Chapter 3
Mama Welles was the first one awake, the sun just starting to rise. She had a list of things to accomplish before any of the kids rose for the day. She headed to the kitchen to start breakfast and prepare a bottle for Ian. Pepe's smile greeted her as he cleaned the bar and restocked the liquor shelves.
"I didn't see any bullet holes or dried blood," he said, chuckling softly. "So I assume that the evening passed uneventfully?"
Mama smiled. "If I tell you something don't laugh, okay?" she asked. Pepe instantly nodded. "I slept more soundly last night than I have in quite a while." They both stepped into the kitchen and Mama began heating the formula.
"Well, nothing brings peace to a home quite like a baby," Pepe replied as he gathered the pans needed for breakfast. "And speaking of Ian, Cynthia is coming by later to drop off some things that will be needed if we are going to have a baby living here."
Mama nodded. "I will need to thank her properly, then. And I agree that a baby brings warmth to any home," she admitted. "But it isn't just Ian. I'm having a tough time putting my finger on the exact reason for my feelings." Pepe said something as he dug through the refrigerator that Mama couldn't quite hear. "What did you say?"
The former Valentino turned to her with a big smile on his face. "She is a girl, Mama," he said. "You have had this bar forever and you have rescued and then released stray child after stray child. Didn't it occur to you before now that they all had one thing in common?"
She thought back over her years as both a natural and then foster mother and gasped. "Not one girl in all that time," she said. She couldn't believe that she hadn't realized it before.
"Exactly," Pepe said as he began cutting up vegetables. "There have been so many sons, but never one daughter. Until now."
Mama laughed, her chest filling with warmth even as an idea formed in her mind. She took the bottle of heated formula and moved past Pepe; surprising him with a tight hug as she did so. "You are right," she said. "And I know exactly what I will do for her first."
Though he would never tell another soul, Pepe would swear that the older woman nearly skipped on her way out of the kitchen.
o~~~~~~~~o
Gustavo, Jackie and V were just exiting their room as Mama passed by. "Morning," she whispered. She didn't know if Brielle and Ian were awake yet and she didn't want to startle the still-skittish young woman. "V, I need you to go help Pepe in the kitchen, if you please." The young boy nodded happily and rushed off. "I have a much larger job for the two of you. Let me drop this formula off to Brielle and then I will meet you at the bar to explain everything." The teens nodded and walked away.
Mama approached Brielle's door and gave the coded knock. A few seconds later she heard the lock click and the door slowly opened. Brielle looked tired, but not anxious. She was yawning and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Morning," she said as she stretched out her back. She moved aside so that Mama could enter the room.
"Good morning to you, as well," Mama said happily. "I brought you a bottle for Ian. I thought you would wish to feed him before coming out to start the day."
Brielle nodded, a small smile on her face. "Thank you," she said. "I will pay you back for all of this trouble."
Mama shook her head. "Brielle," she began, "you are not the least bit of trouble. I would always tell the truth about such things. Furthermore, we already agreed that you would have a job here, so paying me back will not be a problem. There is something that I wanted to speak to you about, however. Something that I think I can do for you."
Brielle sat down on the bed and tested the formula before pulling Ian into her arms and offering the bottle to him. He cooed happily as he began to eat. "Alright," she said cautiously. "Let's hear it." She was comfortable with Mama. She even felt somewhat safe in her presence. But the recent wounds that tore at her heart were still there and she had promised herself not to run foolishly into situations that could endanger Ian or herself.
Mama knew she was being tested, though Brielle's posture remained relaxed. She was now more determined than ever to eventually discover who had harmed these children and then unleash her boys on them. "You have beautiful hair," she began, gesturing to the multitude of braids that were pinned atop Brielle's head. "And I cannot imagine that life on the streets has allowed you to care for it in a way that you would like. Am I right?"
Brielle stared at her a moment before replying. Strange question, but she would be honest in her answer. "Yes, you are right," she said. To be honest, she couldn't remember the last time she had taken the plaits down to wash and redo them. "Why do you ask?"
"I was hoping that you would let me help with that," Mama replied. "If you were to take the braids out and wash your hair, I would be happy to trim it for you. Then, once it is dry, we could braid it again." She paused before adding, "Only if you would be comfortable with that, of course."
