Chapter 1: The First Encounter 1 of 2

Manny P.O.V

My name is Manuel Antonio Rodriguez. I was born on November 8th, 1973 on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, to my parents Gloria and Alfredo. I'm the youngest of 8 siblings, 5 sisters, and 2 brothers. Growing up in the countryside of the island with my family was great. My parents worked in the city, and that's where we attended school.

We lived on my grandparent's homestead in a 4 bedroom home, one of the many houses out here on the land. My Papau and Memau had 9 kids, including my dad. We grew most of our own food, lots of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. We also raised chickens, cows, goats, sheep, turkeys, pigs, and rabbits that we butchered for food.

My Papau also taught me how to hunt and fish. I enjoyed hunting the most. It just felt I don't know... natural to me. He showed me how to use a wooden bow & arrow first, then various knives, axes, machetes, and finally, guns. I was excellent at all types of weaponry, it was second nature.

We sold the land and moved to Chicago's Humboldt Park area in March 1984. Living in the big city was really different from the countryside. I miss the country life, if ever I am able to, I want to live like that again.

We didn't have a lot of animals anymore. My grandma kept herself some chickens though, and she loved fresh eggs. We couldn't hunt anymore but could still fish in the Humboldt Park Lagoon or at Lake Michigan. Our school was closer; everything was a short walk away. We no longer grew a lot of our own food or had to butcher any animals. And the weather was much more different, colder. It.. took a while to get used to.

I graduated from Roberto Clemente high school in 1991. I decided to join the Marines that summer and after nearly 6 years now I'm back home. I'm eating at my Tios' (Spanish for Uncle) restaurant enjoying a jibarito meal (jibarito is a steak sandwich with grilled onions, cheese, mayo, lettuce, and tomato, between 2 flatten and fried plantains served with traditional rice and beans.)

It was cozy in here some random Telenovela was on the TV and soft Samba music playing in the background. I had been back for about a month now and enjoyed seeing my family and spending time catching up with everyone.

I was able to buy myself a nice 4 bedroom/ 3 and a half bath home and a '98 royal blue Cadillac Deville. My cousin Victor encouraged me to buy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle; he said it'll help in getting the ladies to notice me. ME! Oh, the ladies notice me, I'm a caramel-colored, towering 6'5" tall, ripped 275-pound GOD of a man! Believe me, they notice me, bro.

It was April now, Easter Sunday, and the weather was warming up a bit, but still windy as usual. It ain't called the Windy City for nothing. My face has some stubble and I was sporting a bald fade, I'm really looking forward to my hair growing back. I had to keep it cut while in the Marines. I had on a blue muscle shirt and black slacks.

"So what are you planning on doing with yourself now that you're back, Sobrino (nephew)?" My uncle asked.

"Honestly I just want to settle down unc, being single sucks. I want what you and Aunt Marie got, a marriage and a solid foundation. I want some little Mannys running around." I told him honestly.

Aunt Marie looked up from the register smiling, then came over and gave her hubby a kiss.

"Awww gracias (thanks) Manny!" she told me gladly.

He looked at me a little surprised, "Really?! Already?" I nodded.

"Well, just know that it ain't gonna just happen overnight. It takes years of trust, loyalty, sacrifice, respect, and unconditional love to have a great marriage work out, you understand?"

He said, turning and tapped Marie on her ass as she walked by. She just looked at him and smirked, shaking her head. He was cooking orders behind the counter while talking to me, and a few nearby customers verbally agreed with him. So did I.

"Entiendo Tio." (I understand uncle) I smiled.

I missed my uncle, he and his wife Marie, started off selling plates of food to pay bills and raised enough money with the family's support to open up their own restaurant.

He could retire if he wanted to, but he loved cooking too much. My grandpa, his father, told me when I was younger to invest in my future, so I did. Before I went off to the Marines, I had bought several shares in various companies that turned out a nice return, so I had a good nest egg to rest on. Just for something to do, I am considering applying for the head security guard position at my old high school starting in August.

I was sitting there lost in thought eating my sandwich when suddenly I felt this pulling sensation in my lower abdomen. It was growing stronger by the moment, and then I heard this beautiful voice next to me.

"Hey Papa, my Grammy wants to order your delicious rotisserie chicken meal again. " The lovely voice sang.

"Coming right up!" my uncle said to her. And he called out the order.

I slightly turned and saw this young, fine-ass black chick sitting next to me, and she smelled GOOOOD!.. Like the freshly harvested lavender and ginger root that my Memau used to grow. And it was turning me on like a motherfucker.

She giggled, and it was a melodious sound that made my dick jump, and something stirred somewhere deep within me. And I faintly heard the word 'Mate' ..the fuck? I frowned.

She bit her lip slightly while swinging her legs back and forth, staring excitedly behind the counter watching my Tio prepare her meal when she caught sight of me and said cheerfully, "Hi!" she smiled and it brightened up her face, and my day along with it.

"Hello," I say, a smirk easing on my face. Her smell was intoxicating and mouth-watering. I breathe it in and shivered slightly. Hmm, I wonder if she tastes as good as she smells. Because I'm starving and would love to take a bite of her. I unknowingly licked my lips.