Brooklyn, New York

June

Manolo and Esmerelda's house

He had just picked Esmerelda up from work when they walked into the house "SURPRISE !" they all shouted. Making them stop and look as Monty ran to his father who picked him up "We made dinner so you didn't have to" Olly said. "Yeah mami even Monty and Emy helped" Elle said with her arms around her little sister as they looked around.

"Umm let's see what they got here "They have some grilled chicken, some rice and beans, ensalada de papa and some platano maduro" Manolo said. "I did those Papi" Emy said with a big smile, "and I stirred the papas" Monty adds. With his wife looking at them "I'm impressed maybe I should let you guys cook all the time" Esmerelda says with a grin.

"Oh come on now mami you're the best that ever is" Olly says making his parents laugh. "Wait and we got one last surprise," Kat says, rocking Lorenzo in her arms when she opens the kitchen door. When Estrella came out "hola mi amor" her mother said hugging her daughter "Mami" Esme said holding onto her mother.

"Wait a minute you guys didn't cook any of this " Manolo said with a big grin "PAPI" both Monty and Emelda said. While everyone else laughed " No Manolo the kids did all this they paid for me to come and everything" the woman says. "Who'd you guys steal from" he says laughing as his wife pushes him, "I'm so happy that you're here with us Mami" Esme replies.

As Manolo wrapped his arm around his wife when the phone rang when Kat answered "Hello hey Titi how are you i'm good yeah the baby is right here trying to rock him to sleep yea he's here alright" Kat says passing Manolo the phone. He nodded "Who's this?" he asked, "Titi Xelia" she answered as he put Monty down and took the phone.

"Digame hermana que paso QUÉ? LO DICES EN SERIO Xelia how do you want me to relax hmm okay tell me. Did he say anything to you okay good mierda fine umm you have to switch everything up asked to go to a different department or something. Where he won't notice and need you to lay low do you hear me? Does Cesar know okay here's what I want you to do.

Take some money from that account I have there and buy a new car, and change your hair if you have to oyete so he doesn't notice you. I'll be there in a couple of days and we will go to the big house okay but right now I want you and the kids to go to Hidemi and Makoto house.

You'll be safe there. But get rid of that car love you too bye carajo" he said as everyone watched him he never noticed Kat that took the younger kids out the room. "Manolo what happened?" Esmerelda questions as he shook his head when he turned around; that's when he noticed the kids were gone.

Only one left was Olly " Xelia said she saw General Medina and he kind of noticed her because he kind of stared at her like he had seen her before. But we know she looks the most like my mother and that she's not sure but she saw someone following her so did Calvin he got rid of the problem.

Now she's uneasy about going to work but we need her at the bank so I have to go in a couple of days because I can't let anything happen to my baby sister" he said. "So I guess we're leaving early" Olly says, "Yes we do, everyone else will come when school is over" his father answered. "Manolo I need you to think mi amor just take a breath okay" Esmerelda says, "I need to call Kari and Hiroto.

Mami, it's good to see you. I hope you will stay with us indefinitely. I'll see you guys in a few" he said kissing his wife and mother in law. Then nodded for Oliver to follow him to the den with his wife shaking her head "EVERYONE COME AND EAT" Esmerelda shouted. When her mother looked at her "Esme what's going on he had that look in his eyes and I haven't seen that look in his eyes.

Since he was a boy so digame" Estrella says, Esmerelda sighs "they found the man that murdered his family. And I hope and pray that he hasn't made Xelia because it could be bad. That's why his sisters that were not murdered basically went into hiding. Xelia was a baby so they didn't even really know about her so she was safe they knew about Manolo and Fernando.

They thought they had gotten all of the kids but they didn't and if he thinks that she can blow the lid. On him being celebrated it becomes a problem then he is not as upstanding as he claims to be" she answered. "Ay dios mio" her mother said as the kids came downstairs "Mami is Papi going to eat our food" Emy asked innocently.

