13 Chapter 13: A Mother’s Love (1/2)
[Ricky's pov; age 6]
”Mommy, mommy look!”
I rush over to the kitchen and hand her my paper.
”I got a 100!”
She wipes her hands off on her apron and looks at the paper.
”Oh Ricky, eres un chico tan inteligente.”
(Oh Ricky, you're such a smart boy.)
She pats my head.
”Ve a lavarte, la cena estará lista pronto.”
(Go wash yourself, dinner will be ready soon.)
I happily skip to the bathroom and wash my hands.
'Mommy said she was proud of me! Maybe she'll let me have some Tres Leches today!'
I walk back into the kitchen and help set the table. I hear a car pull up outside and my mothers face turns pale.
”Mama, are you ok?”
I look up at her as she gives me a fake smile,
”Estoy bien bebe Termina de poner la mesa, ¿de acuerdo?”
(”I'm fine baby. Finish setting the table, okay?”)
”Sí mama.”
My mother waits by the front door for my father to enter. He burst in staggering.
”¿Dónde está mi cena, mujer?”
(Where's my dinner, woman?)
He's drunk again.
”Acabo de terminar de cocinar. ¿Por qué no te sientas y te hago un plato?”
(I just finished cooking. Why don't you sit down and make you a plate?)
He pushes her away and sits down on the couch.
”Aye, Ricardo! Get in here!”
My legs feel heavy and I can't move.
”Dije entra aquí pequeña perra!”
(I said come in here little bitch!)
I slowly walk into the front room.
”Yes papa?”
He grabs my face,
”Look at this tv,”
He turns my head so I can see it.
”Can chu tell me why it is on dis channel, eh?”
My lip starts to quiver,
”B-because I was watching tv yesterday.”
I say in a low voice.
”¿Y qué dije que pasaría la próxima vez que folles con mi televisor, eh?!”
(And what did I say would happen the next time you fuck with my TV, huh?!)
His voice feels as if it's making the house shake.
”Manuel! Let go of my son!”
My mother tries to help me but he strikes her with his hand.
”Mama!”
I run over to her and help her up.
”Go to your room mijo, i'll keep your dinner warm.”
She wipes the blood from her lip and picks herself up.
I run to my room and lock the door.
I can hear them yelling at each other. Going back and forth for no reason. There's a loud banging on my door.
”OPEN THE DOOR RICKY!”
I run into my closet and curl up into a ball, hoping that he leaves.
He breaks my door down and yanks me out of my hiding place.
”Get out here boy!”
He pulls me by my hair until my feet can't touch the ground.
”Oww! Let me down! Please!”
He throws me to the ground and pulls off his belt.