Let Me Take You

By Janie Isidoro

Ernesto’s lie has always been his familia. They are his laughter and happiness.
He and Alandra have been tested in their relationship and have both shown each other that you have fight for who you love and trust that the mistakes you make are teaching you to understand your Corazon.

This last year his past came knocking at his door. Is he prepared for the news he’s about to receive? Can this strong level headed man survive his past to live his future?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Janie Isidoro
• Release date: Feb 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463294994

Janie Isidoro

Janie M. Isidoro is a writer and photographer from the beautiful Valle Central de California. She has lived all over the United States but there is no place like home. She discovered her passion for writing over a vivid dream she had, a dream which changed the course of her life, she was inspired to write 7 novels, full of amor, familia y cultura. As a child she was into lowriders and anything that had to do with raza. She met her husband in 1999. For her 20th birthday he surprised her by buying her a 1970 Chevy Monte Carlo. This intensified her love & interest for classic cars, ultimately inspiring her to become a photographer at car shows. Janie is a mama de tres hijos. Her babies rule her world. They are the true meaning of all the beautiful things in her life. Janie is a true believer in love. She has been known to question others interpretations & perception of love, not to judge however to educate and self-reflect. She loves to share stories of life experiences and the interpretation of love. She has been published in Latino LA and has several short stories circulating for publication. Janie has taken several writing workshops and attended writing conferences.

Book preview

Para mi familia. When I first wrote this book, I thought it was about a man and women. But when I went back and read through it, it was about a family. You all give me the best material ever. In our lows, we have cried on each other's shoulders, and in our highs, we have laughed in each other's arms.

I wanted to say Somos pocos pero locos homie! Pero somos un chingo!

Gracias for all the support you all have given me, los quiero tanto.

Acknowledgements

Darlene Shortridge, I will forever be thankful for your guidance. When I had a million repetitive questions for you not once did you hesitate to answer any of them. When I asked for help, you were more than happy to give it. Thank you for going along this ride with me. You are an amazing person/editor/friend. You ready for six more books?

CONTENTS

Dedication

Acknowledgements

=Uno=

=Dos=

=Tres=

=Quatro=

=Cinco=

=Seis=

=Siete=

=Ocho=

=Nueve=

=Diez=

=Once=

=Doce=

=Trece=

=Catorce=

=Quince=

=Dieciséis=

=Diecisiete=

=Dieciocho=

=Diecinueve=

=Veinte=

=Veintiuno=

=Veintidos=

=Veintitres=

=Veinticuatro=

=Veinticinco=

=Veintiseis=

=Veintisiete=

=Veintiocho=

=Veintinueve=

=Treinta=

=Treinta y Uno=

=Treinta y Dos=

=Treinta y Tres=

=Treinta Y Cuatro=

=Treinta Y Cinco=

=Treinta y Seis=

=Treinta y Siete=

=Treinta Y Ocho=

=Treinta y Nueve=

=Cuarenta=

=Cuerenta y Uno=

=Cuarenta y Dos=

=Cuarenta Y Tres=

=Cuarenta Y Cuatro=

=Cuarenta Y Cinco=

=Cuarenta y Seis=

=Cuarenta Y Siete=

=Cuarenta Y Ocho=

=Cuarenta Y Nueve=

=Cincuenta=

For my readers

About the Author

=Uno=

I open the letter and begin to read. My eyes search the paper for the results. When I finally find the part, I read it three times to make sure I understand what it’s saying.

When I look up at Alandra, her eyes are wide and staring into mine. I grab her waist and pull her to my lap.

You ready to be a daddy now? she asks as tears run down her face.

I wipe her tears with my thumb, Not today I’m not. Someday I will be though. She tilts her head confused; I show her the paper. It reads;

The Alleged Father Ernesto Emiliano Vega is excluded as the father of Jason Derrin Garcia. The test showed that 99.999% of the DNA does not match. Below is the format we use to determine results…

Her eyes light up as she wraps herself around me crying. She kisses my whole face over and over, I’m so happy!

I hold her close, I thought he was mine. I was sure of it. But I’m glad he isn’t. In a way, I feel sad for him, but he isn’t my issue anymore. I want to focus on Gris right now.

She kisses me again, Of course, Neto, I’m going to help with anything I can for her.

