Vicious was on his way to the door when Thalia spoke.
"Where are you going?"
"Out," he replied
"You can't just leave me here alone."
He paused, glancing back at her. "You'll be fine. Or…" His gaze lingered on her. "Do you want to come with me?"
She crossed her arms defiantly. "Fine. I'll go."
They walked through the warm evening streets of Mexico,
"Where are we even going?" Thalia asked.
Just walking." His tone was softer this time. "I've missed this place."
They strolled in silence until they passed a taco stand. Vicious suddenly stopped.
"Think you can handle tacos?"
Thalia's face lit up. "Yes, please."
They sat on a bench, eating quietly. Vicious kept staring at her.
She narrowed her eyes. "What?"
"Nothing." A faint smirk formed on his lips. "You're eating that taco like someone who just discovered food exists."
"Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult?"
"Whichever one annoys you more."
After eating, they took a cab and arrived at a small barn. Thalia's curiosity kicked in.
Why are we here? Is this—"
"You talk too much," Vicious muttered.
Thalia froze.
An elderly woman hurried out and points her gun, she suddenly drops it and looked shocked
"¡Víctor, mi niño! Hace tanto tiempo." (Victor, my boy! It's been so long.)
Vicious broke into a genuine smile as he embraced her.
The grandmother then looked at Thalia curiously. "¿Y ella?" (And her?)
"Ella es… una amiga." (She's… a friend.)
Thalia quickly greeted her. "Hola, señora." (Hello, ma'am.)
The grandmother nodded approvingly. "Vengan, vengan. Pasen adentro." (Come in, come in. Come inside.)
Inside the cozy home, the grandfather spoke animatedly to Vicious in rapid Spanish about how long it had been. The grandmother moved to the kitchen, and Thalia followed. While the grandfather came in
"So…" the old woman asked while slicing vegetables. How long have you and Victor been together?
Thalia blinked. "I—I don't understand."
The woman chuckled. I've never seen him bring a woman home. You must be special to him.
"No, no." Thalia waved her hands. "You're mistaken. I'm just… here until he takes me back."
That's how stories begin. The grandmother smiled Slowly… and then it blooms.
Thalia had no response.
"What are you making?" she asked instead.
"Empanadillas," she said fondly. "His favorite.
"I'll help," Thalia offered quickly.
A few minutes later, the grandmother stepped into the dining room and called out loudly:
"¡La comida está lista! ¡Todos a la mesa! ¡Hice empanadillas!" (Food is ready! Everyone to the table! I made empanadas!)
Vicious replied smoothly, "Siempre son deliciosas, abuela." (They're always delicious, Grandma.)
They sat and ate together, the warmth of family lingering over the table.
Night fell as they walked back to the hotel. Vicious had gone unusually quiet.
"Why are you silent?" Thalia questioned.
"Mind your business."
She rolled her eyes but said nothing.
Back in the room, Thalia went straight to the bathroom without a word. She didn't return. She had fallen asleep on the couch.
Vicious worked on his laptop for a while, then went to bed. Hours later, he woke up thirsty. On his way to get water, he noticed Thalia curled uncomfortably on the couch. Without thinking, he lifted her and laid her gently on the bed—then returned to sleep.
Morning light streamed through the curtains. Thalia woke up and froze.
What the hell ?!
She shot up and stared at Vicious.
"What am I doing on your bed?! What did you do to me?!"
She lunged at him, grabbing his shirt. "I knew staying with you was a bad idea!"
"Calm down," he said, hands raised. "You climbed into my bed on your own. You sleep-walked"
"Liar!"
"You crossed into my territory. If you come to my bed, I'm free to do anything I want."
SLAP!
Her hand met his cheek before she stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door shut.
Vicious stood frozen, rubbing his face.
Then he heard soft sobbing from behind the door.