Tomorrow's Goodbye

By Sal Mirabal and Pola López

Henry Chaves and his wife, Ana, along with their two children are living a happy and carefree life in Las Flores. They relocated from California to the small town in New Mexico. Henry and Ana are deeply in love. The challenge of finding employment in a small town begin to affect their marriage. Ana accepts a job as a police officer because Henry, a high school English teacher, cannot find a teaching position. There is an incident when Ana and her partner are on patrol. The incident changes her life and the life of her family. Henry is put in a position where the safety of his family is threatened, and he must make a decision to save not only his family but himself–a decision that will alter their lives forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669818472

Sal Mirabal

Writer and therapist Sal Mirabal has dedicated his life to help at-risk youth. He studied at California State University, the University of Southern California and Loyola Marymount. He recived master's degrees in education, counseling, and educational psychology. Mirabal has lived in Los Angeles, most of his adult life. He is the author of Sotol, The Dance of the Scorpions and El Cerro de la Mancha Azul, in Spanish, all fictional novels. He incorporates Chicano culture in his novels. His fiction earned an honorable mention at the Writers' Day Festival at Mt. San Antonio College.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

I T WAS AFTER twelve midnight and the clock was ticking toward early morning. Henry Chaves and his wife Ana had been entertaining guests. It was the tail end of a going away party held at their home in Hacienda Heights, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. Henry resigned from his job as a high school teacher and Ana from her job as a librarian for the City of Los Angeles. They had decided to leave California, reluctantly, at least for Ana, who was born and raised in the grand city of the angels. Henry could have stayed and continued his career with the school district. In ten or more years, he could have retired with a decent pension and full benefits. And then they could have relocated to Las Flores, New Mexico, where they were moving, his birthplace. But Henry was the type of man who at times ignored the practical.

Henry always claimed to be aware when his personality did not complement his environment, and with Ana’s blessing, they were going to embark on a great expectation kind of journey. Henry was born and raised in the Eastside barrio of Las Flores. At age eighteen he left Las Flores to live and attend college in California.

The best thing Henry had going for him was that he still loved his wife Ana, deeply. After ten years of marriage, he still loved her, and not only was the sex wonderful, but she was also a great mother to the children. She had a special place in his heart that he had never felt before, for any other woman. He was amazed because ten years married with children, in his opinion, was extremely long for a man and a woman to share the same bed. He composed love poems for Ana, that he called pretty words, so as not to sound pretentious. Ana loved them, especially if she inspired him to write them. His pretty words like, my flower of heaven, I love you as I have never loved before, grant me my wish and stay with me forever more, made her feel alive with joy and loved beyond the ordinary. She believed that all women deserved pretty words, but it was sad that only a few were fortunate enough to get them.

Henry Chaves was picking up cans and empty bottles in the extensive backyard with a one arm bandit. Henry would never touch any items left behind by guests with his bare hands. He was wearing white latex gloves as if he was going to perform experimental surgery on some unsuspecting patient. Ana, in her sexy black dress approached from within the house followed by three middle aged women. Ana called Henry and gestured with her hand to join them. Henry saw the women with Ana and said, Shit, to himself. It was the school principal and her minions.

The principal had grown thick, more in the last few years because she had never been thin. Curvy was the term she used to describe herself, a trendy, euphemistic definition utilized by some so as not to offend by using the incendiary and offensive F and O words. But at times her body image gave her the excuse to be harsh with her underlings. Henry had never seen eye to eye with her on her approach of running a school, and a high school, with all the complexities and all the problems that never ended.

Henry, Henry, my darling man, and she attempted to hug him close to the pool.

Henry put up his hands as if directing traffic and motioned to the gloves with his chin. Disappointment registered all over the principal’s round face. She didn’t care about rejection, she had convinced herself, having sampled it for most of her life. It was the fact that the minions had witnessed Henry not wanting to hug her, gloves or no gloves. Besides, she was more concerned about the gossip that was going to be shared on Monday morning that she had gone to Henry’s going away party, a teacher she never got along with, and was not even given a hug for her trouble.

Señora, Señora, Henry exaggerated. My hands are tied. I have been picking up cans and bottles and other trash for the last hour. I hope to make a quick run to the recycling station early tomorrow or the following day. You cannot believe what I have picked up on this beautiful morning to be. Unrecognizable items that I’m sure some individuals discarded as trophies. Besides, I want to wash my hands right away when I take off these filthy gloves. I hope you’re not allergic to latex, Señora.