____________________

I’m so relieved that he isn’t Jason’s dad. I stay wrapped around him feeling a weight off my shoulders. Now to fully hit the Gris situation.

Hey, let's go over to Gris and Tony’s. Let’s give them the news in person.

He smiles from ear to ear, That’s a good idea!

I knew that would make him happy.

We head over to their house. As we walk in through the living room Gris is behind the stove cooking. Tony and Hector are sitting at the table, and Ernesto looks over at Gris, "Hey carnala, you should be resting."

She turns to look at him, I’ll be resting after my first Chemo. The doctor says I’ll be very weak and sick. I’ll rest then, but for now I’m taking advantage of the daily rituals. She glances over at Hector. I go into the kitchen and hug her. She kisses my cheek, What brought you guys over this way?

I look over at Ernesto, Well, Neto has some news he wants to share with you. Ernesto’s sitting on the table with Hector in his lap.

She looks at him then at me, Oh?

Ernesto smiles, The paternity results came in.

She walks toward him with a towel in hand, And?

He picks up his eyebrows, "I’m not a papa today."

She smiles and gives him a big hug, Music to both your ears I’m sure?

I look over at Ernesto, It is! He answers as he winks his eye at me.

She tells us what’s happening with her this week. Friday is her first chemo day.

What do you need me to do for you? Ernesto asks her as he kisses Hector's head.

She puts her hand on his back, Be happy and enjoy yourselves. She says as she looks at both of us.

He tilts his head to one side, We are enjoying ourselves.

She starts walking toward Tony and puts her hand in the air, "Oh, stop it. You just got some great news. Celebrate that. Hector is going to be with ama this weekend, and Tony has me covered." She hugs Tony from behind, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she kisses his cheek.

Ernesto nods his head and smiles, What time are you going in for chemo?

She takes a deep breath, 9 a.m.

I’ll meet you guys there. He tells her.

Ok, that’s fine with me. I can see she’s happy Ernesto will be there with her.

We head home, and he’s just staring at the road thinking. I know millions of things are running through his mind. His family has never suffered something as big as what Gris is going through, and it’s taking a toll on him. I haven’t seen his beautiful smile and his carefree ways since she broke the news. I know I have to be here for him now more than ever. I tell him to make a right. He points, Here?

Yes, I answer.

Where we going?

To my mom’s, is that ok?

He gives me a half smile, Hell yeah, I’ve never been there.

I’ve never taken anyone to her place, just Trina.

He turns and stares at me, No?

I shake my head, Nope. He leans over, grabs my hand and touches the top of it softly.

We find my mom sitting on the couch watching TV. She immediately stands and spreads her arms, so I can hug her, Hi baby! What a nice surprise!

She notices Ernesto; she grabs my shoulders moving me slightly to one side grinning at me then turns all her focus to him. She grasps each of his arms, "I’m sorry about your sister mijo. Pero todo va estar bien con la gracias de dios."

He smiles, I have faith that she will be fine.

I love this moment.

____________________

I can tell Alandra’s mom is surprised to see me in her home. I’m not too sure if it’s good or bad shock. She points toward the kitchen, Some coffee, Ernesto?

I nod, "Si por favor." I turn to look at Alandra; she’s taking off her shoes and grabbing a blanket.

Her mom starts talking, Ernesto, how are your parents doing with this news?

I take a deep breath and put my hands on the counter, I guess as best as can be expected. They're worried, but I know in their hearts they feel Gris will be ok.

She starts pouring the coffee, "Y tu?"

I look at my hands on the counter, I love my sister. It’s always been her and me. I’m taking it day by day. I’m just going to help with anything she needs. She passes a cup to me along with creamer and sugar. I pour a little of both in. Alandra comes up behind me and hugs me. She kisses my shoulder.

Her mom smiles at us, Well please Ernesto if there’s anything I can help out with, do not hesitate to ask. I’m here for anything your family may need.

I smile at her as I rub Alandra’s arms, "Muchas gracias. I appreciate that." We sit, talk and have coffee. The night is getting late. I ask Alandra if we should head out.

Do you want to spend the night here? She asks.

Damn, spend the night? I don’t know about that, Mm…my place is only 20 minutes from here?

She shuts her eyes slightly, So no?