Brielle was in a mild state of shock. No one had offered to do anything like this for her since… well, in an exceptionally long time. And if she was going to be living with these people, she would have to start the process of developing trust. There is no way that she would allow any of the men she had met thus far to get near her with a pair of scissors. Mama Welles wasn't one of the guys, though. She had made it quite clear that she wanted to protect both Brielle and Ian. And maybe she even meant it.
"I would like that," she said quietly. "Thank you for offering."
Mama's smile was so bright it could have lit up the entire bar. "Alright, then," she said and moved to the door. "You take your time and get Ian and yourself ready for the day. I have some tasks to set the boys to and then I will return."
As she exited the room she turned back. "I want you to know how much I value the trust you are showing me, Brielle," she said softly. "I will not betray that trust. Ever."
It wasn't until Brielle looked down at Ian that the few tears she had been trying desperately to hide finally managed to escape.
o~~~~~~~~o
Gustavo and Jackie were busy eating their breakfast when Mama returned. They looked up; curious to know why she suddenly seemed so happy. Brielle is staying! Gustavo's heartbeat raced as he finally allowed himself to imagine that possibility.
"I have a very important task for the two of you today," she said as she reached across the table and stole a piece of synth-bacon from Jackie's plate. He grumbled and resumed eating. Mama laughed and continued, "You know the garage down the street? The one where we store extra inventory?"
Both teens nodded. "I need you to move everything from those rooms into the attic above the bar and clean out that space," she continued. "Once it is cleared, I would appreciate it if you dusted and aired it out. I think we may be needing it soon." Without waiting for a response, she dropped the keys to the building on the table and Jackie picked them up.
"Of course, we will," Gustavo said. "Mind if I ask what you are going to do with it?"
Mama smiled. She had been thinking about this since she climbed into bed last night and knew, if it was handled correctly, her plan could be perfect. "I will start by saying that Brielle has agreed to stay here with Ian and work in the bar," she began. The boys both smiled happily at the news. "We are taking things slowly. One day at a time. Something happened to them – I don't know any details yet – but she is scared. And cautious. And slow to trust. And we need to respect that."
"Definitely," Gustavo replied quickly. "We wouldn't want to do anything that scares her away." Jackie nodded in agreement.
"While she may feel safer and more comfortable sleeping in the bar for a while, there will come a time when she wants some privacy for herself and Ian," Mama explained. "When that time comes, I would like to offer her the space in the garage as her own home. It is still close enough for us to reach her in case of emergency, but it is distant enough for her to retain some sense of independence."
"Makes sense," Jackie said, standing up from the table. "We better get started, hermano. Looks like it's gonna be a long day." Jackie may not always be the smartest guy in the room, but there was no denying his work ethic. Gustavo got up from the table and moved to follow his best friend. He knew that they would both be slaving away until that area was clean enough to eat off the floor. And he was perfectly fine with that.
Anything to keep Brielle from running away…
"Oh!" Mama called to them as they headed through the door. They stopped and looked back. "If it is all the same to you, Gustavo, I would like to ask Padre to leave you here with us for a while. I don't know if we should be expecting trouble anytime soon, but I would rather be prepared."
Gustavo hoped that she couldn't hear the now-thunderous beating of his heart. "Whatever you need, Mama," he said and smiled. "I can go get my things and bring them back later tonight if Padre agrees."
"Perfect!" she said and waved them away. "Now get moving! That place will not clean itself!"
Pepe stuck his head through the service window once the door shut behind the Valentinos. "You know you made his entire year with that request, right?" he asked, chuckling softly.
Mama laughed. "Yes, I know," she replied. Gustavo thought he was being so careful in his reactions to Brielle, but she wasn't fooled for a moment. "Young men often let their hearts lead their heads. As long as he is respectful of her boundaries and treats her with consideration and care I see no reason to mention his crush. Besides," she continued as she reached into a nearby drawer for the scissors she would need for the young girl's hair, "we need someone to look after her when we can't. And who better for that than a protective, strong and gun-wielding Valentino?"
