Breaking Down (The Breaking Series)

by Smith, Calista

  ***

  Later that evening Nat and I worked the hostess shift together at the restaurant and I knew she was going to have questions.

  “Sex, huh?” She gathered the menus and fixed them right side up, wiping them as she put them into their proper place.

  “Oh, my God, I did not mean that.”

  “Hmm, maybe you didn’t mean to say it, but sex was definitely on your mind.” She accused.

  “No it wasn’t.” I shot back at her.

  “What was up with you and Dante today?” She eyed me.

  “Nothing. Okay, we talked; here,” I handed her my phone so she could read the texts.

  “So you guys are friends again?” She asked.

  “I guess so. We are trying to be at least.”

  “Well what was up with you two holding hands?” She glared at me.

  “He did that.” I tried to throw the blame off of me.

  “You were holding his too.” Damn! That didn’t work.

  “I tried to pull away before we got to Val but he wouldn’t let me.” I quickly tried to explain.

  “And before that?” She was not going to make this easy.

  “I don’t know. I was thinking that we’re just friends and it didn’t mean anything—”

  “Except it does.” She interjected.

  “I know.” I looked down in shame.

  “Raquel, what the heck am I going to do with you?” She pulled my pony tail.

  “I don’t know. I showwy.” I pouted at her.

  “You are too much. Look, I get it; you wanted it not to mean anything. Maybe you were testing yourself. I personally don’t think that it’s so wrong; except, it’s not cool to hurt Val.” Her face grew serious.

  “I know. I feel bad. I wasn’t trying to.” I sat down and put my head in my hands.

  “I know. But Val won’t show it, even if it hurts her. She’s too prideful and she already feels bad being with him, knowing your guys’ history. She’ll take it, because she’ll feel like she deserves it or something. And Dante, he doesn’t like her Raquel. He’s only being with her, I honestly don’t even know why. He doesn’t like her.” She sat beside me wrapping her arm around me.

  “He told me he’s attracted to her.” I looked up at her.

  “He’s lying to you. Aiden and I were talking. I questioned him because I notice that Val’s always the one kissing Dante. She is the one who initiates contact with him. I think maybe he asked her to prom and she got the wrong idea. Maybe he went with it so he wouldn’t hurt her feelings, or maybe he hoped it would help him get over you. Kind of like your operation fake boyfriend thing. Whatever the reason, I know he doesn’t like her. Not like that.” She explained.

  “Oh.” I really felt like crap now.

  “Yea, so, like I said. If you and Dante are messing around or whatever, at least be easy with Val. She considered you, consider her too, okay?”

  Maybe I should tell everyone the truth. Maybe it was time to put the whole operation fake boyfriend thing to rest. But could I actually forgive Dante? And did I want to finally let him in? Could I trust him enough to tell him the whole truth? That I didn’t know.

  “Yea.” I hugged her. “I suck. I totally owe her an apology.”

  “Maybe so, but don’t. I think it will only make things worse. Just be considerate from here on out.” She smacked my leg and stood up.

  “Mmkay Nat. Swear to bears, I’ll be a better friend.” I stood up next to her.

  “Thanks Rock. You’re a good friend— the best; you just lose your head with Dante.” She hugged me.

  “The wizard.” I hugged her back.

  “Exactly.” She laughed.

  CHAPTER 24

  Prom Saturday. I woke up to the smell of pancakes and bacon. Mom and Aunt Yvette were going all out.

  “Wakey, wakey pannycakes and bakey.” I flicked Natalia’s nose.

  “You’re annoying.” She smacked my hand.

  “Come on, come on, they’re going to get cold.” I jumped on the bed beside her.

  “Okay, okay I’m getting up.” She opened her eyes. “What time is it?”

  “Eight.” I smiled.

  “Are you kidding me Garcia? Eight? Go back to bed! Do you realize how late we have to stay up tonight?” She put the pillow over her head.

  “Natalia, we have a lot to do. Come on, get up.” I whined and tried to pry it from her.

  “NO! Go away.” She held it tight.

  “Fine.” I smacked her arm and went to brush my teeth. I waltzed my way into the kitchen, sniffing all the way to my mom’s side. “Nummy, nummy for my tummy. Can I get some of this?” I rubbed my belly.

