Hi, cuties enjoy this new chapter!

Happy New Year! Many blessings to you and your loved ones!

013- A Fugitive

Juan's face haunted me every night since I last saw him that day in the parking while I was leaving. I was having nightmares with his face popping in reminding me that I was the moving target. Ending my life will allow them to be at ease so that I won't run my mouth off what I've seen in our first encounter with his associates. I had told them all from the very beginning to let me go that I wouldn't tell anyone, I was telling the truth. I had too much going on in my personal life already that I couldn't add being a witness and having to attend their trial at the courthouse being a reliable witness. I wasn't even certain they got to finish the job when I ran into them in the ally that day. I don't even know where Juan's house was located I couldn't see. Every important detail that could lock them away was hidden from me, do they not see that?

Weeks have gone by and it was the same routine repeating over and over again, but I didn't mind. I was making good money and I was at ease knowing I could afford things for myself and Xavi. Jose had told us there was no rush on leaving the apartment but if we felt more comfortable there was a new building that had just been constructed that was available to lease just an eight-minute drive from his current place. He knew I would've felt more comfortable with just Xavi and me because I felt like we were being a bother. I mean when I first called him he had a lady friend keeping him company. I think her name was Christina, as Luis had said during our first encounter. According to Luis, Jose took a very strong liking towards her and things are getting serious, I don't want to be in the way of that.

On my off day, I had suggested that the three of us go see the new apartments, and he agreed he only asked if he could bring someone which I agreed to as well, knowing it would be either Christina or Luis. I got dressed in some jean shorts with a tan tank top I found at TJ Max and placed an open dress shirt over that I also found in the same store on sale. I decided to pair it with some tan heels and a matching bag just to look like I had my stuff together as we looked at the apartment. I don't want to look like s lost cause. Your appearance can open many doors for you and close many as well, something I learned from a young age from my mom. I got some fake golf hoops and a necklace to finish off the look and placed my hair up in a top bun with some curly strands framing my face. I then got Xavier ready with some jeans, a long-sleeved sweater, and some sneakers. And with that, we got in Jose's car he lent us to use and followed the GPS instructions to arrive at the apartment address he had sent us and was meeting with us at.

❦

"So here we have a two-bedroom apartment with an in-suite laundry and dryer unit. The main bedroom has its connecting bathroom, whereas the second full bathroom is not connected to the room making it the bathroom guests can use when they come over. The layout is completely open making the apartment feel bigger than what it truly is," the leasing agent said as she opened the door for us to finally opening the door. Walking in I took in the apartment with the white glossy cabinets and stainless steel appliances. She was right the layout being open made the apartment feel so much bigger than it was. "Right now we have an offer if you guys are interested the first month is free and only the last month and the security deposit is due. You can also choose if you want to keep it furnished or unfurnished. Everything in this apartment is brand new for you to train, so you don't have to worry about past tenants. And whenever you plan on moving or just want to change the apartment around you can sell or donate the furniture as the owner likes having everything brand new for tenants to train" She added with a smile.

"This looks really lovely," I told her opening the fridge and the cabinets seeing the amount of space I will have."I love the white cabinets and the view from the windows" I told her. She then continued the tour of the apartment and she allowed us to walk by ourselves until we met back right at the kitchen. I looked over to Jose and Christina and smiled at them, then looked down at Xavier for a minute before looking at the relator "Let's sign the lease" I said. All four of them smiled back at me but I brought my attention back to Xavi, this is all for you son.

You keep me going

❦

"Let's go downtown to Takami Sushi and Robata, the food it is delicious," Christina recommended as Xavi and I got into Jose's car since we had gone back to his apartment and dropped off the car I was riding so we could all go in one car. "Yes that sounds good, they have lots of options for food there not just sushi. I'm sure Xavi will love the food. Is that fine with you Camila?" Jose asked. "That sounds good, thank you," I said putting on Xavi's seat belt followed by my own. We drove on the highway for what seemed to be 35 minutes before we pulled up to downtown LA and Jose parallel-parked on the street in front of the tall skyline restaurant. We all got out of the car and made our way inside getting on the elevator and going to the top floor where we were instantly greeted by the hostess "Welcome back Mr. Bianchito and Ms. Garcia," she said greeting Christina and Jose with a warm friendly smile and they returned it. They must come here often I thought to myself. "Hi Maya, it's so good seeing you again! How's the baby?" Christina asked, At the thought of her baby, Maya instantly smiled "Oh my she's getting so big! I can't believe she turned 4! Just the other day I was wobbling here with an eight-month-old baby bump," her eyes wandered off to Xavier who was holding my hands and then met mine, again she smiled warmly at us. "And who is this cute little boy you brought here today?" She asked. Xavi looked up at her and smiled " I'm Xavier and I'm six and this is my mami," he said proudly. "It's nice to meet you I'm Camila," I told her smiling at her. She smiled back at me and then looked over to Jose and Christina who shared a knowing look.

