Toni came up behind Bette loading her shotgun and handing Bette her hand pistol, just in case. Bette tucked it behind her back. Grateful that Toni waited until Tina was gone before handing her, her mother’s gun.

“Thanks.” she said meaning that in more ways than one. Bette unbuttoned her shirt and was letting the small breeze blow through her, leaving on only her tank top.

“No problem. You ready for this?”

“Don’t let anything happen to them Toni.” Bette said walking back into the house preparing herself to be the type of person her mother used to be, and ready for the worst her mind could think of.

……………………….

“Carmen…”

“I’ll tell you about it when we get home, ok?” Carmen took a preemptive strike on Tina’s questions. Tina turned back around and nodded her head. Javier pulled up to the house and Marlon exited as they were pulling into the driveway, with his shotgun in hand he started unloading the trunk. Carmen took Melito back into her arms and headed into the house with Tina close behind. Carmen headed for Bette and Tina’s room. Gently she placed Melito onto the middle of the bed and sat beside him. Tina closed the door behind them and sat on the other side of the bed and looked at Carmen waiting for her to begin. Carmen started talking without taking her eyes away from Melito.

“He has no idea how much his Auntie loves him.” she said as she was raising her eyes to meet Tina’s. “That’s why she’s doing this. He’s gonna need her later in life Bette’s just making sure she makes it there safely, ya know?”

“No.” Tina was being candid and it threw Carmen a little bit. Tina finished “Why do they need guns? What the hell is Bette talking about Toni’s done this before? What type of shit is going on around here?” Tina finished in a heated whisper so as not awake Melito. Carmen got up and took Tina’s hand and lead out into the hallway so she knew Melito wouldn’t wake up.

“Did Bette tell you where they’re going to get Alicia?” Tina shook her head no.