New Beginnings

Chapter 20

Carmelo

My cousin pushes us towards his car yawning again. "Can I meet the woman who helped you out" I shake my head no huffing. "No, She might ask you why your mom couldn't take me in" he shrugs. "And we could tell her my mom doesn't support your lifestyle in addition to being an asshole"

I gasp but nod anyways. He's straight as straight can get but he doesn't play about equality. It weirds me out though since I've never had that support behind me, until Marisol of course, but blood family wise I haven't.

He drives a little fast making me feel anxious. Can we go slower, Marisol is as inquisitive as Simone. But that's because that's where Simone gets it from. "Melo why you being so quiet?" I glance at Simone then back out the window. "Just anxious babe" she rubs her hands together then lays in my lap.

"This the house?" Simone grins and sits up fast. "Yesssssss, my mommy's home!!!" She runs out the car hugging Marisol. "She loves her don't she?" I nod. "I love her, I love them both" his eyes light up as he gets out the car. I guess we're doing this. "Carmelo who's this young man?" I look at him then back to her and huff. "My cousin" she holds her hand out smiling.

Simone hugs me and looks at Marisol smiling. "I'm Marisol and you?" He shakes her hand happily "Jordan, it's nice to meet you, Marisol" she smiles motioning for us to go inside the house. "Come now kids" once I step inside the smell of vanilla smacks me in the face, it feels awfully warm and comfortable. "Jordan, do you work in the kitchen or?"

The questions, here they go. "I'm a waiter and chef, mainly when we're short staffed" she smiles bringing him something to drink. Marisol is too kind, it's all apart of her nature. "And who do you live with?" I knew it was coming.

Maybe she won't ask anymore questions after that. "My mom, my dad is in Colorado" Marisol nods getting a tray of cookies. Okay I would like some. "I can make hot chocolate" Marisol you just handed out drinks. I lean back eating my cookie slowly. "I wanted to meet you and thank you for taking my cousin in your arms" Marisol smiles placing her hand over her heart starting to speak Spanish.

Does Jordan know what she's saying? I don't. "Ingles mommy" Marisol dabs her eyes nodding. I think she got choked up because Jordan was congratulating her.

I guess Marisol doesn't hear it often. "I wanna meet my grandma" Simone covers her mouth as soon as she says it looking embarrassed. "No issue, I told her about you both, I'm making sure nobody is going to discriminate or act-like Maria" Jordan looks confused but nods.

Simone shifts nodding. "Sorry Marisol" Marisol kisses Simone's head rubbing her hands. "Don't be sorry baby, I want you to meet everyone and have a real family bond, you're coming too Carmelo" I could stay home. "But Marisol I could stay home" she shakes her finger at me giving me her patented Marisol look.

I'll be going then.

Marisol hugs Jordan and thanks him for bringing us home. "Visit any time Jordan my door is always open" he'll come for sure too, my aunt doesn't like his liberal views.

"I appreciate the offer Ms. Alvarez, I'll take you up on it" they shake hands and Marisol pulls Jordan into a tight hug. "Have a safe trip home" Jordan hugs Simone and I going to his car. Maybe he's satisfied now, knowing I'm safe.

"Carmelo, you look relieved dear, you okay?" I nod wrapping my arms around her tightly. I'm so thankful for marisol and I wasn't sure I showed it adequately. She kisses my forehead rubbing my back in a circular motion. "I love you dear, stop stressing yourself out" I nod pulling away. I think I should take a nap. I feel exhausted.

Simone grabs my hand pulling me upstairs to her room. "Carmelo I think you should take some me time. Lay down" I rather take me time with her. "Join me baby girl" her cheeks flush red and she nods slowly intertwining her body with mine.