Falling Apart Pt. 2

The next morning I woke up with a headache from the all the crying I did last night. I could not believe what I had done; I had kissed someone who was not my boyfriend. Even today I still don't understand why I made that dumb move, my life would have been difficult if it never happened. I could not justify my kiss with Diego, no matter the way I said, I knew that I was going to hurt Ricardo either way. “Reyna, hurry up, I need to use the bathroom." Daniel was knocking the door loudly, "Hold on, I'm not done." I said. I had my own bathroom in my room, but the shower hose was not working so I had to use the one in the hallway. "Stop whining, I'm done." I open the door. 

Ricardo could not get the image out of his head, Why, Reyna, why couldn't you tell me? He pulled out his wallet and took out the picture, the picture of their first date, he could not stop looking at it. Today, he wanted to bother or spoken to today; he just wanted to be alone and think things through before he made a mistake. I drove up to the school’s parking lot and realize that Ricardo’s car wasn't in his usual parking spot. Maybe he’s running a little late, I thought. As I parked, I noticed my friends waiting for me. I got my backpack from the trunk and walked towards them. “Hey, what's going on?" I asked. We started walking towards the cafeteria. "Reyna, by any chance, have you heard from Lucy?" Karina asked me. "Um, actually, no I haven't, why, where is she?" I asked. "I don't know, yesterday she didn't come to school and she hasn't answered any of our tests." Karina answered. "Really?" I started to get worry, this was unusual for Lucy, she never missed school and she always replied our texts. "Maybe something came up." I said. 

“Good morning.” Karla greeted her brother when he walked in the kitchen but he ignored her. 
“Fine, don’t answer me.” Ricardo grab a monster from the fridge and walk out. “What is his problem?” Erika walked in the kitchen. “I don’t know. Did you see him get home last night?” Karla asked Erika. “No.”“How is everything Reyna? You must be stressing out huh?” Melissa asked me as we grabbed our breakfast. “Just a little. I’m just nervous, I leave in two weeks.” I said. “Wow, so soon, I thought by the end of the month.” She added. “Yeah, but they rather have me there early.” I reply. “Oh, so you’re going to miss the Prom?” “Well, actually, I’m coming back for that. I couldn't miss it and I promised Ricardo I would go with him.” I said. Karina was a bit a quiet. We sat in our usual booth. We shifted our conversation to Karina, “Hey, are you okay?” I asked her. “Yesterday, Alfredo found out that she’s a student here.”“Wait, Alfredo from the club? How?” I said. “He’s our English teacher’s assistant and he saw me.” Karina replied. “Oh, I’m sorry, sweetie.” I said. “It’s okay. It was my fault.” Karina slowly took a bit from her waffle.

Oh my gosh, it's almost 8, I have to get to school. She told herself. Lucy stood up from the bed. Ian opened his eyes. What's going on?" Ian slowly got up from bed. "I'm late for school." Lucy jumped to the bathroom to fix her hair and wash her face. Lucy's aunt came in the room. "How did you guys sleep?" she asked us." I did okay. Can we go see mom?" Ian asked Aunt Elena. "Of course. Where is Lucia?" she asked. "In the bathroom." Ian replied. "Mija, I have some Jenny's old clothes you can use." Lucy open the door. "Thanks Tia." "I'll be waiting for you down stairs to take you to school." Elena replied. "What about me?" Ian asked. "You're coming with me to work." 

The bell was about to ring so the girls and I decided to start walking to class. I wonder where was Ricardo, he hardly came to school late. I thought. As we made our way to the hallway, I saw Diego passed by us. I had doubts if I should talk to him after yesterday's stunt, I knew that Diego still had feelings for me and I didn't want to give him any hopes. "Hey, how come you're not parking in your usual spot?" Karla asked her brother. Ricardo ignored the question. "Do you have ride back home cuz I have a game with the guys today." Ricardo changed the conversation. "Um, no, but I could find one." "Diego, hey." I approached Diego. "Hi." he responded in a serious tone. "About last night..." I started to say. "Reyna, you don't have to say anything." he interpreted. "No, I do. I shouldn't have done what I did. It was a mistake from my part." I told him. "It's okay, I understand." Then with those words he walked away;  I saw the way he had looked at me, he knew how I really felt but he knew that I was never going to act on it. Ricardo made his way to his class and as he walked towards the main hallway, he glanced at Reyna and Diego talking. Ricardo could not stand to look at them together so he decided to turned around and walked the other direction. 

There was only 3 minutes left before the school bell rang and there was no sign from Ricardo. This is strange. I thought. Something wasn't right here. I walked in to my physics class. Ricardo had to get his mind of Reyna, he could not let her infidelity affect him. Stephanie walked over to Ricardo who was sitting in his desk alone, "Hey." Ricardo looked up and immediately looked away. "Um, hey are you okay?" Stephanie sat next to him. "I don't to be rude Stephanie, but I don't want to talk." Stephanie stood up and walked to other side of the class. The next to hours were tortured not because I didn't know where Ricardo was but realizing how much material I must know for the AP Exam next week. Not only for my physics class but also for my Calculus and English class. I kept staring at the clock back and forth, just trying to rush time and hopefully seeing Ricardo's smile as I walk out the door. I might not have been the perfect girlfriend and yesterday's stunt was evidence I wasn't but I was going to tell him the truth. "Reyna, here." Fernando gave me the answer to one of the questions that I was focusing on. Lucy arrived to her Art class a little bit late, "Sorry, that I'm late." Lucy excused herself to the teacher. "It's alright, Lucy, take a seat." Ms. Gonzales started the lesson. Lucy sat down in her usual seat and took out her sketch pad. Lucy had a lot in her mind in that moment, the status of her mother, her brother and even her troubling dad who she believe was responsible for her mother's fall. 

Ricardo stared at the writing prompt on the board, he thought the million ways he could start the essay but every time he tried, it seem like he couldn't continue his thoughts. What's wrong with me? He thought. While Ricardo was struggling to start his essay, Stephanie looked over at Ricardo who was just staring at the board; Stephanie knew that something was bothering him, she knew him too well to know he had something on his mind. 

Lucy had ignored the teacher's assignment and began to sketch something of her own. In the last 24 hours she had been thinking about her living room, to be more precise the stairs. Ms. Gonzales walked around the class and noticed that one of her students was not following her assignment. 
"Lucy..." she started to say something. "Sorry, Ms. Gonzales." "Don't worry. I'm just astound how you drew you living room with great detail, how?" she asked. "I don't know." Lucy responded. Ms. Gonzales reached for a piece of paper from her desk and handled it to Lucy. "Here, I think you should enter this art contest." Lucy took hold of the paper, Art Scholarship $1,500. Lucy smiled. "Before, I'll let you guys go, I just want you to know..." Our teacher was big in giving prep talks and she gave us one before the bell rang. "I hope this is the last speech." I told Araceli as she smiled. It's not that I didn't like her speeches but sometimes she can be a little dramatic. The bell finally rang, everybody stood up from their seats and walked out. Araceli and I walked out together. " So for sure tomorrow right?" she said. "Yeah, of course." I replied. I glanced my surroundings for a sign for Ricardo but no show. Brenda found it strange that Ricardo did not come by to get Reyna like he always does. 

I had two weeks left and I knew the next to weeks were going to be stressful. Next week I had three AP exams and the following week after that I had finals in all my classes. Just thinking about the stress I was going to be under was starting to give me a headache. Lucy could not stop thinking about the opportunity that Ms. Gonzales had offered her; she knew she wouldn't have a chance to apply for it because she wasn't going to college. Lucy realized that her French teacher had not come to school, so she took out her sketch book and continued to sketch. "Wow, did you sketch that?" Lucy looked up to see who had said that. "Yeah, I did." she replied. "You must be very talented." he added. Lucy just smiled. "How come you didn't participate in the art show?" "I don't like showing my art in public." she responded. The guy next to her. "Um, who are you?" she asked. "I'm Victor. I'm surprised that you don't remember me." he said. "We were in the same class together in 5th grade." Lucy looked at him. "Oh, I remember now." "Do you really?" "No." she smiled. 

Lunch Time

Gabbie and Karla had just come out from Life Science class, “So, my mom said that the only way I could go if your brother goes.” Gabbie told Karla. “Oh.” Karla wasn’t really paying attention to Gabbie but to Sergio who was standing with his friends by the boys’ restroom. Gabbie noticed, “Who are you staring at?” she asked but Karla totally ignored her question. For a moment, Karla and Sergio shared a moment. “Helloooo...” Gabbie tried to get Karla’s attention but it seem like Karla was memorized by Sergio. Sergio signaled to Karla to meet her by the bench, “Um, here, I’ll be right back.” Karla told Gabbie as she walked towards the bench.“Hey.” Sergio smiled. “Hi.” Karla smiled.