  “Yes, where’s Natalia?” Aunt Yvette asked as she served my plate.

  “She doesn’t want to get up yet. She said it’s too early.” I made a bratty voice.

  Aunt Yvette laughed and handed me my plate. “I’ll get her.”

  “I’m up! Jeez, don’t get your panties all in a bunch, ladies.” Natalia grabbed a mug to get her coffee.

  “Mirarla!” Aunt Yvette smacked Nat’s butt.

  “What? Look at me what? I’m up.” Nat stuck her tongue out.

  “Sit down and eat, before your food gets cold.” Aunt Yvette snaps at her.

  She grumpily sits and starts sipping her coffee. I raise my mug to hers. She raises hers and smiles. I can’t believe it’s prom today. Eek, this all came so fast. We finish breakfast and clean up the kitchen for our moms.

  ***

  “Are you girls ready for this?” Aunt Yvette asks as she watches Nat do her hair.

  “I am. I just hope it lives up to our expectations.” Nat answers.

  “What expectations do you have, Niña?” She scrunches her eyes at Nat.

  “Just a good night. Nothing specific.” She kept a straight face, but I read right through it. I was sure Aunt Yvette did too.

  “Ah huh. Sure, I believe you.” She smacked her lightly on the side of the head.

  “Hey, you’re going to mess up the masterpiece.” Nat laughed as she swatted her mom's hand away.

  ***

  When we got a moment alone Nat and I took the opportunity to hammer out the details of the night.

  “Aiden’s parents are on a cruise. They come back tomorrow night. So, I was thinking of having a little something over there, you know, after.” Nat wiggles her eyebrows at me.

  “Malachi said he can go to Aiden’s. The limo will take all of us after we leave.” I tell her.

  “Really?” She squealed.

  I smiled, “Yea, but now we have to convince my mom.”

  “Shoot. Okay, what can we say?” She rubbed her hands together.

  “She’s going to say no. She barely let Dante and Aiden stay the night here and you saw how she acted about that.” I reminded her.

  “Yea but you aren’t with Dante.”

  “Yea. Maybe. We’ll see. All we can do is ask.” I walked to the door and peered into the hallway, “Mom!” I yelled for her and then walked back into my room to look myself over one more time.

  “What’s wrong?” She peeked from the door.

  “Nothing, we’re done. What time is the food ready?” I stalled.

  “Not for another hour. You girls have plenty of time.” She gave me an odd look.

  “Mmkay. What do you think?” I posed.

  “Beautiful as always. Natalia is an artist.” She smiled approvingly as she brought some of my hair forward, over my shoulder.

  “Yes she is.” I smiled.

  Nat walked next to me and subtly elbowed me. “Thank you Tia.” She smiled at my mom.

  “Ok, we’re almost ready. You girls go relax. It’s going to be a long night.” My mom turned to leave.

  “About that—” Nat interrupted. “Well Tia, Raquel has something to ask.” She pushes me forward, as my mom comes further into the room. Aunt Yvette squeezes into the room checking out Natalia’s hair.

  Great, an audience. I feel my palms start to grow clammy, “Um, Mommy, well,
you know how much you love me?”

  “What Raquel?” She placed her hands on her hips.

  “I was wondering what time you needed me home tonight.” I scrunched my face. Aunt Yvette coughed, to avoid a laugh escaping. I thought I heard her mutter ‘gallina’ as well. I peered at her through the corner of my eye and she moved her hands in a circular motion encouraging me to ask. I was being a chicken. I cleared my throat and tried to gather my courage.

  “What time were you planning on coming home?” My mom looked from me to Nat and then back at me again.

  “Well, Natalia is going to be staying the night at Aiden’s house—” My mom looked back at Aunt Yvette, clearly astonished. Aunt Yvette shot her a look, like, don’t you dare judge me.

  “So what does that have to do with you? You’re not staying the night with some boy, Raquel. If that’s what you are asking?” She quickly shot the idea down.

  “No. Not with some boy.” I tried to quickly save myself.

  “Not with any boys, Raquel.” She angrily snapped at me.

