Cedar Falls Chicago Branch

Keya P.O.V

The guard knocks on the window again. And allows us through. “Proceed.” We drive inside a bit and are met by some people in suits. They're standing near a fancy horse-drawn carriage. OMG! “HORSES!” I marvel at the two gorgeous creatures. They curiously gaze at me while chewing on some grass. One of the men in suits asks our names. Manny answers him. The man checks his clipboard, nods, then turns around to a lady near the carriage. “Manny & His Keya, please.” He announces with a smile. She searches the carriage and hands him an envelope and two fancy gift bags. “Welcome to the Cedar Falls Summer Gala! Enjoy your stay!” He hands the gifts to Manny, who gives them to me. They bow with a flourish. “Thank you!” I beam as I accept the presents. I thought we were just coming for a meet & greet. But we get gifts too!

We drive through lush, thick woods. It smells great out here. “Mami, did you like those horses?” “Yup. I wish I could have petted them.” “Have you ever ridden one before?” I grin. I have actually. “Yes! When I was 5 years old. I went on a field trip with my mom. It was with her Home Economics class. It was at a ranch or farm or something. I remember sitting on this strong brown horse. There were all types of livestock there. I milked a cow and a goat. And, tried curds & whey. I churned butter and ate fresh cheese. I collected eggs from chickens, ducks, and turkeys. I remember the turkey egg was bigger than my hand! I saw pigs for the first time and realized I never wanted to eat pork again! They had a greenhouse and I got to pick some fresh flowers, fruit, and veggies. They also took us on a hayride. It was so bumpy. But we had a blast! It’s one of my few favorite memories of being with my mom."

“Damn Ma, that's what's up. You know, I had my very own horse when I was younger. When we lived in Puerto Rico. I rode her everywhere. I named her Leia. She was a Paso Fino. She was a smart horse. I taught her tricks and how to dance.” “Really Papi, that’s so cool! I’ve always wanted to have some land and animals and grow my own food.” I tell him my lifelong dream. He's extremely shocked. “Wait, are you being for real right now?"

"Hell yeah! I've always wanted to do those things. And build myself a sexy cedar log cabin. That's mostly why I want to be an architect. So I can design and build my own cabin." He is so stunned by this info. "Ma, don't be fuckin around with me right now." I shake my head. "I'm not, seriously! Yeah, I'm a bona fide city-born girl. But I would love to live in the countryside. Like for real, for real."

"Mami, don't be bullshitting me right now. Do you actually want to live in the countryside?" The hell? Duh! "Yes! Why would I lie about something like that? It's been a dream of mine for a while now. Why would you think I'm lying?" His face flushes with untamed excitement. He wipes his hand down it, exhaling and grins wide. "Mami, I used to do all that in P.R. when I was younger." Wait! "What? For real?!" He laughs. "Yeah! I know how to raise all types of livestock and butcher them. Prepare them, too. I also fish & hunt. We rarely went to the markets because we grew most of our own... Everything! We had to stop all of it when we moved up here to Chicago, though. But fuck yes! I miss that shit real talk." He turns to me very seriously all of a sudden. "Would you like to live like that with me, Mami?"

"Hell yeah, I'd love to, Papi. Just not right now." I tell him truthfully. He frowns, shouting. "Why not?!" Is he for-fucking-real?! "Because I'm still taking care of my family. I'm still in school. I still want to go to college. And start my own business!" He gets very agitated and dismissive. "I can get someone to take care of them! And I got enough money for you to start a damn business right now. You don't need to finish school!" What The Fuck!?

"Damn, so you just come into my life and take the fuck over?! What about what I wanted to do with my life before we met? Am I supposed to just drop that?! Just stop doing me and follow your ass!? Just do whatever you want me to without any question!?" The crazed look on his face suggests he wants to yell, YES! But he turns away from me, pissed, and growls low. "We'll talk about this later." But I retort, pissed and annoyed. "There ain't shit to talk about!" Kane rumbles low. "Yes, it is! And we'll discuss this later, Mate!" "Ugh!!" I loudly grumble, agitated as fuck. And angrily slam back in my seat while crossing my arms. They get on my damn nerves!

We drive silently through the thick forest along a cobblestone road till we arrive at a massive shiny black castle! It's vast and around 7 stories tall. Dense green vines are growing up its sides. There are lots of strange plants growing out front. They move unnaturally like they're alive! I'm getting serious villain vibes from this place. We park in our assigned spot, #24. Someone is standing near it. When we get out, the guy asks Papi. "Can I carry your luggage?" "Sure." He gets our luggage and leads us inside. We greet the other guests who are entering the place, too. We get to our room, #24. And dayum, this room is magnificent!

The living area has gold-trimmed, white Italian leather furniture, glass-top tables, and a plush white area rug. There's a balcony attached to the right. With a decorative white bistro table with 2 chairs. Surrounded by colorful potted plants. The kitchenette to the left is fully furnished with gold appliances and bamboo decor and accents. There's an island in the middle complete with breakfast nook and stools. Light oak wood floors throughout. Mostly painted white and navy blue with wooden edgings. The bellhop sits our luggage inside and bows. Papi gives him a tip. He looks up, stunned. Like he's never received one before. "Thank you, sir!" He grins shocked yet appreciative. "Da Nada. Gracias." Papi shrugs. The bellhop relays before he leaves. "Delta Lucio will be here shortly to give you a tour. Welcome to Cedar Falls."

I walk over to the door opposite the front door. It reveals a beautiful bedroom. There's a king-size bed, fireplace, walk-in closet, and huge attached bathroom. Dayum, this is nooiiice! I'm redesigning this room in my head when Kane's demanding voice calls. "My Keya!" Sigh. I don't wanna argue with him, seriously. I've already said, Ain't shit to talk about! I spin around to glare at him. He storms over to me. But a knock at the front door halts all the rage that's about to erupt from both of us. I go open the door. "Hello, I'm Delta Lucio. Beta Javier asked me to take you on a short tour of the Packlands. Are you ready to go?"

"Yes!" I agree instantly. Happy to avoid an argument with Kane. I quickly step outside in the hallway. Before Kane can protest. I'm walking down the hall when I receive a mindlink. 'This isn't over, My Keya.' 'Mmm Hmph!' I murmur as I walk away. I'd rather deal with this later than sooner. It'll give me some time to cool down. He needs to understand that there's no one to take care of my siblings but me! That's how it's always been. And our relationship isn't gonna change that! Possessive asshole!

Outside, Kane plants me snugly on his lap, against my will. As we ride around on a comfy golf cart through this huge compound. Once we make it through the trees, we spot many two to five-story brick apartment buildings. Also, lots of single-family homes with well-kept yards. He drives down this cobblestone road into what looks like a town square. There are many cozy outdoor seating areas all around. Lots of little mom-and-pop shops, cafes, boutiques, and a large fresh produce market. There's a huge garden here with many lively workers singing and dancing to some old Italian music. Further down are the schools. The public park is nice. There are lots of older guys playing chess or checkers smoking big cigars and drinking. Some people are fishing in little boats on a tiny lake. Next, pasture lands with many grazing livestock. Lastly, we spot a nice-sized hospital. Well damn, they live just like we do. Just within the safety of these walls. Among their own kind. This is somewhere I can totally live.