“I wanted to ask you something. Tomorrow night, some friends and I are planning to go to the beach for a bonfire, do you want to come?” he asked. Karla smiled. She look back at Gabbie who was just looking at her, “Sure, wait, as friends, right?” she asked. “Of course.” He replied. “Well can I invite Gabbie?” she added. “Of course.” He smiled. “Alright then, just text me later.” Karla walked back to Gabbie, “Um, what was that about?”Gabbie asked. “We just got invited to a bonfire tomorrow.” She said. “Oh no, tomorrow, I don’t think I can go. I have my cousin’s 15.”

I don’t know but I had a feeling that something was wrong. “What’s wrong?” Karina asked me. “I can’t reach Ricardo. Have you seen him?” I asked her. “No, I haven’t. Are you guys okay?” she asked. “Yeah, I think so.” Karina and I walked to the quad area to meet up with the rest of our friends but before we reached there, we encountered with Ricardo and Luis. “Ricardo, hey.” I walked up to him but he ignored me. I understand his sudden attitude, maybe he didn't hear me. “Ricardo, hey.” I said it a little more loudly but nothing. I looked over at Karina. Okay, something was definitely wrong, “Ricardo, I’m talking to you.” I touched his shoulder. He stopped walking and faced me. “I don’t want to talk to you.” He responded me in a rude way. “What is wrong with you?” I replied. He walked away from me. “Hey, I’m talking to you!” Ricardo turned to faced me again, “Reyna, I realized that you’re not good enough for me.” “What?” I stopped walking.

 He turned to face me again and said, “Yeah, I don’t know what I was thinking when I asked you out.” People started to stare “Ricardo, I think you should chill out.” Karina stepped in. I could not believe what Ricardo was saying to me.  “No, Karina. Reyna needs to know the truth.” I didn't understand why Ricardo was acting this way and saying the things that he knew how much it hurt me. I couldn't let this get to me again, instead of fleeing away, I decided to do what I should have done with Diego. I slapped him twice. “Thanks for making my decision much easier.” I smiled and walked away. I tried not to let anyone see how hurt I was. Before she could reach to the cafeteria, Reyna went back and slap Ricardo again and said, “You have no idea what you just have done, it’s over Ricardo.” Reyna walked away from Ricardo with strength she thought she didn’t have. Karina and Melissa followed her to the parking lot. As she walked away, Ricardo glanced at her and realized he may have been a little harsh on Reyna. “What the hell was that about?” Luis confronted Ricardo. “I broke up with your cousin.” Ricardo walked away. 

Stephanie could not believe what had just occurred, its like her prayers had been answered and finally understood Ricardo's behavior. Stephanie quickly rushed to find Brenda to tell her the good news. 
I slowly made my way to the car when I ran into Diego. “Reyna, hey, are you okay?” he asked me. I looked away so he could not see that I was crying. “Nothing.” I just kept walking. As she walked away, Diego turned to the other direction and saw Karina and Melissa walking towards him, “Karina, hey, what’s wrong with Reyna?” he asked. “It’s none of your business.” Melissa answered. “Ricardo humiliated Reyna in front of the entire school, like you did.” “What?”he replied. “Ricardo told her that he was never interested in her and he just used her.” Diego could not believe what Karina had just told him. Diego rushed to find Ricardo. “Where are you going?” Karina asked him but he had already left. “What do you think he’s going to do?” Melissa asked. “I don’t know.” 

"Brenda?" Stephanie saw Brenda making out with Edgar behind the gym. "Am I interpreting?" Brenda pulled away from Edgar. "What was that about?" Stephanie asked her. "Um..." 
"I don't want to know. Guess what happen?” Stephanie with excitement told Brenda what had occurred in the quad. “What, no way!” Brenda tried to hide her joy. “Aw, I feel sorry for her.” Stephanie look at Brenda, “I mean, she didn’t deserve to be dump the same way.” Brenda replied. “I don’t care about her. I’m just glad that Ricardo dumped her.” Stephanie didn’t know what her boyfriend was behind her. “Hi Oscar.” Brenda said. Stephanie turned around, “Oh, hey babe.” She said. “So, why are you glad that Ricardo broke up with Reyna?” “Oh, no reason, I was telling Brenda about him because she told me she likes him and she could go after him.” Stephanie lied. “Is that true, Brenda?” Stephanie gave her a look. “Um, yeah.” She smiled. Not possible. I could not believe that Ricardo had this to me. He knew how it hurt when Diego did that to me, how could he? I didn't know if I should be sad or mad about the break up. I stood outside my car looking over at the empty parking spot next to mine; I didn’t understand Ricardo’s sudden change of behavior. “Hey, how are you doing?” Karina asked me. I look at her, “I’m doing okay, I’m just mad at him, I gave up a lot for him and that’s how he treated me.”Diego went up to Ricardo and punched him the face. “Oh, I don’t know why you are so mad, she’s single now. Now you guys can be happy with each other.” Diego punched him in the stomach. “What the hell are you talking about?” Ricardo swing a punch at Diego. “You know what I’m talking about. You and Reyna have been seeing each other behind my back.” Diego took a step back. “What? That’s not true.” Luis got the hold of Ricardo before he could punch again. The security guards took Diego and Ricardo to the office.

TO BE CONTINUED... 

Diego

I thought I had things figured out by then, my future in UCLA and my relationship with Ricardo were solid. But I knew deep, deep down that wasn't what I wanted and I didn't want to admitted it. I mean, I wanted to go USC,and  I had a phone call to make and I could fix it but for some reason I stayed in UCLA. I never understood why. I've always been indecisive; I cannot settle for one thing and just make a quick decision without thinking about it. There was one thing I wasn't settled for and that was my relationship with Diego.

Lucy and Ian been in the library for almost the entire day, Ian was getting tired, "Can we go home now?" Ian asked Lucy. Lucy checked to see what time was it and realize it was almost 3 and probably should take Ian home. "Well, I guess your punishment is over." Lucy put the book back on the shelf. "Finally!" Ian rushed to the door. As Lucy walked towards the entrance of the library, a cute guy approached her. "Hey, you're Lucia, Karina's friend, right?" Lucy wondered how the guy knew that. "Yeah, do you I know you?" she asked. "You don't remember me huh? I'm Andres, Karina's older brother."Lucy stared at him for a minute until she remembered the Christmas Party 2 years ago. "Oh, hey. I didn't recognize you. I didn't know you came here." she smiled. "Yeah, it's been a long while since we saw each other. So, what are you doing here? Didn't you have school today?" he asked Lucy. "Yeah, Like 2 years. Oh yeah, I did, but I was stuck babysitting my brother. So I came here to do some reading." Lucy could not stop smiling. "Nice, um, do you want to get some lunch?" Lucy looked over at Ian who was waiting for her. "I love to but I actually have to get going." she replied. "Oh I see, well what about a movie instead, tomorrow night?" "I don't know maybe... I have to go." Lucy could not believe what just had happen. 

Ricardo and  I had spent the last two hours talking and slightly making out in his car. "I miss this sweetie." he told me. "I know, me too," I kept kissing him."Te quiero." he whispered in my ear."Yo tambien." I whispered. He held my hand, "I can't believe you won't be here for prom and grad night." he said. "Well, I have good news. I called the other day and told me that I could fly back home for Prom. Ricardo lean over and kissed me. "Okay, this time I really have get going." I open the car door. "Aw." Ricardo walked me over to my car, "So hey, I know that you're going to busy studying this weekend. So, I was thinking we should go the movies tonight?"I smiled, "That sounds like a great idea." I replied. My phone started to ring, I pulled out the phone from the bag and realize the call was from Diego. "Why did you ignore the call?" he asked me. "It's not important." I replied.
"Hey." Stephanie surprised Brenda as she stood staring at Ricardo and Reyna in the parking lot. "Are you okay?" Stephanie asked Brenda. Brenda turned around, "Of course, why wouldn't I be?" Brenda tried to not show her feelings in front Stephanie, she didn't want to know the only reason that she was helping Stephanie was for her own benefit. "Erika and Patty are going to the mall, do you want to come with?" "Sure thing." she replied.   I didn't know why it was difficult for me to tell him that it was Diego that had called me. Ricardo grab me again by the waist and kissed me, then my phone began to ring again. "Babe, just answer it." he told me. "Okay."I took the call. "Hello." I answered it. "Reyna, where are you? I thought we were going to work on the project." "Oh yes, I forgot. Can we meet at 5, I have things to do." I said. "Okay, sure. I'll see you then. Hey, are you okay? You sound weird." Diego asked me. "I'm perfectly fine. Well see you then." I clicked."Who was it?" he asked me. "Um, Diego." I smiled. "I know, I shouldn't be talking to him but we have the economics project..."Ricardo didn't let me finished he held my hand and said, "I understand sweetie,I trust you." I smiled. I kissed him on the cheek. "We will probably be done by 7 so afterwards we could go to the movies." "Perfect, sounds like a good idea." We kissed.