With her mother looking at her "Yes Mi amor we are going to make him a plate and you and your sister can give it to him okay" she said kissing her daughter on the nose. Making the little girl smile when her grandmother looked at her "Oye muchacha dame mi reloj" Estrella says.

As Esmerelda tossed her head back "It was really pretty and shiny Abuela I'm sorry" Emy said, giving it back to her. " Mirame you never steal from family oyete or anyone else " the older woman says as Emelda shook her head "Sorry abuela" she says. Before everyone sat down to have dinner they made Olly and Manolo a plate and took it to them a little while later the door flung open. With Yovelice running in and going straight to her room" Yove , Yove come back shit" Orlando said calling to her as he came in with his girlfriend San

Making everyone turn around "Orlando what happened to my niece" Esmerelda asked as he shook his head "Titi Abuela made her some sancocho to take to Ramon Francisco who was supposedly not feeling good. Only for us to get there and see him with the next girl all hugged up, wait , wait for and a baby in a stroller. So Yove being Yove she gave it the benefit of the doubt because she said she saw the baby before he told her that it was his niece.

So she calls to him and approaches him. He's shocked. The girl asked who she was and she told the girl that she was his girlfriend. And that's when the girl said she was his girl and that the baby he said was his niece was really his daughter then he got made with Yove. She then tossed the Sancocho in his face and told him to go fuck himself then the girl tried to swing on her so she decked the bitch. I then got out of the car because her and the girl started fighting.

He tried to get involved so I stepped in. He instantly knew better when he saw me. I broke it up and we got her back into the car and came back to Brooklyn. She cried all the way back home but I told her that will get the chain she bought him back but she ran out of the car so fast. I mean I know why but still I wanna make sure she good and I'll handle things" he say as Manolo and Olly came into the living room. "What's kid what you doing here"Olly says embracing his friend then looking around as his mother and grandmother went upstairs.

" Yo son Ramon Francisco was playing her the whole time he got a girl and a baby he told Yove that the baby was his niece. She kind of lost she and the girl started fighting and i jumped out the car before he tried to put hands on her" Orlando says. "So what are we gonna do about brother" Olly replies, "Nothing but get that chain she brought him nothing else" he replies, "Let's get something in motion then" he says as they both looked up the steps.

San Cristobal, Dominican Republic

Hiro stood talking to Marisela when Koji pulled up and parked his car then he got out "Rico K lo K manito hey" Koji said. Giving his brother a high five and nodding to Marisela "Ko what's up how's everything down at the hotel. Oh Marisela this my older brother Koji, Ko this is my girlfriend Marisela"Hiro replies.

"Hi Koji, nice to meet you. He said you were in Switzerland right and he hated it, '' she said, making Koji laugh. "Yes indeed we did, he and I only lasted 6 months before I went to school in New York and he came back home" he answered. "How is New York, it's my dream to go there" Marisela asked, "I loved it I never really did the touristy bullshit.

Our cousins were like no, let's give you the real New York which is a lot more than I expected" he replies , "really what was your favorite" she asked. Enthralled in the conversation "Federico didn't get to go to New York he would have liked it but my favorite was the smaller spots in the outer boroughs.

Like our cousins, I took me to a lot of spots in Brooklyn in the flatbush area that I thought were really cool and a couple of spots in Bushwick. Because they have a lot of Spanish bars and nightclubs but I spent a lot of time uptown in Washington Heights.

It has a large dominican population there. That is where Tio Carlos lives now before he lived in the Bronx but he left when a situation happened with our Cousin Lucia he left. Anyway Ava and Tina dragged me to these places in the Village and the Lower East Side but those weren't my favorite places.

They were filled with Gringas so I more else didn't' go unless they dragged me there to keep unwanted guys from them"he says. "Who are they? Are they your girlfriend or something? I can't imagine anyone dragging you anywhere"Marisela says. Making him laugh "nope they are not they are" was all he got out when they heard it "HEY, HEY, HEY YOU GET AWAY FROM THEM RIGHT NOW" someone shouted making them look around."What the fuck" Hiro says making Marisela toss her head back "ayy Mi madre fabulosa" she says shaking her head. As Koji looked at them " What happened who the fuck is that" he said, "Nobody important but the block busybody" Marisela replies.

