United

Writen By; Junior Salas

Warning: This story talks about current political events. DO NOT READ IF EASLIY OFFENDED.

Chapter 1 Brock

We were driving to karate practice. Caleb asked me, ‘‘Do you know Sharon’s mom?’’ I replied, ‘‘Why do you want to know, boy?’’ He said, ‘‘The way you guys were talking. It looked like you had a deep connection, that’s why I asked.’’ I said, ‘‘You know me, boy. I’m easy to get along.’’’ He said to me, ‘‘But, you had a picture of her. Why?’’

I said, ‘‘Enough questions, boy.’’ He asked, ‘‘You have a past with her?’’ I replied, ‘‘I said, enough questions.’’ He said, ‘‘Ok, sorry.’’ He asked, ‘‘What do you think about Sharon?’’ I said, ‘‘She seems ok.’’ Caleb looked like if he was expecting me to say something else.

I continued saying, ‘‘Look Caleb, you’re still a boy. Maybe, when you grow up. You meet another female, you will know what love is.’’’

He asked, ‘‘How old were you when you fell inlove?’’

I replied, ‘‘What did I say about asking questions, boy.’’ He said, ‘‘Oh, sorry.’’ We got to karate practice.

I said, ‘‘We are here boy.’’

He said, ‘‘Ok, love you. Bye.’’ He got off the vehicle.

I said, ‘‘Call me as soon you get out.’’

He said, ‘‘Ok.’’ He close the door. I saw him walk and got in the building. Then I drove off, I decided to get a milkshake. I called Crystal, while I was driving. She answered, ‘‘Hey, angel of GOD. Where are you?’’

She said, ‘‘I’m alone, thinking of you.’’

I asked, ‘‘Where’s the boys?’’

She said, ‘‘At their friends. Hurry, I want to spend time with you.’’

I replied, ‘‘Ok. I’m here at Ben & Jerry’s. I’ll be there in a bit.’’

She said, ‘‘Love you.’’

I said, ‘‘Love too.’’ We hung up. I got off the car, and walked in. I walked up to the clerk. He said, ‘‘Welcome to Ben & Jerry’s, what would you like??’’

I said, ‘‘I’m going to have Maple Cinnamon Buns Milkshake and Caramel Apple Milkshake. That’ll be all.’’

He said, ‘‘its 3 dollars and 20 cents.’’ I took out my wallet and gave him the money, and he gave me the change.

As I was waiting, I heard a voice saying, ‘‘Brock? Brock Jude Sanchez?’

I turned, I saw one of my lady friends. I said, ‘‘Hey Melissa how’s going?’’

She was going to give me a hug, but she remembered I don’t do hugs with females. She gave me a handshake instead.

She said, ‘‘I heard you got married.’’

I said, ‘‘Yeah, I did.’

She asked, ‘‘To Natalie, right?’’

I said, ‘‘No, no. We… We broke up.’’

She replied, ‘‘What? Oooh, you guys were so cute together. What happened?’’

I said, ‘‘Something came between us, we couldn’t reconcile.’’ The clerk came with the shakes. I got them and we walked away from the cash register.

She asked, ‘‘What’s your wife’s name?’’

I said, ‘‘Crystal Marie Davis. Well now, Sanchez.’’

She asked, ‘‘Caucasian or African American?

I said, ‘‘Caucasian, blonde, and green eyes. Man, I’m blessed.’’

She smiled and said, ‘‘You sure are. Any kids?’

I said, ‘‘Yes, four. All boys.’’

She said, ‘‘Where did meet her?’’

I said, ‘‘College, she was my Professor.’’

She said, ‘‘Man, Brock. Even female teachers go crazy for you.’’ Smiling about it.

I said, ‘‘Well, gotta go.’’

She said, ‘‘bye.’’

I said, ‘‘GOD bless.’’ I left Ben & Jerry’s, got in my vehicle, and drove home. I called Crystal while driving. She picked up, I said, ‘‘I’m already heading home.’’

She said, ‘‘Can’t wait to see you.’’

I told her, ‘‘Haven’t forgotten about the promise I made to you.’’

She asked, ‘‘What’s that?’’

I said, ‘‘A little girl.’’

She said, ‘‘You just made me smile.’’

I said, ‘‘I’m inlove with you.’’’

She said, ‘‘I’m inlove you too.’’

I said, ‘’Bye.’’

She said, ‘‘Bye.’’ We hang up. I drove home.

Chapter 2 Crystal

I was talking to Alyssa, ‘‘Man woman, who knew you meeting your husband would allow me to meet mine.’’

I said, ‘‘I’m happy that you got married to his friend. Brock still makes me go crazy, but in a good way. Yeah, I want to strangle him like homer does to Bart. But, he’s awesome.’’

She said, ‘‘We’re so blessed to have them in our lives. Brock was right. GOD is real.’’

I said, ‘‘Wow, it took a man to prove GOD’s existence.’’

She said, ‘‘No, I was suppressing the truth.’’

I said, ‘‘You……..’’ Then I heard my boys saying, ‘‘Come on, mom. We’re going to be late for practice.’’

I said, ‘‘Okay, woman. Gotta go. Going to take my boys to practice.’’

She said, ‘‘Bye woman.’’ we hung up, I said, ‘‘Ok, Gideon, Troy, and Elisha. Let’s go.’’

We got out of the house, and locked the door. My boys began to pound their chest. I thought to myself, ‘‘Good grief, you are Brock’s sons.’’ I drove them to practice.

While we were driving, they asked, ‘‘Hey mom. You’re older than dad, right?’’

I said, ‘‘Yes.’’

Elisha said, ‘‘I thought boys were supposed to be older.’’

I asked, ‘‘Why do you think that?’’

Elisha said, ‘‘I don’t know. Just thought that.’’

Troy asked, ‘‘How old are you?

I said, ‘‘Forty.’’

He asked, ‘‘And dad?’’

I said, ‘‘Twenty nine.’’

He said, ‘‘Wow.’’

Gideon said, ‘‘I miss grandpa.’’

I said, ‘‘I miss him too. One day, we’ll see him in heaven.’’ Silence filled the car. I hold back tears, to break the silence I said, ‘‘How about Christian music?’’

I put on music, we sang all the way to practice. We got to practice, the boys got off, and said, ‘‘Bye wannabe Vikings, behave.’’ They closed the door, I lowered the window and screamed, ‘‘Bye boys, I love you!’’

They ran in to the building, pretending they didn’t hear me. I said, while driving away, ‘‘My boys………. They think they’re so tough. Just wait ‘til they get a hold of real life. Real life will show them how tough they really are.’’

I went home and called my mom, after five rings, she answered.

I said, ‘‘Hi mom, how are you doing?’’

She said, ‘‘Hi Crystal, what are you doing?’’

I said, ‘‘Nothing, just here alone. Brock took Caleb to the park, the rest are in practice.’’

She chuckled, ‘‘Your boys, are sports fans. Just like their parents.’’

I said, ‘‘Yeah, dad was in football.’’

She said, ‘‘I still remember he would put his Leatherman jacket on my shoulders when it was cold.’’

I said, ‘‘Just like Brock. That was so nice of him.’’

She said, ‘‘Yes it was.’’ I could hear her voice cracking.

I said, ‘‘Ok, mom let you go.’’

She said, ‘‘Bye.’’

I said, ‘‘Bye.’’ We hang up.

Minutes later, Alyssa called, ‘‘What are you doing, woman?’’

I said, ‘‘Just finished talking to my mom. You?’’

She said, ‘‘These kids are something else. My boy makes his sisters cry. Are you going to have one more?’’

I said, ‘‘Well, maybe we are.’’

She said, ‘‘Better start now, you’re pushing forty one.’’

I said, ‘‘Gee, thanks for reminding me.’’

She said, ‘‘Woman, you make a twenty year old jealous.’’

I chuckled, ‘‘Maybe, you’re right.’’

The time went by, I said, ‘‘I want to have me time. Going to see a movie.’’