"Why were you taking so long?" Ian asked his sister who was driving. "No reason." Lucy replied. "Come on, I saw you flirting with that guy." "So then, why did you ask?" she responded. Ian smiled.
Lucy never had time to be dating or rather she didn't want to because of her family situation. She felt like she had to take care of the house and her brother. "I just wanted to know what you would say." 

I drove to the store to get some things that I knew we would be needing for the project. As I looked around the store, I saw someone familiar stocking the shelves, "Daniel?" I walked over to see if it was him. "Daniel?""Hey sis." He continued stocking the items. "Daniel, I didn't know you worked here. I thought you said you work in a warehouse." He gave me a look. "I do but that's the other job." He left what he was doing and walked away. "Danny." "Sorry sis, but I have to keep working." There was something Daniel was not telling me, by the way he was talking and behaving towards me. I got the poster board and left.Karla walked over to the tutoring center at school. "Hey, Gustavo. Where's Lily?" Karla asked. "She's not coming in today." Gustavo was in charge of the school's tutoring center, "Don't worry, we have someone else for you." he responded. "I guess, that will have to do." Karla walked over to her usual table and waited for the tutor. Gustavo walked over to the back where Sergio was waiting for him. "She's here." Gustavo said. "Thanks for the favor." Sergio told Gustavo. "No problem." Sergio walked over to the table. 

"Hi Karla." Sergio smiled. "You must be kidding me." she replied. "What?" Sergio sat down in the chair next to Karla. "What are you doing here?" she asked. "My community service hours. I tutor once a week." Karla could not believe it, of all places, Sergio had to be here. "Oh, well, I guess you'll do." she responded. "Ouch." "Sorry. I need help with some problems in Pre-calculus. I have a test tomorrow." Karla took out her notebook from her bag, "Sure." Sergio took a look at her notes. "Oh, you have Ms. Obeso?" he said. "Yeah, how do you know?" "I had her last year and I recognize these notes. She's a bit tough huh?""A bit? Her class is tough. What grade did you get her class?" Karla asked. "B+" he said. "Not bad." she responded.Karla smiled. Sergio tried not to stared at Karla too much because he knew that she would notice. "Okay. let's get started."

I could not stop thinking about Daniel and wondered what he was hiding. I parked the car in the driveway and as I drove in, I saw something unusual. I walked over to the backyard and realize that there were people checking out the small room we had. "Mom, are we selling the house?" I asked her.
She smiled.
- No, cariño, me decidí a alquilar la habitación. Necesitamos el dinero. La gente va a venir este fin de semana para revisar el lugar.
- Oh, mamá, si usted tiene problemas con el dinero, yo podría ayudarle.
- No, no te preocupes por eso. Con el dinero del alquiler será suficiente.
I  smiled.I looked over at the people who were looking at the small house at the back and wonder who would be our new neighbors. After staring out the window, I walked up to my room to get started on some assignments I still had to complete by tomorrow, "Let's hope my dad is not home yet." I told him. "I don't think so." Ian replied as he took out his bag from the back. Lucy turn the key from front door, "Lucia eres tu?" "Tia Elena, is that you?" she asked. "Yeah, sweetie, your dad called me over, your mom had an accident, she's at the hospital." Lucy started to freak out. "What happen?" she asked her aunt as she approached them by the door. "She fell down the stairs. Let's go. I'm taking you guys there." Lucy could not believe what was happening.  

After an hour of tutoring, "Thanks for the help." Karla gathering her things, "No problem." He replied. Karla smiled and walked out, Sergio went after her, "Hey, it's late, let me give you a ride."
Karla looked away, "Okay, I get it. You don't like me that way. It's just a ride." Karla thought about Sergio's offered, the sky had already darken and she knew she could not walk home alone. "Okay." she smiled. It was getting late and I had to tell my mother about Diego's surprise visit to the house, but I couldn't bear to have yet another argument about it, so I tried to ease it to the conversation. "Hey mom, do you need help?" I asked her. "No, estoy bien." she responded. I walked over to the sink to wash my hands, "Segura, I love helping you." I smiled. "Start the lettuce." she said.After 3 minutes of silence,
- Ma, tengo que decirte algo y es sobre Diego.
She looked at me, and before she could say anything,
-Diego y yo tenemos un proyecto para la clase de economía. Invité a Diego a la casa para que pudiéramos trabajar en él.
- Esta bien.
I gave her a look. "Are you okay with it?" I asked her. "Yes, pass me the lettuce."
"Well, he'll be here any minute now, okay." I told her. "Okay."
Lucy and Ian arrived to the hospital. "Kevin, have they told you anything?" Elena had asked Lucy's father. "Not really, she's still the same." Lucy stared at her father and wondered if he had anything to do with it. In the last couple of days, her mom and dad had been arguing more than usual and this would not surprise her if it was her dad's fault. "She is going to die?" Ian asked my aunt. "I hope not sweetie." she said to him. Lucy kept insisting the nurses to keep updating about her status but there wasn't any. 

"Thanks for the ride." Karla open the car door, "Karla, I'll wait for you until you're ready." Karla smiled. "I'm serious. I like you and I know you like me to but for a strange reason you don't want to admit it." Karla could not stop smiling. She turned around. "Okay, bye." I had finished prepping the table for dinner when the door bell rang, I peaked over to the window to see how it was. "I'll get it." I rushed to the door. "Hey, you're early." I greeted him. "Didn't you say at 5?" he asked me. "Oh yeah, I forgot. Come in."I smiled. "Wow, this place hasn't changed a bit." Diego said as he walked into the living room, "Yeah, so Diego, we're about to have dinner, do you want to join us?" I asked politely. My mother walked into the room, "Hi Diego." she smiled. "Buenas noches." he responded.
-Diego, ¿quieres unirte a nosotros para cenar?
Diego and I looked at each other,
-No, gracias, no quiero ser una molestia.y
-No te preocupes por eso, Diego, ven y sientate con nosotros.
My mom grabbed another plate from the cabinet. I didn't understand my mother's sudden strange behavior. "What was that about?" I whispered as she served the food. "Sweetie, take the lemonade out from the fridge," My mother ignored the question.
Lucy sat down next to her brother who was worried. "Everything is going to be okay." The doctor walked in the waiting room, "The status of Mariana has changed, she's in coma." 
No. She can't be. Lucy tried not to panic for Ian's sake, she tried to remain calm; Elena went to speak to the doctor to get more specifics about her status. 

Ricardo was at Stephanie's house for the last practice before Stephanie's sister's 15. "Ah,,, I keep missing the last step." Ricardo told Stephanie. "You'll get it."she laughed. "I know, but we've been practicing for week, I should have learned it by now."he reply. Stephanie just stared at him."What?" he asked. "Nothing." Stephanie laughed. "Okay, now, why are you laughing?"he asked her as he did the move. "You can't dance. Does Reyna know this about you?" she replied. Ricardo stared at Stephanie. "I could dance, I'm just rusty." he smiled. Stephanie laughed. "Sure... you can." After dinner, I took Diego back to the living room, "Sorry for the 20 questions." I smiled. "Nah, it's okay." he laughed. "I don't know what has gotten into her."I said. "Reyna, it's okay." he smiled. After a few moments of awkward silence, we moved ourselves to my father's den, where I decided we would have more room to work on the project. "Wow, I haven't been in her since I was 12." I told him. "Are you sure you want work in here?" he asked. "Yeah, I'm sure. I use to come in here when I was kid, especially those nights when the thunderstorms would occur. My father would always be in here working; he would leave what he was doing and hold me tight." Memories came flowing back; memories that i have not thought about in ages. "Reyna, are you positive you want to be in here?" I ignored his question and started to dust off the desk that was covered with dirt. As I was doing that, I wondered why my mother would left my father's den, did she had hope that my father would come back? I placed my laptop in the desk and we began working.

"Done!" Stephanie took of her heels and placed them in the couch. "Stephanie, um, I've been wanting to talk you... it's about after the party on Saturday." Ricardo had no easy way to say this but he had to, "Sure, what's up?" Stephanie grab a water bottle from the table."I think we should stop hanging out with each other and maybe stop talking to each other." Stephanie spit the water that she had in her mouth. "What?" she looked at Ricardo. "Yeah, don't you think it's bit strange that two ex's who are in relationship hangout?" "Yea but, I thought we made it work." Stephanie replied. "So, Oscar doesn't mind you hanging out with me?" Ricardo asked her but Stephanie didn't answer. "He has no idea you've been hanging out with me, does he?" "No." Stephanie replied. "How come?" he asked. "Okay, you got a point. But you've never had a problem with this before, why now? Is it because of Reyna?" Stephanie asked. "A little bit."An hour had passed. Diego and I tried to keep our distance from each other but we would end up in a kissing distance from each other. I tried not to look him in the eyes because whenever I stared in his brown eyes, I had urge to kiss him. Before my inner self did something stupid, I stood up from my seat, "We need a break. I'll get us some water and a snack." I approached my mother about her behavior during dinner,
-Madre, ¿cómo pudiste? Hiciste Diego se sienta incómodo.
-Reyna, me he dado cuenta de algo en ti en las últimas semanas y no se trata de la escuela, es Diego, ¿verdad?
I took two waters from the fridge, "No." I lied. Apparently my feelings for Diego were transparent and my mother noticed. "Mom, I can't talk about this right now." "Reyna, you need to face your feelings now." I ignored her last comment even though she had a point.
"Sweetie, let's go home." My aunt told her. "I don't want to leave her." Lucy replied. "She's going to be fine. You can visit her tomorrow." she said. "You and Ian will stay with me tonight, okay?" she told us. "Thanks Tia." Lucy replied. 

