Chapter Eleven

Esmeralda

The moment he asked for my name the second time, I knew he was referring to the name my mum gave me. But I wanted to be sure, so as not to anger my mate as he was a man of impatience.

Esmeralda.

Meant Emerald in Spanish and Portuguese. A rare precious gemstone signifying truth and love as my mum always explained to me.

Esmeralda. I loved the beautiful sound of the name and I bore it with pride.

A tear welled up in my eye and ran down my cheek as a memory of the past flooded me.

I remembered a five-year-old me, running out of the school bus, caring less that I could fall and sprain my knees, ignoring the shouts from the school bus driver as my mind was centred on one person.

My mother.

I couldn't wait to be wrapped in her ever-loving arms while I rest my small head on the swells of her firm breasts, allowing my tiny fingers to playfully comb her soft, silky hair.

I slowed my pace when I got to the doorpost, jumping and stretching to open the door as my height was belo