She said, ‘‘Ok. Let you go.’’ We hang up, I put ‘‘Me Before You’’ as I was watching it, I wanted Brock here with me.

Time went by, it was time to pick up the boys. I turned it off, got the keys, and left.

I decided to go to the park to see my husband first. I drove to the park. As I got there, I saw him talking to a woman. I got off and walk towards them.

I put my hand on Brock’s shoulder. Brock turned and said, ‘‘Hi, honey. This is Sharon’s mom.’’ I said, ‘‘Hi, I’m Caleb’s mom.’’ We shook hands, I thought to myself, ‘‘So, Natalie is Sharon’s mom.’’

I said, ‘‘Remember, Caleb has karate practice at four.’’ Brock said, ‘‘Ok, I’ll keep that in mind.’’ I said, ‘‘Gotta go to pick up the three other miniyous.’’ We both said bye. I walked to the car.

I got in the car, I sighed and said, ‘‘She is beautiful, can’t blame Brock. But, I got the prize. Man, Natalie. You were foolish. Oh well, your lost is my gain.’’ I drove off to pick up my boys.

As I was driving, I was imaging my life with Greg Rodgers. I said, ‘‘Thank GOD I left him. He wasn’t worth it. I wouldn’t have married Brock.’’

I got to practice, I saw my handsome boys coming. I remembered when Brock and I dated, I used to imaging how they would look like. Now, look at them. I’m truly blessed. They got in, I asked, ‘‘How was practice?’’

They replied, ‘‘Good.’’

Elisha asked, ‘‘Mom, can we go to our friend’s house, please?’’

The rest said, ‘‘Yeah, mom. Please.’’

Since I wanted spend time alone with my hubby, I said, ‘‘Okay.’’

They said, ‘‘Yeah!’’

I said, ‘‘I’m going to call his mom.’’ I called her, she answered.

I said, ‘‘Hi, Albert’s mom?’’

She said, ‘‘This is she.’’

I replied, ‘‘My boys want to go over. Can they go?’’

She said, ‘‘Albert was barely telling me that. Yes they can.’’

I thought to myself, ‘‘Yes!’’

I said, ‘‘Okay, we’ll be there in a bit.’’ I drove fast to get there as quick as I can, in order to spend time with my gladiator.

Troy asked, ‘‘Mom, why are you driving fast?’’

I said, ‘‘To spend time with your father.’’

He asked, ‘‘Is he home?’’

I said, ‘‘I don’t know.’’

Troy said, ‘‘Ugh, gross.’’

I said, ‘‘Hey, seriously Troy?’’

He said, ‘‘I’m playing, mom.’’

We got there, I said, ‘‘Okay we’re here.’’ They unbuckle themselves and got off. I saw Albert’s mom, I lowered the window and waved. I screamed, ‘‘Boys, love you!’’ they completely ignored me.

I drove home, I got home, and my mind was on my husband. I went in and sat on a kitchen chair.

Brock called, I said, ‘‘Speaking of my gladiator.’’ I answered, ‘‘Hey, angel of GOD. Where are you?’’

I said, ‘‘I’m alone, thinking of you.’’

He asked, ‘‘Where’s the boys?’’

I said, ‘‘At their friends. Hurry, I want to spend time with you.’’

He replied, ‘‘Ok. I’m here at Ben & Jerry’s. I’ll be there in a bit.’’

I said, ‘‘I’m inlove you.’’

He said, ‘I’m inlove too.’’ We hung up.

I told myself, ‘‘After all this years, his voice still makes me weak. Not even Greg could do that. Man, I sound like Katie from ‘‘American Housewife’’ Greegg!’’

I waited for Brock at the kitchen table. I decided to scroll through facebook. As I scrolled through facebook, I saw women had become very vain. I said, ‘‘The world has changed. Now, it’s all about looks, likes, and showing off.’’ I saw one girl showing more than she should. I just let out a loud groan.

Alyssa texted me, ‘‘Hey.’’

I replied, ‘‘Women degrade themselves.’’

She replied, ‘‘You should NOT use social media woman.’’

I said, ‘‘It’s everywhere. Now, it’s guys too.’’

She said, ‘‘You can’t do nothing about it.’’ Then Brock called me, I answered. I said, ‘‘Hey.’’

He said, ‘‘Getting to house the already.’’

I said, ‘‘Okay can’t wait to spend time with you.’’ We hang up, I went to our room to dress up for him. I heard his voice, I showed myself to him. He said, ‘‘Whoa.’’ With a smile on his face.

I asked, ‘‘You like?’’’

He said, ‘‘Yeah.’’

We ate our ice cream, talked, goof off, laughed, and I teased him. We went to our room and we slept with each other.

Chapter 3 Natalie

I said, ‘‘Come on Sharon, let’s go get ice cream.’’ Sharon left the playground, walk to the car. While we were walking, I said in my mind, ‘‘Oh Brock, I never should’ve left you, how I regret leaving you.’’ We got in the car and drove off.

We were driving to get ice cream. Sharon asked, ‘‘When do I go with dad?’’

I said, ‘‘Tomorrow.’’

She asked, ‘‘Why can’t you guys get together?’’

I said, ‘‘Because, it’s not that’s easy for a grown up. Right now, you have puppy love. When you get much older, you’ll find real challenges are come your way. That’s where you find if it’s true love. Disney movies are a lie.’’ I said to myself, ‘‘Wow, I sounded like Brock.’’

She said, ‘‘Okay, I guess you’re right.’’

We got to DQ, I asked, ‘‘What do you want, Sharon?’’

She said, ‘‘Brownie sundae.’’

I said, ‘‘Okay.’’

We were up next, I ordered, and the clerk said the amount. I drove to the window. I gave the clerk the money, the clerk gave me the change. She gave me the order, I gave the brownie to Sharon. Then we drove to our house.

We got to our house, we ate our ice cream. We spend time together.

Time went on, we heard a knock at the door. I went to open it, it was Sharon’s dad. I said, ‘‘Oh, it’s you.’’

He said, ‘‘Nice to see you too, Natalie.’’

I said, ‘‘Sharon! Your father is here!’’

Sharon came and gave him a hug. She said, ‘‘Hi dad.’’

I said, ‘‘Be sure get her to school on time.’’

He said, ‘‘We should talk.’’

I said, ‘‘Okay, bye.’’

He said, ‘‘Come on, Sharon. Let’s go.’’ He got Sharon, he said, ‘‘I used to think you were mad because how I am. Now I realize you can’t forgive yourself.’’ He walked out the door.

Chapter 4 Caleb

Karate practice finished, I showered, got dressed, went outside, and waited for my parents. I called my dad, he didn’t respond. I called my mom, she didn’t pick up either. I said, ‘’Tanpoco.’’ I said to myself, ‘‘Wow, I just realized I spoke Spanish. After all, I’m half Mexican.’’ I heard a class mate asking, ‘‘You need a ride home?’’ I answered, ‘‘No man, thanks. My parents will arrive in awhile.’’

She said, ‘‘Okay, see ya.’’ Her parents came to pick her up. After ten minutes, I was going to call my mom again. She called me, she said, ‘‘I’m going son.’’ She came to pick me up. I got in the vehicle, she asked, ‘‘How’s practice?’’

I said, ‘‘It was good.’’ I asked, ‘‘Why did you to the park when dad and I was there? Were you spying on dad?’’

She said, ‘‘No, brah………….. I mean Caleb.’’

I asked, ‘‘Were you going to call me, Brock?’’

She said, ‘‘Yes.’’

I asked, ‘‘Do I look like him?’’

She said, ‘‘Yes, with green eyes. Also I spent time with him.’’

I said, ‘‘Oh, gross.’’

She replied, ‘‘Seriously, Caleb?’’ I just smiled, and we drove home.

Chapter 5 Sharon

I was talking to my dad on our way to his house, I asked, ‘‘Dad, why you and mom can’t live with each other?’’

He said, ‘‘Well, us grown-ups make mistakes, and sometimes we can’t forgive ourselves.’’