"So, I practically finished it. I just need your board of approval." I smiled. "Really, you finished it?" I asked. "Yeah, you seem surprise." he said. "Well..." I said. I looked over the report and the graphs, "This actually looks pretty good." I told him. "Hey, you know that I'm smart too." he said. "I didn't say anything." I smiled. "I think we're done." I told him. I grab my phone from the table, "It's getting late, I should go." Diego gathered his things and I walked him to his car. "So, I'll print out the report and you just make sure you just show up." He laughed. "Sounds good."Ricardo arrived to Reyna's house to see Diego and her talking outside the gates. Instead of approaching them, he decided to remain in the car. "Well, this is it."I told him as he got to his car, but before he could open the door, he turned around to face me and said, "Reyna. I wish you the best with Ricardo. I see that he makes you really happy, I hope that one day I'll find someone like you." Before he could go on, I reached out my hand and got his arm, "I really do hope that you find someone else, Diego you're a special guy." I grinned. I got a bit closer to him, we both stared in each other's eyes for the last time and then something strange happen, we both leaned over and kissed. Not just a regular kiss but a kiss letting my feelings out for him. After 1 minute of passion, I pulled back, "I'm sorry." I just walked away. I could not believe what I had done in that moment; I literally cheated on Ricardo again. Ricardo could not believe what he had just seen; he had a feeling that Reyna wasn't honest with him and just by the kiss he realize what it was. Ricardo could not talk or see Reyna; he just had to get out of there. While for Diego, he stood in the car for several minutes before he left.  

What did I just do? I asked myself several times. How could I do this to Ricardo and to Diego? I thought. I rushed in the house and close the door behind me. I rushed up to my room and locked the door and began to cry.

Caught Part. 1

Thursday Morning

My alarm must have rung 5 times before I decided to get up. Last night’s phone call with Ricardo really got me thinking about what type of guy I was dating. The attitude he had been showing to me has proven that he's immature and doesn't deserve to be in a relationship. Despite his behavior towards me, there was a part of me that I could not ignore and that part that I was in love with him. I tried to be annoyed by him but my affection towards him it didn't allow me to be furious. After several seconds of stalling, I finally decided to get up from bed, and I walked over to the mirror and began brushing my hair.  As I brushed , I suddenly started thinking about Diego and what he had told me a few days ago. Reyna, I will always be here.  I stopped brushing my hair and step back for a minute. Why am I thinking about Diego? I asked myself. My high school life was full of drama, just like those shows that come out on television. I never asked to be in this place, in the contrary I told myself millions of times that I didn't want to have a boyfriend because of it's complications. 

As Lucy gathered her belongings for school, she walked passed Ian’s room and realized that he was still in his bed, Oh, no. Ian. Lucy had forgotten Ian’s suspension, she immediately went in the room to wake him up. “Ian, you need to wake up. Mom and Dad can’t know that you’re suspended.” Lucy grab Ian's uniform from the closet.“I don’t care. Lulu they don’t care about us, why should I worry?”“Ian, trust me, come on. I’m taking you to Tia Elena.” Lucy looked at the time it was 7:45am, she knew that if she missed school her friends would suspect something. “Hurry, I’m going to start the car.” Lucy grab a pop tart from the cabinet and went outside to start her car. “Where is your backpack?” she asked her brother. Ian rushed back in to  get his things. Lucy kept looking at her phone. “Lulu, are you okay?” her brother asked her. Lucy was trying to remain calm, “I’m okay.” She smiled.That morning as I ate my breakfast that my mom had made, I thought about the millions of things I had to do, business project for economics, prep myself for my AP exams, Spanish report and I thought to myself, I had no time to waste. Even though I love Ricardo, I could not let this behavior bother me, I had other important things to focus on. I finished my bacon and eggs and cleared out the plate and placed it in the sink. "Mom do you need help cleaning up?” I asked her. She looked over to the clock, “Mija, it’s getting late. I think you should go, I’m good here.” She replied. “Are you sure? I could be late.” She gave me a look. “I’m sure and no you cannot. Are you avoiding someone?” she asked me. Before I had the chance to answer the phone had rung and I just left. 

 I had arrived at school at 7:50 am , just 10 minutes later than my usual time; my mom was right, I wanted to avoided someone, Ricardo. I need distance. I told myself to prevent me to approach Ricardo, the less drama I had in my life the more time I had to focus on things that were actually important. And if I happen to bump into him I would simply just walk passed by without a smile or a "hey." And if he wanted to talk, it would be on my own terms which meant he would have to come to me and not the other way around. Ricardo needed to be upfront about his daily outings with a certain ex of his and apologize for his behavior, if and only he were to do that I was willing to forgive him. However if he simply chooses to ignore the problem I would have to take the necessary measures and break up with him. I walked by the quad to get to my classroom, and as I walked, I glance for a second at Ricardo as I passed at his usual hangout and then I looked away pretending that I didn't care he was standing there. Before I could turn the corner to get to my class, I heard my name and I smiled. I turned around, "Oh, hey, it's only you Diego." 

-Lucía, ¿qué estás haciendo aquí, no tienes que estar en la escuela ya?
-Sí, pero yo quería saber si podía hacerse cargo de Ian. Él fue suspendido de la escuela.
Tia Elena saw Ian sitting in the car using his PSP. 
-Me gustaría poder ayudarle cariño, pero tengo que trabajar hoy.
-Yo lo sabía, pero gracias de todos modos.
Lucy walked out her aunt's house with a disappointed face, she knew that she had to missed school today. "What happen?" Ian asked her. "She has work today." Lucy turned on the car. "I guess I have to take care of you today."  "I'm sorry." he responded. Lucy thought about the places she could take her brother to, "Where are we going?" he asked her as she turn on the car. "I have to punish you some way. So we're going to the library." "What! No way."

"Hello to you too." he smiled. "I'm sorry, I thought you were Ricardo." I told him. "Oh." Diego didn't know what to say. "Yeah, so what happen?" I asked him. "Oh yeah, about the project. I don't understand what our mission is?"In that precise moment, I noticed that Ricardo was looking at me talking to Diego. "That project right, Diego, I think we should continue working on the project together. You should come over to the house later to finish the project."  I asked him not realizing that I was only inviting him to pissed Ricardo off. Diego gave me a weird look, then he turns around and sees Ricardo starting at us. "Reyna, is everything okay between you two? I don't want to get in the middle.""Just go talk to her." Luis told Ricardo. Ricardo could not get his eyes off from Reyna and Diego. "There is something there. I just know it." he told his friends. "Not this again." Luis had enough of this jealously rage from Ricardo. "Both of you are so stubborn, neither of you are going to step up." Ricardo ignored what Luis had said. "They were made for each other." Raul added. "I don;t know what to say." Ricardo expressed his insecurities to his friends. "Just be honest with her and tell her about Stephanie and hope she understands." Luis said. "What about me?" Stephanie joined in the conversation. Luis and Raul left. "What is their problem?" she asked Ricardo. "I have no idea. Stephanie, should I go to talk to her?" "If you really love her, I think you should." she responded. It was isn't easy for her to say what she did because she didn't like Reyna. "What if you're right, what if we weren't meant for each other. I think I should just let her go." "Ricardo, trust me, after last night you deserve to be happy and if she makes you happy, you should do everything to fix things. Even if it means dealing with Diego." 

