Saving his life

Chapter 15

The pain in my chest intensified from Leon’s harsh words. He sighed dramatically and kissed the back of my hand. His lips were so warm and soft, I didn’t want him to let go.

“Please Leon, I know you don’t mean it, we can work this out!” I pleaded but he shook his head with defiance.

“I’m sorry hermosa, I just can’t put you in danger anymore” he said in a soft whisper. He stood to his feet and started walking towards the door. I needed to stop him, make him see sense. I didn’t want him to walk out of my life, especially when I needed him the most. I called out to him before he walked out of the door. He paused for a moment and turned to me.

“Te amo Leonardo, please don’t leave me” I cried out, tears streaming from my eyes. He sighed and walked over to me, leaning down and kissing my forehead. I waited for him to say something, anything... he didn’t. He turned towards the door and left without a second glance. I was left there, heart broken, sobbing my heart out and alone. 

Half an hour later, there was a knock on the door. 

“Leonardo?” I called out and Carlos’s head popped round the door.

“No señorita, it’s only me” Carlos announced. I thought that Leon might have come to his senses. When I saw Carlos, it felt like I had been punched in the stomach. 

“Hey” I said bluntly, wiping away the tears that stung my eyes.

“I’m so sorry chica” he apologised and I sniffed.

“Don’t apologise for him. He’s left me here, in a hospital room alone, recovering from the gunshot wound I saved him from” I spitefully grunted and Carlos headed over to the chair beside the bed.

“Maria, you showed some serious courage back there. I was incredibly impressed by your quick thinking” he complimented and I smirked.

“But José escaped. What if he finds me?” I panicked. Carlos took my hand in his and squeezed it gently.

“He’s not going to find you Maria, we won’t let him” he promised. I nodded to him, tears filling my eyes. He stayed for another 10 minutes before stating he needed to take care of some business. He scribbled on a piece of paper in front of me and then handed it over.

“If you need anything Maria, I mean anything, you call me. Doesn’t matter what time it is, day or night, you just ring” he demanded and I flashed him an appreciative smile.

“Thank you Carlos” I said and he stroked my arm before leaving the room

Weeks later, I have been stuck at home with my parents whilst I heal. My mum was her usual fussy self, rushing around making sure I was healing properly. She was constantly checking up on me every day and bringing me food and drinks. She kept my painkillers in check and was on the phone to the doctors if she was concerned about anything. My dad was more quiet than my mum. I think this has hit him hard and was suspicious about my explanation as to how I was shot. I told him and the nurses that it was a hunter who had shot me in the woods. That I didn’t know who he was and didn’t see his face. My dad didn’t believe me because he couldn’t understand why he would have a shot gun and not a rifle. I had to just play dumb and tell him I didn’t know.  Luckily, the gang member of the same crew as Leon and Carlos, had taken care of the clean up before the police arrived. I don’t know the details of how they did that, Carlos just said they had ‘taken care’ of it. 

When it comes to Leon, I hadn’t heard from him since he left me in the hospital. I tried ringing him countless times but he didn’t answer. Even my messages were being ignored, this angered me. I took a bullet for him and this is how he repays me. He says he wants me to be safe from his life but what he doesn’t realise, is that it’s too late for that. The moment I shot José and Miguel, was the moment I had involved myself in his world. I kept in contact with Carlos so that I had updates of José’s movement. 

I was back to work tomorrow and if I’m honest, I can’t wait. I’m so sick of being stuck inside this house with my parents, I need to get my life back on track. I was so close to having enough money for a flat of my own, I needed to earn the rest as quick as possible. 

“Are you sure that you’re ready to go back to work darling? They will understand if you need more time” my mum asked, sitting at the end of my bed. I couldn’t think of anything worse than having more time off, that means more time to think about the pain Leonardo has caused. 

“I’m ready mum, I need to get back to reality” I assured her and she nodded.

“Well, the doctor said you can’t drive for another week so I will get your dad to drop you off in the morning on his way to work” she discussed and I shook my head.

“Mum, can’t you take me? Dad has been acting weird around me lately and I don’t really want to share the car journey with him on my first day back” I replied. Her face tensed slightly with concern and she blinked.

“Honey, your dad loves you to pieces. He is just worried about you, that’s all” she defended him. I could see she wasn’t going to listen to me or change her mind so I just agreed with her. She tapped my leg and walked out of my room. I grabbed my phone once the door closed and rang Carlos.

“Maria? Is everything okay?” He answered full of worry. 

“No, no, everything is fine. I was just wondering if you could do me a favour?” I asked him and he was quiet for a moment.

“What is it?” He finally said and I exhaled.

“Would you be able to drop me to work in the morning, I know it’s a bit early but I’m not allowed to drive for another week. My mum has asked my dad to take me but he has been very suspicious about what happened that night and I don’t want him asking me questions” I explained to him and he hummed down the phone as he thought about it.

“I’ll do you one better, I’ll make sure that you get a lift every day to work and get picked up until you can drive. Whether it’s me taking you or someone I trust” he offered.

“Thank you so much Carlos, I owe you one” I replied and he chuckled.

“I think this is the one I owe you” he joked. I told him the time I needed him to pick me up and to park down the road so my parents don’t see him. They would recognise him from the hospital and then get funny about it. I was secretly hoping that Leon would maybe pick me up one of the days that Carlos couldn’t.  I missed him, even after he broke my heart.