Henry knew that the principal hated to be called Señora, but she never said anything about it. She was aware that Henry would claim she was indeed a Señora, and it was difficult for her to refute it. And a Señora, in most cases was a loved, if not a respected female, especially in the communities of color. The principal took it as an affront to her age by a younger male in the prime of his life, while she was a middle marcher on the way to oblivion.

I just came to say, we are all going to miss you, Henry, the principal responded, pushing her smile to the limits. The staff, the ones that couldn’t make it, although I saw some who did, wish you the best in the future. I brought you a departing gift for you and your lovely wife Ana. She held out her right hand and one of her lady friends placed the wrapped gift in the principal’s chubby hand. She handed the gift to Ana. She didn’t want to risk getting too close to Henry. And not only because of the unclean gloves but she thought that Henry might push her into the pool and think it funny.

You didn’t have to go to any trouble on our account, Henry said, with an ironic grin. He knew that the gift was a dictionary or a cookbook that had been purchased and wrapped by one of her capable assistants. The vice principal for sure.

No, not a problem, Henry, the principal responded in a cheery mood again. She gave up on the idea that Henry was going to kiss her ass. She knew it was time to move on beyond Henry. Henry had turned out to be a disappointment. But she had others to cultivate, and a good crop was at hand.

Well thank you anyway, my good-looking woman, Henry replied, Henry being Henry. And may the gods continue to be by your side and guide you toward a heavenly rapture.

Ana looked at Henry and said to herself, here he goes. Before Henry uttered another word, Ana touched the principal on the elbow and walked her back toward the house. Ana led the principle and her entourage out the front door, said thanks and goodnight, and went back inside the house.

After Henry finished outside and had meticulously removed the latex gloves and deposited them in the trash bin, he washed his hands thoroughly. Ana walked into the kitchen from the living room with a plastic bag full of disposable items.

Henry smiled and said, hey there sweetheart, you getting tired? We can call it a night. We should go to bed and finish up in the morning. Then he got close to her and kissed her on the mouth.

Ana also smiled and held on to Henry. She kissed his neck. She knew that was a turn on for him.

Hey, hey,’’ Henry sang out. We must get cleaned up and lock up the house. And then Ana my love, we’ll see. I’m in the sky is the limit mood and anticipating a night of indescribable pleasure. An arousing physical adventure of desire and unparalleled beauty, with no end in sight. I will hold you in my arms until the sun diminishes the last morning star and we rejoice in its eternal light. And you and only you, can take us there, my lovely Ana, love of my life, queen of my universe."

Oh Henry, you’re so sweet, my good-looking man, Ana responded, as happy as only true love can make you. She was also thrilled because when Henry was in that mood, she was in for a fun time. She was sure Henry would go toes to head with his lips and tongue, with plenty to spare for the middle kingdom.

Henry was her man, her only man and she took good care of him. She gave him what he wanted and needed in bed and some extra. She didn’t want him to have a reason or an excuse to wander, as some men did, and then live with the guilt and embarrassment and other painful complications that came with having an adulterous affair. Henry had been with numerous women before they married and could tell the difference between good and bad sex before the sheets felt the heat. Henry was her first and only man in her life so far. Sure, she had played some games with boys and a few uninspiring men, but they didn’t know the difference between Cochise and cottage cheese. Henry introduced her to the pleasure of lovemaking beyond anything she thought possible. It evolved beyond physical passion into an ecstasy within reach of only a fortunate few, she strongly believed. Henry was the type of man who not only studied sex but practiced it and always wanted to take it to the limit. Compatibility was a problem, until he met her.

Ana and Henry were all washed up and ready to rock and roll. Ana entered the bedroom with a smile on her beautiful face. She assured Henry that the children were fast asleep. She left the door open because the children were out until early morning. Her heart was beating rapidly with anticipation. And after her emotional and physical euphoria, Henry might surprise her with pretty words as he usually did. She knew that her dessert after an energetic lovefest came when Henry read to her the words, he had composed for her. Words that captured the images of love and the complications that love was known for. The words rained on her like pointed arrows from Cupid’s bow or like the petals of roses floating in the air.

Ana laid next to Henry naked. She was full of hope and excited with the possibilities that might come her way on that early June morning. Henry, also naked, turned to Ana and asked. Why did you invite her? You know I never got along with her.

Henry, please. Ana was taken aback with the question. She believed all that was behind them. I only invited her as a courtesy. I never believed she would come. After all, she is the principal.

And that means what? That she is too high and mighty to come to our house? Henry answered his own question as he usually did.

