That evening I told Mateo about the call with his mother. I had waites since Sunday. Wednesday night and I couldn't help but wonder if she would tell him about the call. I wouldn't want it to be like Valetina's case where that bitch told him before I could.

We were on the phone, his voice warm and sleepy, I knew he was stressed out. I hesitated, twisting the edge of the blanket on my lap, before finally saying it.

"Your mom called me on Sunday. She basically ordered me to come for Christmas."

Mateo went quiet for a second. Then he sighed, more like he expected it or he...