*[ ] Indicate Spanish is being spoken *
“What’s up with you two hanging out with Teagan and Leah?” Rahim suddenly asks while we play on the PS4.
I raise an eyebrow, “What about us…?”
“Well, you guys have been getting close to them. You weren’t before.” This is one of the many reasons why I don’t like going to a low-populated school; you can’t escape from any rumors…
“It’s just during lunch. They are pretty cool,” Mateo responds.
“Uh-huh, ignoring the fact that they are close with Anderson, Kian?”
I roll my eyes, “They aren’t anything like him…thankfully.” Suddenly, it reads “GAME OVER” across the screen. The three of us groan in annoyance. I watch as Rahim falls back, resting his head on his arms.
“But like, do either of you like Teagan?”
I rub my temple, “Dude, just because she’s a girl doesn’t mean we have to like her.”
“Yeah, we’re not like you,” Mateo teases.
Rahim throws his arms up, acting innocent, “Hey, man, I was just asking. And it’s not my fault I find just about every girl pretty.” I hear Mateo click his tongue. Rahim’s a sweet guy, but he’s…a little naive. Anytime a girl does something nice to him, the boy’s swooned–And so Mateo’s been suffering the consequences of crushing on this sort of guy…
“You know, we should go out. I can introduce you to someone and also hook you up with some girls.”
Mateo raises his eyebrow, “Introduce who?”
Rahim quickly faces away, “Just a friend.”
I eye Mateo before chiming in, “I’m good, I don’t think I want to do relationships just yet.”
Rahim rolls his eyes, “C’mon! It’ll be fun, and it’s not like you’re gonna marry them!”
I’m about to decline it again when Mateo cuts me off. “Alright, we’ll go. Maybe next week?” Mateo side-eyes me after saying that. Uh…okay.
“Sweet! I’ll text you the details once I get them,” Rahim beams, quite excited. Shortly after, something comes up and he heads out. Once he’s out and Mateo locks the door, I arch my eyebrows at Mateo.
“So? What was that about?” Mateo shrugs as he heads to the kitchen.
“What do you mean?” He eventually mumbles
I roll my eyes, "What I mean is, since when have you,” I show with air quotes, “wanted Rahim to hook you up with a girl.”
Mateo runs his hand through his hair, visibly frustrated. “You already know the fucking answer, why are you making me say it?” He scowls. I purse my lips, I was hoping Mateo ignored Rahim’s comment about introducing someone.
“...Maybe it’s not what you think, it could be a friend–”
“I’d rather it be a girlfriend so I can finally get over him,” Mateo confesses.
I let out a sigh, “Look–.” Our conversation was cut short by Abuelo Diego. He enters the kitchen through the backyard door with Martina in his hands.
“[Ah, boys! Did Rahim already leave?]" He asks.
“[Yeah, something came up,]” Mateo tells him. I look at the time to see it’s almost 6 pm.
“I think I’ll head out as well,” I tell them. Mateo hums, following me to the door. “[Bye], Abuelo Diego!”
“[Bye!]”
I turn around to face Mateo before heading out, “Don’t mope yourself to sleep.”
Mateo smirks, “Too late. I already planned on it.” I roll my eyes with a chuckle. It wouldn’t be the first time he’s done it, and I’m usually dragged into it late at night.
“Please don’t, I actually like sleeping,” I huff.
“Can’t make any promises. Now leave before the sunsets,” he hums.
“Aww, you care about my safety–” Suddenly, he slams the door in my face. How sweet…
It was quite nice outside despite it being November. My hands didn’t feel like they were going to fall off. Nevertheless, I stuff them into my pockets as the conversation with Mateo plagues my thoughts. His situation was all too familiar, except I would never admit I had those crushes…
***
I ring the doorbell, admiring the garden decor when it swings open. “Hey, Ms. Rumine!” I beam.
"Kian! Come in, we were waiting for you.” I enter the house to see two kids; Sammy and Benji, standing beside her.
“Hello, Kian!” Sammy smiles, attempting to carry the chubby baby.
“Put your brother down, Salma. Hold his hand instead.” She puts him down and the two head to the playroom, Sammy waving bye. My heart has already exploded from how adorable the two always are.
“Let me get Andy downstairs, you can grab a seat anywhere!” Ms. Rumine tells me as she heads upstairs.
I head to the living room, I’ve always loved how comfortable this house was. It has a very homey feel to it. I picked up a photo on the fireplace, it was Ms. Rumine next to her late husband from what looked like the 1970s. Ms. Rumine hasn’t aged at all!
“Let’s go, I don’t have all day,” Anderson interrupts.
I place the photo back, “Oh, of course! I would never want to waste your time.” He clicks his tongue as I chuckle, what else did he think I’d say? Something nice? That’s beyond my capabilities with this boy.
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