My Mafia Wolf

Truth

“I do”

She said softly…

I waited patiently for her to speak she seemed like she was searching her memory. She took a deep breath then started talking again.

“After your mother told John she was no longer going to be working for him, he sent his body guard after her. To him she had paid off her debt yet and she couldn’t leave unless it was settled. Your father went to John told him that he would pay him off every month but that your mother should be left alone. John wouldn’t have it. He wanted his money or your mother had to continue to work for him, one night John sent someone after your mother and your dad lost it. It was either your mom and you or that guy.”

“So Dad killed him to protect both my mother and his unborn child”

I said more to myself

“Yes, your mom and Lisa came to right after your dad got arrested. They filled me in on what had tasked place.”

“But dad did that to protect us why wasn’t he given a lighter sentence?”

“John knows people in high places child and when you have money you can buy your way through anything especially with our dirty police.”

“It’s so unfair.”

I whispered

“Yes it is dear, your mother went down hill from there. She had to work for John again until she paid him off then just before she gave birth to you she got a waitressing job. But her health was never the same again.”

She got up pat me lightly on the back and left me alone with my thoughts. It’s one thing I loved about her she knew when to give you space.

“I made up my mind”

I said,

After I had sometime to think about everything she said.

“About what dear?”

“My dad,”

“And?”

“I want to see him.”

“Okay if that’s what you want give me some time to find out which prison he is at and I’ll take you after the funeral is over.”

I nodded my response then took my leave. I stopped by the store to grab some things. I’ll have to get something to wear for the funeral but I didn’t have the strength for that right now.

That the pay point I realised I had taken two of everything… my eyes welled up with tears I simply forgot for a moment that I was now alone.

The cashier looked at me before asking

“Will you be taking a bag for this?”

I blinked and a tear escaped my eye.

“Yes, please”

“Is everything okay? Where is your mother?”

“She uhm… she’s gone.”

I said

Taking out some cash from the envelope John had given me.

“She left you alone?”

She asked a bit shocked

She took the money from my then proceeded to pack my things into the bags…

“She passed away this morning.”

I whispered

“Oh dear… I’m so sorry…”

She looked really sad for my part and that only made me want to cry that much more…

“It’s okay…”

I said with a soft teary smile

“Who are you living with?”

“My grandmother.”

I answered taking my bags. If it one thing Lisa made sure to drill into me was, never tell people where you live or that I leave you alone sometimes.

They will take you from me and place you with people you do not know, people that might even be cruel to you.

Whether she said that to scare me or not I didn’t know but it worked so far and I’d alway tell people I lived with my mother and grandmother.

“Well you take care then, and again I’m sorry for your loss.”

I thanked her then left the store… when I reached our bridge I greeted Mr Addly and paid him his fee for the week.

He refused to take the money from me…

“Keep it kid, you will need it. you’re still in school and have no job. Someday you can pay me again until then save what you can.”

I thanked him and handed him a sandwich and some water. He took it without refusing. Now I know how I can pay him if he refuses to take my money.

Once inside my tent I share the things I bought and made up a bag for Gill. I made up my bed in you could call it that and snuggled up.

It’s going to be a cold wet night. The wind was harsh against my worn out tent. I’ll have to buy another she won’t last another winter.

The wind and rain was so loud that I didn’t hear Gill call for me. I laid facing the zip of my tent something I did every time Lisa was late.

One never knew who would try something funny during the night Lisa would say so lay facing the zip that way you can see if anyone is they to get in. Also never forget to put the lock in place once inside.

Sure we live in a tent and if whoever wanted to could easily cut the darned thing but here are to many eyes that doesn’t mean they won’t try to get into the tent to take what they can or worse hurt you while you’re sleeping.

I opened the flap of my tent that resembled a window and Gills face popped up, smiling I unlocked the lock and zipped open for her to enter.

“How have you been holding up today?”

She asked

After getting cosy in my make shift bed.

“I learned a lot from Miss Gina.”

I said

Reaching for the bag I packed for her and handing it to her

“What’s this? And if you don’t mind me asking what have you learned?”

She asked without opening the plastic bag

“I went to the store bought some stuff and only realised after that I had taken more than I should so I thought of sharing it with you. Miss Gina told me about my dad.”

“ thank you. I appreciate this, what about your dad?”

She asked as she started eating. I told her everything about what I learnt from Miss Gina even the birds and bees thing.

“So what do you plan to do? About your dad.”

“I want to see him, Miss Gina will take me after the funeral.”

“I’m glad you made this right choice Lo, I’m sure he would be happy to see you.”

“I hope so.”

After she ate she snuggled up closer to me and started to him that tune. Then a thought crossed my mind

“You said you don’t remember your mum, how do you know she hummed that tune for you then?”

“I remember little bits. I was in therapy. They said something happened to me that traumatised me so much my brain blocked the bad things only remembering what it allowed me to remember.”

“Okay.”

I said then drifted off to sleep

………………

A week has passed and it was finally time to lay Lisa to rest… I have been dreading this the whole week I wasn’t ready to say goodbye…

Hill stuck by me like glue… so did Miss Gina. So many people came to pay their respects to Lisa and to bid her a final farewell.

She truly was loved by all… many stood crying… many spoke of how good Lisa was and how unfair it was that her life was cut so short.

Even John offered up some words about Lisa, I think in some weird way he cared for her. It was my turn to say something Miss Gina said I didn’t have to but I wanted to.

With shaking hands Gill led me up to the altar of the church when she moved away I grabbed hold of her hand begging her with my eyes to stay with me.

From up here I could see the many people that took the time to be here today and a fresh set of tears rolled down my face…

Gill filled a glass with water from the table beside her and handed it over to me… I drank, wetting my parched throat before clearing it but no words left my mouth.

Everyone seemed to understand how hard this was for me and waited patiently for me to give my eulogy…

Finally I pulled myself together and spoke from my heart……