With Hiro shaking his head "The fucking race police like it still 1960's" his brother said as the woman marched over. Holding the broom stick in hand "anyway like I was saying I didnt' like those spots but fucking Ava and Tina wouldn't let up" Koji said. "Ava and Tina are Uncle Julian's sister right" Hiro questions, "DID YOU HEAR ME YOU " Carmen says as Koji looks at her then his brother and Marisela."Mrs. Carmen you can go it's fine Nina" the girl replies, " did you hear or are you stupid Moño" she said making Koji laugh. But completely ignore her "Who the fuck you talking to you racist old bitch my brother isn't going anywhere so you can take your bitter racist ass.

Back over to your house and mind your own fucking business stupid bitch" Hiro spat coldly. "Rico stop manito chill man you here with your girl man pay her no mind you think I care what she has to say. Come on now you know better" Koji said with a grin as he put his hand on his brother's chest just when JR came over. Because he saw as he was driving to his parents house to check in with his mother about his sister who was working his last nerve. "Mami que paso" he questioned, "I see this man bothering Marisela and Federico.

I'm telling to leave them alone and he doesn't know how to listen" she said, clenching her broomstick in her hand. When Marisela put her hands up " Did you hear my mother they kids man what you're a grown man talking to teenagers go pero walk away" JR says. Making Marisela sigh "JR it's fine, take your mother back to her house we're good thank you bye this is Hiro's brother.

We are having a conversation that has nothing to do with your mother so we can carry on" she says. "Your brother umm Josefa son" Carmen said, "We're all her sons, me, Yoshi and him stupid cunt" Hiro said now pissed off. "FEDERICO enough man don't come out of character for people like her come on now" his older brother says tapping him on the side of his face.

Nīsan, kanojo ga itsumo kimitachi no koto bakari hanashite iru no ni wa unzarida yo ( brother I'm just tired of her constant talking about you guys man)" Hiro says. Looking at his brother "Manito I tuned her out the moment she said that stupidness it says more about her then it does this sexy chocolateness" Koji says making his brother laugh.

Calming him down "What you said about my mother" Jr said standing straighter as Koji looked down at him "now who is hard of hearing huh. You can stand straight all you want so unless you're sprouting 6 or 7 inches and about 90 or 100 pounds you're not seeing me.So carry on about your business" he said looking JR straight in the face when Hiro stepped up "Get the fuck back over to your parents house JR before I have to handle you in front of your mother" Hiro said. Stepping in front of his brother who held him back "Federiko, mō yamete ( Federico stop now)" Hidemi says coming outside.

As he stepped back as this small asian woman approached them "Abuela she was over here with her racist bullshit saying Koji needs to leave . Because he was talking to me and Marisela and then her fucking puppet came over like somebody was bothering her.

When she was over her bothering us" he answered as she looked at Carmen"Hidemi hola it was a misunderstanding I saw some stranger talking to the kids. And you know I'm very protective of Marisela, she's my goddaughter" she replies, "So you telling him to leave gives you what right to approach them she wasn't being harmed" Hidemi questioned.

"Because she's a racist bitch abuela who thinks she's better than other people ,watch when you have little morenitos. What you gonna do and say then racist bitch yeah I said it what you gonna do yeah and JR your nothing you soft you not gonna do nothing but following behind your mother.

You coward that's why your brothers don't fuck with you because your a overgrown baby" he spat, "Rico man chill out man let the little soft man go on about his business" Koji said pulling him back. Making Jr even more angry because Lissel had said the same thing to him and for this kid to say that to him pissed him off. "Federico, show some respect oyete I will speak to your father" Carmen said sternly, "and he is not gonna say nothing but the same shit my brother is saying right now.

