Chapter 5

When I arrived at the hospital in that luxurious car, my companions were stunned. I searched for Beethoven without giving them much explanation about the situation. As soon as we crossed the door, the nurses greeted us warmly, just as Mr. Montenegro had promised. I had told him my whole situation on the way, and with a few simple phone calls, we were no longer dirty street dwellers. He promised to cover all expenses. A part of me felt relieved knowing this nightmare was over, but now I was indebted to this man, and I had to fulfill the deal we had made.

“Mr. Montenegro?” said the nurse, ignoring everyone else.

“That’s me.” Sasha nudged me and murmured.

“Who is that sexy man?”

“He’s my angel…” I said, smiling as I spoke eloquently with the nurse.

“There he comes! Tell him I’m cheap, or better yet, for him, I’m free.” All the prostitutes from the dumpster district burst into laughter, ogling him shamelessly.

“Stop it, he’ll hear you!” I hissed softly.

“Belle.”

“Yes?” I got up from my chair and walked over to him.

“Everything is settled. Your relative will be admitted for a detox program. It seems alcohol has taken a toll on his body.” My gaze saddened, and I asked.

“You knew?”

He nodded and said, “Everyone takes drugs; those who don’t are just trying to escape their reality.”

“Is he your grandfather?”

I shook my head with a bitter smile. “I suppose you’ve realized that man and I have no blood relation, but I promised to take care of him as my grandfather because he was so alone and lost. He drinks, but he’s a good man and knows a lot. Everything I know is because of him. Sometimes he says strange things, and people think he’s crazy.”

“Do you also use?”

“No! Beethoven has never allowed it. He doesn’t like to drink in front of me, and unlike other men who get violent, he just falls asleep, almost as if he’s trying to drown out the voices in his head to be left in peace.” He stroked my head, and a smile appeared on my face.

“You’re a smart girl, too smart for the world you live in,” he said. I looked up, and once again, that kind smile touched my heart.

“Hey, baby, we want some attention too, although I’d prefer it somewhere else.”

“Shut up!” I grabbed Mr. Montenegro’s hand, pulling him away from my friends.

“I apologize for them; they’re used to talking like that on the street.”

“It seems everyone here cares for each other, like one big family.”

“Beethoven is everyone’s grandfather. He gives everyone courage, and they all appreciate him.”

“That’s a wonderful family…”

“He’s all I have, so thank you very much for helping me.” I tried to kneel before him, but he quickly stopped me.

“Don’t do that.”

“But I want to repay your kindness; now I owe you, my life.”

“Well, this isn’t the way to do it. If you want to thank me for what I’ve done, work for me. I want you to make someone’s life impossible, and I promise you, if you succeed, I’ll be grateful to you forever.” My expression changed, realizing that my decision was already made. Just seeing his pleading look, I knew that from that moment on… if he needed me and no one else, then I wanted to be that unique person in his life.

When dawn came, I doubted what had happened last night. It felt like a dream… but if it weren’t for the coat Mr. Montenegro lent me to keep warm, I wouldn’t believe he was real. I took the coat and sniffed it deeply. When the fragrance entered my nose, I felt disappointed. It was as if something had been off since last night… and again, memories of that private room came to mind. His fragrance was imposing and sweet at the same time… were they the same person? I pushed those thoughts aside and decided to visit my grandfather; I needed to know.

“Sometimes, to make a decision, you have to choose something you might not like,” said a distinguished composer of the time. Excited, he adjusted his broken glasses, writing it down in his notebook.

“Why, Beethoven? He seems like a good man… he helped you get into the hospital and even introduced himself personally.”

“The best intentions come disguised as a white lamb; I like this saying a lot,” he said, excited by the idea that suddenly came to him, ignoring me completely. He was lost in his thoughts again. Sometimes he spent hours writing, far away from the world, and I felt like I was losing him.

“But I’ll have a good job; I’ll finally be able to get you proper medical treatment for your addiction and your mind…”

“What? What were we talking about?” I took his hand and looked into his eyes to get his attention.

“The Montenegros, grandpa. I need you to know that I’ll be leaving your side, but I’ll still take care of you from afar. Everything will change for us.”

“Oh, yes! That’s what we were talking about. Reject it, and I’ll leave the hospital today, so you won’t owe those rich exploiters anything! Wait, Montenegro… that name reminds me of something,” he said, pondering again, lost in his thoughts. I sighed heavily and said with frustration,

“I don’t want to! For what? So you can go drink on the streets? You’re all I have… and I don’t want you to die. So if I have to sell my soul to get you out of that life, I will,” I said through tears, lowering my gaze.

“Belle… you shouldn’t worry about the life of an old man like me; it’s not worth it.”

“It is to me…”

“Then you know that if you accept this, you’re putting yourself in danger.”

“I know… it’s my decision. I want to be more than a homeless plastic scavenger; I don’t want to live my whole life like this… I want more.”

“Do what you want. If it’s your decision… I’ll give you one piece of advice. Listen to me carefully, Belle. The rich only care about themselves. Promise me you won’t fall in love with any rich man. Or you’ll be condemned to a life of pain. Do you understand, little one?” Fall in love…

“I understand, Beethoven. I’ll be careful,” I whispered while crossing my fingers behind my back. I couldn’t promise something I didn’t even understand, not having known that smile.