Good & Bad Times 2

Julio gave me a book entitled Power of Love by MVManalo. I read through it and it's a wonderful novel. But, it is a story about the future and what does that do with me. Julio said that I need to make sure people know about what will happen in the future because we can only change the present for the future and not the future for the now. I kept the book for all these years until Julio passed because of Covid. Many prisoners caught the virus, I'm just one of the lucky ones to have survived even if I wasn't or majority of us weren't vaccinated. Many prisoners not only here but all through-out the world experienced worst treatments.

Some who were already sick got isolated from cells that didn't get regular ration of food and facilities were as bad as the services. The prisoners were complaining of course and that it's better for them to die to be free from the misery and disgrace that they are just low lives waiting for their absolution to really be set free in...death. The prison that I was placed in isn't that bad and we were treated nicely though there were bullies and thugs who had hurt me several times but I fought back by surviving every blow and punishments such as being drowned alive inside the toilet bowl.

Or been jokingly buried alive in one of the grave we prepared for those who died because of the virus. I didn't asked for help or even cried, I was ready to die but those who tried to prank me got scared thinking I was already dead since I didn't react or shout for help. They immediately pulled me off the casket and looked me in the eye then laughed, calling me, El Primo, in Mexican, a rare star brawler, and they respected me , made me their leader from that moment on.

That was eight years ago and I couldn't think of anything to say but to thank these thugs who made me stronger and braver as ever. I was good to them and to everyone. I was the right hand of our prison warden from the first to the third head. They respected me for who I am. I always show my gratitude and the prison officers would always have Cuban cigars or whiskey, or anything that made them happy so that they would continue to treat all prisoners with a little respect and good food. I knew my way towards each prison officers' hearts that they never laid a hand nor hurt any prisoner for the years that I was the El Primo of the place. The place I called my second home and more. And now I'm scot free. I couldn't believe it and maybe I would even feel surprised to act normal after all these years that I was isolated, jailed and protected from the world or people and their judgements.

That day came when I am already free. I said my goodbyes to my friends and said they would miss their El Primo. But I told them, their leader should be themselves from now on. The prison warden and the officers congratulated me and advised to never come back there again. I promised them but deep in my heart I still need to settle a score with Shortey and need to get back the money he stole from me, and soon.

I kept the book Julio gave me and cherished it forever. I would probably give it to my daughter Jade as a gift. I went out of the prison front gate, a large contraption where no one has ever dared to escape to. Here I am walking out of this gate that I didn't expect to get out from, ever again. It was a long time ago that I wished to get out of here and I almost lost count, that it felt weird, nostalgic. I saw Cole, my dearest friend who was already waiting for me with the old Cadillac, which has been kept in good condition and it looked classy still. He knew Belinda and Jade. He told me that he was able to meet Belinda two weeks ago and told her about my release. He said Belinda just smiled but didn't say anything. Well, if I were her I wouldn't say anything either.

After all the hurt and shame I caused them, I wouldn't accept or love me, as well. Cole hugged me and asked to be the one to drive me across town. He still has his pad and he owns a bar now. We will head there to drink and celebrate. But first I wanted to visit Belinda and just say hi. Cole agreed and drove me to the hospital she is working as the head nurse now. She has changed but still looking as beautiful as ever. I don't want to bother her but I just want to see her again, one last time. Then I asked Cole about Jade. He said that his sources say that she is with a girl, maybe a girlfriend and went to California recently. Good, Bruno thought, she isn't here if ever something happens to me. Cole, we need to call the guys because we need them to catch a snake named Shortey. We need all the help we can get, Bruno said while Cole is driving away from the hospital Belinda's working at. Farewell my love and I'll wait for you in heaven.

Cole called the gang one by one and asked for snitches to tell him where they could find Shortey. Others say he is living abroad but one drug pusher who is a regular at his bar told him that the guy they're looking for is just living in the same block as mine and is with his family. He also added that the woman and child left him because he got caught with another girl he's humping In their own house recently. You're the deal, my man, Ben, here you go!, I said handing him a thousand dollar. Thanks man!, Ben said though still high from the substance he took a minute ago. You're free at the bar anytime you like, I added and shook his hand. I owe you man!, and I drove away to tell Bruno the good news.

Bruno and his five men with Cole, wore their military uniforms. They were all retired police officers anyway and just wanted to pay Shortey, an old friend a visit and to ask about their money that he stole from them. 45's, armalites, shot guns and grenades were on attached to their uniforms that's seemed like outfits for commandos. Though far from being a movie and that the actors don't usually get hurt, here Shortey and his men would definitely get hurt but not killed, anyway, Bruno isn't sure of that, unless he got a hodl of his temper and didn't have to kill anyone as long as they cooperate well.

Here we go!...Bruno and his men prepared holding their guns and fire powers boarding a black van with a switched fake plates attached to it. Let's go!