Chapter 13

• Chapter Thirteen
• Rumours had made their rounds in Jacksonville until they were exhausted. Maria didn’t pay much attention to them. She was determined to start a new life. She walked down the streets unashamed, she worked in the diner unafraid of what people would say to her, but she had gotten some surprising reactions. Some women came up to her and whispered congratulations on getting rid of the woman beater, others wished her well in her freedom, others gave her fake condolences, but most asked her what she did first, knock him out or set him on fire. It amused her how people got a high out of gossip, but one thing she appreciated out of the whole mess was that men had a newfound respect or fear for her. In the past few months no one dared grab her ass or make scummy remarks towards her. Those who did were quickly warned on how she had burned her boyfriend alive for beating her.
• But it got old, and people didn’t care anymore, Ricky was quickly forgotten and everything that surrounded her went back to normal. The new talk was about several burglaries around town. Maria was grateful they hadn’t hit Jane’s house. Jane had insisted they move in, until their house was reconstructed. She said it would be cheaper for all of them if they lived together and shared the expenses. Maria felt awkward about it at first, but with time she felt right at home. They were one big happy family. Tom was enjoying himself too, and he didn’t have to take double shifts anymore giving him more time to spend with his family. It was working well for all of them.