I asked, ‘‘Is it me?’’

He replied, ‘‘What?’’

I asked, ‘‘Am I the mistake?’’

He replied, ‘‘What? No, honey.’’

I asked, ‘‘Can you tell me?’’

He asked, ‘‘What has your mom told you about her past?’’

I said, ‘‘She only said about her friend.’’

He asked, ‘’Anything else?’’’

I said, ‘‘No.’’

He said, ‘‘Ask her if I can I tell you.’’

I said, ‘‘Ok.’’ We arrived to his house, I was sleepy and I laid on my bed and fell asleep.

Chapter 6 Crystal (Years later)

Iwas preparing breakfast for my family. ‘‘My gladiator! Gideon! Troy! Elisha! Caleb! Breakfast is ready!’’ All of my boys came to the kitchen. They grabbed their food, they all gave me a kiss, and said, ‘‘Thanks mom, love you.’’ Hearing their deep voices made me tear. Then Brock came and gave me a hug, I turned and hugged him back, we kissed. Like always, I spoke gibberish. My boys said, ‘‘Get a room.’’’ Brock said, ‘‘We had a room, you invade it.’’ He went to sit down with our boys to eat.

I heard the voice of my little girl, saying, ‘‘Mom, I need you.’’

I said, ‘‘I’m going, Esther.’’ I went to her room.

I opened the door, she said, ‘‘I can’t find my shoes.’’ So I helped her find her shoes.

After two minutes, I found them. I said, ‘‘Ok, put them on.’’ I walked back to the kitchen. My boys and my husband finished. They all gave me a

kiss. I said, ‘‘Hold up, gladiator.’’ We hugged each other. I said, ‘‘Thank you for keeping your promise.’’

He asked, ‘‘What promise?’’

Esther came and said, ‘‘I’m ready, mommy.’’

I said, ‘‘That promise.’’

He asked, ‘‘One more?’’

I said, ‘‘You know, it was hard for me to give birth to Esther, Brock.’’

He said, ‘‘Awwwww.’’

Troy said, ‘‘Lovebirds, I need to get to class.’’

Brock told me, ‘‘I’ll miss you.’’ He left, I closed the door, and I was left with Esther. I asked Esther, ‘‘You’re ready?’’

She said, ‘‘Yes.’’ I got my keys, got Esther, and went to school. We got to school, I dropped off Esther in her class, and went to my class to teach.

Chapter 7 Natalie

Isaid, ‘‘Come on, Sharon. You don’t want to be late for school.’’ I got the keys, and we walked out the door. We got in the car, and I drove to school.

Along the way, I asked, ‘‘Did you sleep early last night?’’

Sharon said, ‘‘Yes, I did.’’

I replied, ‘‘So, if I ask Caleb’s parents, they’ll say he was asleep.’’

She said, ‘‘You know how his dad is. He’ll make him hang-up at a certain time.’’

I told myself, ‘‘I know him to well. More than what you think.’’

She said, ‘‘You guys seemed like you know each other for years.’’

I just kept quiet.

She said, ‘‘You never told me what happen to your friend.’’

I asked, ‘‘What friend?’’

She said, ‘‘Y’know, the one you always talking about.’’

I said, ‘‘Oh, that friend. Someday I tell you.’’

She asked, ‘‘is it Caleb’s dad?’’

I replied, ‘‘What? No. how’d you come up with that?’’

She replied, ‘‘I just thought it was him. Because you seem like you know each other for along time.’’

I answered, ‘‘Like I said, you’re dating his son. Of course we’re going to act like we know each other.’’

Then we arrived at school, I said, ‘‘Take care, GOD bless.’’

She said, ‘‘Bye.’’ We hugged each other, she got off the car, and went into the school.

I drove to work.

Chapter 8 Caleb

I was in my history class, the teacher was teaching about CRT. How I hate ‘‘Critical Race Theory.’’ I raised my arm during the ‘‘teaching’’

The teacher answered, ‘‘What do you need, Caleb?’’

I asked, ‘‘You do know I’m half white, right?’’

She said, ‘‘Uh….. well, Caleb. I wasn’t talking about your fah…’’

I cut her off saying, ‘‘It’s my mom, she’s Caucasian. My father is Mexican-American. They love each other, their race never stop them from dating. This is propaganda garbage. If it doesn’t stop, then the blacks and Mejicanos are going to be on top. Why in the HHHECK they call white people racist, if blacks and Mexicans are going to do the samething? And don’t get me started with BLM. Hypocrites. They supports abortion, but wanted justice for George Floyd.’’

Then the bell rang, I got my stuff and got out of the class as quickly as I could.

As I was walking through the hall, a girl came up to me saying, ‘‘Wow Caleb, I never saw it like that. You opened my eyes. Thank you.’’ She went her way.

As I kept walking, a guy came up to me saying, ‘‘Look, you white supremacist.’’ Cussing me out. ‘‘You are a neo-Nazi.’’

I said, ‘‘Stop right, there.’’ Putting my hand in front of his face. ‘‘Mi papa es un Mexican, as well my grandparents, and my uncles. If I was a, ‘‘neo-Nazi’’ I’d hate half of my family.

He got up on my face, I wasn’t backing down. I heard the voice of Sharon, saying, ‘‘Guys, guys, guys.’’ Getting between us.

She continue saying, ‘‘Both of you are big alpha males, you don’t have to proof yourselves.’’

The guy said, ‘‘It’s not that Sharon. Your boyfriend here is a neoNazi.’’ Walking away.

Sharon turned to me and replied, ‘‘Are you kidding me, right now?’’ She walked away.

I followed her saying, ‘‘Sharon wait.’’

She said, ‘‘No more politics in school. End of discussion.’’

Chapter 9 Sharon

The bell rang, I put my stuff in my backpack. A guy friend started talking to me asking, ‘‘You’re still with Caleb?’’

I replied, ‘‘Yes, why?’’

He said, ‘‘Just asking.’’

I knew why he was asking. I said, ‘‘Look Travis. I get you like me, but I’m with Caleb. I love Caleb. Maybe you should ask Ashley.’’

He said, ‘‘Oh, ok. Well I’m happy for you guys.’’ He walked away.

I got out of the classroom, I heard Mandy calling me, ‘‘Yo, Sharon.’’

I turned and said, ‘‘Hi Mandy.’’

She asked, ‘‘How was math class?’’

I said, ‘‘It was pretty good.’’ Then I saw a guy getting up in Caleb’s face. I said, ‘‘Great, what now?’’

I went over there, saying, ‘‘Guys, guys, guys.’’ Getting between them.

I continue saying, ‘‘Both of you are big alpha males, you don’t have to proof yourselves.’’

The guy said, ‘‘It’s not that Sharon. Your boyfriend here is a neoNazi.’’ Walking away.

I turned to him and replied, ‘‘Are you kidding me, right now?’’ I walked away.

He followed me saying, ‘‘Sharon wait.’’

She said, ‘‘No more politics in school. End of discussion.’’ I walked away.

He followed me asking, ‘‘So you’re ok for they to teach your race and blacks to hate half of mine?’’

I said, ‘‘Oh yeah, forgot. You’re half white. I hate it when you’re right.’’

He said, ‘‘See.’’

I said, ‘‘Just like your dad, but green with eyes.’’

He said, ‘‘I know, I got the best of both genes, my father’s and my mothers.’’

I smiled and said, ‘‘Yeah you do.’’

Chapter 10 Brock

I was punching of out of work, I decided to get a protein shake. I went to where they sell protein shakes. Bought one and went to my house.

I drank it on the way home, I got to my house, got in, and threw the cup. I went to my room, and prayed to give GOD thanks.

I finished then I started to see pictures of me and my beautiful wife while we were dating. I said, ‘‘Man, my wife so beautiful.’’

I couldn’t imagine my life without Crystal. She says, she doesn’t deserve me. She’s wrong, I don’t deserve her, especially if I’m stubborn and brutal.