  “Mom, I wasn’t asking if I can sleep with some boy. I was just wondering if I could stay the night at Aiden’s with him and Natalia.” I explained.

  She had a look of confusion. “If Natalia is staying the night with Aiden, dime,” She often spoke spanglish, especially when she was mad, “Why would they want you there?”

  “We do Tia.” Natalia chimed in, shoving me aside a bit. “A bunch of girls are staying. We’re having a sleepover, with movies and just going to hang out and stay the night.”

  My mom’s face scrunched in frustration. Yes, I was well aware that I was eighteen. I didn’t necessarily need mom’s permission to do this. But I respected her and her rules enough to ask. I didn’t want to fight about it. I still lived under her roof, as she always pointed out whenever we disagreed about something. “And it’s not for you to sleep with a boy, Raquel?”

  “No, Mom.” I insisted.

  “And you’re fine with this?” My mom looked at Aunt Yvette.

  “I trust them. They’re good girls.” She answered even toned.

  We all looked at my mom as she clearly struggled with it. I walked over and hugged her, knowing she had come to her decision. “Be careful!” She hugged me with tears in her eyes.

  “I will, Mom. I promise. I’m not going to leave the house. I will be there with Nat and Aiden. Remember you like him, Mom? He’s a good guy.” I tried to ease her fears.

  “Yea well, it’s not him I’m worried about.” She raised an eyebrow and peered at me.

  “Well don’t worry about anyone else. If you’re worried about who I think you are worried about, that isn’t even an issue. He’s with Valerie.” I quickly explained.

  “Valerie? Since when is Valerie with him? She knew he was your boyfriend first, right?”I had clearly forgotten to inform my mom about this.

  “Yes. But it’s not a big deal, Mom. They’re going to prom together.” I acted as like I was completely fine with it.

  “Oh. I thought she was his girlfriend.” She looked irritated. “You girls these days do things different than we did.”

  “Times change.” Aunt Yvette laughed.

  “Yea well, if you and I don’t, we are going to be embarrassed when these parents and kids start showing up. ¡Vámonos!” She started out the door and stopped midway touching my cheek tenderly. “Be safe.”

  “I will.” She softly smacked my cheek and walked out.

  I looked at Nat and we both giggled. “Whew, I thought she was going to have a heart attack.” She smacked my shoulder.

  “You and me both.” I laughed.

  “We’re going to have a party, we’re going to have a good night. La la la, la la la.” Nat quietly sang as she danced around.

  I squealed. I was excited, kind of. I was also a little sad. As important as this night was, it didn’t feel quite right. But I wouldn’t let that ruin the night. Nat was so happy. She was going to have the night of her life.

  ***

  We finally got dressed. Moments later everyone started to arrive. It was going to be a little uncomfortable. Malachi still hadn’t shown up, but Lidia and Parker were there with their parents. Val and her mom had come, as well as Mr. and Mrs. King with Dante. Aiden was there with Natalia on his lap. I still hadn’t gone into the living room. I was talking to Malachi and trying to wait it out. He said they were getting ready to leave in ten minutes, he had been running late. I was so antsy.

  “Hey chick, are you going to stay in here all night?” Lidia came into to my room.

  “No. I just hung up with Malachi. He isn’t even on his way yet.” I was sure the nerves were showing.

  “You look beautiful! What’s wrong?” She walked over and hugged me.

  “I don’t know. I feel nervous.”

  “Have you eaten anything? You don’t look so good.” She touched my forehead.

  I didn’t feel good either. I could feel my skin getting clammy and I was cold, “Yea I ate. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m super nervous.”

  She whispered now, “Are you and Malachi planning on doing it?”

  “No.” I shook my head.

  Louder this time, she said, “Then why are you so nervous?”

  “Who’s nervous?” Parker walked in. He stopped halfway staring at me.

  Lidia pointed to me. “Silly girl, she’s shaking like a leaf over here.”

  Parker walked the rest of the way and hugged me. “You look great. What do you have to be so nervous about? Where’s Malachi?”

  “He’s running late.” I explained again.

  “Is that why you’re nervous?” Parker asked.

  “No. I don’t know why I got like this. It just happened.”

  “Well come out there. You’ll feel better once you’re with everyone, silly.” His smile was reassuring.

