Before The End

Ten

Eloa Daiane Black

1975 – 2005

Mother, sister, wife, friend

She stared at the grave in front of her and put the flowers down. As usual Jason wasn’t here. He never came. And she knew he wouldn’t come when she asked him at school yesterday. He didn’t freak out like last year. He was calmer. But still acted like he didn’t care.

“Come on Kenzie. It looks like it’s gonna rain.” Harry said squeezing her shoulder.

“Can I have five more minutes?” she asked. He nodded and walked away going to wait for her in the car.

“Oi mãe. Sou eu Kenzie. eu sinto sua falta. Jason says I was too little to remember you so coming here is pointless. He’s still hurting mãe. That’s why he doesn’t come.”

“I do actually. You’re just never here when it happens.” A voice said behind her making her jump.

“Jay?”

“Hey sis.” He smiled sitting next to her.

McKenzie wanted to say something but she stopped herself. The two sat in a comfortable silence next to each other. And only got up when it started to rain.

“Sorry for being a jerk about mom.” He said helping her up and holding his umbrella above their heads.

“It’s okay. I understand why.” She said softly.

Her phone beeped and she pulled it out of her pocket. Looking at her screen she smiled at the message.

'Looking forward to our date El. I know your answer is yes. It’s pretty obvious.’

“El?” Jason asked reading it over her shoulder.

“It’s Màrtin. He’s been calling me Eloa since I told him my middle name.”

“And the date?”

“He maybe asked me out yesterday. And I told him I’ll think about it.”

“I hope you aren’t saying no because of Zack.” Jason frowned

“I haven’t said no. And I’m over Zack. I’m not doing that again.”

“Good. Màrtin's a good guy.”

“I know.”

…….

“Jason is not someone you want to mess with Màrtin. McKenzie stays out of this; it’s the deal we made.”

“She’s not a China doll. She can handle herself. And I’m not involving her in the drug business. Or the brothels. She can be good behind the wheel.”

“Still. Jason won’t allow it.”

“That’s why I’m not going through Jason Joaquin. She’ll make that decision herself.” Màrtin said leaning back in his seat.

“I don’t like this.” Joaquin sighed.

“You don’t have to like it. It’s decided. She’ll be our best driver. I’ll teach her myself if I have to.”

“Okay fine. I’ll keep Jason in the dark. But if he finds out and things go south.”

“He won’t. And if that happens I’ll handle it myself.”

Màrtin made his way out of the house and jumped into his car. McKenzie said he was picking her up from the Winchester house which he found more convenient. He needed to talk to Zack.

Pulling up in front of Winchester manor he stepped out of the car and made his way to the front door. Just as he was about to knock the door opened with a smiling Logan.

“That’s not creepy at all.” Màrtin smiled.

“We’ve been waiting.” Logan said opening the door wider allowing him to step in.

“Who’s 'we'?”

“Màrtin, long time no see.” Symmone said as the pair walked into the kitchen.

“I saw you this morning Sy.” Màrtin chuckled.

“Where are you taking Mac for your big date?” she asked leaning against the counter.

“Date?” Zack asked finally looking up from his phone.

“Yeah. Màrtin wasn’t an insecure little asshole and asked McKenzie out.”  She smirked.

“Sy behave.” Jason said.

“I get it. I missed my shot, I’m an asshole.” Zack said. “Anyone else want to throw in an insult.”

“I was actually hoping we could talk.” Màrtin said looking at Zack.

“Uhm sure.” Zack said getting up. The pair got up and walked out to talk privately leaving everyone shocked.

McKenzie came into the room in loose denim jeans and a white off shoulder shirt. Looking around the room she frowned at everyone’s expressions.

“What’s going on? Where's Màrtin?” she asked.

“He’s outside talking to Zack.” Jason said.

“About what? Since when did Zack and Màrtin talk?”

“We don’t know ask them.” Logan said.

“Your boyfriend refused to tell us where you’re going.” Symmone whined.

“He’s not my boyfriend.” McKenzie sighed.

“Not yet.” Sy huffed. “Just tell us where you’re going.”

“He hasn’t told me either. I’m just as clueless as you are.” McKenzie smiled.

“Not completely clueless. I at least told you what to wear.” Màrtin said walking in.

“You didn’t tell me what to wear you told me to dress casually.” Kenzie smiled.

“It’s the same thing El. You’re just being stubborn.” He smiled. “I guess we’ll be seeing you guys later.”

“Bye.”

“Have fun.”

“Bring her back by midnight.” They yelled out as McKenzie and Màrtin stepped out of the house and into his car.

“So where are we going?” she asked as they turned onto the highway.

“There’s this race track I want to show you. I know you really love cars so I figured having race a bunch of guys would be fun.”

“I’ve never raced anyone before.”

“That’s why I’m going to teach you.” He smiled at her.

“Will I regret saying yes to this date?”

“Most probably.” Màrtin smirked.

“What were you and Zack talking about?” she asked looking out the window.

“You mean that guy you like?”

“I don’t like him. Well not anymore.”

“Harry told me...”

“You shouldn’t listen to Harry. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life pinning over some guy that doesn’t like me back. I’m not doing that again.” She whispered. Màrtin placed his hand over hers and gave it a light squeeze.

“You won’t. And I was just passing on a message from Joaquin.”

“You know Joaquin?’

“Yeah our fathers have been friends for years. They run the family business together.”

“What is your family business?”

“I could tell you.” He shrugged smiling.

“But then you’ll have to kill me?” McKenzie laughed facing the front again.

“I wouldn’t dream of killing you.” Màrtin said only half joking. He wouldn’t kill her. Or harm her. She was too important. That and her bodyguards would slaughter him. But he had other plans for her.