I got into youtube to check for Christian love songs. After looking some, I finally found the right one. After I found it, I messaged it to Crystal, saying, ‘‘Thinking of you angel of GOD.’’

Five minutes, she answered saying, ‘‘You are so sweet my gladiator.’’

I said, ‘‘Not as sweet as you. I don’t deserve you, you show how much you love me by put up with my faults.’’

She replied, ‘‘Like you say, true love is tested by faults. If a person doesn’t stay because of their partner faults, then it wasn’t true love.’’

I replied, ‘‘I’m waiting for you, to hold you in my arms. While I wait, I’m going to watch the news.’’

She said, ‘‘You only watch that time slot because of Emily Campagno. lol’’

I replied, ‘‘What? No, lol.’’

Crystal typed, ‘‘Face it, Brock. You find her attractive. lol.’

I replied, ‘‘Well, she has a nice smile. lol.’’

Crystal one by one typed, ‘‘She also has, nice hair. Nice eyes. Nice face.’’

I typed, ‘‘Okay, fine. She is attractive.’’

She replied, ‘‘HA. Told you. lol.’’

I replied, ‘‘Aren’t you supposed to be teaching? lol.’’

She replied, ‘‘The students are working. lol’’

I replied, ‘‘Can’t believe you’re not jealous. lol’’

She said, ‘‘You guys will never see each other. lol’’

I said, ‘‘Okay, let you go. I’m inlove with you.’’

She replied, ‘‘I’m inlove with you too.’’ I put away my phone and saw ‘‘Outnumbered.’’

Chapter 11 Crystal

I was cleaning up the classroom. After five minutes, I went to Esther class to take home with me. I knocked at the classroom door, I opened it.

I saw Sharon, she said, ‘‘Hi, mommy.’’ She ran and hugged me.

I asked her teacher, ‘‘How did she behave?’’

She said, ‘‘Good, Crystal.’’

I said, ‘‘Come on, Sharon. Let’s go.’’

Her teacher said, ‘‘Bye, Sharon. See you tomorrow.’’

Me and Sharon said, ‘‘Bye.’’ We walked to our vehicle, got on and drove home.

On the way home, she said, ‘‘Mrs. Hernandez is nice.’’

I said, ‘‘Yes she is.’’

Esther said, ‘‘She says white people are racist.’’

I said, ‘‘No we’re not. You know you’re half white?’’

Esther said, ‘‘She also says, they’re thirty two different genders.’’

I replied, ‘‘What does the bible say?’’

She said, ‘‘GOD created male and female.’’

I asked, ‘‘What else do they teach you?’’’

She said, ‘‘Men could get pregnant.’’

I stopped the vehicle, I said, ‘‘We’re going to homeschool you.’’

She asked, ‘‘Why?’’

I started to drive again, and said, ‘‘The teacher is teaching you bad things. You should be learning, math, history…’’

She said, ‘‘Math is racist.’’

I asked, ‘‘How is math racist?’’

She said, ‘‘I don’t know.’’

I replied, ‘‘How about science?’’

She said, ‘‘Also racist.’’

I grunted, and said, ‘‘That’s it. We’re homeschooling you, and I’m going to be your teacher. I’m going have a chat with your father.’’

I arrived at the high school, I saw my two boys talking their girlfriends. I remembered me and Brock when we were boyfriend and girlfriend.

They got in, I told Caleb, ‘‘Ask Sharon if she wants a ride.’’

He asked Sharon, he comeback, and said, ‘‘She said, no.’’ I lowered the window, and went to go pick up my other boys.

Finally I got home, I entered and said, ‘’Let me see your homework.’’ I was seeing her homework, complete and utter garbage.

I heard my gladiator’s voice, ‘‘Hi, Crystal.’’ He kissed my head.

I said, ‘‘Look at this trash that our daughter’s learning.’’

He took at it, he asked, ‘‘Why are they teaching this?’’

I said, ‘‘I don’t know, I don’t teach this.’’

He said, ‘‘We need to go the school.’’

I said, ‘‘I want to homeschool her.’’

He asked, ‘‘Who’s going to be her teacher?’’

I said, ‘‘I am.’’

He asked, ‘‘How, if you’re a first grade teacher?’’

I said, ‘‘I’ll quit.’’

He asked, ‘‘Again?’’ He sat on the kitchen chair.

I made a face and asked, ‘‘What do you mean?’’

He said, ‘‘You quit being a college professor to marry me.’’

I said, ‘‘A decision that I’ll never regret.’’ Holding his hand.

He asked, ‘‘What do you think our story is based on?’’

I said, ‘‘Uuuuhhhhhhhh.. love.’’

He said, ‘‘I feel if our relationship was a book or a movie. People would think our relationship would be about lust.’’

I sat on his lap and said, ‘‘Fffffforget what people say. If our relationship was about lust, you wouldn’t have kept yourself ‘‘pure’’ while we boyfriend and girlfriend.’’

He asked, ‘‘What’s with the air quotes?’’

I said, ‘‘You gave yourself to your ex.’’

He said, ‘‘Oh, yeah.’’

I said, ‘‘Tonight, I uhhh………’’ then I whispered in his ear. I moved back, I saw him smiling. I walked to the stove, I asked, ‘‘What do you want to eat?’’

He said, ‘‘Whatever you make.’’

I heard Caleb’s voice asking, ‘‘Can Sharon visit?

Brock ask, ‘‘Why?’’

He said, ‘‘Her mom is going out.’’

Brock said, ‘‘I don’t see why not. Ask your mom.’’

Before Caleb asked, I said, ‘‘It’s ok.’’ I heard, ‘‘My parents said, it’s ok.’’ His voice fading away in the background.

Brock asked, ‘‘Other than finding out that the school is rotting the children, how was your day?’’

I replied, ‘‘It was ok, and yours?’’

He said, ‘‘It was good, the only bad thing was you weren’t physically by my side.’’

I said, ‘‘You’re so sweet.’’

He said, ‘‘Thanks.’’

I asked, ‘‘How’s the news?’’

He said, ‘‘The devilcrats suck.’’

Just to poke at him, I asked, ‘‘How is Emily Compagno?’’

He said, ‘‘Oh, that’s why you asked about the news. Emily’s ok. She used to a NFL cheerleader.’’

I said, ‘‘Of course you would know that.’’ Smiling at him about it. I added, ‘‘Can’t blame you, Brock. She’s beautiful.’’

He said, ‘‘Not as beautiful as you.’’ He got up and walked away.

Chapter 12 Natalie

I was getting out of work, I went to pick Sharon up from school. I drove over there. Once I got there, I saw Sharon at the pickup area alone.

She got in car, I asked, ‘‘Did Caleb leave?’’

She said, ‘‘Yes.’’

When I saw Sharon alone, I remembered, ‘‘Ask Natalie if wants us to give her a ride.’’ Brock asked me.

I said, ‘‘No, I’m good. My parents will be here any minute.’’

Brock asked, ‘‘Are you sure?’’

I said, ‘‘Yeah, its ok.’’

Brock said, ‘‘Ok, talk to you tonight or tomorrow.’’

I said, ‘‘Ok, bye.’’ Brock got into the car and drove off,

Then I remembered I waited there alone. After a few minutes, Brad walked through the pick-up area.

He said, ‘‘Hey. Natalie, right?’’

I responded, ‘‘Yeah, my name is Natalie.’’

Brad responded, ‘‘Nice work today.’’

I said, ‘‘Thanks.’’

He said, ‘‘I thought you would have a car by now.’’

I said, ‘‘My car broke down.’’ Anger and regret was building up with in me.

Then I remembered, Brad said, ‘‘Well, with a face like that and with a personality like yours, I don’t think anybody wouldn’t hire you.’’

I said out loud, ‘‘It’s all your fault.’’

Sharon asked, ‘‘What do you mean?’’

I said, ‘‘Oh, I’m thinking out loud.’’

I continued in my memory, Brad said, ‘‘No, but I just met a girl that I’m attracted to.’’

