Twisted

By Vanessa Scott

Twisted forces the reader to ask big questions about friendships and family. It explores how friendships can change over time and how a broken family can affect children down the road. A woman searches for her father, and close friends betray each other in the name of lust and revenge. Yet there is an opportunity to grow by watching two characters’ actions affect them negatively and by listening to the words of Wise Grandpa Bradley as he watches them sorrowfully learn life lessons the hard way. Twisted promises rawness, with occasional sciences of violence, but offers hope in the end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9781796042580

Book preview

CHAPTER 1: BROKEN TRUST

S ARAH GARCIA ROSALES has no idea what her day would bring as she adds the final touch of hairspray on her long brown hair. She sits on her luxurious stool and stares at herself in the mirror. She has a feeling in her heart that today is going to change her life for ever.

Maybe my life won’t be that miserable today, she says sarcastically as she puts her bottle of hair spray down.

Sarah lives in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her father, Diego, is the governor of Puerto Rico. Her mother, Viola, works with him setting up meetings and, at times, takes over meetings for him. Sarah is raised by Martha Solis, the maid/babysitter. Viola hired Martha when she found out she was pregnant sixteen years ago.

The only person in the house who pays attention to her is Martha. Sarah goes to an all-girl private school and has many acquaintances, but none are considered to hold the title of best friend. Some people envy Sarah because she has a reputation that requires her to dress the best as if every day she is going somewhere fancy, to act proper all the times, and, most important, to represent her parents. In reality, Sarah envies other girls who get picked up by their parents at school. Sarah gets picked up in a limo every day by the family’s driver, Juan Dominguez. Juan is a very respectful man and treats Sarah very well. He has been the family’s driver for twenty years, so Sarah looks up to him as a father figure. He talks to Sarah about the values in life and always gives her motivational talks. She loves him because he understands her. There are times when he would pick her up from school and take her for a long drive. She would hang out the window and smell the air as it hit her in the face. From time to time, he even would sneak around and buy Sarah a hamburger from a fast-food place. He let Sarah be who she is. When Sarah has a parent-teacher conference, it was Juan who would go.

However, lately, Viola really steps up by attending more conferences and even spends lunchtime with her. She is often shocked to see her mother in the limo when Juan picks her up after school. She notices that her mom started taking on less tasks at work. She is very happy to have more time with her mom, but she is a little suspicious of why her mom is not being the workaholic, overdramatic queen that she normally is. Viola is known as the terminator because she means business, and if someone is not doing their job, she would fire them and not think twice about it.

Sarah finishes up her hair and walks downstairs to find a line of people by her mother’s office. She walks past the line of eagerly waiting people and into the kitchen, where Martha is. She is scrubbing the table as she sings a beautiful song called Mariposa. Sarah fell in love with that song ever since she was a little girl because Martha rocked her to sleep by singing that song every night. A smile comes to Sarah’s face as she goes over to Martha and gives her a tight embrace.

What’s going in there? Sarah releases Martha and sits on a cushioned barstool while picking a strawberry from the fruit bar. She tilts her head toward her mother’s office.

Your mama is very busy. She has to hire a secretary for herself today, and it’s not easy because she has to pick someone today by three, so she is really pushing it, Martha says, holding out a plate of breakfast.

That’s weird. What’s so important that she has to do it today? Sarah gets her plate from Martha and makes eye contact with the bacon. She notices that Martha’s eyes gets watery and there’s an expression on her face that she knows when something is wrong.

"Just business as normal, mija. Now eat up. You got a busy day ahead of you also." She turns away from Sarah to avoid eye contact. At one point during breakfast, Sarah notices that Martha wipes a tear from her cheek.

Sarah only eats the bacon off her plate, and Martha made her favorite today, which is buttermilk pancakes, bacon, French toast, and over easy eggs, followed by a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. She is no longer hungry for food; she is hungry for answers now. What’s on her mind is finding out what is going on, and she knows the trick on just how to find out. Sarah jumps off the barstool and walks outside to talk to Juan. He is just finishing up washing the limo as he throws the towel in the bucket.

"Hola, Juan, how are you?" Sarah sits on the sidewalk in front of the mansion.

I am fine. It’s a beautiful day. I can’t complain. Juan inspects the limo.