"Diego, don't worry about Ricardo. It's over." I smiled. I tried not to cry but a tear manage to escape from my eye, "What?" Diego followed me as I walked to class. "I don't want to talk about it." I told him. Diego tried to be the supported friend but as he listen to Reyna talk  but he realized that he couldn't be that friend that she needed. "I think you should talk to him." But before Reyna could answer, Ricardo pulled her away from Diego. "What is your problem?" I asked him as I let myself go from him. "Can we talk?"he asked me. The bell had rung. "Is this the only way I could get your attention, by you watching me talk to Diego? Ricardo, you're pathetic." I didn't want to get caught talking with him, "Let me go." His hand was still holding to my right arm. "Please. Ricardo." Then he finally let me go. I didn't want to talk to him after what he did to me but I could not avoid what I was about to say next. "Let's talk in lunch." I gradually walked to my seat, "What happen? Are you okay?" Diego asked me as I sat next to him. "I will be." I took out my notebook and my pen from my bag. I didn't want to think about it anymore. Ricardo didn't realize how he was behaving until he saw the way Reyna was looking at him. He knew it was his fault that their relationship was in a bad shape and the reason why Reyna was distancing herself from him. "Don't think so hard, it's just a simple question." Andrea told him. "Oh, no. I'm not thinking about that." he responded. "Oh, it must be Reyna, huh?" she smiled. Andrea and Ricardo were neighbors and practically grew up together but ever since they entered high school they each went their separate ways. Ricardo smiled. 

Over a week ago I arranged with my fellow AP physics classmates an extra hour of study for my physics exam, so after an hour of lecture in my economics class I excused myself from class. "Where are you going?" Diego asked me. "Study date." I smiled and walked out. As I made my way to my physics class I passed by Ricardo's pre-calculus class. I glanced inside the classroom and there he was sitting by the door working with his group. In those 5 seconds that I saw him I asked myself if I should give our relationship another try and even though our relationship was not over I had doubts about maintaining it. However, those 5 seconds showed me how focus and determined he was.

At that point of my life, I didn't want to loose focus on my studies but as you may have figured out, my weakness is love and my relationship with Ricardo felt under that category. As I walked into my class I left my thoughts about Ricardo behind and focus on passing my exam. Ms. Andrews decided to do something different for today's class. Karla was serious about not talking to Sergio again, it didn't matter how many times Sergio tried to talk to her, she did the impossible to avoid him. “Are you seriously not going to talk to me?” Karla turned around to talk to Stacy who was sitting across from her. Ms. Andrews began assigning lab partners, “Karla and Sergio you’re partners.”she said. "Oh, great." Karla said. "Ms. Rodriguez is there a problem?" Ms. Andrews asked her. Karla looked over at Sergio, she wanted to say Yes but she didn't want to make it a big deal so she didn't say anything. Karla faced Sergio, "Well, let's get started." After an hour of intense study, I felt a bit more confident about the exam even though my brain felt it was going to collapse." “I think my brain is going to explode.” I told Araceli. "I know what you mean. I'm starting to have a headache."she said. "Hey, we should have another study session on Saturday and then Sunday for Calculus.” Fernando added. We all look at each other, "Sounds like a great idea." I said. They all gave me a look, "What?" I asked. "You finally have time to study with us again?" Andres asked. "Ignore him. You're welcome to join us." Araceli told me. "Well, we're meeting at the same Starbucks as usual." he said. 

The bell had rung, we all gathered our belongings and made our way to AP Calculus. The thing about taking AP classes, you tend to have same classmates and in this case was no different, for example I had Araceli for AP English, AP Physics and AP Calculus. I could not stop smiling and I didn't know why. “Are you okay?” Araceli asked me. “Yeah, I’m good. I just missed studying with you guys.” I responded. “We missed you too, how come you stop coming by the study sessions?” “I got busy.” I replied. “Ricardo, huh?” she asked. She was right, ever since I got into a relationship with Ricardo I slowly stop attending the study sessions that my classmates organized. Back then, I had school, work and after school activities that study sessions were too much so by January I stop going. “You don’t have to hide it. Ricardo and you make a cute couple.” She said. “Yeah…” I wanted to say, we were, but I didn't want talk about it. From far away, Ricardo glimpse at Reyna as she walked with her friends to her next class, he realize by her expression how relax and happy she seemed to be. It had been a while since he had seen her so happy, and wondered what happen?

Karina had decided to tell Alfredo the truth but what she didn't know was that he was about to find out the truth. Karina and Melissa were on their way to their English class, “Karina, by the way, were you able to tell Alfredo the truth?” Melissa asked Karina. But before Karina had the chance to respond, she stared blankly into the classroom to realize who was sitting next to the teacher. “Karina, hello. Are you okay?” Melissa tried to figured out why Karina went into shock. After a few seconds in shock mode, Karina turned around to face Karina. “Is that…” Melissa finally figured out the reason into Karina’s sudden reaction. “Alfredo, yes.” Karina started to panic. “What are you going to do?” Melissa asked her. “I don’t know but I know that I cannot go in there.” She responded. “You have to, we have an in-class essay.” Melissa said. “I know!” Karina tried not to stress out more than she needed to. The second bell had rung, “Make your decision quick, I’m going in.” Karina had to make a decision and quick. She knew she had to face the consequences; Karina took a deep breath and walked in the class. Karina and Melissa gave each other looks.As I walked in to my AP Calculus class, I realize that that the next time I’ll be in this room will be when I take my exam. I stare at the white board and just started thinking about how I've wasted the last couple of weeks worried about Ricardo that I forgot to worry about me and my future. I should be happy that I’m leaving to New York City in a couple of weeks and I should be giving my strength and energy to these exams. I lost my way. I left my job because I wanted to focus more time with Ricardo and my friends but I know I should have been more dedicated to my studies. I guess, I’m happy that my relationship with Ricardo is over, it hurt to think that way.“Good Morning class, today we have a special guest in our class. His name is Alfredo Lopez and he’s a college student and he’ll be staying with us for the rest of the school year.” Like Karina’s life could not get any worst.  “Is he looking?” Karina whispered to Melissa. “No.” Karina tried not to stare at Alfredo. She knew any minute now he would find out the truth and it was her fault for not telling him the truth earlier. Karina looked over at the other girls who were looking at him, “Melissa, do you see how the other girls are looking at him?”“I know, he’s not even that cute.” Melissa responded. Karina gave her a look. “I forgot to tell you something…” “I slept with him.” Karina said. “What!” Melissa screamed. “Karina and Melissa stop talking.” Mr. Scott put them on spot. Everyone was looking at them, including Alfredo who caught a glimpse of Karina. No, that can’t be Karina. He thought. After the commotion was over, Mr. Scott continued talking, “Mr. Lopez can you introduce yourself to the class.” Alfredo could not get his eyes off from Karina. “Oh yes, I just graduated from CSU Los Angeles with a Bachelors in English. I’m working on my teaching credential.” Karina tried to make eye contact with Alfredo but when their eyes met, Alfredo looked away. “Okay, let’s get started with the in-class essay.” Mr. Scott started to give out the essay topic. “You have exactly 1 hour.”

Araceli and I sat next to each other, “Has your mom noticed about your relationship with Andres?” I asked her. “No, it’s getting difficult to hide it.” She responded. Araceli’s parents didn't allow her to have a relationship. Their priority for them was for her to graduate college with top honors. 
“How long have you been with Andres, anyway?” I asked. I begin to ask random questions preventing her in asking questions about Ricardo. “3 years.”I thought about how could they last so long together then I thought, they both shared the same goals and they both challenged themselves to do better. As Reyna tried to find ways to distract herself from making a decision, Karina had to stop thinking about her dilemma with Alfredo. She kept glancing at the clock every 5 minutes trying to get her mind off Alfredo but she could not stop staring at him. I need to finish this. She told herself this several times until the teacher called time. Oh no, I didn’t finish. She said. “Are you okay?” Melissa asked her. Karina continued to work on the essay but the teacher was standing in front of her ask, "May I get your test?" Karina looked up. The lunch bell had rung, and Karina gave the paper to the teacher. “Oh great, I failed.” She told Melissa.The lunch bell had rung, as I walked out the class I saw Ricardo waiting for me a few feet away from my class. “Well, see you tomorrow.” I told Fernando, Araceli and Andres. “Let us know if for sure for the weekend.” Andres told me. “For sure.” I slowly walked towards to Ricardo. “What was that about?” he asked me. “Well, they want to have study sessions this weekend for the AP exams.” As I said that, I saw his face expression changed from a happy smile to a frown, “Are you okay?” I asked him. “Yeah, I just wanted to spend time with you but it’s okay.” I know that it wasn't okay for him.While Karina had a problem on her hands, “What are you going to do?” Melissa asked Karina. “Well, I’m going to talk to him. What else can I do? I can’t avoid him.” Karina put on her brave face and walked towards Alfredo but as she was making her way to see him, she thought about what was she going to say and in that moment she turned around and left. “What happen?” Melissa asked. “I freaked out, I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” Karina responded. Melissa’s eyes widen when Karina was talking. “Melissa what’s wrong?” Karina asked. “He’s right behind you.” Karina turned around and saw Alfredo standing in front of her. “I’ll catch up with you later amiga.” Melissa left.