I asked, ‘‘Do you talk to her?’’

He responded, ‘‘Yes.’’

I asked, ‘‘Have you told her?’’

He said, ‘‘I was going to. But, she just told me that she has a boyfriend a couple of minutes ago.’’

I said, ‘‘You’re not so bad yourself.’’

Brad said, ‘‘I would love to trade places with Brock.’’

I said, ‘’If I wasn’t with Brock, I would’ve like to secretly date you.’’

I hold back tears.

I couldn’t anymore, I said, ‘‘Sharon, I want to confess something.’’

She replied, ‘‘What is it, mom?’’

I exhaled deeply, changed my mind and said, ‘‘Never mind, Sharon.’’

She said, ‘‘I want to stay home with you.’’

I said, ‘‘You have to stay with your dad.’’

She asked, ‘‘When are you going to tell me about your past?’’

‘‘Soon enough.’’ I replied.

She asked, ‘‘Does dad know?’’

I replied, ‘‘Why do you ask?’’

She answered, ‘‘He asked, what have you told me about your past.’’

I asked, ‘‘What did you say?’’

She said, ‘‘I said, you only mention a friend.’’

I said, ‘‘Ok.’’

We got to the house, she went to the room, and I went to go rest. Then a co-worker texted me, asking, ‘‘What are you doing?’’

I replied, ‘‘Nothing. You?’’

He said, ‘‘Just here, wondering what to eat.’’

While I was typing, he asked, ‘‘Want to go to dinner?’’

I thought to myself, ‘‘Wow, this guy is blunt.’’ Since I got nothing to lose. I said, ok.

He said, ‘‘Sweet.’’

I asked, ‘‘Where do you want to go?’’

He replied, ‘‘Applebee’s sounds good.’’

I said, ‘‘Meet you there in ten minutes.’’

He typed, ‘‘See you soon.’’

I put the phone down, went to Sharon’s room. I told her, ‘‘I’m going to dinner with a friend.’’

She asked, ‘‘Can I go to Caleb’s?’’

I asked, ‘‘Is his parents or his brothers there?’’

She scoffed and answered, ‘‘Yes, why would that a problem?’’

I replied, ‘‘Like I said, experience.’’

She asked, ‘‘You have a past, don’t you?’’

I said, ‘‘We all do. I’m going to get ready. Ask him if it’s ok with his parents if you go.’’

She replied, ‘‘Okay, I will.’’

I left to my room, as I walking. I said to myself, ‘‘The past will always come back to haunt. I hate to admit it, Brock was right on many things.’’

I finished getting ready, I went to Sharon’s room, and I saw Sharon.

I said, ‘‘So it’s a yes.’’

She nodded her head, yes.

I said, ‘‘Okay, let’s go.’’

So I dropped Sharon at Brock’s house, I saw her going in the house.

I drove to Applebee’s, I got there, and I got out of my vehicle. I saw my co-worker. I said to myself, ‘‘He knows how to dress.’’

I walked towards where he was, we said, hi to each other, and we got in Applebee’s and waited to be seated.

They gave us a table right away, the host escort us to the table. We sat down, and the host gave us the menu.

We were deciding on what to drink. The waiter came, and we ordered our drink. The waiter said, ‘‘Be right back with the drinks.’’

I asked, ‘‘Why did you ask me out to dinner?’’

He asked, ‘‘What? Do you think I have a motive?’’

I replied, ‘‘I don’t know, do you?’’

He said, ‘‘Who knows, maybe I do, or maybe I don’t.’’

I said, ‘‘You never asked me to dinner before.’’

He said, ‘‘Maybe, I like you.’’

I said, ‘‘Maybe I feel that the feeling is mutual.’’

We both smiled at each, the waiter came with our drinks. We ordered our food.

We laughed and talked for hours. I said to myself, ‘‘I’m into Garry.’’

I was doing my homework. After I finished, I got on the phone to talk to Sharon, I said, ‘‘Guess what my mom found out.’’

She asked, ‘‘What?’’

I said, ‘‘She found out that my sister’s teacher teaches the same stuff that our teachers teaches.’’

Sharon asked, ‘‘What is she going to do about?’’

I answered, ‘‘I think my mom is going to homeschool her.’’

She asked, ‘‘She is going to quit her job?’’

I said, ‘‘Yes, again.’’

She asked, ‘‘ What do you mean?’’

I said, ‘‘ She was a professor in college, my dad was one of her students. She quit to marry my dad.’’’

She said, ‘‘Oh, wow.’’

I said, ‘‘They think that I don’t know, but it’s obvious.’’ I said to myself, ‘‘What I don’t get, why did my dad had a picture of your mom.’’

She said, ‘‘I’m sleepy, going to take a nap.’’

I said, ‘‘Okay, bye.’’ We hung up, I put a movie. Minutes later, she calls back, asking, ‘‘Ask your parents if it’s okay if I visit. My mom’s going out.’’

I said, ‘‘Ok.’’

I went to ask my parents, ‘‘Can Sharon visit?

My dad ask, ‘‘Why?’’

I said, ‘‘Her mom is going out.’’

He said, ‘‘I don’t see why not. Ask your mom.’’

Before I asked, she said, ‘‘It’s ok.’’

I told her, ‘‘My parents said, it’s ok.’’ I walked back towards my room.

I hang up, Gideon asked, ‘‘Bro, want play PS6?’’

I said, ‘‘Sorry bro, Sharon’s coming.’’

He said, ‘‘Ok, well.’’

I said, ‘‘Maybe tomorrow.’’

He said, ‘‘Ok. Cool.’’ He left to his room, and I changed clothes. Sharon rang the doorbell, I went to open the door. I said, ‘‘Hi.’’ She said hi to my parents. Then we decided to watch a movie. It was time for dinner, we ate, laughed, talked about school, and it was time for Sharon to leave. I walked her out the door, we said bye, and she left. I went to my room, prayed and fell asleep.

Chapter 14 Sharon

My mom was smiling on our way home, I said, ‘‘You seem happy.’’

She said, ‘‘Yeah, I had a good time.’’

I asked, ‘‘What did you guys do?’’

She said, ‘‘Me and Garry…………..’’

I asked, ‘‘You went to dinner with a guy?’’

She said, ‘‘Yeah, is that a problem?’’

I said, ‘‘No, it’s not.’’

She said, ‘‘Your father and I.’’

I said, ‘‘Just save it.’’

After a long silence, she said, ‘‘I cheated on my first boyfriend, your father reminds me of him. That’s why I am not with him.’’

I asked, ‘‘Was it with my father?’’

She said, ‘‘No.’’

I asked, ‘‘Then with who?’’

She said, ‘‘Someday you’ll find out who it is.’’

We got home, I went to bed.

Brock

I was walking through Esther’s room, I heard Crystal singing to Esther she could fall asleep. I went to my room and I watched TV, after ten minutes, she came to our room.

She saw me watching, Along Came Polly. She asked, ‘‘What’s with you and that movie?’’

I stayed silent.

Crystal was walking to our closet, and said, ‘‘That movie is about a guy, who went to his honeymoon, and catches his wife………. I see.’’

I still kept silent.

She came out of the closet in her sleeping attire. She sat on my lap, got the remote and turned off the TV.

She said, ‘‘You have told me, GOD used me to heal your heart.’’

I said, ‘‘He did.’’

She said, ‘‘Then stop letting that moment in your life to replay in your mind.’’

In the corner of my eye, I saw her wiggling her toes, I looked at her feet. I said, ‘‘You know you’re not supposed to wear nail-polish.’’

She said, ‘‘Two things, I only wear it for you. Please Brock. You love it when I wear it on my feet.’’

Then we heard Esther crying, Crystal went to check on her. When she came back we goofed off with each other.

It was lunch time at school, I was with Sharon and friends. As we were talking, I heard someone misusing the name of GOD. Indignation rose up within me, and replied, ‘‘Hey man, show GOD respect HE deserves.’’

He asked, ‘‘What did I say?’’