I smile and get close to her ear, It’s awkward for me. I’ve never stayed at my girlfriend’s parents’ house.

She puts her hand on the side of my face, "Chulo, you have never had a girlfriend."

I smile and nod my head, Point well taken. Where’s your room?

She kisses me and turns to face her mom, Ma, we're gonna spend the night.

Her mom’s face lights up, Of course, the spare room is ready; I know you guys both have to be up early for work. Go on ahead and go to bed.

Alandra stands up; I stand up behind her. She grabs my hand and leads me down the hall. As we're walking, I turn to her mom, "Buenas noches."

She smiles, Good night kids.

We walk down the hall. Third door to the right Alandra turns the knob and pushes the door open. The room is spotless. The walls are dark orange; the sheets are green, yellow and the same orange as on the wall. There’s a lamp on each nightstand and a big dresser. Paintings of yellow flowers cover one wall. I look at Alandra, Is this your room?

She laughs, No, I don’t have a room here. It’s just a guest room. All my stuff that was at the house I grew up in is at my house.

I look around, Oh, I see. Her life is so different than mine. But that makes me want to know more about her.

She locks the door behind us and pulls back the sheets, Come on, get undressed and lay down. I pull off my shirt and tank top pull of my pants and stay in my boxers. I get in the bed. She slips off her silk blouse and skirt and is in a white tank top and white panties. She looks damn good like always. The less she wears, the better for me. She slips into bed with me and we’re facing each other. I move her hair from her face and put my hand on her waist. She kisses my forehead, We're going to get through all this together. I promise.

I look her in her eyes, I never thought I would be right here in this moment with you. How lucky am I?

She rubs my lips with her finger, I’m the lucky one. She tells me to turn around and wraps her arms and legs around me. I rub my hand up and down her thigh slowly just to feel her soft skin. My eyes begin to get heavy, and they're closed.

I smell coffee. I open my eyes; I’m in the same position I fell asleep in. I don’t remember the last time that happened. I turn around to see Alandra, but she’s not here. I move toward the edge of the bed and see that her clothes are gone—she must be up already. I have no idea what time it is. I left my phone in the car. I get dressed and go to the bathroom.

I walk down the hall. I can hear her and her mom talking. Her mom laughs, "I love him for you mija. I stop walking; I want to hear some of this. He’s the most amazing person I have ever met. He has the biggest heart, and he’s good to me."

Her mom sighs, That’s how I felt about your dad. I was the luckiest woman alive. I know he’s so happy for you baby of mine.

I walk into the kitchen they both look at me like they’re caught! I start laughing, Guilty Murietta woman faces, I can tell. They both laugh. I ask what time it is.

Alandra starts walking toward me, Almost 6 a.m., my mom’s an early bird. She walks up to me and kisses me, Good morning. I wrap my arms around her and hug her tight.

Her mom begins to pour coffee, Coffee? Breakfast?

I look over at her, Yes to both. She turns to the stove. Alandra grabs her cup of coffee, We can be out of here in 20 minutes, I can get you home and then get myself home to get ready for work? I nod. Her mom serves me bacon and eggs. Looks good and I’m hungry.

=Dos=

Today I want to get lost in an engine. Working on cars takes my mind away from everything. I have to figure out what’s wrong with something and I have the patience for it. I let Jimmy know I don’t want to take any phone calls, I’m working all day on this 1985 Buick Regal, and I’m focused. The heads are cracked, so we got to order new ones. One of the pistons is off too. The owner of this had this car parked for a long time, I can see why. Now I’m doing the engine work and then it will be painted and ready to hit the streets again. I begin to think that since the paternity test came back, I hadn’t heard a word from Maravilla. She was trying to get me for some money or maybe just to get me. I can’t help but feel that her little boy will suffer the choices of his mother.