Lunch

Karla, Gabby and Jesse were in the cafeteria talking, “Hey, how come you’re not hanging out with Sergio? I’m surprise that you’re not with him.” Jesse asked Karla. Gabby gave a specific look to Karla, “Well, the truth is that I've been such a bad friend to you Jesse. I know we haven’t hung out for a while.” She said. “Tell him the truth.” Gabby said. “What happen?” Jesse asked. “That’s the truth.” Karla insisted. “There is something that you’re not telling him. Jesse doesn't mind talking about Sergio, or do you?” Gabby asked Jesse. “No, I don’t.” He lied. “Fine, I will tell him like you don’t want to. Karla decided not to hang out with Sergio anymore.” Jesse stared at Karla and tried not to smile, “How come?” he asked as if he cared for what the reason was. “Just because of those stupid rumors that they are dating.” Gabby added. “Rumors that aren't true. Can we stop talking about him?” Karla said. “I think she likes him that’s why she’s avoiding him.” Gabby said. “Do you like him?” Jesse asked Karla. Karla stood up from the table and walked away. “You see.” Gabby told Jesse.

Ricardo and I walked over to the picnic table that was isolated from the quad, “Hey.” Ricardo reached for my hand, “Hey.” I smiled. “What’s going on between us?” he asked me. “I’m asking myself the same question.” I told him. The moment he had held my hand, I felt the connection when we first started dating, the butterflies in the stomach effect. What was happening? I thought. “Are you okay?” he asked me. I looked him in the eyes, something that I haven’t been able to do for several weeks, before I could say something, “Reyna, I want apologize for last night. I should have not gone out with Stephanie. I knew it was wrong and I still went. It just kills me that you can’t be honest with me.” Ricardo kept holding to my hands. “I know, it hasn't been easy for you for me to just focus on school. I also want to apologize for not telling you the truth about leaving and about encounters with Diego. You know the only reason I’m talking to him is for the economics project, you should not be worried about anything.” When I told them that, I knew that I wasn't telling him the whole truth; the truth there might be unsolved feelings for Diego.Ricardo could not ask the question; the question that he was too afraid to ask. If Reyna had unsolved feelings for Diego?” He knew that there was something that Reyna was not telling but he didn't want to push it. Finally Ricardo decided to ask something, “Are you sure, you still want to be with me?” He asked. Reyna hesitated in answering the question, even though she was confused about she felt for Ricardo, she decided to keep her relationship with him. “Yes, I’m sure.” 

Karina and Alfredo were in the classroom, “I don’t think it’s a good idea that we should be alone in here.” Karina said. Alfredo stared blankly at Karina. Nearly 10 minutes had passed, neither of them hadn't said single word. Karina walked towards the door and before she could turn the doorknob, Alfredo stood up from the desk and asked, “Why didn't you tell me the truth?” Karina stop before she open the door and turned to face to him, “I didn't want you to know that I was still in high school.” She replied. “You know that I could get in trouble for dating a minor.” He replied. “I’m not a minor. I’m 18." Karina tried to defend herself but it seem to backfire. “That doesn't even matter now, you lied to me.” Alfredo was starting to raise his voice at Karina.“I know and I’m sorry. I was going to tell you yesterday but you had already left.”“Why didn't you tell me when we met?” he asked. “I don’t know, I thought we had something going on and I felt if you knew how old I was, you were going to freak out and leave.” Karina tried to save what was left of their conversation. “I should walk away.” He responded. “But I’m not. I work here and I need this job so from now on, you and I are teacher-student only, okay?”“Alfredo.”she said.“From now on, call me Mr. Lopez. Can you leave, I need to make a phone call?”Karina opened the classroom door and walked out.

“Hey, are you okay?” Jesse found Karla behind the trees by her English class. “Jesse, you’re my best friend and frankly I think the only person who I could be honest with. Can I tell you something?” she asked. “You like Sergio.” He said. “How…?” she asked. “I know you Karla, I see how your eyes brighten whenever you talk about him.” Jesse tried to be the supported friend that he was, but it was killing him to know that the girl who he was in love with had feelings for someone else. Karla smiled. “Is it that obvious?” she asked. “Yeah, I think that’s why people kept suggesting if you two were a couple.” Jesse said. “Oh, but I can’t do anything about it.” Karla said. “You’re afraid of getting hurt and like Sergio is a graduating senior and if you start something with him, it won’t work out.”“Wow, you know me so well. I should date you instead.” She smiled.“What do you want to do now?” he asked me. I look at my phone, lunch was almost over. “Do you have to go to your last class?” I asked him. “Well, not really, why?" he replied. I gave him a look, “Let’s get out of campus.” I said.

“Are you serious?” he asked me.“Yeah, why not? Something spontaneous.” I smiled.We rushed to his car and left. I realized that I've never done anything spontaneous so I've decided to do something that I don't typically do. “Karina, what happen?” Melissa asked her as she approached the table, “We broke up.” She responded. “Oh, I’m sorry.” Melissa said. “It’s okay. So where’s everyone else at?” Karina said, “Well Reyna texted she was going to be with Ricardo and Lucy I have no idea. I don’t think she came to school today.” Melissa responded. “Really? Lucy? She never missed school since elementary school.” 

My Friend Lucy

Back in high school, I had a lot of friends but a lot of them were like Lucia aka. Lulu; Lulu and I were like sisters, we would tell each other everything (not everything apparently, but I'll get to that later on), we would protect one another. In this post, I will write a little about her life and how she tried to overcome her challenges. I never thought she had hardships in her family; I thought she was one of those lucky girls who didn't have to worry about any problems, but I was wrong. It was until my second year of college when she passed away due to internal bleeding that her dad had caused her. 

Dedicated to: Lucia Gonzales (1993-2013)

I had excused myself from Spanish class, I needed distraction from Ricardo, Diego and my friends; I just needed a few minutes alone to focus on my school work. "Good Afternoon Ms. Gomez." I greeted the librarian, the one person who knew me well and how dedicated I was in my studies.
"How are you Reyna?" she asked me. "Stress out." I smiled. The second bell had rung, "Well, should we meet there or what?" Stephanie asked Ricardo before each of them headed to class. "Well if you want I could pick you up?" he offered. "Yeah, that's sounds great." she smiled. "Are you sure that Oscar won't mind?" he asked. "No." The thing was that Stephanie didn't tell Oscar that she was going to El Rodeo with Ricardo. "Okay then, see you tonight." Ricardo walked away. I stared at the empty word document for several minutes then I began to type the title of would be my last lab report for my Physics class. I never imagined I would not participate in my own end of the year festivities (Prom, Gradnight and Graduation). I felt a tear drop in my face, I cannot be sentimental right now, I still have two weeks to go. I look over at my notes and started to compose my lab report.

While Reyna was working on her lab report, Diego had excused himself from class to go the restroom but actually he was going to the library. "Reyna, can you come here for a second?" Ms. Gomez had called Reyna to the back room. Reyna stood up and walked over to the room while Diego sneaked into the library; he made sure that no one was looking at him. He pulled a red rose that he cut from the roses that were in display in the school's garden. He heard Reyna's voice, he quickly drop the rose next to her lab notes and left the library. What is this? I told myself when I saw the red rose. I looked around to see who may have left it there. I picked up the rose and smell it; the rose smell nice. Could it be? No, I don't think. I thought to myself. It could not be Diego, so it must have been Ricardo. I smiled. But how? I thought. I placed the rose next to the computer screen so I can admire it. For a second, I thought Ricardo had been avoiding me but now I know he hasn't; this rose shows me that he still cares.

It was the middle of class when Stephanie tried to excuse herself from class, "Stephanie, you can't go until Diego comes back." Mr. Gonzales told her. Stephanie sat back down and waited for Diego to return. Brenda had a short encounter with Diego as he came out from the library, "Diego, what were you doing at the library?" Diego walked passed Brenda. Brenda took a peak in the library. Brenda tried to catch up with Diego, "I knew you still cared for her." Diego stopped and turn to face Brenda. "What do you want?" he demanded her. "Don't be like that. You know deep down you want her and I want to help you to get what you want." Brenda told him. Diego gave her an angry look. "Whatever, I just can't wait until this is over." Diego walked away. 

Minutes later, Stephanie and Brenda reunite in the girls restroom. "How is everything with Ricardo?” Brenda asked Stephanie. “He’s disappointed at Reyna for hiding the fact she’s been hanging out with Diego. He’s actually thinking about breaking up with her.” Stephanie told Brenda. “That’s great, right?” Stephanie added. “Yeah, but I think we should cause permanent damage. Like something like neither of them can forgive from each other.” Brenda suggested. “Oh, I like that. What are you thinking of?” Stephanie asked. Brenda and Stephanie continued talking for 5 minutes before the teachers got suspicious. Done! I completed my last lab report in my high school career; I felt relieved but also sad because my senior year in this school is coming to an end. I collected the paper from the printer, I stared at my lab report and I started to tear up again. What is happening to me? I thought. I reallocated myself to the table to study for my AP exams next week. I open my study guide and I see a note from Ricardo.