Ana was disappointed. She refused to get into a conversation about an unimportant topic that would ruin the moment. Instead, she said, Henry, this is probably the last night we are going to enjoy in this house. Let’s take advantage of it and have some fun.

Henry looked straight at Ana, kissed her on the neck and said, You’re right my love, you are always right, and his lips were all over her. He suddenly stopped and said, with every breath I take, I see your lovely face, and I yearn for your warm embrace. Then he was all over her like a starving wild wolf, touching and kissing her from head to toes and in all the right places that he knew Ana loved. When he ate the cookies from her cookie jar, Ana exploded and screamed in pleasure.

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CHAPTER 2

H ENRY AND ANA Chaves had been living in Las Flores, New Mexico going on two weeks. They had purchased a home on the Westside of town. The house was an older ranch style but well-maintained. It was as large as their home in California, but it seemed larger because it was a one-story house, and the rooms were bigger. Henry liked the house because it was in a double cul-de-sac, and it had a study with built-in bookshelves for his extensive collection of books. Ana also liked the house because of its Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and a large front and back yard for the children to play in. The best part was that the house was almost paid for with the money from their house sold in California. They kept a small mortgage for tax purposes and managed to bank most of the money for the children’s college fund.

When Henry and Ana closed the deal on the house, they left Sabina Apodaca the keys. Sabina was Henry’s older sister and she also lived in the Westside with her husband Joe, a few streets distance. Ana and Henry flew back to Los Angeles and left Sabina and Joe to look after the house. Sabina opened the door for the movers when they arrived with the furniture and arranged for the utilities to be connected as soon as possible. Henry told Sabina he would haul the rest of the smaller items in a U-Haul trailer towed by his Tundra truck and Ana would also tow a smaller U-Hall with her Lexus.

Henry Chaves and his two children walked to the park that was a couple of blocks from their home. It was a pleasant late June morning. Henry Chaves Junior, called Junie, ran ahead of Henry who held his daughter Belinda’s hand. Junie was ten years old and tall for his age, while Belinda was eight.

Daddy, Daddy, tell Junie to stop running. He wants to grab the best swing, Belinda kept telling Henry.

Henry was enjoying his walk. He didn’t have to worry about cars speeding all over the place. Las Flores had grown during the years he had been away. But it was still peaceful and quiet compared to the city he had relocated from. He didn’t have to drive as much and taking his children to the park was something he had not done in a while.

"Belinda mi Linda, as Henry called his beautiful daughter, don’t worry, Junie only wants to save you a swing."

As Henry and Belinda arrived at the spacious park, Junie was already swinging high on the swings, screaming at Belinda to grab a swing. Belinda ran to the swings yelling at Henry to push her high. Henry didn’t like to push Belinda too high on the swing. He was afraid she might fall, but he did it anyway. He could never refuse Belinda anything and that always caused problems.

After tiring of the swings, Junie and Belinda played on the slide and other fun equipment that was available in the state-of-the-art playground. Henry retired to a park bench close enough to see the children. He wasn’t worried about Junie; it was Belinda he had to keep an eye on. Belinda was too friendly and would chat with anyone. Before Henry sat on the bench, he noticed and older man already sitting there.

Mind if I join you? Henry asked as friendly as he could.

It’s a public bench, the man answered, not looking at Henry.

Jesus, what a grouch, Henry said to himself as he sat. He wasn’t expecting this. The man was deeply tanned and had thick white hair. The kind of hair that turns white on a person at an early age. Las Flores was known for its friendly people. Henry did not want to start his return to his hometown by exchanging negative words with a stranger in the park. This was not New York City, after all, a city famous for its rude people. He noticed that the man did not take his eyes away from a thin, sickly-looking boy with thick eyeglasses. The boy was around eight or nine years old, and Belinda was coaxing him to climb the jungle gym with her and follow Junie.

Belinda kept yelling at Junie to wait for them. Junie wouldn’t wait for anyone. He was all over the jungle gym several times before Belinda grabbed his attention. Junie knew that the sick looking boy wouldn’t climb up to his domain. Junie was the king of the jungle gym because there were no other older boys around to challenge him. He was positive that no boys his own age or younger would get in his way.

The man on the park bench abruptly jumped up and called William in a loud voice. The little boy, whose name was William ignored him and kept his attention on Belinda.

William! the man repeated, as he walked toward the boy. It’s time to leave, grandmother has a special gift for you.

The little boy reluctantly released Belinda’s hand and joined his grandfather with a sad look on his dark face.