Then I think of Gris, mi hermana. When me and her took our walk at my parents’ house she said that when she went to the doctor, Gris thought for sure she was going to be pregnant. When the doc told her to take a seat, he asked if someone was waiting for her in the waiting room. She said no then he told her she should call someone to be there with her to receive the news. That’s when my sister knew she wasn’t having a baby. She said when he told her she had cancer it was in slow motion, she could hear him, but all that ran through her mind was Hector, then Tony, then us. Her world was breaking into pieces at that moment. She cried so much as she was telling me, I couldn’t tell her anything or help her, I just held her. At the moment she received the news, all she thought about was her family. My sister has the biggest heart. She told me all her fears that day, all her happiness and all her sorrows. We have always been close, but at that moment I knew her on a whole other level. Mi hermana, como llore por ella ese dia. She cried into my chest for what seemed like an eternity and me into her hair. She told me to let myself love Alandra like I have never loved anyone or anything, time was too short. We shared things that day that we hadn’t told anyone before. She told me she snuck Tony into my parents’ house one night and lost her virginity at our house. I couldn’t stop laughing; I told her I was gonna tell our jefes cause they would still be pissed even all these years later. We laughed and cried together. Now my mind floods me with Alandra’s smile—and her eyes. She has me wrapped around her finger, and she doesn’t even know it.

____________________

I work hard at the office today. I told Sabrina everything this morning about Gris. She felt horrible for his family and offered to help with anything she could; she also said that I should take all the time I need. But at this moment I engulf myself in files and phone calls. In my mind, I see his face when Gris broke the news. He was in pieces. I had so much compassion for him. But today I will prepare us both for her first chemo session at the end of the week.

This night I talk on the phone with him, we both got out of work beat.

We talk on the phone about our day, When I don’t see you for one day, I feel like I don’t have air, Ernesto. I hear him take a deep breath.

"Me to mija, you want me to come over?"

I want him with me every minute of the day, Of course I do, but that’s not fair. I know you’re super tired, and you need your rest. In two days, we will see each other at Gris’s doctor visit. Let’s both work hard until then, cause we don’t know how much of us she will need.

He sighs, I close my eyes and see you anyway. His voice is low, sensual, sexy and loving.

Ay Ernesto, I see you here next to me, and my eyes are open. I miss your smell and your hands on me. His voice picks up. I hear a hint of excitement.

Where are you at? In his arms is where I wish I were, but I’m not, Home on the couch, covered in a blanket.

His voice gets deep and sultry, "Yo estoy en mi cama acostado, naked!"

I begin to blush; how does he do this to me over the phone? I don’t know. I stay quiet too long, and he begs for a response, in his way of course.

Did you hear me?

Loud and clear I want to say, but I keep my cool, Yes, I’m picturing you. I’m sure he has his huge beautiful grin on the other end of the phone, I wish you were here lying next to me the same. There would be no just lying next to him naked.

I can hear him moving around, I would be kissing your lips, then your neck, then... He groans low, but I can still hear him. I don’t think he knows I can.

Like someone watching an intense movie, I’m eager to know what’s next, Then what?

He makes a noise deep in his throat, Then, lower.

His words make me feel light headed. I cut him off, Ok! That’s enough. I feel out of breath, and you’re not here to finish what you’re starting.

His voice gets a little high with frustration, And how do you think I am over here?

I picture him in my mind, a ridiculous smile takes over my face, Naked and sexy in your bed, I’m sure.

Why don’t you get naked too?

Ernesto?

"Que?" He answers.

I’ve never done this before, I admit.

He chuckles. I love the sound of it. It’s deep quiet and oh my god! Turns me on so bad! In his thunderous voice he says, Me neither, you can be my first.

I turn the color of plum and cover my face as if he can see me. I laugh to myself for what I’m about to do with this man over the phone, I’m embarrassed.

"Don’t be Chula mia. Go to your room and get undressed."

I stand up and do as I’m told. I walk into my room and look at my bed. What will I be doing on there in a few minutes by myself? Just the idea of it has me smiling like an idiot and feeling queasy in an exciting way, I’m putting my phone down for a minute, ok?

I listen for his rumble of a voice, I’m not going anywhere.

I smile and put it down. Oh my gosh! What am I doing? What are we doing? What will we be doing? I undress, turn my lights off and get into my bed. I pick up the phone, Are you there? I pull my sheets up to my neck.

"I’m here, quiero que pongas musica and I’ll put the same song here."

I look around my room as if someone is watching me waiting for me to get up naked, Ok, which one?

I hear his voice straining a bit he’s moving around, Moments in love, The Art of Noise. You got that one?

I take a deep breath, Yes.

I wrap myself in my sheet and find the song and push play. I lay back down and put the phone on my chest; I’m breathing hard now. I close my eyes tight, I see him over me. I put the phone to my ear, but I don’t say a word.