I said, ‘‘You just dragged GOD’s name through the mud.’’

He said, ‘‘Another uptight Christian, you people need to take a chill pill.’’

I replied, ‘‘Oh really?’’

We walked up to each other, and he said, ‘‘Yeah, really.’’

Sharon said, ‘‘Caleb, stop.’’

He said, ‘‘You guys are just intolerant people.’’

I asked, ‘‘How is that?’’

He said, ‘‘You guys are homo and transphobic.’’

I asked, ‘‘How are we homo and transphobic?’’

He said, ‘‘You disagree with their lifestyle. Let them be, man. They are not harming anybody.’’

I said, ‘‘First off, phobia means when you’re scared of something. We are not scared of them, we just disagree with their lifestyle. Second, we have nothing against them. Third, if we knew a husband or wife is cheating on their spouse of the opposite gender. We would call them out for their sin.’’

Then I said, ‘‘Their deeds are not natural. If that was the case, then it’s natural for a twenty year old woman to date a ten year old boy. And you’re an agephoobic if you don’t agree. You intolerant if you disagree.’’

It was time to go to science class. Like always, instead of teaching us science. The teacher taught us more liberal propaganda.

I said, ‘‘If people and science could come up with different genders. Then I could come up with different numbers.’’

I saw Sharon putting her head on her hand and shaking it, no.

Chapter 17 Sharon

I had my face in my hand, then the bell rang, and we got out of the class fast as we can.

As we got out, I told Caleb, ‘‘You and your father must stop watching the news.’’

He asked, ‘‘Why?’’

I said, ‘‘You’re getting too political.’’

He replied, ‘‘Not political, religious rights and freedom.’’

I was seething because he was right, I said, ‘‘You’re have point, mini Brock.’’

He smiled, ‘‘I am like my dad.’’

I said, ‘‘It’s I’m living in last man standing. Your dad is Mike and you’re Eve.’’

He said, ‘‘Didn’t like that you compared me to a girl. But I’ll take the compliment.’’

I said, ‘‘Both of you are focus on being masculine.

He said, ‘‘Of course, I’m a guy.’’

I said, ‘‘Sadly, society wants to change that.’’

He said, ‘‘Like the show American Housewife.’’

We were waiting at the pick-up area, I asked, ‘‘What time is the cook-out?’’

He said, ‘‘Four.’’

I said, ‘‘Okay, that way I could tell my mom.’’

Chapter 18 Natalie

I was at work, I was just talking to Gary almost all day. A co-worker asked, ‘‘Are you and Gary dating?’’

I replied, ‘‘Why do you ask?’’

She said, ‘‘You sure look like it.’’

I said, ‘‘Maybe we are, maybe we aren’t.’’

She said, ‘‘You can’t mix…..

I said, ‘‘Yes, I know.’’

We overheard our boss saying, ‘‘You’re quitting because you’re dating Natalie?’’

I said, ‘‘Problem solved.’’

Gary came out of the boss’ office. He said, ‘‘See you at lunch.’’ He gathered his stuff and left.

It was lunch time, I and Gary went to lunch. I couldn’t stop laughing at his jokes.

Then I remembered, ‘‘Brad was talking to me about his life and he wishes that he was my boyfriend. I was just laughing to every sentence he was saying, and touching his arm every chance I got.

He said, ‘‘You look nice today.’’

I said, ‘‘Thanks, you do too.’’

I shook it off, and continued my lunch with Gary

Chapter 19 Crystal

I was teaching my precious girl, Esther. She said, ‘‘You’re a good teacher, mommy.’’

I said, ‘‘Thank you, precious.’’ I continued teaching, I asked, ‘‘What’s five plus six?’’

She said, ‘‘Uhh………….. Eleven.’’

I said, ‘‘Correct.’’ The timer went off. I said, ‘‘Oh, time for lunch.’’ Making a funny face.

Esther laughed and said, ‘‘Okay mommy.’’

We went to the kitchen, and made food for the both of us.

I was testing her, asking, ‘‘Ok, who discovered America?’’

She said, ‘‘Amerigo Vespucci.’’

I said, ‘‘Correct.’’ Then I asked, ‘‘What year?’’

She said, ‘‘1502.’’

I said, ‘‘Now you’re learning something positive.’’ I finished making the food, brought the food to the table, we prayed, and ate.

She asked, ‘‘Does my name has a meaning?’’

I said, ‘‘Yes.’’

She asked, ‘‘What does mean?’’

I said, ‘‘Light that shines in the darkness. It’s biblical.’’

She said, ‘‘Ohhhhhhhh.’’

I said, ‘‘You’re going to shine GOD’s light upon this world.’’

As we were eating, the doorbell rang. I said, ‘‘Be right back.’’ I went to answer the door. As I open the door, I saw a white van driving away.

I looked down, bouquet of flowers were at the doorstep. I got them and shut the door. I knew that my gladiator sent them to me.

Esther asked, ‘‘Who was it, mommy?’’

I smelled the flowers, and said, ‘‘Not who, what.’’

I walked back to the kitchen. I checked for a card, I said, ‘‘Found it.’’

It read, ‘‘Words and actions can’t express how much I love you. It’s like everyday your heart gets more beautiful. It drives me crazy thinking my life without you. I love you so much.’’

I quickly texted him, ‘‘Thank you, my gladiator.’’

He texted back, ‘‘For what?’’

I said, ‘‘For the bouquet of flowers.’’

He replied, ‘‘I wanted the flowers to be beautiful as you. But, I don’t think GOD made something or

somebody as beautiful as you. You have a beautiful, heart, personality, and eyes.’’

I was eating while texting, and I said, ‘‘See how I don’t deserve you.’’

He said, ‘‘If anything happens to you, I would never get married again.’’

I replied, ‘‘You know, for a guy that hates romance movies. You’re sure are romantic. lol’’

He replied, ‘‘I don’t hate them, I just think they’re unrealistic. lol.’’

I relied, ‘‘Just like superhero movies. lol.’’

He said, ‘‘Superhero movies aren’t grounded in reality, romance movies are. lol’’

I replied, ‘‘lol. Ok, going to back to teaching our daughter.’’

He replied, ‘‘Ok, I’m inlove with you.’’

I said, I’m inlove with you too.’’

I went back to teach Esther, for a few more hours. Then I taught her biblical things. After that, we played board games and had fun.

Chapter 21 Brock

I was texting with my beautiful wife, she said, ‘‘Thank you, my gladiator.’’

I texted back, ‘‘For what?’’

She said, ‘‘For the bouquet of flowers.’’

I replied, ‘‘I wanted the flowers to be beautiful as you. But, I don’t think GOD made something or somebody as beautiful as you. You have a beautiful, heart, personality, and eyes.’’

She said, ‘‘See how I don’t deserve you.’’

I said, ‘‘If anything happens to you, I would never get married again.’’

She replied, ‘‘You know, for a guy that hates romance movies. You’re sure are romantic. lol’’

I replied, ‘‘I don’t hate them, I just think they’re unrealistic. lol.’’

She replied, ‘‘Just like superhero movies. lol.’’

I said, ‘‘Superhero movies aren’t grounded in reality, romance movies are. lol’’

She replied, ‘‘lol. Ok, going to back to teaching our daughter.’’

I replied, ‘‘Ok, I’m inlove with you.’’

She said, I’m inlove with you too.’’ I continued with my work, then the boss calls me to his office.

I went into his office, and asked, ‘‘Wanted to see me boss?’’

He said, ‘‘Sure, come on. Brock.’’

I sat on a chair, and he said, ‘‘You know, I’ve noticed that you are a hard worker, I’m impressed.’’

I said, ‘‘Thanks for noticing my work.’’

He said, ‘‘I’m so impressed, I’m going to give you the rest of the day off.’’

I said, ‘‘Sweet, thanks.’’

He said, ‘‘I do you one better, the day off, and a raise.’’

I said, ‘‘Thanks, sir.’’