Daddy, Daddy! Belinda approached Henry all excited and asked in a loud voice, can William go with us for ice cream at Dora’s? Please Daddy, please.

William is lactose intolerant, the man snapped at Henry and then walked away holding William by the hand.

Daddy, Daddy, what did the man say?

I’ll explain later, princess. Call your brother, let’s go get some ice cream.

Junie was having fun swinging side to side and smashing into other kids with his hips as he held on to the bar with both hands. He decided to establish his reputation early, instead of later. When he heard Belinda calling him and saying where they were going, Junie jumped from the high bar and landed on his feet. The bar wasn’t that high, and Junie wanted to show off. He was brave, but not stupid.

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CHAPTER 3

A NA AND HENRY, after watching a movie on HBO headed to their bedroom. Ana checked on the kids and made sure all video games were turned off and they were in their own bedrooms sleeping. Belinda at times wanted to sleep in Junie’s bed or with them. Ana insisted on breaking that habit, but she had to be smart and sensitive about not traumatizing Belinda. Ana allowed it the first two weeks when they first moved in because of the new environment. But now it was time to break her of that habit once and for all.

Ana entered their bedroom and Henry was naked propped up on the bed by pillows. He was uncovered on top of the sheets, bronzed, bathed, oiled, and ready to swing the ax. He laid aside the book he was reading, Shoot the Piano Player, by David Goodis, to concentrate solely on his gorgeous Ana. He could never get enough of her hard legs, tight ass and big, well-proportioned tits. He loved her soft smooth olive skin and it looked and tasted better with a tan. The passionate physical love making would singe the flesh and the thrusting tongue, stimulated with delight, with no lack of appetite was given the green light. And they indulged in all the different positions, well known and experienced, and it could go on for hours. The strong love that Ana displayed was what kept Henry secure and calm in his relations with his inner demons. Henry needed that powerful love to be his, and only his.

Ana took one look at Henry and smiled. Her teeth were even and white as snow. Her lips were full but not excessive and her nose was small but not petite. Her ideal body was what most people noticed, especially men. Her body was sculpted by a master who was familiar with every angle of human anatomy. At age thirty and five, younger women looked shabby next to her. She was gifted with a body of almost perfect proportions and all she did for exercise was yoga. Along with her fabulous body came an eye-catching face and a sunny disposition.

Ana was in Henry’s arms after a couple of hours of lovemaking. They were wet with perspiration and Henry was still breathing heavy.

You’re going to kill me, sweetheart, but that’s the only way to go, Henry said between breaths, and he kissed her on the face and shoulders.

Oh Henry, stop it. I can’t keep up with you, Ana responded. She was happy and satisfied that Henry had waited for her, and she had several blissful orgasms that left her content. You’re a resourceful man, my love and I will never stop loving you, and that I promise with all my heart. Now if you have something extra for me, that will be just wonderful.

Henry stopped kissing Ana but kept his eyes on her. The full moon and the bright stars, seemed to be in the bedroom with them when they started their sexual extravaganza, could be seen through the French doors and large windows diminishing. Their brilliant light fading but staying prominent in their positions until the succeeding night when the blanket of magic beauty would adorn the sky with an art that no human artist could imitate. There was a serenity in Henry’s heart that he had not felt for some time. He was calm and comfortable staying close to Ana, the love of his life. He was at peace and his sex drive was as good as it could get. He didn’t have to escape into that crazy illusion that some men have when having sex with their wives and imagine that it’s another woman, a helpful truth for some, a destructive reality for others.

Ana, mi dulce amor, Henry finally said, and he touched her lips. I do have a little something for you. I just started it. It’s short but sweet.

Oh Henry! Please read it to me, please, Ana pleaded and kissed Henry on the mouth, thrusting her tongue deep, just as he loved it.

Henry pulled Ana closer and worked his tongue into her mouth, but Ana gently pushed him back and laughed. Not so fast, amigo, indulge me and I will indulge you, she said, and she meant it.

Henry picked up a writing pad from the nightstand and read the words on it to Ana. You are like the beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom in the spring. You are a gentle white dove that flies free in the clear blue sky, far above the trees. You are the serene rock garden that shines on the surface of a lunar landscape. You are my true love, the spark that ignites the fire in my heart.

I LOVE IT, HENRY! Ana enthusiastically almost shouted. Read it again Henry, please, one more time.

It’s not completed, Ana my dear. When I complete it and am satisfied that it is OK, I’ll read it to you as many times as you want. And of course, I’ll give it to you. It’s yours after all, you inspired me to compose it.