Can we take a drive? Sarah says with the puppy dog face that Juan could not say no to. He takes a while to respond as he plays tug-of-war with his thoughts.

OK, but we have to be back soon because your parents are going somewhere at three Juan opens the back door for Sarah. She gets in and has an evil smile on her face because her trick is working better than she thought. He closes her door and walks over to the driver’s side, opens the door, gets in, and begins to drive.

Juan, what’s going on with Mama? Sarah doesn’t hesitate to ask.

He knew that question was coming his way. He had already prepared for the answer and reaction, but he didn’t expect it to be soon. He thought about this over and over again but did not want to be the one to tell Sarah. It’s not in his place, but he wants to do what’s right by her. He pulls the limo to the side, walks over to the back door, and lets Sarah out. He sits her in the front seat of the limo with him so they can talk face-to-face. All he could think of is her eyes. How he will see her heart break through her eyes—the same look he had to see when he had to tell his kids that he was leaving to the States. He thinks of what he will say and is scared of how she may will react.

He looks into Sarah’s eyes. She reaches over and puts her hand on his. Tell me, she says as she gives him the same look as before. Juan attempts to not make eye contact with her; however, every time he would look down, she would follow his eyes and bring them back into focus with hers.

Sarah, what do I always tell you? Family is very important, and you may not feel lucky, but you have two very good parents, and you need to embrace it. You already know that I have this job to provide for my family. Life is about sacrifice. I go see my family every summer. What kind of father am I? Juan rambles on but Sarah cuts him off.

I understand that, but what does that have to do with Mama? Seriously, I’m not a little girl anymore, so just tell me. Sarah gets annoyed.

Your parents are getting threats. Do you remember Abel? Juan tells the truth but not the whole truth.

Yes, I remember Abel. I was sad when Mama fired him. He has worked for us in the garden for so long—ever since I was five. He is the one that gave me my diamond rose pin. Now we have Hector, and he spends more time watering eyes than watering the garden. He always makes women cry and flirts with every woman he sees. Ugh. But enough with changing the subject. Juan, what does Abel have to do with anything? You are confusing me. Sarah tries to comprehend where he is going with this.

There is just so much going on right now, that’s all. You don’t need to worry about anything. Juan starts the limo.

I am worried because I don’t know what’s going on. Please tell me. I beg you. What’s going on with Mama? Sarah asks desperately.

"Abel knows too much. He has been part of the familia for eleven years, and then he got fired for trying to protect you," Juan says slowly.

Protect me from what? Juan, I don’t want to hear stories. I just want to know what’s going on. What does Abel have to do with Mama! Sarah yells in frustration.

Your mother has breast cancer, Sarah. Everyone in the house knows but you. Abel got fired three months ago because he got in a fight with your mother about not telling you. He feels that you needed to know the truth, and he threatened to tell you, and that’s why he got fired, Juan blurts it out, not even realizing what he said until it had already been said.

Sarah remains quiet as she thinks about everything that is going on. However, something is still not making sense. So why does Mama need to hire someone today? Why today? And what is going on today at three? She glares at him with a demand for answers immediately.

Your mother loves to be in control, you know that, so she wants to have someone work for her and keep the house the same when she can no longer do it.

Juan gets out the limo, walks over to the passenger side, opens Sarah’s door, and waves to her to get out. He directs her into the backseat as he opens the back door. He shuts the door after Sarah gets in. He walks fast to the driver’s side, opens the door and flops down in the seat. He lays his head on the steering wheel for a few seconds before he closes the door and heads back to the mansion.

"You just got to be prepared, Sarah. Breast cancer is serious, and your mom is going to need your help. Today at three, they will be meeting with the attorney to discuss the future, and that’s why your mom needs to find someone today so they can accompany them to the attorney’s office to make things official. Now this is just between us.

I can get fired by telling you, but Abel was right. I think you have the right to know, but you have to promise to keep this a secret." Juan looks back at her.

"OK, but we have the best doctors here so there’s no big deal. She will be back to work in no time and fire her secretary on the spot. She replies in a low tone.

