if she were paper.

I looked at Garcia, and she grinned shyly, "They're just going to speak." She shrugged. "Stay here with us."

I nodded. Where they gonna really just talk?