Episode 2

Peter

I was chilling at home when suddenly I was struck by a massive craving for food. Checking the time, it was 12:40 PM, so I decided to head down the hill to grab a bite at Aunt Marina's. She had opened a little eatery in the neighborhood about three months ago, with a bit of help from me. Between us though, convincing her was no easy feat. She only came around to the idea when I mentioned that she could pay me back in installments for whatever she owed. Just between us, that woman raised me like her own child; if anyone owes anything, it's me to her. But anyway, Aunt Mari can be stubborn, especially when money linked to shady dealings is involved. I sent a quick message to JC telling him I was heading to his spot to have a meal. He responded that he was taking care of some business at the spot but would head down soon.

Arriving at Aunt Marina's, Manu didn't even let me get off my bike before running towards me. I lifted her into my arms before even dismounting.

Peter – Hey, sweetheart. How are you doing?

Manu – Good, daddy.

Yes, Manu had been calling me daddy since she was one year and three months old. It was a bit awkward initially, but now everyone's used to it. She doesn't understand, and she lacks a father figure in her life. Her real dad, a drug addict who owed me a significant amount for drugs, I didn't erase only out of consideration for little Manu. But I made sure he left; he was no role model for her. Not that I am much of one, but at least he would come home drunk and high, and the only reason he never laid a hand on Aunt Mari was because JC and I made it clear it was off-limits. The one time he tried, JC almost finished him off. If not for Manu's sake, that man would've been worm food a long time ago. We didn't want her to ever have to know we killed her father.

Marina – Hey son, how are you? I bet you're hungry, right?

I was pulled from my thoughts when Aunt Marina called out to me.

Peter – Ah, hey Auntie. You know me, I’m absolutely famished, and I've come to the best place to satisfy that hunger, haven't I?

Marina – Come on, get off that bike, and I'll set up a table for you. Pass me Manu... Come here, darling.

Manu – No, mom, I want daddy.

Peter – How about you have lunch with me, little one?

Manu – Yes! (She said as she raised her arms enthusiastically.)

Marina – You've already had lunch, young lady.

Manu – Again, mommy.

Aunt Marina shook her head in mild exasperation and went inside to prepare a table.

I sat Manu on the bike's tank so I could dismount, then scooped her up and headed inside.

Once inside, I played around with Manu for a bit until Joao arrived soon after.

Peter – What's up, brother? Everything cool?

JC – Hey, man. Everything's good? I see the little one's already attached to you.

Peter – Don't talk about her that way. (As I spoke, Manu stuck out her tongue at him. Haha, the little girl was a handful.)

Seeing that Joao had arrived, Aunt Marina took the opportunity to bring out food for the three of us.

JC – Hey there, old lady. How's it going?

Marina – Old lady is your mother, young man. (She replied, making a face at him, and then turned to me.) Do you want me to take her so you can eat in peace, dear?

Peter – No need, Auntie. This one here is my daily dose of peace in this place (I said, hugging my little girl).

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