Loco, Razer 8

by P. T. Macias

  “I hope that I’ll have my novio soon,” says Paty.

  “Yeah, I know. Erica is so happy. She said that Gabriel’s padres are real nice,” says Bella.

  “Si, Erica is truly lucky. To think that she never goes to clubs. The first time that she goes to a club, she meets the one,” says Claudia. Hmmm, that’s luck, she thinks.

  “Yeah, I agree, prima. Hopefully her luck will rub off on us soon,” says Paty.

  “Well, primas, at least we’re trying. So let’s stay happy and enjoy ourselves,” says Bella. We need to have fun on our own, she thinks.

  A few Chicos approach them to dance. The Primas dance every time. There’s no click, no chemistry, not once. But the primas enjoy themselves.

  The next day, Claudia wakes up happy and relaxed. Oh, yes, I had fun this weekend. But it’s almost over, muses Claudia.

  She stretches in bed, smiling. I’ll take a shower, then have some breakfast with my familia.

  Damn, my little vacation is almost over. I have only a few more hours to play, thinks Loco. He turns over on his bed. Oh yeah, I love the feel of these sheets against my skin.

  Ghost has gone off with that chica. Yeah, he totally fell for that Latina beauty. She looked young to me. I wonder how old she is. She does appear to be a good chica. Oh yeah, but you never know. I don’t trust the chicas, muses Roberto.

  He laughs with glee. He met her that first night. It was hilarious, how the chica reacted when she saw Ghost. Her eyes expanded as wide as humanly possible. I thought at first that she was scared and ready to yell. Then she smiled at Ghost. I think that hooked him in.

  Yeah, the chicas always run. I wonder if he really fell. Ghost never dates a chica, no matter how much he likes her. He has continued to see her all week. She looks totally fascinated by Ghost, ponders Roberto, grinning.

  Okay, I’m hungry, thinks Roberto. He slides out of bed and walks towards the bathroom to get ready for his last day at home.

  Later that evening, the De La Cruz familia (family) is relaxing and enjoying their gathering. In the background, you can hear romantic Mexican love songs playing. The night is beautiful. The sky looks like navy blue velvet and sparkling diamonds.

  The mamas are happily cooking the dinner meal. Their husbands are the familia’s patriarchs. The padres are happily chatting, playing pool, and drinking their Coronas.

  The primos (cousins) are sitting at the tables located around the patio. They’re chatting about the week and the pact that they agreed to on Friday night at the club.

  “Yes, prima, it’s awesome,” says Veronica, nodding. “It’s about time he found his alma gemela.”

  “Si, wow, that’s amazing,” says Claudia, nodding.

  Claudia looks around at the primos. She glances at Veronica. I know my hermana has her alma gemela. Geeze, that’s incredible, she thinks.

  “Mis (my) Niñas, we need your help to clean up,” calls out the Tia’s. The primas stand to help clean the tables.

  “I’ll help clean up the tables,” says Bella. She looks at Jessy and Jacki, who stand to help.

  Bella takes some plates over to the sink and returns to gather more. Jessy and Jacki assist in the cleaning.

  “Claudia, are you leaving soon?” asks Veronica.

  “Yes, in a couple of hours,” replies Claudia, taking the plates. “I think this mission will be over soon. I’m thinking about resigning from the FBI.”

  “Wow, is that true? Really, Claudia?” exclaims Veronica. “I hope Christopher resigns, too.”

  “Talk to him, Vero. I think he’s as fed up with this as I am,” says Claudia. “I hate being away from the familia (family) for so long. I don’t find it exhilarating anymore. It simply doesn’t feel like we will ever get rid of the scum.”

  “I’m going home to get ready,” says Claudia. She places the dishes on the counter.

  “Okay, hermana, take care,” says Veronica. She closes her eyes tightly, trying not to cry. She gives Claudia a hug. I wonder why I feel this apprehension, this ache, thinks Veronica.

  “Si, I’ll be back soon,” says Claudia, closing her eyes. Geeze, this ache in my heart is driving me crazy. “No worries.”

  Claudia opens her eyes and notices Christopher walking into the patio. Great, he’s finally here. Veronica really misses him.

  Veronica pulls away and sees Christopher. “Christopher,” squeaks Veronica, running into his arms.