Or, Or, or pero imaginate Rico don't let her get in your head your mother is loved and your brother and sister are fine. Her she means nothing" he said. When his grandmother covered his mouth "Watashi no ai wa sore dakede jūbundesu anata ga okotte iru no wa wakarimasuga, ikari de muchi to tatakawanaito nani mo okorimasen( My love that's enough I know your angry but you don't fight ignorance with anger it does nothing) " she says.

"It's ignorance my manito what she doesn't understand that we all got Moreno blood in us some more than others. But just because you got less doesn't make you any different, take it easy brother . You have a nice afternoon Mrs. Rivera. It was very nice to meet your acquaintance" Koji said with a grin, "Goodbye Mrs. Rivera '' Hidemi says, taking Koji's hand and walking back to the house.

"Why are you being so nice to that racist bitch" Hiro spat, "Because I know something that she doesn't know. My brother and when it comes to light she's gonna to feel like a dumbass" his brother replies helping his grandmother into the house. As Marisela shook her head then going inside with the Nakamura brothers inside their house leaving her aggravated. Not soon after Koji left the house and drove into the city he was now understood what she meant when she told him why her mom. Didn't like Cristina or him, her mom was just another ignorant person he'd come in contact with but she was the complete opposite of Lissel.

Tavares Compound

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

He picked her up from work then drove to the river by his Godfather's house where he had it set up a picnic for her. As they walked side by side "it's so peaceful I like it here" Lissel said as they walked over. "Me too I come here when I just want to relax away from everything" he answers as they get to the spot taking her by surprise.

Making her turn around and look at him as he smirked"Koji you did all this" she says, with a shrug"you like it I know it's cheesy. But you said you haven't been on a picnic with a guy so I just figured you know" Koji said as she smiled up at him. "You remembered that, '' she says, nodding." Yes I did, you said that your dad used to take you and your sister when you guys were younger.

Come on, I got some sandwiches and some flan. My mother made it so good, " he says, taking her hand as they walked over. As they sat down he took his sneakers and his shirt off as she smelled the flowers Oooohh your good Nakamura" she said all he did was smile. "What you said you liked them ,every time you passed by my house my grandma brought them back from Japan and started growing them here,"Koji says.

She was shocked because never had a guy actually paid attention to what she said but he paid attention to everything she was blown away with what he had done. "So you really don't mind dating me in private because I'm not embarrassed by you. I just don't want the drama. I kind of just want to get to know you for myself before I let anybody else in" Lissel says.

"Trust me after meeting your mother I understand plus you said it is not forever right because all my people will know that you are my girl. And so will everyone on your side except your mother and the dipstick oldest brother. Who is a whole dick I've never seen Hiro so mad" he said laughing as she shook her head.

" Oh my goodness I'm so sorry they are so embarrassing I'm sure she was just as rude and entitled. my gosh anyway I don't want to think of them what kind of sandwiches do you have"she says taking her shoes off. To her perfectly painted red toenails knowing that it was his favorite color he never said it but his car was red.

So was his ATV and the jet ski he had at his godfather's house "umm we got chicken and ham that my mom made from scratch, which one you want I have some mangoes" Koji says. "I'll have a ham"Lissel says after tying her hair up in a bun when he went into the basket handing her a sandwich then took one for himself. That was three times the size of hers "so how do you like going to the gym so far water or soda"he said as they ate their sandwiches covering her mouth "water thank you this sandwich tastes good your mom made it" she says.

As he held his chest in mock hurt "Hey I make a really good sandwich alright I can cook you know" he replies. When she looked at him "Koji you are asking me to believe that you made this sandwich" she asked, "It's a sandwich Lissel not a five course meal but will get there.

But next time I'll upgrade to spicy ramen" he says in a japanese accent making her shove him gently as she covers her mouth. "That's not nice Koji" Lissel says as he laughs "oh come on I am Japanese I think i'm allowed to mock people" Koji says still laughing.