Am I missing something here?

'"Again welcome Takami Sushi and Robata, let me get you all seated," we all followed Maya to our seats right by the huge window showing us the downtown Los Angeles skyline, it was breathtaking. "Your waiter will be right with you," she said placing menus in front of us and giving Xavier some crayons and two coloring sheets. Looking at the view and the atmosphere I can tell this place cost a pretty penny. And I can already feel myself feeling for thinking Jose is going to want to pay for it all. We looked over the menu, my mouth watering over the images of the food I saw. When the waiter came I ordered myself some water and a strawberry lemonade for Xavi and both Jose and Christina got lemon-flavored sparkling water, fancy. For appetizers, Jose took over and ordered a dish we could all munch on while our main dish cooked. We placed our orders and the waiter hurried out to the kitchen to put it in. "I'm so glad I get to finally meet you Camila, I've heard your brothers talk nonstop about you. I've been waiting to finally meet you and have a girl around I can chat about, and what better girl than my boyfriend's sister, now I can come to you whenever I need to vent about your brother," she said laughing softly and nudging Jose's shoulder which caused him to chuckle. 'It's a pleasure meeting you and don't worry I'm all ears. I'll even tell you some embarrassing childhood memories he had to live through," I told her laughing when I saw Jose's cheeks turn slightly red. "Camila don't you dare," he said pointing at me "Why am I such the big topic for the table today? I didn't do anything wrong," Jose exclaimed. "I'm just playing with you baby," Christina said pecking his lips in a quick kiss and giving him a side hug while looking at me and winking, letting me know she wanted in all the embarrassing moments. I looked down at Xavi and saw him again in his own world drawing and doing the maze games. Our personal buffet came out filling up the whole table and we all dug in after we served ourselves, and oh boy was this food delicious. I wouldn't mind coming here every day if I could. I just knew I couldn't afford to, not yet at least. We talked and joked among ourselves and I can truly say speaking for everyone, we all did not regret going there.

❦

I had finished moving the last few bags of Xavi and my personal items into the new apartment. It was going to be our first night in our new little home. I organized everything as quickly as I could and looked over the apartment. I was forever grateful that this apartment came fully furnished and I only had to buy the bare necessities. Christina and Jose gave me a card after the dinner basically saying congratulations on the new apartment and many more blessings. They did not fail to include two Visa gift cards to buy any items I needed to fully settle in. 'Xavi let's go baby, we got to go to the store and buy some food," I yelled out. He came running out of the main room met me by the door and started putting on his shoes again while I put on some sneakers I had changed into earlier. I would've given him the second room but I'm just not ready for him to be alone just yet. I had a list of things I needed to buy cooking pots, food, a ring camera just for safety, utensils, soap, shampoo and conditioner, and more necessities. 'I want pancakes mami," Xavi said smiling up at me while I locked the door. "Well let's go get you some pancakes mister," I told him walking us to the car. I buckled him in and got into the car and set my GPS to the nearest stores nearby. I went into Walmart and we grabbed a cart I placed Xavi in the child's seat and buckled him in and we went through every aisle adding things into our cart until it was filled with everything item we needed and some food to stock up the fridge and pantry. I went through the self-checkout feeling bad if someone had to scan this loaded cart and just did it myself. It was therapeutic scanning and organizing things into bags. After the worker by the door checked my receipt we were out the doors and I was loading everything into the car hoping it would all fit. The total rang up to 452.97 cents. I swiped the Visa gift card first and planned on paying everything else in cash, but to my surprise, the Visa gift card had enough to cover the whole purchase. I looked down at the card and wondered how much money they had given me in total since I only swiped one of the cards.

'Here miss let me help you," I heard a voice say coming up from behind me. I quickly turned around and shook my head rapidly "I don't need help thank you though," I replied quickly and grabbed the cart the Xavi was still strapped in. "It's okay I don't mind, you shouldn't be doing all this lifting alone." The guy said again. I took a good look at his face and body language. He didn't look familiar but I did not see all of Juan's people, I rather be safe than sorry."I insist I'm okay doing it on my own," I told him sternly. He put both of his hands up and started walking away "Just trying to help you out that's all, better make it quick then, boss is almost here." He said walking away and getting into his black SUV. Just like the car I was forced into. I hurriedly started throwing things into the car and back seat and got Xavi out of the seat and into the car. I locked the car threw the shopping cart into the row that was across the street and ran back into the car unlocking it and getting in. I started the car and sped out of the parking lot.