You know I would love to see my family, but I love being able to provide for them. You have to be thankful for what you have because some people don’t have family. Listen, I know that you are in shock right now and may not understand, but if you need to talk, talk to me only. Juan pulls up at the mansion. Sarah hops out the limo without waiting for Juan to open the door for her. She runs inside without stopping when Juan calls out to her. She heads straight to her room, slams the door, and falls to her bed. Martha knocks on the door before she lets herself in. Martha rubs her back.

"Aye, Mija, que paso? Martha speaks in a caring manner. Sarah doesn’t speak or look at her. She pushes her hands off her back gently. OK, what did I do? Talk to me. What happened when you went outside? Martha continues and still does not get a response. OK, Sarah, if you don’t want to talk to me, then that’s fine, but I did nothing to you, so don’t try to take anything out of me. You understand!" Martha begins to walk out the room.

Sarah gets up and turns to her full of rage. You did nothing wrong! Is that right! So I find out that Mama has cancer, but you don’t tell me! I tell you everything! I never would have kept anything from you! You were my best friend, but you stabbed me in the back! How could you do this to me! Screams fill the room as she takes in the reality of what is happening. She regrets finding out the truth. Some things are better kept secret.

Viola runs up to the room. What is going on in here? Viola looks at Martha for a response.

I didn’t tell her, Viola. I swear. I don’t know how she knows, but I did not tell her. I promise. Please believe me, Martha begs with tears coming down her face because in the past 16 years Sarah has never spoke to her like that.

Viola looks at Sarah and then at Martha. Just wait one second here. What do you mean she knows? No one knows about this besides the people in this house. Now who told her? Martha, I made the arrangement very clear to you. I said I would tell her when I tell her. Now if you can’t follow the rules any longer, you can’t work for me. Now I will ask you one more time. What do you mean she knows? Viola asks in a calm business demeanor.

Martha knows Viola. Abel could have been Viola’s own family member as close as they were, yet she fired him just with the intent to tell Sarah the truth. Martha tries to keep her composure. Viola, please, I swear it was not me. I don’t know who told her or how she knows, but I did not tell her. Martha cries in fear that she will lose her job. There is no plan B. She has no family. She has never been married, and the only child she raised was Sarah. This is her family, and she can’t afford to get fired because she would have no one to turn to and nowhere to go.

Viola nods as an approval for her to remain an employee. I want to know who in this house told Sarah. Come with me both of you at once. Viola leads them to Diego.

In the kitchen, Diego sits with his leg resting across his lap. He takes a sip of his coffee and flips the page of the newspaper to the sports section. He never has time to watch sports, so the newspaper always keeps him current and updated.

Good afternoon, ladies. Diego puts his coffee down and turns his focus on them. Viola puts her hand out and signals them to sit as she remains standing. What do we got here? Diego looks to Viola with her hands crossed and the girls weeping in their chairs.

Sarah somehow found out. Do you know anything about this? Viola says to Diego as they make eye contact, and Diego knows right then what exactly Viola is talking about. He stays quiet as he picks his coffee cup, takes a sip, folds his newspaper, and puts it back on the table. He stands next to Viola.

Sarah, who told you about your mother? Diego says firmly. Sarah remains quiet as she just sits there and continues to cry. Diego turns to Martha. Did you tell Sarah? he asks in a firm tone.

Again, Martha cries and begs, I did not, sir. I don’t know how she knows, but it wasn’t from me. I swear. Diego, I would never do that to you or your family.

Everyone is silent; only sniffles fill the room. Well, let’s do a process of elimination here. If Martha didn’t tell Sarah, then that leaves Juan and Hector. Diego stares into Sarah’s eyes intensely. She can feel her body start to shake.

Hector. Sarah lies.

Diego puts his hands behind his back. Hector didn’t know about it. He has only been with us a short time. See? I knew it was Juan. I saw him take you for a ride in the morning. Now go upstairs, and we will talk about this later.

Sarah falls to the floor. Her body literally became weak. It was like someone snatched the life out of her. Martha tries to help Sarah up but she pushes her hands off her. Viola and Diego walk outside to Juan as he cleans the inside of the limo.

Juan, Diego says in a tone that makes Juan jump.

He gets out the limo and stands to look at both Diego and Viola. He looks down at his watch, thinking it’s time to go but it only struck one o’clock. He knew right then that they know. Ye-yes, sir? He stutters.

