Page 97 of Speak No Claim

I gently caressed her arm, making her look at me. “That’s not crazy at all.” I comforted her the only way I knew how. “Where I’m from, the dead remain part of the family and are honored through music, food, and prayer. Our loved ones are always watching over us. I’m sure my father is over me too.” With a solemn expression, I professed, “Unfortunately, some loved ones don’t get to pass over, and they stay somewhere between, stuck in limbo.”

“I’d hate that for her,” she rasped with earnest eyes. “Having to stay, trapped in these walls.”

“Deja,” I warily spoke. “Onyx told me about your future…”

“Yeah.” She smiled through the sorrow in her gaze. “Hopefully he has a big dick.”

I choked on my drink, laughing.

We were silent for a minute until she acknowledged, “We all have our crosses to bear, Hennessy. It is what it is.”

“And what if you don’t?”

“What do you mean?”

“This arranged marriage, what if you don’t go through with it?”

She laughed, flatly stating, “I’d die.” Her tone was serious despite the laughter. “Well, more like sacrificed, but you get the picture.”

“But they’re already sacrificing you, Deja.”

Her expression faltered as she contemplated the truth. As quick as it was there, she defaulted back into the chameleon she was. “I could always run away, try to start a new life… maybe they’d never find me.”

“It would make Onyx very sad to lose you like that.”

“Yeah…” she breathed out.

“I’m sorry, Deja, I wasn’t trying to⁠—”

“I know.” She rubbed my shoulder. “I appreciate the gesture.”

“If you ever need to talk, you know, about anything, I’m here for you.”

She nodded in understanding. “You’re very kind, Hennessy. I really like that about you. I haven’t seen too much kindness in my life. If it weren’t for Onyx, I wouldn’t have anyone.”

“He loves you too, but what about your father? I’m sure⁠—”

“Onyx has always been my father’s favorite, and that’s not saying much.”

“And your aunt?”

She shrugged. “She’s had her moments over the years. She taught me how to put on makeup, do my hair, told me about my body changing and you know… some girl things.”

“You’re lucky to have had her.”

“She’s tough. I wouldn’t exactly call her warm or loving, but she’s come through when I needed her.”

“I imagine it has to do with her upbringing.”

She nodded. “I know.” Changing the subject, she complimented, “That dress on you is spectacular.”

She was also wearing a black gown. Most of the women wore black outfits, as if it were a funeral rather than a Thanksgiving celebration. We didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Peru, but I knew what it was.

“Thank you, you look great too.”

Wiggling her eyebrows, she grabbed my hands. “Now let’s get you liquored up. You’re going to need it.” She escorted me to the bar.

I ordered a glass of wine, looking for my uncle, not finding him or Elizabeth in the crowd. In Peru, I would’ve been introduced to everyone, having to kiss each person on the cheek as if I’d known them all my life. People were welcoming, warm, and loving.