He's coming

He's here

He found me

I'm a fugitive

I'm a fugitive on the run

I hurriedly sped to the apartment while calling Jose. "Yo," Jose said picking up the phone on the second ring "Hey Jose can you stop by the apartment I need help carrying up a few items," I told him semi-lying. I just want someone with me. "I'll be right over give me ten minutes," he said before saying bye. I had about seven minutes until I reached the apartment complex. I started slowing down a bit and looked into my review mirrors trying to see if any car was following me but I couldn't see any SUVs. Yet I didn't feel safe. He's around here somewhere. He's still in this town and he was able to locate me. I continued driving until I reached the apartment complex. I parked my car a few rows down for my actual apartment just in case I was trailed turned off my car and brought Xavi upstairs with me until Jose made it. 

I thought about being caught just so I could face him again and tell him to leave me alone I don't know anything about his line of work and I don't care for it. I just want to be left alone. I don't want anything to do with him and his people or what I left back in New York. I'm not a liability, I don't even know where they live for heaven's sake. Jose called me when he reached my apartment complex and started bringing things upstairs when everything was inside my apartment and I gave him the task of setting up my ring camera outside and finishing setting it up on my phone. He got a call and told me he had to leave but he was going to be back in a few, and just like that we were alone again.

The apartment was finally quiet as Xavier dozed off on the couch, his small chest rising and falling softly under the blanket I draped over him. The boxes I hadn't managed to open yet lined the walls like silent witnesses to the chaos of my life. I stood in the middle of the living room, turning slowly, trying to savor the sense of accomplishment. This was ours. A space that felt safe—at least for now.

But even as I tried to revel in the moment, the unease wouldn't leave me. Juan's words echoed in my mind, creeping into the silence like a shadow I couldn't shake: "As long as you're under my roof, I'll do whatever the fuck I want."

This wasn't his roof anymore, I reminded myself. This was my roof. Mine and Xavi's. Still, it didn't stop the nightmares from replaying every night, didn't stop the fear that any sense of normalcy I tried to build would crumble the moment he decided to show up again.

I hadn't seen or heard from Juan since the last confrontation, but I wasn't naïve enough to think he'd let me go so easily. I knew men like him—ruthless, calculating, always watching. And even though I was out of sight, I was sure I wasn't out of mind.

I walked to the window, pulling back the sheer curtain to look at the view of the city lights twinkling in the distance. It was beautiful—something I'd always dreamed of for Xavier and me. But even with the brightness outside, it felt like darkness was always looming just behind me, threatening to pull me back under.

A sharp knock on the door startled me, and my breath hitched. It was late, and I wasn't expecting anyone. My heart raced as I grabbed the small knife I'd stashed in the kitchen drawer earlier that day. Carefully, I approached the door, pressing my eye to the peephole.

Relief flooded through me as I recognized Jose's face on the other side. I quickly unlocked the door and pulled it open, my nerves still jittery.

"Hey, sorry to drop by without letting you know I was on my way," he said, holding up more bags of groceries. "Thought you might need a little help more help settling in."

I stepped aside, motioning for him to come in. "You scared me half to death," I said, half-laughing as I put the knife back in the drawer. "I thought you were... someone else."

Jose frowned as he set the bag on the counter. "Camila, are you okay? You've been on edge ever since... you know came back."

"I'm fine," I said too quickly, brushing off his concern. "Just adjusting, I guess. It's a lot."

He didn't look convinced but didn't press further. Instead, he started unpacking the bag, pulling out snacks and the main ingredients he thought I might need. "Christina wanted to come too and look at the place, but she's got work early tomorrow. She told me to tell you she's already planning a girls' day for you two."

I smiled at that. Christina's kindness felt genuine, something I wasn't used to from people outside of Xavi. But even with her warmth, I couldn't shake the weight of my situation—or the fact that someone like Juan might not care about the fragile peace I was trying to build.

As Jose finished unpacking, he leaned against the counter, his expression more serious. "Look, Camila... I know you don't want to talk about what happened, but if you ever feel like someone's watching or anything feels off, you need to let me know. I'll handle it."