You’ve worked with us for so long, and we feel betrayed that you would tell Sarah something so important that Viola and I specifically asked you not to. How are we ever going to trust you again? Diego says calmly.

Juan is speechless, trying to fight back his tears and remain calm. He thinks about his family and how he is going to provide for them now. He doesn’t feel like a man anymore as he thinks about how he is going to tell his wife.

Viola continues very seriously. "You know that we are very busy today, so after the meeting, I want you to turn in the keys and we will send you back home. Bring Hector with you so he can get used to driving the limo. We will deal with the rest later.

You cut into enough of my time already. Diego, let’s go. You have to get ready, and I still have to find someone to hire."

Diego and Viola walk back inside. What if we made a mistake? Abel knew about this also. Viola turns to Diego in a worry.

Diego smiles. I know. Like I said, process of elimination. Sarah would lie for Juan. That’s why she picked Hector. If she knew Abel knew, then she would have said his name because he no longer works with us, and that’s why I didn’t mention his name.

The couple shares a smile as they walk in different directions inside the house. Outside, Juan sits on the sidewalk and puts his head down with his hands over his face. Sarah runs outside to him once she musters up enough strength.

I didn’t tell. I swear. I yelled at Martha for not telling me. You have to believe me, She hugs Juan.

He lifts his head and puts his arms around her. I know. I know you wouldn’t tell. Now, you must remember what I told you. Take care of your mother. I will no longer be around after today, but I will miss you and think about you often. His voice cracks.

No, you can’t leave me! I can’t lose you too Sarah screams.

Listen to me, Sarah. Everything will be OK. Give your parents time to calm down, and maybe they will let me stay. I believe everything happens for a reason, Juan says with a voice that was not convincing.

They sit in on the sidewalk without saying anything else to each other. Their hearts including Martha’s all got ripped out their chest. Sarah tried many times to speak but words would not escape her mouth. Hector walks over to them with a huge smile on his face. Diego said that I will be going with you. What do I need to do? They are making their way down soon," He says, taking a comb out his back pocket and slicking the hair back that dangles in his face. Juan stares at Hector, a little jealous because he’s going to be his replacement after today.

Twenty years and they are going to just replace him with a guy who always takes roses out the garden to give to different ladies. Juan doesn’t know how to digest everything. He feels sick to his stomach. He doesn’t know if he could even stand, and worse, Sarah is sitting next to him, and he doesn’t know how to say good-bye to the little girl who is like a daughter to him.

Usually, I would get gas, but I already did that this morning, so all we have to do is just wait. Diego doesn’t like to be late. Juan cracks a smile. One thing he won’t miss is having to be in rush mode all the time. Diego could really make him feel less of a man when he would yell at him if something wasn’t done exactly the way he wanted.

Diego, Viola, and the new hire, Ms. Maria Gonzalez Valentino, walk outside to the limo as Juan jumps up and holds open the back door for them. They get in.

He walks over to the driver’s side, and Hector walks to the passenger side; however, Diego yells for them to switch places. Hector is to drive, and Juan is to be his map and tell him where to go, how to park, and so on. Hector drives off.

Juan stares at Sarah looking at the limo leave. She feels truly alone now; she runs straight to her room and slams the door. She lets out screams and throws things around before falling to her knees praying loudly to God. Martha has her hand on the door but doesn’t go in. Every one of Sarah’s screams just breaks her heart even more and there is no remedy to pull out her arsonal and heal it. She closes her eyes and silently prays for the situation as well.

Back in the limo, Viola says heartlessly Martha is gathering your items so when we come back, Hector can take you to the airport. Diego already made your flight arrangements. You will arrive in Mexico tomorrow morning, She said so without even looking at him. She enjoyed the views from the window to even take a second away to glance at him.

Juan remains quiet as he thinks how much work he put in this family and how they can turn on him so quickly. He was a fool to think that he could get away with it if Abel didn’t even tell Sarah but got fired over it. But on the other end, he is happy it is out in the open. Now Sarah can help her mother. She can try to have a relationship with her mother before it’s too late. Juan believes that this can bring the family together. He knows that is what Sarah wants, so in a sense, he feels proud to give her a chance to have the family she wanted. Besides, he has his own kids to think about. He has two boys and one girl at home waiting for him. He just doesn’t know how he can face them with nothing to show for his absence.