He said, ‘‘Hey, after Biden destroyed the economy, everyone needs a raise.’’

I asked, ‘You voted for Trump?’’

He scoffed, and said, ‘‘Yeah, right. But, I realized the error of Biden.’’

I said, ‘‘Well, I’m a conservative.’’

He said, ‘‘Yeah, best not to say that out loud.’’ Chuckling.

I said, ‘‘Well, gotta go.’’

He said, ‘‘Let me write your check.’’ He wrote me my check and left his office.

I went to cash in my check and went to my house. I called my beautiful wife, ‘‘What are you doing?’’

She replied, ‘‘Playing games with Esther, you?’’

I said, ‘‘Ok, I’m already out. Just going to cash in my check, be there in a bit.’’

She said, ‘‘Ok, we still have to get the stuff for the cook-out.’’

I said, ‘‘I have of to pick the boys up from school.’’

She said, ‘‘See you in a bit.’’

I said, ‘‘I’m inlove with you.’’’

She said, ‘‘I’m inlove with you too.’’ We hang up, and I went to pick my boys from school.

As I arrived at the pick-up area, I saw Caleb talking to Sharon.

I said under my breath, ‘‘Brock and Natalie two point o.’’

Caleb entered the car, he said, ‘‘Hi, dad.’’

His brothers said, ‘‘Hi, runt.’’

Caleb said, ‘‘Hi, douches.’’

I asked, ‘‘How’s school?’’

He said, ‘‘Not good.’’

I asked, ‘‘Why?’’

Caleb said, ‘‘I was called homo trans phobic, white supremacist, and intolerant.’’

I asked, ‘‘What did you say?’’

He said, ‘‘We’re not, they’re agephoobic.’’

We got home, and we entered. Crystal and Esther came and us hugs. She asked, ‘‘When are we going to buy the things for the cookout?’’

I said, ‘‘Right now.’’

She said, ‘‘We’re taking Esther.’’

I said, ‘‘I know.’’

Crystal went to Esther room, and got her ready. I went to tell the boys. We went to the vehicle and went to the Wal-Mart. While we were driving to Wal-Mart, Crystal was playfully poking at me.

I just smiled, and said, ‘‘You’re going to make us crash.’’

She said, ‘‘No que men are better drivers than women.’’

I asked, ‘‘You’re still with that?’’ laughing about it. I also added, ‘‘You spoke Spanish, that’s good.’’

Then I asked Esther, ‘‘What did mommy teach you today, honey?’’

She said, ‘‘Math, History, and the bible.’’

I said, ‘‘That’s good honey.’’ Then I whispered, ‘‘Stupid devilcrats wants to ruin our children. Not mine.’’

We arrived at the store, we walked into the store. I told Brock, ‘‘I’ll go to get the stuff, you go to whatever you do.’’

He said, ‘‘No, I want to be with you.’’

I said, ‘‘Oookay, but you’re going to be bored.’’

He said, ‘‘No because, I want to be with you.’’

I said, ‘‘Aww, you’re sweet.’’ We hugged each other. Then he saw a guy that he knew, he stopped to talk to him.

I said, ‘‘I’m going to get the stuff. ‘’

He just said, ‘‘Ok.’’ He continued talking, I went to the bread isle. As I walked through the bread isle, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Greg Rodgers.

I tried hid my face from him, ‘‘Look, mommy.’’ Esther said. I just nodded my head.

‘‘Crystal? Crystal Davis?’’

I turned to see him, and said, ‘‘It’s Sanchez, bucko.’’

He asked, ‘‘You’re married?’’

I texted Brock, ‘‘I need you, quick.’’ I said, ‘‘Yes, for more than ten years.’’

He said, ‘‘He must be patient.’’ I saw my gladiator coming.

He said, ‘‘Beautiful daughter.’’ He put his hand out, to touch Esther on her head.

Brock grabbed his wrist, and said, ‘‘DON’T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER.’’

Greg turned and said, ‘‘Oh, hey. Obviously, you’re married to Crystal. I was an old friend.’’ Brock let go of his wrist.

I said, ‘‘He was my student in college, and wrestler in high school.’’

Greg said, ‘‘Wow, Crystal. You know how to pick ‘em.’’

I went to hug Brock, and said, ‘‘Yes, yes I do.’’ Greg said to Brock, ‘‘I was…..’’ Brock said, ‘‘Boyfriend, Greg?’’ Greg said, ‘‘Oh, ok. Bye.’’ He walked away.’’

Chapter

I was talking to my friend, as we were talking about our lives after high school.

Crystal texted me, ‘‘I need you, quick.’’ I cut the conversation, and I went to Crystal.

I saw a man putting his hand out, to touch Esther on her head.

I grabbed his wrist, and said, ‘‘DON’T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER.’’

He turned and said, ‘‘Oh, hey. Obviously, you’re married to Crystal. I was an old friend.’’ I let go of his wrist.

She said, ‘‘He was my student in college, and wrestler in high school.’’

Greg said, ‘‘Wow, Crystal. You know how to pick ‘em.’’

I went to hug Brock, and said, ‘‘Yes, yes I do.’’

Greg said to Brock, ‘‘I was…..’’

I said, ‘‘Boyfriend, Greg?’’

Greg said, ‘‘Oh, ok. Bye.’’ He walked away.’’

Crystal said, ‘‘I think you intimidated him.’’ Esther asked, ‘‘Who was that?’’

Crystal said, ‘‘A guy I used know.’’

We continued shopping, I was just caressing and playing with her long beautiful blonde hair. We finished shopping, we paid, and we left the store. We were putting the groceries in the vehicle.

Esther fell asleep while we were driving, Crystal was just messing with my hair, and literally poking me.

I told her, ‘‘You’re my best friend.’’

She said, ‘‘You are too’’

We arrived at our home, Crystal took Esther to her bed, and I took down the groceries. Crystal came out to help me, we put the stuff in the fridge. We starting to goof off with each other, and she started to laugh. We were playing for a while. I playfully wrestled her to the ground, and started to tickle her. She was just laughing and laughing.

We heard a voice asking, ‘‘Mommy, daddy.’’ We stopped and Crystal asked, ‘‘Did we wake you honey?’’

She said, ‘‘Yes.’’

I said, ‘‘Sorry princess.’

I took her back to bed.

We were in our room, I said, ‘‘You never told me what between you and…… Grrreegggg!!’’ Mocking Katie from ‘‘American Housewife.’’

She said, ‘‘First off, don’t do that. Your voice is too deep to pull that off.’’

I said, ‘‘Aaaaaaaaawwwwwww.’’

She said, ‘‘Second, he uhhh……..’’

I tried to guess by saying, ‘‘Cheated on you?’’

She said, ‘‘He wouldn’t have a face, or a head if he did that.’’

I said, ‘‘Sadistic much.’’

She said, ‘‘He and one of my brothers were working on something illegal. Greg ratted him out.’’

I asked, ‘‘That’s it?’’

She replied, ‘‘Yeah, why?’’

I said, ‘‘Alyssa made it seem he cheated on you or something.’’

She scoffed, smiled and said, ‘‘She’s just a big drama queen.’’

I said, ‘‘Yeah she looks like that type.’’

Crystal asked, ‘‘How’s Armando and Carol?’’

I said, ‘‘They’re good.’’

She said, ‘‘I apologized to her weeks before our wedding.’’

I said, ‘‘That’s good. Very mature of you.’’

She moved next to me and laid her head on my shoulder.

She said, ‘‘I hate modern day feminism.’’

I asked, ‘‘What, why?’’

She said, ‘‘They want to emasculate men. Back in the nighty’s, all we wanted is equal rights. Now, they want to be above men. That’s stupid. American Housewife is about that.’’’

I said, ‘‘Wow.’’

She asked, ‘‘Why, wow?’’

I said, ‘‘You sounded like me.’’

She said, ‘‘We are one, honey.’’ We goofed off once again.

I was talking to Garry, ‘‘I wish you didn’t go to the cookout.’’