His words hit too close to the thoughts swirling in my head. I nodded, forcing a weak smile. "I'll be fine, Jose. But... thank you."

He didn't look convinced but didn't push. After a few minutes of small talk, he left, leaving me alone with my thoughts once again.

That night, as I lay in bed beside Xavier, I felt the heaviness of the apartment's silence. For the first time, it was just the two of us. A new start. A chance to breathe. But deep down, I couldn't shake the feeling that the peace was only temporary—that Juan was waiting, biding his time.

And when he came, I had no doubt it would be when I least expected it.

❦

The silence in my apartment felt oppressive, and heavy, like it was pressing down on me with every passing second. No matter how hard I tried to close my eyes and rest, my mind wouldn't let me. It kept racing, conjuring up worst-case scenarios and imagining shadows that weren't there.

I picked up my phone again, my thumb hovering over the Ring app icon before finally pressing it. The camera feed popped up, and I scanned the screen like my life depended on it. Nothing but the empty parking lot, dimly lit by the streetlights. It was quiet, too quiet, and that only made me more paranoid.

What if he was out there? Or someone working for him? A black SUV could roll into the lot at any moment, and I wouldn't even hear it until it was too late. I climbed out of bed and tiptoed to the window, pulling the curtain aside just enough to peek out. My breath fogged up the glass as I scanned the lot again.

Nothing.

Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. Every sound, every creak in the apartment, made my stomach churn. My chest felt tight, and my palms were damp. I knew this wasn't sustainable—I needed sleep—but how could I possibly relax when my instincts were screaming at me to stay alert?

I lay back down, but sleep never came. My mind stayed wired, hyper-focused on every little thing. Before I knew it, my alarm went off. The shrill sound startled me, pulling me out of my daze. I groaned, rubbing my eyes, and reached to silence it. The dread of starting another day gnawed at me.

I sat up, dragging myself out of bed, and shuffled to the bathroom. After splashing some cold water on my face, I stared at my reflection. My dark circles were more pronounced than ever. My skin looked pale, almost sickly. I didn't feel like myself anymore—not that I even knew who I was these days.

In the bedroom, Xavier was still curled up in his bed, his little chest rising and falling with each soft breath. My heart softened for a moment as I leaned down and kissed his forehead. He stirred but didn't wake, so I let him sleep while I went to get ready.

I pulled out a black pencil skirt and a silky cream blouse, pairing it with a gold necklace and simple stud earrings. It was a professional, polished look—the kind of outfit that helped me blend in, nothing flashy or attention-grabbing. I slipped on some nude heels and tied my hair into a low ponytail, wanting to look composed even though I felt anything but.

For Xavier, I chose a little blue button-up shirt and khaki pants, finishing the look with his favorite sneakers. He looked so adorable in his sleep as I woke him up gently. He grumbled at first but soon perked up when I reminded him that his school day was just downstairs from my office.

We left the apartment together, my nerves on edge the entire time. I glanced over my shoulder more times than I could count, searching for anything out of place. Every black car in the lot made my heart skip a beat, but I told myself to stay calm. I couldn't let Xavier sense my fear.

At Luxe Living Interiors, the unease only deepened. Amelia, my boss, greeted me with her usual warm smile, but even that felt off. I couldn't help but wonder if her kindness was genuine or just a mask for something more sinister.

The day was filled with meetings, consultations, and fabric swatches. Normally, I loved the creative side of my job—bringing clients' visions to life, and curating the perfect designs—but today, everything felt mechanical. My smile was forced, my laughter hollow.

Every time I turned around, I felt eyes on me. It was as if someone was watching my every move, analyzing me, waiting for me to slip up. I caught myself glancing at my coworkers, wondering if any of them were reporting back to him. The thought made my stomach twist.

When lunchtime came, I didn't join the others in the break room. Instead, I ate at my desk, keeping my back to the wall so I could see anyone who approached. I hated feeling this way—like I couldn't trust anyone—but I couldn't shake it.

The day dragged on, and by the time it ended, I was completely drained. I picked Xavier up from his classroom and held his hand tightly as we walked to the car. The parking lot felt too open, too exposed. I buckled him in quickly and got into the driver's seat, my hands trembling slightly as I started the engine.

All I wanted was to go home, lock the doors, eat, and collapse. But even then, I knew the paranoia wouldn't let me rest.

**Authors Note

Hey, I'm back lol! Another chapter for you guys! What are your thoughts?  I hope you guys are still enjoying the story so far! Please don't forget to vote, leave comments, and share this story!

Much love
ShamelessChels