  Claudia observes them. Christopher hugs Veronica close and gives her a deep beso (kiss).

  Yeah, they’re still in love. Damn, that’s amazing, thinks Claudia, grinning. I’m going to my room for a quick nap. Tonight is going to be busy at work.

  Later that night, Claudia walks into the training room to work out. She is wearing a cute soft pink sports bra with black yoga pants. She pulls the hairband off her wrist and gathers her hair into a ponytail.

  Good, the room is empty, I don’t feel like talking. I want to train. I know that we’re getting close to game time, muses Claudia.

  She punches the bag and jumps back. Si, I’m going to resign! She punches fast and hard, getting her frustrations out. The sweat is rolling down her face. The sweat continues to roll down her back, neck, and gathers between her breasts.

  Hell, yes. That feels good. I’m ready to stop. She walks over to the bench to grab her towel. She gazes out of the window. She spots Matt walking down the hall.

  Damn, this is all I need. I don’t want to talk to Matt. Matt is only a friend. He wants to date, but I won’t date him. I don’t like him like that. I don’t want to encourage him. I’m not attracted to him. He’s sweet and cute but it’s not there. Si, we work together but I don’t like dating men from work.

  She grabs her towel to wipe her face. Damn, I’m glad that I’m done working out.

  “Hi, Claudia, did you have a good work out?” asks Matt. He approaches her. Damn, she’s so beautiful. I want her to go out with me, thinks Matt.

  Yeah, he’s going to talk to me, thinks Claudia. She stops patting her face with the towel. Ok, be nice. He’s nice and works with me.

  Claudia smiles at Matt. “I’m done, but I’m in a hurry. I have a meeting in ten,” says Claudia, nodding.

  She turns and strides to the locker room. “Later, Matt,” says Claudia walking away.

  “Okay, talk to you later,” replies Matt. He walks to the locker room to get ready to work out.

  Chapter Five

  Claudia takes a few hours off later that week. She has dinner with the familia.

  This is fun. I love spending time with them. Claudia. She takes a drink of her Corona.

  “Mama, Papa, I’m going to start to work on Monday at the familia’s company. I’m going to work as an assistant in the Interior Decorating Department. I’ll be working with Jessy and Monique,” says Veronica, smiling.

  “That’s great, mi hija (my daughter),” say her parents, simultaneously. They smile at her, with pride and joy.

  “Vero, that’s awesome,” says Tony, smiling. “See, Vero, I told you that there would be a position available for you.”

  “I’m happy that you found something that interests you,” agrees Claudia, smiling. “I’ll be working at the familia company soon, when I leave my job in the FBI.”

  “Mi hija, are you serious? This news makes me extremely happy because I’ve been praying that you leave that job and work for the familia,” says Mama Lupe, beaming.

  “Yes I agree, I’m glad that you’ve made that decision,” says Papa Jorge, nodding.

  “Claudia, that’s wonderful news. I know that you’ll be able to find a position that you will like at the familia’s company,” says Tony, smiling.

  “Mama, Papa, I’m going to the coffee shop. I’m meeting a Chica. I’ll be back later,” says Tony, getting up from the table.

  “Who’s the chica?” asks Veronica, excited. She looks at her brother. “Is it Theresa?”

  Tony looks at Veronica. I’ve forgotten all about Theresa. Hmmm, I hope she doesn’t call me, muse
s Tony.

  “No, Vero, this is Cynthia,” says Tony, grinning. “No more details.”

  “Tony, don’t be that way,” says Veronica, pouting. “Claudia, help me get it out of him.”

  Veronica looks at Claudia, waiting for her help.

  Claudia grins and shrugs. “Tony, we’re going to get you when you return,” says Claudia, wickedly. “I’m going to stay long enough to make you tell us all.”

  “Yeah, right! I don’t think so!” replies Tony.

  “My hijo, enjoy your evening,” says Mama Lupe. She watches him leave. I need to talk to Tony. What’s he doing? Is he dating two chicas? I need to know what he’s feeling, muses Mama Lupe.

  “Mama, I’m not staying tonight,” says Claudia. “I have training tonight.”

  “My niña, I’m pleased that you’re going to leave that job. I’m constantly worried about you. I believe that it’s time for you to leave and that you’ve gotten that dream out of your system. I don’t want to see you waste your life in that type of work. Time is flying,” says Mama Lupe, gazing at her.