‘‘Only for a while, then I’ll come and see you.’’ I replied. He said, ‘‘I guess.’’

Sharon came and said, ‘‘Come on, we are going to be late.’’

I said, ‘‘I’m going to be late.’’

He said, ‘‘Okay, bye.’’

We hang up and left to Brock’s house. After fifteen minutes, we arrived to his house. As we were walking towards the door, I remembered, ‘‘I know you. Brock talks about you all the time.’’ A few seconds, Brock came to the kitchen.

He said, ‘‘Hi Natalie.’’ I told him, ‘‘Hi’’ back. He said, ‘‘Come on, let’s go to my room.’’

We took a few steps, I asked him, ‘‘You told your mom about me?’’

I took a deep breathe, and rang the doorbell. A teenage boy opened the door. He said, ‘‘Hi Sharon and Sharon’s mom.’’

I said, ‘‘Hi’’ I thought to myself, a young Brock Jude Sanchez.’’

Sharon said, ‘‘Hi, Troy.’’

I said, ‘‘Hi, Troy.’’

Sharon said, ‘‘Come on mom, the kitchen is over here.’’

As we walked to the kitchen, I thought to myself, ‘‘Brock, you sure know how to make a house.’’

Crystal saw us and said, ‘‘Oh, hi. Thanks for coming. Here sit.’’ We took a seat. I saw a little girl coming, saying, ‘‘Look what I drew for you, mom.’’

Crystal saw the drawing, and said, ‘‘Thanks, honey. I’ll put it on the fridge.’’ She put the paper on the fridge.

I asked, ‘‘How old is she?’’

Crystal said, ‘‘Eight.’’

I said, ‘‘That’s nice.’’

Sharon went talk to Caleb outside.

Then hours passed, I and Crystal were laughing at each other’s stories. Crystal said, ‘‘I know that you and Brock used to date.’’

I asked, ‘‘He told you?’’

Crystal said, ‘‘Yes.’’’

I asked, ‘‘What else did he tell you?’’

Crystal said, ‘‘You cheated on him with your guys teacher.’’

I began to tell her, ‘‘So me and Brad dated for a while. He began to tutor one of his students. One day, I walked on him cheating on me with his student.

As soon as I saw him, I found out how Brock felt. I felt so horrible, I couldn’t believe the pain I caused Brock.

After that, I was alone for a while. Until I was at friend’s party, a former schoolmate was there. We began to talk, since he reminds of Brock. We dated for awhile, that’s where I got pregnant of Sharon.’’

I heard, ‘‘So, Fred Palacios is Sharon’s father.’’

We both turned, I asked, ‘‘Brock, how long have you been there?’’

He replied, ‘‘I heard the whole story. So, my wrestling teammate is her father?’’

I nodded, yes.

It was eating time, we prayed, and we ate. I asked, ‘‘Barbarian, pass me the salt?’’

I felt awkward, Crystal passed the salt. I said, ‘‘Thanks.’’

Crystal asked, ‘‘My gladiator, can you give me a sprite?’’ Brock gave her a sprite.

Time went on, it was time to go. We said bye and left. At home, Gary came to my house, we spend all night talking to each other.

Chapter 24 Brock

I was putting in a late work-out in our personal gym. I saw Crystal coming in. She asked, ‘‘Almost finish?’’

I said, ‘‘Barely started.’’

She said, ‘‘Going to join you.... Barbarian.’’

I asked, ‘‘Got bothered that Natalie called me my old nickname?’’

She grabbed a pair of dumbbells, and said, ‘‘Nope.’’ She started working out.

After we finished, she said, ‘‘You’re a lot of things. You like superheroes. Geek. You’re very smart. Nerd. You’re into sports and working out. Jock. You make sense of things. Wise.’’

I said, ‘‘Don’t forget, stubborn and brutal.’’

She said, ‘‘I rather focus on the good qualities about you.’’

We both said, ‘‘Focus creates blindness.’’

She said, ‘‘We’re alone. Let’s watch a movie.’’ She walked towards the door.

I said, ‘‘Spider-man 2. Action, heroes, and romance. What more do we want?’’

She smiled and said, ‘‘I’ll be waiting be waiting for you, gladiator.’’ She walked out of the gym.

I told myself, ‘‘I’d rather be called, Berserker.’’

We took a shower, and we saw a movie.

After that, we just talked, played games, and goofed off with each other.’’

Chapter 25 Crystal (Four days later)

I was teaching Esther, I said, ‘‘Today is church day, we’re going to stop here. Cause we are going to start getting ready for church.’’

Esther replied, ‘‘Okay, mommy.’’

So we started getting ready. Esther asked, ‘‘Mommy, why can’t we all be good?’’

I said, ‘‘Because humans like evil rather than good.’’

She asked, ‘‘But why?’’

I said, ‘‘Right now, you’re an innocent child, when you’re older you’ll understand.’’ My gladiator called, I answered, ‘‘Hi, my gladiator.’’

He replied, ‘‘Hi angel of GOD. Guess what I found out.’’

I asked, ‘‘What?’’

He said, ‘‘I was eating with Pastor. He told me why we aren’t allowed to hear nonChristian music.’’

I asked, ‘‘Why?’’

He said, ‘‘When Lucifer was in heaven, he was in charge of the music. When GOD cast him out, he became satan. He corrupted the music. So that’s why we aren’t allowed to listen to circular music.’’

I said, ‘‘We learn something new everyday.’’

He said, ‘‘Yeah we do. See you at home.’’

It was church time, we, Sharon, and Natalie went to church. As soon we got home, Brock and I had an argument. Since we couldn’t stay mad with each other, we made peace ten minutes later.

Chapter

I arrived home from work, I went to my beautiful angel of GOD, Crystal. I grabbed her, picked up, and spun her around. She was laughing while we spun.

I put her down, she said, ‘‘See how you are. Yes, you might be stubborn and brutal. But, you’re also, kind, compassionate, caring, sweet, and loving.’’

I said, ‘‘You deserve it, and much more.’’

Then came my princess, ‘‘ Hi daddy.’’ And hugged my leg.

I picked up, and asked, ‘‘What did mommy teach you today?’’

She said, ‘‘Math, writing, and how Moses freed Israel from Egypt.’’

I said, ‘‘Now, you’re learning something good.’’ I added, ‘‘Want to play some games?’’

They both said, ‘‘Sure.’’

So we played games, me and Crystal ended up goofing off with each other.

It was time to pick up the boys. So I went to pick them up.

Chapter 27

United

Crystal: ‘‘I first met Brock when I was in college. I was his Professor, his charm and his heart wore me down.’’ My heart was shattered, I couldn’t bear that I lost my dad, and the love of my life. My gladiator, Brock Jude Sanchez. ‘‘At first, I would deny I was attracted to him. His charm and his good heart wore me down. He loved so much, he’d sacrifice himself for me. I’m going to miss my gladiator.’’ I wept bitterly.

Caleb: ‘‘My father, he was a good man, a great father. Through his actions, he showed me how a man is supposed to love and treat his wife. With love, humility, and self-sacrifice. I looked up to my father, I would say, one day, I want to be like my father. He was a man of GOD.’’

Troy: ‘‘Well, Caleb stole all my words. My dad, he gave us wisdom and understanding. He taught us how defend our faith in GOD. I was proud and blessed to be the son of Brock Jude Sanchez. I’ll miss father.’’

Gideon: ‘‘My father a true warrior of GOD. He prayed and stood for his faith. When he would be challenged, He’d always gave answer, I’ll follow in my father’s footsteps.’’

Esther: ‘‘I love you daddy, I’ll miss you.’’

Natalie: ‘‘Brock was a good friend, we knew each other we were kids. We went to school together, he taught me a lot of things. I wish I’d heed to them……………………….’’ I began to cry.’’ Brock was laid to rest.

Natalie: I told Sharon, ‘‘Brock and I used to date, but don’t tell Caleb.’’

My Gladiator

Angel of GOD

Brock and Natalie; Together Forever