Henry, my dear Henry, you are so sweet and that’s why I am so deeply in love with you and will always be. Ana kissed his body until she reached the source of his pleasure.

Henry closed and opened his eyes while in a high state of ecstasy. Ana had her mouth wrapped around his joystick and used her hot tongue to produce flashes of lighting to his brain. With her free hand, she massaged his buttocks and that drove him wild. She gently visited his cottage with her thumb, and he screamed with pleasure. The honeycomb erupted and his body jerked upward several inches off the bed. Ana didn’t release the carrot until she sucked in every drop of Henry’s juicy climax.

Henry finally drained and satisfied, said, OK, darling, you can give it a break. But kiss me on the mouth so I can taste what you have swallowed.

Ana kissed Henry on the mouth driving her tongue as far into Henry’s throat as she could. She wanted Henry to taste the sweet syrup that came from his tree. Henry then put Ana on her back with a small pillow under her waist. He performed his high-performance act and Ana thrust her hips up and down and she howled in rapturous pleasure and pulled on Henry’s hair.

Don’t stop! Don’t ever stop! she yelled at Henry who was enjoying every minute of it. With his lips and tongue, he made Ana’s castanets click rhythmic music. Then he grabbed Ana’s hard buns with both hands and squeezed, kneading the flesh with expert hands. Finally, he placed one hand between the canyon walls and slipped a finger into the dark cave. Ana shuddered with pleasure and the moon, and the stars seemed so close that she could touch them. She caught her breath and fell flat on the bed with Henry’s head resting on her most sensitive area.

It was getting to early morning and the bedroom had cooled. Henry shut the French doors and windows. He laid next to Ana naked. Henry slept naked in the summer. He never bothered with any nightclothes and utilized a light sheet to cover up in case Belinda popped in.

Henry felt like reading but Ana would think it rude if she wasn’t reading. They didn’t have to get up early since they were both without jobs. Henry was thinking of all the plans he had, things he was going to undertake in Las Flores. His novel came to mind. He had done a psychological profile of his main protagonist and some of the other characters. He needed to know how far he could take his main character and how much violence he could inflict, if any. He had to know if his main protagonist was going to live or die and how much personal torment he could expect to go through.

Henry dearest, Ana interrupted Henry’s thoughts. She was calm and mindful of Henry’s contemplation. She had to bring up the matter, even though it might sound unpleasant. Henry my love, she continued. We are almost in the month of July. August and school for the children will be upon us before we know it.

Henry wanted to ignore Ana. The reality of life was at times a thorn up his ass. He didn’t want to think of any issues that had to with raising a family or other domestic concerns that never went away. He just wanted to think about his novel and attempt to bring his characters and the plot into perspective. He had to know them in and out and not be jolted when they demanded his attention.

Yes, sweetheart, Henry responded, affectionate and patient. The children will have to be enrolled in school. I’ll take care of it if you wish, my dear.

That is so kind of you, Henry, but I was thinking of you getting a job. I mean the district is probably interviewing prospective teachers by now. I know we have a little saved and the mortgage payment is low, but eventually we will run out of money.

Oh, baby girl, don’t worry your pretty head about that. I am familiar with our financial circumstances, and we will be fine. Remember we should get my retirement contribution from California soon and with your package, we can live off that for a couple of years or more if we plan right.

Henry, we decided to put the majority of that money in the children’s college fund, don’t you recall?

Yes, you’re right, Ana. But not to worry, I will call tomorrow and set up an appointment for a teaching position. And the best part about that, Ana my faithful love bird is that I know the superintendent of public instruction and he oversees all the schools in the county, including the schools in Las Flores.

How do you know him, Henry? You’ve been away from Las Flores for more than twenty years.

His name is Marcos Guzman, Henry responded, confident that Ana would change the subject. He was a year ahead of me in school, but we exchanged glances and said hi on occasions. I mean we attended Las Flores high school and I’m positive I offered him a beer or something during that time.

Well, for your sake, I hope it was only a beer and nothing else. I’m going to sleep, Henry. Will you cuddle next to me when you turn in?

Of course, dear, I will. And we can spoon before the children wake. Henry was less than truthful. He couldn’t sleep comfortable when too close to Ana, especially in the summer nights. He preferred to sleep alone. But he loved Ana so much, and in the early morning his rooster felt like exploring the barnyard, so he would never offend her by sleeping alone in the guest room.

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CHAPTER 4

T HE COUNCIL MEETING was as