  “Mama, I’m going to resign after this mission is over because I’ve been thinking it’s time. I’ve had enough of this and I’m ready to work at the familia’s company. I’m also ready to marry and have my own familia,” says Claudia, nodding. She takes another drink of Corona.

  “Claudia, this news truly makes me happy. I’ll pray that you complete this mission soon and return to us,” says Mama Lupe, nodding.

  “Mi hija, this news gives me pleasure and relief,” agrees Papa Jorge. “I’ve been worried about you and the time you spend away from your familia.”

  “Si, papa, that’s one of the reasons why I want to resign. I’m missing a lot of special moments. I don’t want to waste my youth in the Bureau,” says Claudia. “Don’t worry, I’ll be home to stay soon.”

  Loco is leaning back in the chair with his legs stretched out. He’s in the training room ready for the class to start.

  I wonder where Ghost went off to. He’s never late, ponders Loco.

  Ghost strides urgently down the hall. He’s anxious to get to the training class. Damn, I’m late, he thinks.

  He strides into class and walks over to his seat. He slides into his seat, looking at Loco.

  Loco glares at him, shakes his head. Fucking hell, he’s totally into Andrea, muses Roberto.

  “Jackson, you’re late!” yells Officer Martell. “Three extra laps.”

  “Yes sir,” replies Ghost. He glares back at Loco.

  Officer Martel starts the class. They spend the entire evening in class.

  A few days later, as usual, the entire familia is at the Sunday dinner. Everyone is excited about the latest events.

  “Veronica, do you think I’m going to ever meet the one, my alma gemela (soul mate),” asks Claudia, looking around.

  “Yes, Claudia, I do. It’ll be soon,” says Veronica, nodding. She smiles, thinking of Christopher.

  “I know, but I still feel anxious,” says Claudia. “I’m going to start some serious undercover stuff.”

  “I’ll pray that you’re safe. OMG, so is Christopher!” says Veronica.

  She turns to look at Claudia, alarmed. She’s worried and full of frustration with the knowledge of the danger involved.

  “I’ll be happier when you resign. I’m glad that you’ve decided to leave the Bureau. I need to talk to Christopher about this. He didn’t tell me about this serious dangerous undercover mission. Damn, I’m going to talk to him,” says Veronica.

  She pulls out her cell. She glares at Claudia. “Baby, where are you? I need to talk to you,” says Veronica, looking at Claudia. “Okay, I’m waiting.”

  Claudia observes Veronica’s anger. “Christopher didn’t tell you?” asks Claudia. “Sorry.”

  “No, he didn’t,” replies Veronica, grinning. Yeah, we’re too busy when he’s out, muses Veronica.

  “Yes, I’ve decided that this will be my last job and I’ll turn in my resignation. I’m ready,” says Claudia. She looks at Veronica, grinning.

  “That sounds great,” says Veronica. Yeah, it’s about time, thinks Veronica. Now I need to talk to Christopher about my modeling and his resigning from the Bureau. I can’t believe that we’ve haven’t been able to talk these past few months. OMG, this is becoming ridiculous.

  “I’m happy to hear that. Maybe we’ll marry at the same time. We could start our familias,” says Veronica, grinning.

  “Yes, Veronica, I’ll pray that that would be the case,” says Claudia, nodding. Si, I’m looking forward to the future.

  She observes the happy couples. “Even Javier has a novia and it appears that they are in love. Let’s go and talk to them. I want to meet his novia. She really looks beautiful.”

  “Yes, let’s go and interrupt them for a few,” says Veronica, smirking. “I know that Javier will be pissed. He looks like he’s all into her.”

  “Yes, I agree,” replies Claudia, nodding. She follows Vero over to meet Javier’s novia.

  “Primo (cousin), we want to meet your novia,” says Veronica, standing next to their table. She pulls out a chair to sit down.

  Claudia follows, grinning. I know he’s not thrilled that we’ve interrupted them, she thinks.

  She sits across from them. “Yes, primo, please introduce us to your novia,” asks Claudia, nodding. She looks at Gabriella, smiling.