The bartender couldn't argue with that, so he returned to cleaning the kitchen while Mama headed back to her newest strays.
o~~~~~~~~o
Brielle stared in the bathroom mirror, her hands shaking despite her efforts to control her emotions. If they could see you now, she thought; a flash of anger crossing her pale features. They wanted to break you. To own you. To turn you into one of them.
Her lips curled up into a vicious sneer. Well, fuck them. They don't control you or Ian anymore.
"What do you think?" Brielle's thoughts snapped back to the present and she once more examined her reflection in the mirror. This time, however, she focused on the long red hair that flowed freely around her shoulders and ended at the curve of her waist. She hadn't realized how long it had gotten. The braids hid much of that; particularly when they were pinned to the top of her skull.
Pushing away from the sink she stepped into the bedroom. "I think it looks amazing," she said and smiled at Mama Welles. "Thank you for cutting it."
"You are welcome," the older woman replied. "Will you be braiding it again later? I could help with that, as well. But only if you need me to."
Brielle debated the question as she lifted Ian from the bed and placed him in the makeshift carrier that Pepe had provided from the kitchen. Who knew vegetable boxes could be so versatile? Just a few blankets and voila! Instant baby transportation!
"I think I might leave it down for a bit," she replied happily – and when was the last time she said anything happily? "Ian always likes to pull on it and I think it might be time for a change. At least for a bit."
She was dressed in a deep green peasant blouse that brought out the color in her eyes. The jeans Mama lent her were a little too big, but the belt kept them snugly in place. The only article of clothing that truly belonged to her, besides her undergarments, was her boots. She loved her boots. They were comfortable and practical, and the steel toes provided added protection against anyone attempting to get too close. She strapped her knife to her thigh and grabbed the carrier, following Mama into the hallway and locking the door behind them. She didn't own much in this life, at least not yet, but she wasn't about to leave her duffle bag where anyone could rummage through it.
"Nothing wrong with a bit of change," Mama agreed. "Follow me and I will introduce you to our bartender, Pepe. It was his wife, Cynthia, that sent over the formula." Brielle smiled sweetly at Ian and he giggled with delight.
Mama stopped before they entered the main room. "There will be people coming and going through this part of the building every day and evening, but you never need to feel that you have to interact with them," she said. "Jackie, Gustavo, Pepe and I will keep watch over both you and Ian. If there is ever anyone here that makes you feel uncomfortable you let us know. They can and will be removed. Alright?"
Brielle nodded, the tension slowly draining from her shoulders. She knew they would never look for her here, but there were others who might spread the story of the red-haired girl with the baby to match. She didn't know anyone in the city very well, except for Mama Welles, but she had a feeling that the few she had met would protect her if needed.
They hadn't gone far when a young boy came speeding through the room and stopped in front of Brielle. "Hi!" he said cheerfully. "I'm V! Welcome to El Coyote Cojo!"
His excitement was contagious, and Brielle couldn't help but smile back. "Hello, V," she replied. "I am Brielle, and this is Ian. It is very nice to meet you." Mama looked toward the bar and noticed Pepe watching the scene with interest. He glanced at her and they shared a grin.
V stepped a bit closer and gazed into the carrier. "Whoa," he said, seemingly in awe. "It really is a baby." He looked back up at Brielle. "And he looks just like you."
"That he does," Brielle replied. "I am sure the two of you will be the best of friends." Mama looked away, blinking her eyes to chase away the tears that were quickly forming.
V's eyes shot open, and he gasped. "You think so?" he asked excitedly. "That would be awesome! I mean, Gustavo and Jackie are best friends, and Mama and Pepe are kinda old for that sort of thing." Brielle looked up at Mama and chuckled. "It would sure be nice if I had a best friend, too."
Brielle sat down the carrier and knelt in front of V. She hated looking down on the boy. "I will make you a deal, V, ok?" she whispered, loudly enough that the others could hear but quietly enough so that V would feel special.
"Sure, Brielle," he replied. Mama watched the two in awe. Kneeling before this small boy was a totally different young girl from the one they'd met the night before. She seemed to blossom before her very eyes.