Hey Sweetheart, I just want you to know that I'm proud of you and even though we don't spend time together, I want you to know that it's okay. I wish you luck studying for AP exams and hopefully by then we could spend every second together. I love you. - Ricardo

I smiled. How long has this letter been here? I asked myself. I smiled and continued studying.
"Lucia." Mr. Wesley called her several times but Lucy was busy thinking about something else. "Lulu." Silvia called her, "What happen?" she responded. "Lucia, are you okay?" Mr. Wesley asked her. "Yeah, of course." she lied. In the last few days, Lucy has been distracted with family problems, her parents had been fighting, her dad's drinking problem and her boyfriend passing away; Lucy hasn't been herself. She hid her feelings very well from people, she was the only one among her friends that didn't like talking about her personal life especially her family. She preferred engaging herself in other people's problems rather than confronting her own. The only person who knew what was going on her in family was her best friend and boyfriend Ethan. However, since his passing a few months ago, Lucy hasn't been the same; she felt a little of piece of her was missing. She tried to hide her feelings in the past months but she couldn't hold it anymore. 

The last bell had rung; Lucy got her bag and rushed out of class before the teacher had dismissed the class. “Lulu, are you okay?” Silvia rushed after her. “Yeah of course.” Lucy lied. “Well it seem like you were distracted in class today.” Silvia commented. “Yeah I just have a lot in my mind. Silvia, do you think we could talk later I have to go pick up my brother from school.” Lucy left Silvia in the middle of the hallway. “See you tomorrow Ms. Gomez.” I rushed out the library to meet Ricardo by his car. Before I could get to the parking lot I received a text from him saying Babe, I can’t meet up with today but tomorrow for sure, I promise. - Ricardo. Now what? I thought. Ricardo thought he needed a bit of time away from Reyna. He thought if he gave her space and everything would clear up. So instead of meeting up with her, he made an excuse that he had something important to do. Instead he was field with his friends, “Hey we’re thinking of starting a new team when we graduate, are you in?” Raul asked Ricardo. “Of course, I’m down.” Ricardo stood in front of the goal and thought about why he didn't try out for the team, he had the skills and potential for playing then he remembered Reyna. I walked over to my Spanish class to speak to my teacher and on the way there I encountered myself with Stephanie. "Reyna, hey." she called me but I ignored her and kept walking. "Can we talk?" she followed me. What about? How she's stealing my boyfriend away from me? I thought. I stop for a second then I just walked away. I didn't have time to waste on her. 

Karina sat behind the desk in the dentition room. She started to tap the pencil in the desk until the teacher she came by to remove the pencil from her hand. Karina then started to tap her feet, “Ms. Herrera 10 more minutes for you.” Everyone else in the room had left. Every minute she sat in there she thought about how was she was going to tell him. “Karina you are excuse.” Karina rushed out the classroom and ran to the parking lot but he was there. She checked her phone, 

Hey, where are you? - Alfredo (2:55pm)

Karina, are you coming? - Alfredo (3:04pm) 

I have to get going, I’m sorry. – Alfredo (3:11pm) 

If only she didn't stayed the extra minutes she would have caught him.  After speaking to my Spanish teacher regarding my assignment I decided to go home and rest. I pulled my keys from my bag, I see my friend Karina standing next to the music room, I walked over towards her and ask, “Hey, what are you still doing here?” "Well, I got dentition for sneaking in the teacher's lounge." she replied. "What? Why are you standing here?" I asked her. I offered Karina a ride home, we walked over to the car and she told me the situation with Alfredo. "How come you don't go to his place?" I asked her. "I don't know where he lives." I open the car, "I guess I have to wait for tomorrow." she added. "Everything will be okay." I told her.  “I hope so, so how’s everything with Ricardo?” I smiled. “Great, he gave me this rose.” “Aw, how cute, how come you’re not together right now?” she asked. “He told me had something important to do.” I replied. “Are you okay?” Karina noticed that I was not okay by the way I replied. “I haven’t seen him all week and I just wanted to spend time with him.” I said. Before I started the engine I saw Ricardo’s car parked. Why is Ricardo’s car still doing here? I asked myself. 3 seconds later I saw him walking with his buddies from the soccer team. “I thought you said that Ricardo had something important to do.” Karina told me. “That’s what I thought.” I said. I turned the engine on, “Let’s go, I can’t take this anymore.” Lucy drove to Belvedere Elementary to pick her younger brother Ian. She parked at the usual spot, 15 minutes passed and there was no sign of Ian. She got off the car and walked to the office. "May I help you?" one of the ladies who were walking in the office asked Lucy. "Yes, I was wondering if all the students are out for the day." 
"Yes, if not they are in the after school program, are you looking for someone in particular?" the lady asked. "I'm looking for my brother, Ian Gonzalez." When Lucy gave the lady the name, "Hold on," she rushed to the principal's office. "Are your parents coming?" she asked Lucy. "No, why?" Lucy answered. "Ian got into a fight today and he's suspended for the week." Principal Sanchez walked out the office with Ian. "What?" Lucy looked at her younger brother. "I'm sorry Principal Sanchez. I don't know what has gotten to Ian. I'm going to talk to him." Lucy said. "Can you tell your parents to come by my office tomorrow?" Lucy didn't know how to approach this question. She knew when her dad found out about Ian's suspension he would get mad and for her mother she didn't care about her children's education. "My parents are in vacation do you think my aunt can come by?" she asked. "I preferred your parents, but your aunt is just fine." 

Lucy and Ian got to the car. "What happen?" Lucy asked her brother. "Nothing." "Ian, unless you want me to tell dad, you're going to tell me what exactly happen." she asked. "This boy in my class has been calling me names and I couldn't stand it anymore so I hit him.""Why haven't you told me about this?" "I don't know." He responded. Lucy thought about the violence at home and how exposed Ian was to it, maybe the situation at home has caused Ian to rebel. 

Karla walked home from her friend's Gabby's house and as she passed Brenda's house, she saw someone climbing down the tree. When she saw who it was, she tried not to make eye contact, ever since she found out there was something between Daniel and Brenda; Karla kept her distance away from Daniel. "Hey." Daniel had seen her. Karla didn't know what to do or say. "Hi Daniel." she kindly smiled. "How are you?" he asked her. "I'm good." she responded. "That's good." 
"Yup. So, I must assume that Brenda's parents don't know you're dating their daughter." Karla said. 
He laughed. "We're not dating... we're just..." "Ew, don't tell me." Karla didn't want to hear the dirty details. "Sorry. So, I hear that you and Sergio are dating?" Karla laughed. "Who said that?" Karla replied. "Some of the guys from the soccer team are talking." Karla could not believe it, she was tired of people talking about her and Sergio dating. "I have to go." "Where are you going?" Daniel asked her. "To stop the dating rumors." 

Lucy received a phone from her Aunt Elena asking if she could babysit. Other than taking care her own home, Lucy sometimes served as a babysitter for her aunt Elena, which only happen twice a week when she was asked to take the night shift at the hospital. "Hi Tia." Lucy walked in the house. "Lucia is that you?" Elena rushed out from her room. "Yeah tia, its me." Lucy put her bag down in the couch. "Thank you, thank you. Food is the on table and your uncle will be here around 9. And don't forget, Giovanni must finish his homework before using the Xbox." "Got it tia." Lucy replied. 

"I didn't know things were that bad." Karina took a sip of her coffee. "Yeah, I love him but things are getting out of hand." I told her. "If you think it's not working out anymore, I think you should just break up with him." she told me. The idea wasn't such a bad one, but I really didn't want to make a huge decision for something for a lie. I wanted to talk things out. After a while, we grab our drinks and left. It felt nice to talk to someone about it. I parked outside Karina's house. "Reyna, everything will be fine." she told me. "I hope so. Karina, I think it's good that you tell him the truth. If he finds that you been lying that won't end good."  I told her. "I know."

Karla marched out to the soccer field, "Karla, hey, what are you doing here?" Sergio asked her. Karla slapped him. "What the hell, why are you telling people that we're dating?" 
"Ow." 
"I'm not kidding, Sergio I told you I  just want to be friends." Karla replied. "I know, and no I haven't been telling people about us dating." 
"Well people are talking. Sergio, I think it's best for us not to hang out anymore." 
Karla walked away. "Karla..." Sergio look over at his teammates who trying to laugh. "Did you guys say anything?" he directed the question to his teammates. "Well, I thought you guys were. The way you guys connect, it seems like you too were." Luis said. Sergio went after Karla but she had left. 