" No you shouldn't make fun of people" she says wiping mayonnaise off of his face, taking them both by surprise. "Thanks anything more" he questioned as she shook her head "No you're good now umm sorry about that" she says. Going back to eating her sandwich "Nah it's cool don't worry about it" he replies with her clearing her throat.

"So how did you like school in the states?" she asked, fighting the urge to do what had been running through her mind since he kissed her on the cheek. The other day "It was cool after a while when I first left. I was in a boarding school in Switzerland and I hated it but after a while I didn't mind so much.

It gave me much needed perspective and It was good for me but I was ready to come back home so I'm going to school out here. But I like New York better than I did Switzerland. I could tell you that" he answered. "Yeah, what was your favorite part of being in New York? '' Lissel asked, "I have people there you know my godfather, everyone else I consider family I wasn't by myself you know.

I didn't have anybody when Federico came back home. I couldn't wait to graduate and go to New York" Koji replies. "Did you have a girlfriend in New York" she questions "umm not really I wouldn't call it that but I had a brief situation" he answered making her look at him. Putting her sandwich down "explain what does that mean because I think it was a pretty straightforward question Koji" Lissel says.

"I agree but it's a question that needs all the details for you to understand what I mean. When I left here my ego took a beating so it left me wanting and needing to prove myself and both my father and godfather. We're like Koji, get your head and your ego in check because it will make you do stupid things in the moment you have nothing to prove.

But I didn't feel that way. I was angry with a chip on my shoulder and an ax to grind anyway umm after I graduated from boarding school and I was in New York. And my cousins and myself were out at this bar in Brooklyn and we were drinking and chilling so we started talking to a group of these young ladies and this Jamaican girl. I was being polite to her.

I'm not a disrespectful guy. If you meet my mother you'll know why. So her friend asked me if I was Jamaican Chinese or Trini Chinese. I told her I'm neither Japanese- Dominican. And She felt the need to come at me sideways talking about you Asian men carrying small artillery if you get my drift so, me and my ego already took a beating and I felt I had a point to prove.

So needless to say I proved my point several times which lead to some unnecessary drama that I could have avoided had I listened to my dad and godfather. And after she smashed my car window ,following me around when I was going to school or playing bodyguard to Ava and Tina.

I cut things off with her completely and did what they told me to do. I get in tuned with myself and really looked at the things I ignored with my ex. I was then able to see things clearly. Ego will have you doing things you have no business doing and in trying to prove my manhood to some girl I didn't even know because she made an assumption based on stereotypes.

It wasn't for me to prove but EGO made me want to just so I could feel better about myself and my situation so I stayed single ever since and I got my head and heart intact. And this is not me telling you I carry heavy artillery, this is me explaining the situation honestly" he responds. As she looked at him directly " so how many women have you slept with to feed your ego" Lissel asked, "With the exception of my ex, just that Jamaican girl and she was just crazy.

Like the things that she did had me like what the hell but it was my own fault because I slept with her trying to prove a point after that I was oh no. The first person I called was my mother and she set me straight. She goes Chocolatazo. We told you over and over again that you had nothing to prove.

That sometimes people are just shitty people and want to use other people to get their own way and in trying to prove a point. I did to this girl what my ex did to me but not for money but for something that is more valuable to and was her body and that is when it hit me like oh shit so I let the dusk clear before I went to talk to her to apologize.

For my actions towards her and she apologized to me as well because for judging me the way she did and how she reacted and I told her I needed to get my head right and wished her the best and that was it so what about you " Koji said. This only made her like him more" Me well you see how my mother is basically pimping me out to the guy from that day we met since I was little.

When his family moved away then it was another two guys that were sons of her friends, one that was just like the asshole you met. And the other one I still speak to he gay and he lives in Spain but his family refuses to believe it then Assholes family came back now his mother and my mother. Decided that we're going to get married and have been making plans when neither one of us is interested in the other" Lissel says.