  I walked out of my room into the hall and the butterflies multiplied. “There she is!” Val came over and hugged me. I hugged her back and then the whistles started. Of course, as if I wasn’t a mess enough. She urged me forward to the couch where everyone was gathered. Everyone— except Dante. I looked around the room smiling. Where was he?

  Nat was sitting on Aiden’s lap, her dress flowing down to her feet, covering his. Her beautiful yellow dress matched perfectly with his black tux. The corsage he bought her was decorating her wrist. The sides of her dress had small cut outs, revealing her olive skin beneath it. The silver sequins and jewels that made up the delicate straps sparkled, like her eyes. I smiled at the beautiful couple. Yes, tonight was going to be the night of her life.

  “Doesn’t she look hot?” Nat smacked Aiden’s chest.

  “You look nice.” Aiden smiled.

  “Nice my butt, my girl looks chhheeeow.” She corrected him.

  I smiled and turned to my mom. “Mom, Malachi will be here in like ten minutes.” I walked into the kitchen where Mr. and Mrs. King were sitting, “Hi.” I smiled as I hugged each of them.

  “Hi, Miss Garcia. Nice to see you again.” Mr. King smiled.

  “Nice to see you too.” God, I hope he doesn’t bring up the night I stayed at his house, in front of my mom.

  “Mom, I’ll be right back. I want to get one more thing.” I left my phone in the room and needed to see if Malachi was on his way yet. On my way to my room, I heard the doorbell. I quickly went to the door to let Malachi in.

  “Hhhh— hhh—” My breath stilled. Butterflies. Breathe; just inhale and exhale, Raquel.

  “Rock. You look, you look— wow.” Dante was staring intensely.

  I swallowed hard. “So do you.” And he did, he looked amazing in his tux. He reached out with the hand that wasn’t holding the camera he had and I wrapped my arms around his neck hugging him tight. I took in the scent of his cologne and felt the tickle of the small amount of facial hair he allowed to grow in on my shoulder and his hand resting on the small of my back.

  “Hey Dante, Val’s Mom wants you to go get her camera, too.” Aiden walked to
the entry way, dangling a set of keys. Caught off guard, I quickly pulled out of the embrace, straightening my dress.

  “Yea, ok.” He handed the other camera to Aiden, his eyes never leaving me, “Take this to my Dad.”

  Aiden grabbed the camera from him and then took a step back looking oddly at us. Dante nodded at him. He smiled and walked off. I had no idea what that was about. I could only assume that the guys communicated much like Nat and I did.

  Dante looked at me. “So you found a dress.” He said motioning up and down.

  “I did.” I smiled.

  “You’re missing something.” He looked down at my hand.

  “Yea well, Malachi is running late.” I said holding up my wrist.

  “Well, that too.” The serious look in his eyes made me uncomfortable.

  “What?” I said my voice low.

  “The ring.” He pointed to my finger.

  “Oh. Well, I didn’t know if, if I should, still, you know?” I stumbled.

  “Why not? You will always matter to me. Raquel.” He peered into my eyes.

  “You will always matter to me, too, Dante.”

  “That settles it. Go put it on. Please?” He tilted his head and gave me the crooked smile I couldn’t resist.

  “Okay.” I smiled back.

  “Knock, Knock.” I heard Malachi say on the other side of the partially opened door.

  “Malachi! It’s about darn time.” I pulled the door open the rest of the way.

  “You look lovely.” He smiled.

  “Thank you.” I said hugging him.

  “Dante.” Dante said, holding out his hand introducing himself.

  Malachi took his hand and introduced himself. My heartbeat grew louder. Loud enough to block out whatever else the guys said next. Malachi leaned in to give me a small kiss on my cheek and then held out the beautiful corsage he had gotten for me.

  “It’s so pretty.” I said, looking up at him.

  “It’s alright.” He kidded. “May I?” He opened it and grabbed my hand. I held it out as he slipped the delicate flower arrangement onto my wrist.

  “Thank you.” I leaned in and kissed his cheek. Dante stirred next to me and I did my best to keep my nerves under control, swallowing hard and turning to lead them into the house. “Everyone is in here.” I begin to walk.