1 Chapter 1

9:45 pm

The night seemed to carry on for what felt like an eternity. I was anxiously waiting for the. Last customer to come out of the bodega, but it seemed like they were keen on staying inside until closing. I only had a five minute window now and that wasn't going to cut it. Getting in and out before the cops get here is the hardest part. It's much easier if the bodega was empty but it seems like I might have to risk it and just go in. If I don't get the money my sister isn't going to see another day.

"Come on Mía, cut the crap and do it"

Honestly having to be quiet was a pain in the ass, but I can't get caught. I check my watch again...

9:52

FUCK

All right, it's time to go, I've wasted too much time already just sitting here. As I make my way down the fire escape I notice a figure in an alley on the other side of the road. They're staring at something inside of the bodega. I hope they don't become another obstacle for me. I'm not in the mood to take someone down tonight.

I head towards the side dock that they usually keep unlocked and disarmed. Quick plan, head in take the money, head out. Let's hope this works...

The hall from the door to the main floor is cold and dark. Sort of seems like a scene off a horror movie if I'm being honest. I start to hear voices as I approach the swing doors.

"Estoy tan orgullosa Arturo. Mi hijo está en el colegio y está estudiando para doctor!"

The woman was speaking of her son to the bodega worker.

"Ah si Rocio? Que bueno por ustedes, necesitamos mas muchachos con esa ambición. Muchos se acaban la vida aquí en el barrio haciéndose pandilleros. Es muy triste" The conversation was so innocent I almost didn't want to interrupt it... almost.

" HANDS UP RIGHT NOW" I jumped out with my fake painted water gun.

"Give me your money! All of it or I'll shoot you both!"

" Yes yes! Okay Im going, don't shoot!" He started walking towards the counter and started taking the money out, but that wasn't going to be enough.

" I want the money from the safe too. NOW"

I pointed the gun to his head and took a few steps in his direction

"Okay! Give me a second it's in the back."

"You think I'm letting you go by yourself? Lady you sit down and stay there. My partner is in the store hiding with another gun pointed at you. He shoots if you move got it?!"

"Si" was all the poor old woman could squeak out. She reminded me of my abuela and instant shame and regret started washing in, but I had no choice. Yani needed my help and I had no other way of getting the money.

The man and i walked to the back where the safe was and he gave me the few hundred that was in it.

"... where's the rest of it??" This couldn't be all they had. This wasn't going to be enough.

"Th-That's all we have. We don't keep more than 1000 in the bodega. "

"Fuck... fine okay that's fine." I grabbed the bag and ran out. The poor old woman was still crouched down by the register, hiding her face. I heard sirens in the distance so I needed to make my getaway now. I ran full sprint out the loading dock doors and started running back to my apartment.

I stopped at an alley where I left spare clothes, to take off my hoodie, ski mask, and shoes. I put them back in the bag and started walking like normal towards my apartment.

Im only three blocks away, I did it, I didn't get caught...

*Waaah wah*

I turn and there's a cop car pulling over next to me... crap what did I forget? Did I leave something? Did they recognize me? SHIT

"Excuse me ma'am. There was a robbery just down the street, you haven't happened to see anyone suspicious around the area have you?"

"No officer sorry, I'm just heading home from the lib." I tried to be as nonchalant as possible.. hopefully they're buying it.

"No worries... stay safe out here it's pretty late out."

I checked my watch

10:04

"Whats in the bag?"

I look up in slight panic, why are they still here?

"Oh my laptop and some homework. I should really get going though, you're right it's pretty late, I hadn't realized it. Have a good night officers."

"Have a good one. See you around"

And with that they left. That was close, either they suspected something or they were just being nice. I doubt the latter with how bad the cops around here are. Sometimes I wonder if they're all really like this or if some places actually have good relationships with their police departments.

10:10

I finally got home to my building. Looks like our usual homeless man isn't by his spot tonight, I hope he's okay. I usually try to bring him something to eat before I head to campus. Sometimes I wish I was rich so I could help everyone who needed it, but also sometimes I don't because lots of people would try to take advantage of me. That's something I don't need in my life anymore.

Sigh

"Mia you know I love you right?"

"Evan you know I love you too right?" I couldn't stop giggling whenever I was around him. No matter the fight we always made up and he always made me feel better about it.

"All those girls just want to break us up, they're jealous of us and what we have. You know I wouldn't cheat on you. I love you and just you."

"I know baby I'm sorry. I don't know what got over me. It's just she was your best friend and she had pictur-"

"Mia I told you those were from years ago babe. Calm down already and let it go. I told you I love you. I don't ever tell you anything about you slutting it up with your guy friends when you would go out did i?"

"Well no not when we got together, bu-"

"Exactly my love. See I love you. Now let's go to sleep"

"O-okay"

But the pictures had a glimpse of his tattoo that he just got a few months... and he made me stop hanging out with my friends... I shouldn't think too much about this or I'll just start another fight. I don't want to upset him again. He... he loves me and I don't deserve his love, but he loves me.

...

God I was such an idiot. I was too blinded by this man to even see his abuse. Never again. I made it inside my apartment, locked the doors and plopped in my couch.

Hmm some popcorn would be nice right about now... I'm going to make some and put a movie on.

10:24

Hmm six more minutes until I should be getting the call. I don't know what in going to do, but they can't know I don't have all the money. I had a few thousand in my savings from over the years and was able to borrow some from my best friend Madi, but I was still short two thousand. I was really hoping the bodega had the rest, but I only got $865 from them. Let's hope they don't count it all before they give me my sister back.

*ding*

The smell of burnt popcorn brings me out of my daze and I run towards the microwave.

"Ah shit. hot!"

Why do I always forget that there will be steam coming out of the end of the bag. I burn myself every time. Crap well, I can't waste this, I just need to not eat the burnt kennels...

*ring ring* *ring ring*

It's them.

"Hello?"

"Do you have the money?"

"Yes I have it, but first where's my sister"

"She's alive. Meet us at 11450 s blaney st. 23:30. Dont be late. "

*click*

Guess I won't get to enjoy this wonderfully burnt popcorn right now...