"So he just slaps you on the ass for shits and giggles" he says, "no he thinks because my mother says that we're going to get married. That sleep I'll with him he's not interested in me he's interested in fucking me nothing else" she answered as Koji nods"well I'm very interested in you I hope that you're still interested in me" he says.

Looking directly at her"I am very interested in you as well and just to let you know that your heavy artillery stays in your pants until I say so" she says with a smile. Making him chuckle "Yes ma'am if you say so now let's get in this water" he said covering up their sandwiches and putting it back in the picnic basket.

And standing up taking his pants off "what no I don't have my bathing suit with me are you crazy" Lissel said, as he shook his head"nope go in your under clothes"he said running and jumping in the water. "KOJI, KOJI, KOJI"she called to him before getting up off the blanket sliding her jeans shorts off and her shirt then going in after him. As she looked for him" Ayyy Coño ta frio Koji where are you" Lissel said looking around for him then going underwater looking for him when he snuck up on her. Making her swing and hitting him as he laughed "Alright, Alright Alright I'm sorry" Koji said with a smile as he wrapped his arms around her "you scared the crap out of me" she says.

Holding on to his arms I'm sorry I thought you saw me Lissel your instincts are razor sharp you just have to trust them. Like the other day at the gym when you were sparring with my cousin Sofia you hesitated, don't hesitate. It doesn't matter if she's my cousin. In a fight it's you or the other person" he says staring into her eyes as she does the same as she wraps her arms around his neck "it's just I'm the new girl.

You know I didn't want too you know" she says, "yeah the both of y'all didn't want to finish the other but you gotta do what you gotta do. Lissel I like you and I really want to kiss you right now but I don't know if you want me to and I don't want to move too fast but too slow either" he says.

As the heat radiates between them clearing her throat "the same but I don't want you to think that I'm that kind of girl either but I really want to kiss you as well" she answered. When he stares at her momentarily with his gray eyes before kissing her with her kissing him back it was like nothing either of them ever felt as she pulled him closer.

As they drew each other in until they needed air before pulling back and staring into each other's eyes. "I'm lucky i'm already underwater because I would have been fucked" Koji says with a big grin. Before she kissed him again, shushing him they stayed in the water a little while longer before getting out and eating the rest of their food.

And then getting their clothes back then laying on the blanket "I don't want to go home I kind of just want to stay here. Where it's nice and peaceful" Lissel says looking up at him "We don't have to go anywhere there is plenty of room inside I can give you one for the night.

I mean I can't give you the room across or next to mine because that's Olly and Kat's and KK's room but you can get another room" he says as he holds her hand. Then kissing it "Umm that sounds amazing actually but I couldn't then you'll have my mother sending my brother looking for me all over the place.

And making things harder for Victor I can't believe the cops stormed his place" she says, "That's why I told him to leave that house. Because if they don't want you there they see it as your place to go to get away from the nonsense. And they dont want you to have any other place to go and they want Vic to be mad with you.

They figure if he's mad at you then you can't go to him. So you'll have nowhere to go if he blames you that's just crazy" he says as she lays her head on his chest with a groan"ughh i don't want to think about them they drive me crazy " she says. With him chuckling and kissing her on the top of her head as he wrapped his arms around her "It will be fine If it's not them I'll make it okay" Koji says.

As she looks at him then caresses his face " I don't care what they think I know what I want" Lissel says kissing his lips. They laid there for a while making out until he had to take her home as they were leaving. They ran into his father "Papi hi" Koji said.

They both look at the man "Ko, Lissel How are you" Hiroto says with a slight grin "Hola Señor Nakamura umm fine" Lissel said looking up at Koji. Hiroto shook his head and laughed "your secret is safe with me but whatever you're doing Lissel have fun" the man says.

Koji nods "Tato see you later Papi" he says as he takes her hand and leaves leading her to the car "Oh my gosh"she said. Making him laugh then shrug "he said our secret is safe with him so it's fine" he said kissing her as he opened the car door for her.