His voice comes through the phone like waves rolling onto the beach, "I can hear your breathing. You’re the sexiest woman que a conosido. Now fold your legs up for me. I move them slowly bending them. I can smell his cologne. I keep my eyes closed, Put your hand on your thigh and rub slowly from your inner thigh to the outside, but slowly. I do. I feel awkward doing this, but immediately tell myself that I want to experience this with him and no one else. His voice breaks my anxious thoughts, Now to your hip… your waist… your abdomen…your breast." Oh, my. The sensations I get from my touch are uncharted territory for me.

Tug your nipple, just like I do with my teeth. My eyes roll into the back of my head, my mouth opens, and I take a deep breath. I moan low, so he doesn’t hear. But he does! "Asi me gustas, I can feel your body chula. Just like when I’m there. I feel your breathing; I see your chest move up and down faster. I hear you moaning for me, cause you want me." I do, I want him so bad.

Tell me what you’re doing? He asks.

My eyes are still closed, I lick my lips, My hand is moving from my breast to my neck slowly and moving my hair away from my face like you do Ernesto.

I hear him take a deep breath, Mmhmm, what else?

I feel light headed.

"You always do when you're around me, que mas? I take a deep breath that I’m sure the neighbors hear. Slow down, relax. Put your hand down to your breast again and circle one finger around your nipple slowly." I do as he says, I feel his body heat next to mine now. I moan louder.

Mmm, I like that sound. Tell me what you’re doing?

My finger is circling my nipple, ah…ah…I’m moving my hand down the middle of my chest, now at my navel.

His voice is deep, Keep going lower. I do. Put your finger inside of you, slowly. I listen to his instructions and follow them exactly; I gasp for air. Slowly in and out. I turn to my side I can no longer stay on my back. Ah! I yell out. His voice isn’t calm like it was any longer, "Faster and harder now chula!" He says in between breaths.

Ernesto!

I love you. He groans loudly, it sends electricity through the phone down to my hand, to my stomach, then down there. I explode over my fingers! He groans louder. I grab my blanket wrapping myself in it. I drop the phone, as I try catching my breath. I feel like I’m in a daze. As I come down from this high only he can give me I remember the phone! I start the search for it through the mess of my blankets! I sit up tossing the sheets from side to side, then flipping pillows over! I find it, and I’m out of breath from all of this. I put it to my ear, Ernesto! You their? I’m sorry I…I…

His low, sexy, sultry laugh comes through the phone, I’m glad it was you to take my phone sex virginity. He says.

I peak through my fingers looking at my legs, I can’t believe I just…I just…

He laughs, Finished?

I nod yes.

You there? He asks.

I laugh, I nodded yes, didn’t you see that?

I’m sorry I wasn’t looking at your face, I was looking at your body. He says with his sexy laugh clenched between his teeth.

He makes me happy amongst many other things, Ay Ernesto, the things you do to me.

"I love you Alandra Murrietta, hablamos manana?"

Did you use me for sex and now you’re hanging up?

"Simon chula, you were great."

Ok, this is the only time you can do this. I can’t wait to see you Friday, good night sexy man of mine.

Buenas noches.

=Tres=

All I can see is her and the things she was doing to herself last night. I might need to watch her doing those things in front of me.

Jimmy yells, "Damn, oralé bro! Where were you last night? Cause your face says doing something good for sure."

I laugh, Home.

He squints his eyes and tilts his head back slightly, With who?

I shake my head, No one, just me.

He curves the left side of his mouth and tosses his hand in the air, Fine then, don’t tell me. He punches my shoulder and walks away.

I head in and start working on the car I didn’t finish yesterday. The smell of oil and gas get me.

I call Alandra at lunch, Hello?

"Como estas?" I ask her.

"Mmm, bien. I miss you."

I take a deep breath closing my eyes, Me too.

I can hear papers moving, Work busy? I ask him.

I put my elbows on my desk bringing the phone closer to my lips, Yeah it is, I just wanted to hear from you. One more day and I can see you.

Neto you have no idea. I feel the same way. But this weekend is ours; I want you at least 5 minutes to myself. That’s all I need.

Five minutes isn’t enough time, I need the whole night. I answer her.

