I still have to school. That’s the only time I can relax. Only, I can’t. Not with this Valentina situation on my hands. Damn it. The mafia took my safe space too.

“You okay, man?” Jim asked as he slapped me on the back.

“Ow,” I whispered. I turned my head. Jim frowned at me.

“Seriously, man, what’s wrong?” he asked. I sighed.

“Got time?” I asked. Jim didn’t have to ask.

--------

Jim and I sat in the mess hall. He took a sip of juice.

“Talk to me,” he said. I sighed. Where do I begin?

“There’s so much,” I said. I rubbed my forehead.

“Try me,” Jim said.

“Hey guys!” someone said. I froze. Akiko stood at our table. Oh. I forgot about her.

“Hello,” I mumbled.

“May I sit down?” she asked.

“Sure!” Jim said. She sat down at our table. Oh. I forgot about her.

“Hello,” I mumbled.

“May I sit down?” she asked.

“Sure!” Jim said. She sat down at our table. For some reason, I had to just say it.

“I think Valentina’s in danger,” I said. My friends stared at me.

“What?” they asked. I broke down and told them everything. I couldn’t stop. It kept coming out. I panted when I was done. My friends stared at me.

“Wow,” Jim said.

“I don’t know what to do,” I said.

“You can’t let her die,” Akiko said.

“I know, but…” I said. I dropped my head.

“You can’t let her die,” my girlfriend said.

“I know!” I said. “They have my mom though.”

“How can you be sure that you and she will be safe if Valentina dies, dude?” Jim asked. I lifted my head.

“I thought about that,” I admitted.

“Do they know that you know?” Akiko asked. I shook my head.

“I don’t think so,” I said. “I only told Dzon.”

“Dzon?” Jim asked.

“One of the bodyguards, sorry,” I said. My friends stared at me for a moment.

“Can you trust him?” Jim asked.

“Yeah… I think,” I said. “He’s good.”

“Will you tell her?” he asked. “She has to know. You’re marrying her, aren’t you?” My right eye twitched. Akiko tried not to look hurt.

“Don’t remind me,” I said.

“Oh sorry,” Jim said. I sighed.

“I don’t know,” I said. “What about Ma?” My friends had no answer. I lowered my head and sighed. Akiko put her hand on mine.

“Do the right thing,” she said. I wished that helped me. But sadly no. What am I going to do? Ma, someone help me. I don’t know what to do.