Doctor and The Mobster

Rochelle I was lying in bed going through my social media post from that morning when the shouting began. My mom was screaming at my dad and he was being very apologetic. “That stupid b***h almost stabbed me!” I heard her scream. I put down my phone and quietly walked to the staircase. They were in the entrance foyer and I could see some of my father’s men. They were standing around and pretending not to listen to yet another argument. “Babe, calm down” my father said and immediately I could see he realized that was the wrong thing to say. “Don’t you f*****g dare” my mother said in an even voice. “I’m tired of this, Jacob” she whispered before walking towards the stairs. I quickly went back to my room. Seeing my mother’s face and knowing that dad hurt her again, made me wonder why she stayed all these years. Later that same week my mom was in the kitchen with one of her girlfriends. Nicole Garricks was my mom’s longest friend and the only one so far who wasn’t around for the monetary benefits their relationship offered. I was going to enter the kitchen when my mom sniffled. “I have no other option, Nic. I didn’t even finish high school” “You’re not too old to start over. If you truly have no more love for Jacob then end it” “And do what Nic? I’m too old to start over. I made my bed and I have to lay in it” my mom said even though her voice held zero conviction. I walked away after that not wanting to infringe on her privacy anymore. I went to my room and sat on my bed. I don’t know how long I sat there staring at my reflection. I had finished high school over a year ago and I had no plans to do anything else. I took up my phone and went through social media. Several of my friends were at college or university. I saw post about how hard their assignments were of how fun this frat party is. I stood deciding I wanted a better life for myself. That night at family dinner after my father gave my mom some outrageously expensive gift and I saw her forgive him again. My decision to further my education became solid in my head. “I want to go to college” I said and saw my mom freeze from admiring her new necklace. “What do you want to study?” my dad asked. “I don’t know. I’ll figure that out on my own” “Well don’t get your hope up” my dad added. “Why?” I asked getting irritated. “You barely made it through high school, princess” he said in his derogatory tone. “Well dad, I’ll just have to work harder since I don’t want to be stuck here the rest of my life” “Rochelle!” my mother gasped. “Stuck here? You are given every comfort, young lady. I suggest you start showing some gratitude” “Oh, I’m extremely gracious. And so was every other w***e you enjoyed!” I snapped and saw a dark look come over my father’s face. It was a look I’ve only seen him give his men. “That’s enough! Rochelle, I won’t have you disrespect me in my own house” he added a lower tone to his voice that made me shiver. “Finish your dinner” he said and I knew any other conversation was not going to happen. I finished my dinner in silence and retreated to my room. Not for the first time I found myself wishing I had left with Alec. He must be having the time of his life in New York. Alec When the fist connected with my nose I heard it break. It wasn’t the first time I had gotten a broken nose and it probably won’t be the last. “Get up, fish” the big white inmate with the buzz cut said holding up his fist. I struggled to my feet; my eyes were starting to get blurry. I made it to my feet but didn’t have the time to retaliate or get another punch. The guards came out and controlled the crowd that had grown when I had challenged this guy to a fight. I was pulled away and shoved towards the infirmary. “This guy he hasn’t been on the block for a few weeks and he’s already starting fights” the guard said to the doctor when he shoved me into the infirmary. “Mr. Rodriguez” the doctor said looking up at me from his chair. He gestured for me to sit on the stool in front of him. “Why so angry?” he asked “Outside the obvious” he said gesturing to the bars on the infirmary windows. “I don’t need a shrink” I hissed and flinched when he started dressing my nose. “Well, are you going to spend the rest of your life behind bars? You’re young Alec, don’t let this shitty world define you” Years later I still remember what he said. Of course I didn’t shape up right away but because of him I started thinking about the future I wanted for myself. At night whenever it was lights out I always found myself thinking about Rochelle. Would I have ended up in jail if she was by my side? Probably, given my anger issues. I was twenty one when I was released. I found Giovanni Custos and he took me under his wings. He taught me everything he knew about the underworld and when he passed I took over. My dream to never feel powerless was finally on the right or wrong track depending on how you look at it.