Her soft laugh comes through the line into my ears and sounds like oldies, But I’m willing to take even 5 minutes. I need you.

I want her right at this moment here in front of me, pero I know we both have things to get done, Me too, see you on Friday?

She sighs, Yes, but I’ll talk to you tonight, ok?

Just thinking about our last phone conversation makes me smile, I look forward to it...

She shouts, No, just talking nothing else! I almost drove to your house after last night’s conversation.

I start laughing, Ok talk to you later. We hang up; I get to work. Hearing her voice will hold me over for a while longer.

Finally, Friday morning is here. Me and Ernesto talked these last few days, but I’m like a damn high school girl, butterflies in my stomach, I have a smile that won’t go away. Crazy thoughts run through my mind, thoughts I haven’t had since I was in middle school, what’s he going to be wearing? What’s he going to smell like? What look is he going to give me? A million things run through my head. I’m meeting him at the cancer center where Gris is getting her chemo; my mom is picking me up, we’re going together.

We arrive at the hospital; it’s almost 8:30. We walk through the glass doors and take the elevator to the second floor. As soon as the doors open, I see Neto, his mom, dad, Tony, Hector and a lot of other people. I’m sure these other people are there with their family members for the same reason we are. His mom notices me and stands up to greet me. Neto turns to see where she’s going and his eyes look like gems lit up. That handsome smile of his pushes into his masculine face. Me and Laria take a long embrace. I introduce her to my mom.

Laria looks over at me, We met already. She says.

You did? I ask in shock.

She smiles and nods, Yes, we had lunch yesterday. Thank you so much for coming to be with our family.

My mom puts one hand on her shoulder, Of course.

Hector Sr. stands and shakes her hand and they begin to talk and find a seat altogether. So, they met, and all get along fine. It's so crazy, in a good way.

Ernesto is staring at me. I put my head down cause my goodness he’s looking right through me. He walks up to me placing his fingertips on my waist slightly, just enough to send chills up and down my body, "Oralé, no eye contact or what? He leans over a little trying to see my face. He’s wearing a plain grey shirt dark jeans and white converse, with a black hat. I manage to look at his face again, ugh! His look drives me crazy. He grabs my hand as he turns to look at our parents, We’ll be right back."

My mom smiles and points her finger at both of us, You two kids behave. He smiles.

Laria shakes her head, "Ay nó, that’s the same smile Hector has given me since the day we met." We all start laughing.

I’m leaning against one wall in the elevator and him across from me on the other, with one leg against the wall and the other planted on the floor. He licks his lips, You have something I want.

I feel my face turn crimson. I look up at him, What?

Before I know it, he has me pinned against the wall and himself. He grabs my chin and pushes my head up; his lips are on mine. My arms are around his waist. He picks me up by my legs with his strong arms, wrapping my legs around him. We’re kissing so hard I feel like my lips are going to burst. The elevator slows down, we both know the doors are going to open. He puts me down putting his hand on my chest firmly, "Calmate."

I place my hands on him, You can’t tell me that after what you just did! He smiles as he lifts his eyebrow. The doors open, and we get out as a bunch of people try to get in. He grabs my hand and pulls me toward him.

He looks me up and down from the corner of his eye, I feel my body temperature rise five degrees, You look good in those jeans.

I squeeze his hand hard and run into him, I love you naked.

He picks his chin up quickly, Soon enough.

We walk into the cafeteria making our way to the coffee, "I’m glad your mom came with you, my jefa said that they spoke for a few hours yesterday, I like that."

That makes me feel so good. I love Ernesto, I am pleased that my mom and his have spent some time alone talking and becoming friends, I love that they get along.

He lifts an eyebrow, Why wouldn’t they?

I shrug my shoulders as I look away, Well, I’m not saying they shouldn’t, but I love that they do.

He stares, "Oralé."

I grab my cup, You're making it seem like I don’t want them to get along.

He grabs the cup from my hand, That’s what you’re making it sound like.

He pours the coffee into the cup and cuts the tops off two little sugar packets. I tug his shirt, he turns to face me, That’s not what I meant at all. I’m happy they talked and spent some time together as mothers and not as my mom and your mom. Just as moms and as friends now.

He leans over and kisses my forehead, "Dispensa chula. I agree with you, that is a good thing."

He grabs