"Lulu, we finished our homework." Ian and Giovanni rushed into the living room where Lucy was reading her novel. "Let me see." she went to the kitchen to check the children's homework. "Great. You can play on the xbox just for an hour and then we're going to eat." Giovanni and Ian rushed upstairs. While Lucy went back to the couch to continue reading her novel. As she began to read the first words on the page, she thought about the endless days she spent in this household. The sleepovers that she had here with her cousins, Rebecca and Lizzie who are in college now. Lucy grew up in this house like she was another member of the family. She recalled all the many times she was dropped off as a kid, the sleepovers, the family parties, etc. She never felt more at home than here. Her phone rang, House calling... She knew it was her father calling her where she was, 
- ¿Dónde demonios estás, Lucía?
- Papá, estoy en la casa de la tía Elena.
- De nuevo, no puede Elena contratar a una niñera o algo, te necesitamos en la casa. Tu mamá no está en casa y tengo hambre.
-Papá, yo no voy a estar en casa hasta más tarde, no puede usted hacer algo de comer.
The conversation ended there, Lucy knew what was she expecting when she got home but she couldn't do anything about it. 

The rest of the afternoon I spent pondering my relationship with Ricardo and rather if it was time to break up. In that moment, I knew I had another important things to focus on but I needed to clear up my mind before I did anything. "Reyna, dinner is ready." my mom knocked on the door. "Thanks, I'll be down in a minute." I close my laptop.
-¿Cómo estuvo la escuela hoy? 
She asked me as I served myself some mole to my plate, I stood there trying to come up with an answer. I didn't know how to respond this question. I couldn't lie to my mom but I couldn't tell how I was feeling either. 
-Me fue bien . Mi profesor de Inglés me dijo que yo gané una beca .
-¿En serio? Una beca para qué? Yo no sabía que habías solicitado a becas.
-El profesor presentó uno de mis ensayos a un concurso de becas y parece que gane.
My mom stood up from the table and came over to me to give me a hug and told me, 
-Estoy orgullosa de ti, Reyna.
I smiled. 10 minutes into the dinner, Daniel walked in the house, my mom checks the time, 
-Daniel, son las 8, ¿dónde has estado?
-At a friend's house. 
My brother could be a sort of a jerk sometimes and that night was not the exception. Ever since he lost his job, Daniel has been getting home late, well according to my mom. My mom's definition of late is not arriving to dinner. Daniel grab a plate and serve himself to the food that my mom made; my mom stood up and took the plate away from him. 
-Hasta cuando consigues un trabajo estable o al menos tratando de encontrar un puesto de trabajo no habrá cena para ti.
Daniel walked out the house. I followed him. 
"What is wrong with you?" I asked him.  
"Nothing, just leave me alone." he got on his car. I open the passenger seat and got in before he drove away. "What are you doing?" he asked me in an angry tone. "I'm not leaving until you tell me what's going on?"  "Reyna." We stayed in the driveway until he was ready to talk. I had my ways to make my brother talk and this was one way. "Okay fine, I have two jobs okay." I looked at him. "Okay, what is wrong about that?" I asked them. "Nothing, it just bothers me that my mom does not let me have my free time. I work full-time at two jobs, 8am-3pm and the other at 9pm til 4am." 
I was surprised by what Daniel had told me, now I understood why I hardly saw him around anymore. "What happen to school?" I asked him. "Since you quit working, I felt like my mom needed the money so I asked Saul to get me a job at the factory he works at. So I decided to postpone school for now." I had no idea what my brother was going through. "You need to tell this to mom. She'll understand." "It's frustrating, I know what she's going to say about dropping out of school, she sometimes can be critical." 

"I know, but I think she will understand." I told him. "Reyna, just leave it alone. It's better that she thinks I'm a bum." Before I could say another word, "Reyna, please." I open the car door, as soon as I got out Daniel drove away. I step back into the house, 
 -Tu hermano no entiende la importancia de construir una vida para uno mismo.
I wanted to tell her what Daniel told me but I couldn't, Daniel wanted to keep quiet about what he had done. 
- Mamá, yo no creo que deberías ser tan duro con mi hermano. Él está tratando, yo sé que él es.
- Sé que amas a tu hermano, pero Daniel tiene que entender la importancia de la responsabilidad y cómo va a aprender si no trabaja.

After the amazing dinner that my mom cooked, we walked over to the living room to sit and watch the latest novela from Univision. "What happen to Chayo's son?" I asked my mom. "He got kidnapped by Gustavo, Chayo's boyfriend." she said. Novelas are so dramatic; no ones life is that complicated. I wonder how the writers come out with such scenarios? After the show was over, I went up to my room and continued studying. 

While Reyna was studying for her AP exams the following week, Ricardo was ready to go out have fun with Stephanie. "Where are you going?" Erika asked her brother. "To El Rodeo." 
"On a school night?" Erika responded. "Erika, don't start. I'll be fine." he responded. "Ricardo, really come on. I'm suppose to be taking care of you guys." she said. "Erika, please. I'm 10 anymore. I'll be home by midnight." Ricardo grabbed his keys from the table and left. "He's growing up." Karla came in the room. "Yeah, I know. But he's still my baby brother." Erika walked over to the kitchen to check on the cake. 

"Lucia, I'm home." Gustavo, Lucy's uncle walked in the kitchen door, "Hi tio." She stood up from the couch which she was laying in. "Where are the boys?" he asked. "Upstairs. Sleeping." Lucy replied. "Ian could spend the night if you like so you don't have to wake him up." 
"No, it's okay Tio, Dad wants us home." Lucy replied as she went upstairs to get Ian. 
Lucy checked the time, it was still early and hope that her dad won't be mad. 
"Go straight to bed." Lucy told Ian. She open the door to the apartment. "Lucia!" Her father called her. "Yeah dad." she responded. "Bring me a beer." Lucy reached to the fridge to get the beer, it was strange, it was the first time that her dad didn't cause a scene because she didn't obey him. "Es todo?" 
she asked but her father didn't say anything. She closed his bedroom door and left. 

"Hey." Stephanie reached for the car door. "Are you ready?" Ricardo asked Stephanie. "Yes!" replied with emotion. "So, where to next?" he asked. "What do you mean? El Rodeo..." Stephanie said. "Yeah, aren't we going to pick up your friends?" he asked. "About that... they aren't coming. Their parents didn't let them go out on a school night." "That sucks." he said. 

Karla received numerous texts and missed calls from Sergio but she just ignored them. "How come you're not answering?" Erika walked in the room. "I don't want to talk to him." Karla turned off her phone. "I like Sergio, okay. It bothers me that everyone keeps saying we're dating and we are not." 
"I don't get it. If you like Sergio and he wants to go out with you, why don't you accept?" Erika sat down next to her. "I'm scared." 
"Of what?" 
"Sergio is a graduating senior, he's off to college next year and I know he'll be too busy for me, so why start something that will end." 
"I preferred to be his friend because I know that will always last." Karla added. Erika didn't know how to cheer up her sister. "You never know if you don't try. I see the way he looks at you, I think it's worth the shot, if it doesn't work out, it's okay. You need to take risks Karla." She knew her sister was right but she felt she was not ready to move on. A little part of her still hope that Daniel will notice her. 

Meanwhile at El Rodeo, Stephanie and Ricardo walked over to the entrance, "Wow, it's packed." Ricardo told Stephanie. "Don't worry, I got people inside." Stephanie led Ricardo to the secret entrance. "Hey, Juan." Stephanie greeted her cousin who was the security guard. "Steph, hey." Juan made sure no one was looking and open the back door, "Here are the bracelets so you guys could drink." Juan gave Stephanie and Ricardo a green neon bracelets. "Enjoy the show." He lead them into the club. "Thanks cousin." Ricardo just followed Stephanie. 

After 3 hours of studying, I decided to go to bed, but before I could turned off my light my phone rang, who could it be at this hour? I look over who to see who it was, Ricardo? I was hesitant rather or not I should answer it, so I let it go to voice mail.  The phone couldn't stop ringing so I decided to answer it."Babe, I'm sorry, did I wake you up?" he asked me.  "No, I was about to go to sleep." I heard a lot of noise coming from the background. "Ricardo, I don't want to..." Before I finish my thought, "Babe, I'm sorry for everything. Can I go see you right now?" I look at my clock, it was past midnight, "No, it's late." I heard music in the background, like the type of music that Ricardo listens to. "Where are you?" I asked him. "Babe, I miss you." He didn't even answer my question.

"Ricardo, vamos, they're performing again." I heard a girl's voice in the background, "Ricardo who is that with you?" I asked. "Stephanie hold on." Ricardo replied to the girl's voice. Stephanie? He's out with Stephanie? "Good night Ricardo." I hung up. "Who were you talking to?" Stephanie asked Ricardo when they returned back to the table. "My girlfriend." Ricardo got another beer from the bucket. "Give me your phone. No more drunk calling people." Ricardo gave her his phone. For a moment, Stephanie had forgotten how it felt to be with Ricardo. "Why are you smiling?" he asked her. "Oh nothing." I turned off my phone, that way when Ricardo sobers up he won't bother to call me.