"If you help me look after Ian – you know, just keep an eye on him from time to time – I guarantee that he will remember that kindness when he grows up. And who wouldn't want to be best friends with someone who always looked after them?" she suggested.
V looked over at Mama. "Would that be okay with you?" he asked. "Could I help protect Ian and Brielle with you guys?"
Mama ruffled his hair as Brielle rose from the floor and picked up the carrier once more. "I think that is a wonderful idea, mijo," she said. "Now go and get your lessons ready. I will be in soon to go through them with you."
School was never traditional in Night City. Most kids joined up with local gangs the moment they were old enough to fire a pistol. Mama Welles and Padre, however, insisted that all members of the Valentinos receive a proper education, even if it was taught in between heists in the back of a bar. While Jackie and Gustavo always seemed irritated or bored with their studies, V excelled at them. And he truly seemed to enjoy it.
"Ok!" V said and dashed off toward his room. Almost as soon as he left, before they had even taken four steps toward the bar, he was back. He looked into the carrier and carefully mussed the baby's hair. "See you later, Ian," he said and dashed away once again.
Brielle smiled at the retreating boy. "He is adorable," she said. Fondness for the child was evident in her voice. "I hope that Ian will be just like that when he gets older." Sadness clouded her green eyes for just a moment. "I want that for him. That's why I must keep fighting. I will give him the best life. I swear it."
Mama slowly placed her hand on Brielle's shoulder and squeezed it gently. "You have taken the first step in giving him a better life by staying with us, mija," she said. "You will both be safe here. With help, you can give him the future that he deserves."
"So," Brielle began as they approached Pepe. "What kind of help do you need around here? I was serious about needing a job if we are going to stay."
Mama nodded, gesturing toward the bartender. "Brielle, this Is Pepe Najarro," she said. "Pepe, this is Brielle."
"Welcome to El Coyote Cojo," the large man said. He chuckled before continuing. "I would bounce up and down like our little V, but I don't want to scare you or embarrass myself."
Brielle smiled in return. "As entertaining as that could be, I greatly appreciate your restraint," she replied. The young girl was very polite to the bartender, but her hand hovered near the handle of her knife. The action was not missed by Mama.
Well, she didn't draw the weapon, Mama thought. That's progress.
Mama slid onto a stool and Brielle joined her, placing Ian on the top of the bar. Pepe glanced in at the baby. "Handsome boy you have there," he said.
Brielle's next smile was genuine. "Thank you for the compliment," she replied. "And thank you for the formula that you and your wife provided, as well. It was kind of you."
"Here, in this bar, we take care of our own," Pepe replied. "And you and Ian are now part of that."
Brielle nodded. "Ian cannot pull his weight at this point," she said, "but I can. Tell me what I can do to help, and I will get to it."
Pepe laughed. "Well, little miss," he began, and Mama looked carefully at Brielle to see her reaction to the nickname. Much to her surprise, the young girl smirked. "Look around and tell me what you think that you are best suited to do. We will begin there."
"I can cook," she said quickly. "And I do it well." Mama chuckled, thinking that Brielle might just see Pepe jump up and down whether she wanted to or not. The man could make heavenly drinks, but he hated cooking. It was one of the reasons that the bar only served the basics when it came to food. Mama Welles didn't have the time for it and Pepe Najarro didn't have the talent.
"Really?" Pepe asked. "If that is the case then I do believe you have found your job." He motioned toward the kitchen. "I could show you around if you would like."
Mama stepped forward when Brielle's hand once more drifted toward her dagger. "I can do that, Pepe," she said; her eyes conveying the seriousness of the situation to the bartender. He nodded slowly. Mama stepped behind the bar and opened the kitchen door. "Come on inside," she said to Brielle. "You can look around and tell me what ingredients you will need for the meals that you prefer to make." The young girl nodded, grabbed the carrier and followed her through the door.
Pepe watched them go, shaking his head. The girl seemed so normal that, for a moment, he'd almost forgotten that she had come to them covered in dirt with a baby in tow. The kind of pain that she was obviously carrying inside wouldn't just vanish with a good night's sleep, a bath, and a haircut. Trust would take time to build, but Mama was right. There was something about Brielle that made him want to help her.
He would find a way to help her heal. They all would.