Unfortunately she woke to a reality filled with a longing she hadn’t felt since her childhood was torn into pieces. She woke to feel the sun washing her skin down in warm setting rays and to the sound of the ever flowing river. She felt alone in the world and completely discarded. There was so much more she needed, she still had questions flowing through her mind that only Vanessa could answer. Tina got out the car, got onto to the hood and sat back while she rested her arms behind her head, she sat back and watched the sun go down.

The unique characteristic colors that painted the sky seem to soothe her. The purity in it all raced through her. There was something so unnerving about sunsets that always played to her soul. The truth in them always made her spirit thank god for this one simple pleasure she could still enjoy without any pain involved. Right then and there she decided no more tears. She wasn’t going to waste the energy it took to cry on someone who still doesn’t seem to care about how her heart feels.

……………………………………..

"Did you try her cell phone, I’m sure she probably just didn’t hear it ring or something."

"I did but it went straight to voice mail, so I just left her a few messages. I just hope she’s alright." Bette’s head was in a whirlwind of fear and anxiety. She knew Tina was going through things with her mother while she was gone. And it killed her that she couldn’t be there to protect her.

"I’m sure she’s fine sweetie, don’t worry bout her so much. We’re here, we’ll watch out for her while you’re gone."

"Yeah, that’s what Tina kept telling me."

"See, so relax a little please. So how is my other little cousin?"

"Oh my god! He’s gotten so big I can’t believe it. And he still remembers me. I thought for sure he would’ve forgotten me by now."

"For get you? Sweetie you had that child permanently attached to your hip. There were some days when he didn’t even want Alicia, just you."

"Hell that should’ve been clue number one right there. You know that crazy bitch dropped by today." Bette said peaking around the corner to make sure Melito was still asleep on the floor.