  “Primas, this is my novia Gabriella,” says Javier, smiling. He turns to Gabriella. “Chiquita (little one), these are the bebes (babies). They’re gemelas (twins). This is Veronica and this is Claudia.”

  “Mucho gusto (nice to meet you), Veronica, Claudia,” says Gabriella, smiling. She looks at the beautiful primas. Wow, they are gorgeous, she thinks.

  “Hola (hi), Gabriella,” says Veronica. She smiles. “I’m so glad that Javier found a nice and beautiful novia (girlfriend).”

  “Gabriella, mucho gusto,” says Claudia, grinning. “Primo, when is the wedding?”

  “Primas, the wedding won’t be until I leave the Navy and hopefully that’ll be soon,” says Javier. He puts his arm around Gabriella’s small waist.

  “Oh, how exciting,” says Claudia, looking at Gabriella’s engagement ring and bracelet.

  “Gabriella, let me see your engagement ring,” says Veronica. She leans closer to see. “Oh, yeah, it is beautiful.”

  “Yes primo, great job,” says Claudia, nodding. Wow, look at the huge and beautiful ring. All my primos bought their novias awesome wedding rings. This is great! muses Claudia.

  “Gabriella, you’re going to school?” asks Veronica. Hmmm, I wonder how old she is.

  “Yes, Veronica, I’m starting school in a few weeks. I’m going to study to be a Medical Assistant,” replies Gabriella, nodding. The twins appear to be nice and it appears that they do like me, thinks Gabriella. “What about you?”

  “I’m starting a new job tomorrow as the Interior Decorating Assistant,” replies Veronica, nodding. “I used to model but I got tired of modeling. The fiasco that happens daily with all the girls gets old.” Veronica shrugs.

  “Oh, wow, that sounds exciting. I can understand the issues. I heard that it’s hard to get along with other models,” states Gabriella. She takes a drink of her Coke.

  “Yes and the agencies are extremely demanding,” replies Veronica. She gazes at Gabriella. Hmmm, she looks like she could be a successful model. She really is gorgeous, thinks Veronica.

  “What about you, Claudia?” asks Gabriella, turning to look at the other twin. They do look alike but their expressions are what make them a little different, thinks Gabriella.

  “Well, Gabriella, I’m an FBI agent,” says Claudia. “Not real exciting.”

  “Oh, omg! What do you mean not real exciting? I think if anything, that the entire job is exciting! It must be exciting and dangerous,” exclaims Gabriella. She looks at Claudia with great admiration. “That’s awesome.”

  “Yes, but it’s not really all that exciting. It’s more paperwork a
nd training than anything,” says Claudia, smiling.

  “Primo, Gabriella, we have to go. My mama is calling us over to help,” says Veronica, standing. “Nice meeting you, Gabriella.”

  “Yes, nice meeting you,” says Claudia, standing. She pulls back a strand of hair behind her ear, grinning.

  “Adios (bye), Veronica, Claudia,” says Gabriella. She smiles as they leave to help clean up.

  “OMG!” squeals Veronica, running into Christopher’s arms. “Baby, it’s about time.”

  “Bebe,” says Christopher, smiling. “I missed you.” He pulls her into his arms, gives her a hungry beso.

  “Later,” says Claudia. Yeah, I have to go to get my bag ready, she thinks.

  The next day, Claudia is training with her partner Christopher.

  “Christopher, I’m thinking of resigning after this mission,” says Claudia. “I’m tired of dealing with the scum.”

  “Yeah, I’m thinking the same. I want to marry Veronica. It’s time. We’ve been putting it off long enough. We’ve haven’t had time to even discuss our plans. We only have a couple of days off and I have to also spend time with my familia,” says Christopher. He wraps the towel around his neck.

  “Okay, I don’t feel bad now. I felt like I was deserting you,” says Claudia, grinning.

  “Yeah, thanks for the heads up. This makes it even easier to leave the Bureau. I didn’t want you to have to get another partner,” replies Christopher.

  They walk out of the gym to take a shower. “I’ll see you in the classroom,” says Claudia, walking into the women’s rooms.

  “Okay,” says Christopher. He strolls into the men’s rooms.

  Oh wow, I missed my appointment for the pregnancy shot. I don’t have time to get it now. This mission should be over in a few days. No worries, thinks Claudia, shrugging.

  Chapter Six