Hector pulls up into a neoclassical revival-style building, which is the biggest building in Puerto Rico. For Puerto Ricans, El Capitolio de Puerto Rico stands as a powerful symbol of self-government. The inside is filled with the capitol’s interior design, which consists of murals and mosaics to display Puerto Rico’s history. Hector gets out the limo and opens the back door.

Hector, we will be on the third floor. We will be meeting with our lawyers. Juan knows where it is if you need to get a hold of me, Diego says as he, Viola, and Maria get out the limo and walk into the building.

Hector closes the door behind them. Yes, sir, he says as he watches Maria walk into the building with her hips swinging from side to side. "Esa baby parece una senda putilla, Hector tells Juan—meaning Maria is hot but looks like a slut." He ignores Hector as he talks to every lady who walks by.

Two hours go by, and Juan has a lot to think about. He knows just what he needs to do, and he is determined to do it. The trio returns to the limo as Hector opens the back door and closes it after them. Hector whistles the whole way back to the house, happy that he is able to meet more women now. When they arrive back at the house, the trio gets out the limo. Juan notices that Viola leaves her folder in the limo but he doesn’t say a word. He watches Diego and Viola walk inside. He notices that Hector is occupied talking to Maria. He reaches in the back of the limo, grabs the folder, and scans through the documents. He notices Diego walking back toward the limo with a suitcase. Juan quickly places the folder back in the backseat and gets out the limo. Diego opens the back door to the limo and grabs the folder. Juan walks up facing him.

Here are your belongings. I put an envelope with your last pay to help you. Diego extends his hand and shakes it firmly as if he doesn’t want him to go.

Diego then signals Juan and Hector to get in the limo. Juan practically jumps in the limo and closes the door in a hurry. Hector closes the back door then enters into the driver seat. He blows a kiss at Maria before taking off. They ride in silence but Juan was noticing all of Hectors errors driving. He wouldn’t last long. He didn’t stop to get gas, forgot to lock the doors and blew the horn when he saw a car full of women. Getting to the airport, Juan let himself out. Hector gets out the limo with Juan but notices an attractive lady making eye contact with him, so he walks over to her to start up a conversation, not knowing that Juan did not get on the plane but left in a cab instead.

A month has gone by, and nothing really changed. Sarah still cries every night, and she still not speaking to Martha. If she does, they are only short responses. Diego and Viola have to meet with the lawyers today to break the news to the public as Viola recently just found out she is in her fourth stage of her cancer and the cancer is spreading fast. Viola sends Martha to get Sarah and bring her downstairs to eat breakfast before they go to meet with the lawyers. This time, Viola wants Sarah to be there because still, Sarah doesn’t know any details about the cancer and she really doesn’t want to know, but it is for the best. Sarah comes downstairs. She only eats the fruit off her plateful of food.

After breakfast, she walks back to her room to secretly talk to her cousin Maribel Solis. She lives in California. They joke about switching lifestyles and planning on attending college together. Maribel has been the person that has been keeping Sarah as sane as possibly in this difficult and tragic time in her life. She’s the only one she can rely on now.

You’re very blessed to be able to have your mom now. Some people don’t get the opportunity to say goodbye. Money can’t pay for life. Death is a guarantee. So you cherish the moments and create memories. Tell your mother you love her daily and help out. You have to speak life into her situation. I will be praying for her and hoping the situation changes but you can’t be blind thinking money is the answer for everything. The rich die too. However, stop worrying about death and focus on life. I’m always here if you need me. Maribel says on the other end of the phone. The conversation gets cut short before Sarah got a chance to speak.

CHAPTER 2: KIDNAPPING THE HEART

A T AROUND FIVE, Viola calls upstairs for Sarah to meet them in the limo. Diego and Hector are standing next to the limo in an argument. Diego refuses to make an extra stop to get gas and demands Hector to go to their office first. Hector opens the door to the limo as he can see Viola and Sarah walking down the stairs outside. Sarah stops and gives Hector a dirty look and follows her mom inside. Diego warns Hector that they will continue their talk at another time and joins his family. Hector rolls his eyes, shuts the door, and waves to Martha, who was standing at the door to