Rivera House

Then taking her home, dropping her off up the street from her house as she got out and walked to the house humming to herself. "Hola, buenas noches, estoy en casa hi papi" she says placing her keys on the rack "Mija you're out late" Jose Rafael said. "Yeah I went out with some of my coworkers after work where's mami" Lissel says looking around as she sat down.

"She went to go look for you with your brother" he replies as she looks at him strangely "Why I called and left a message saying I wasn't coming straight home" she answered. As the man shrugged " she expected you home at least by 7" he said, "It's just turned 9 o'clock it is not even late " she said. "No se mi amor but your home that's all that matters so how was your day" he asked "it's so much to do so much to learn.

They're getting ready for the grand opening. They have a soft opening in a few weeks. It keeps me on my toes but I like it. I'm exhausted, I'm gonna go take a shower Papi" Lissel says kissing him on the cheek then going to take a shower. When she got out her mother was there just as she laid down " Lissel ven aquí" Carmen says, making her groan.

As she got up "Háblame" she shouted as she got out of her bed coming inside the living to find her brother and brother in law there. "¿Dónde has estado? Tu padre dijo que acabas de llegar a casa a las 9 en punto ( where have you been your father said you just got home at 9 o'clock) " Carmen questions. With Lissel looking at her strangely "I left a message on the machine saying I wasn't coming straight home" Lissel answered.

"Carmen I told you already she's home all this is unnecessary " Jose Rafael said looking at his wife who glared at him. " Yes you did but This is the third time this week you come in here at 6, 6: 30, 7 clock what are you doing if you get out at 4 o'clock" her mother said. "Well the other day I stayed a little later at the job.

You never had a problem with me doing that before" she says. "Because we know Mr. Almonte Lissel '' JR says, "Oye mira¿eres el padre de esta muchacha" his father said. Looking straight at him "No pero she got us looking for her all over '' he replies, "Jr, esa es mi hija, ¿entiendes que no eres el hombre de esta casa?. Sé que tu madre corre hacia ti por estas tonterías y saltas como un cachorro.

Pero Soy su padre yo me encargo de ella no te corresponde a ti manejar oyete ( Jr that is my daughter do you understand you are not the man of this house. I know your mother runs to you for this nonsense and you jump like a puppy. But I'm her father I will handle her, it's not for you to handle oyete ) " the man spoke.

All the while Lissel covered her mouth to keep from laughing " Jose he was helping me. I was worried it was 8 o'clock and she wasn't here and I was worried. She's my baby and what are you doing out so late if you have to work tomorrow" her mother says.

Taking a deep breath "JR, Raul go home to your families Lissel go ahead and go to bed" Jose Rafael said, "Papi you always give her and Miguelito the easy way. While they sit here and break Mami's heart" Jr said, making his father look at him incredulously as his father.

Got up out of the chair that was Lissel's cue to leave the living room " You think you know more than me Jr. Because your mother whines to you, your sister is like her great grandmother. Oyete she is strong and opinionated and isn't gonna take any garbage from anybody I love that spirit she has.

It's my grandmother's spirit that fires and that is going to take her places that my grandmother couldn't go. On my grandmother's deathbed she told me mijo don't kill her fire and I will not let you or anyone take that from her. You are her son, not her husband tu sabe go home now" the man said.

Shocking his wife as his son left along with his son in law as Carmen shook her head " I'm not doing this I thought we were on the same page as far as Lissel but you have to go" Carmen said upset. As he sipped his drink " This my house I pay the bills in this house Lissel is not a puppet for you to string along.

She's a young woman just like you once were ,you said that your dream was to marry me verdad you are living your dreams. You are going to let Lissel follow hers wherever it leads her. She's not Belkis Carmen, she's not Jr let her be her. And love her for who she is not for who you want her to be.

I've had it up to here with this nonsense now I love you and I know you love our children. But you can't control them because all you will do is cripple them in the end. Now I'm going to bed are you coming" Jose Rafael said kissing her then walking away. With his wife standing there angry she had to find a way to get through to him or she would take drastic measures to get what she wanted.