Planet High School

by Mia Rodriguez

  I try to put together the right words. "I could care less about being popular, Lorena," I say quietly. "You should think about what you want to do and not what someone else wants you to be—even when that person is one of your best friends."

  She eyes me carefully as if considering what I had just said.

  "Now I love Suzy to death," I continue, "but we both know she can be very bossy. That's her personality. We accept it because she's our friend, but that doesn't mean we can't stand up for ourselves. It doesn't mean we don't have our own ideas. It doesn't mean that we should always do what she wants because she thinks it's for the best. She's human and wrong many times."

  Lorena nods with a solemn face.

  "It's okay to tell her no sometimes."

  "You think she'll get mad?" Lorena asks with a quiet voice.

  "If she does then it's her problem. I tell her no all the time."

  Lorena smiles. "That you do."

  "Think about what I said, okay?"

  "Okay."

  "Goodnight," I tell her as I start walking towards my house.

  "Bye," she returns.

  Alone in my head as I move towards my home, I start thinking about my friendship with Lorena and Suzy. We had been doing so great until last year when we had become sophomores. Then Suzy seemed to change. All of a sudden popularity seemed very important to her. She started dressing differently in fancy clothes and even acting bossier than before. And Lorena follows her ideas. It really saddens me how much our friendship seems to be deteriorating.

  As I pass by Benjamin's house, I force myself not to look towards his window. I start blushing again when I remember how our eyes met earlier. He'd never know how much I defended him against the attacks from Suzy and Lorena, but I know it and that's what's important.

  As I'm rushing inside my home, I get a text message. Suzy probably forgot to tell me something, I tell myself as I climb the stairs to my room.

  "Dinner in a few minutes," my mom calls out from the bottom of the stairs.

  "Yes, Mom."

  "We're having your favorite. It's Mexican meatloaf tonight."

  "Thanks, Mom. You're the best."

  At the top of the stairs, Casandra is waiting with her arms crossed over her chest. "You're soooo spoiled, Zuria."

  "What are you talking about?"

  "I hope you enjoy the meatloaf," she says sarcastically.

  I roll my eyes. "She makes you your favorite dishes too."

  She has no snide remark to make to that, so she turns on her heel and rushes to her room. I shake my head. I can't wait till my twin sisters get out of their terrible thirteens. This tween business is a nightmare.

  When I arrive at my room, I pull out my cell from my purse. It's a text message alright. When I sit on my bed, I start reading it.

  Had fun with friends?

  I stare at the screen. What? Who’s texting me?

  I plug in my question: Who is this?

  It immediately comes back. A friend.

  I plug in another question. What friend?

  I live next door 2 U.

  My mouth turns dry as I stare at the screen with disbelief.

  Who R U? I question.

  Benjamin

  Chapter 9

  I practically fall off my bed. In fact, my cell slips off my hands and luckily hits my mattress.

  Is this a joke? I plug into the phone when I get my bearings back. For all I know it can be Lorena or Suzy thinking they're being funny after our argument about Benjamin and Chantilly.

  Why would it be a joke? comes back.

  Benjamin has never texted me, I type.

  I'm texting you now.

  My door swings open, and Carina eyes me impatiently. "Mom says its time to eat." It had been her turn to help mom with dinner.

  "I'll be right there."

  Got 2 go, I plug in.

  See u in Social Studies.

  I'm shaking as I climb downstairs. I still don't believe it was Benjamin texting me. It has to be a bad practical joke. Has to!

  My family is already seated at the table as I step into the dining room. The table is already set with the platters of food on it. My dad grins at me. It's really wonderful to see your parents light up when they see you as if you're a very important person. I bounce over to him and kiss his head.

  "What was that for?" he asks, his grin wider.

  "For being you."

  "Kissing up to dad?" snorkels Casandra.

  I sigh a frustrated breath. "Loving dad doesn't mean kissing up to him."

  "Humph!" Casandra and Carina say in unison.

  "I love you too, my beautiful daughters," my dad says, tears in his eyes.

  Dad is a real softie. Whenever he gets gifts from us the waterworks begin. He doesn't blubber or anything, but his eyes definitely get wet.

  The doorbell sounds, and I wonder who it is. I stand up to get it. It's my favorite aunt. I grin when I see Aunt Letty.

  "I've been invited to dinner," she declares.

  "Great to have you with us."

  We step over to the dining room. The twins grimace as soon as they see her. They know they can't get away with any of their rude shenanigans when she's around. Aunt Letty sits next to me.

  "What a wonderful surprise!" my dad gushes. He adores her.

  "Mirta invited me."

  Mom steps in from the kitchen with the salt and pepper shakers. "I sure did. Leticia, we haven't been spending enough time together."

  "That's easily remedied," states Aunt Letty with a smile.

  We start serving ourselves after my dad says grace. Aunt Letty serves herself a large helping of the meatloaf made with lots of tomato sauce, mushrooms, and bell pepper. It's really delicious. I love it!

  "So how have you been, Letty?" my father asks. "How is your tutoring going?"

  "Great. I'm getting more and more kids every day. Luckily, some kids are helping me," she says, looking at me. I often help her. It's a great feeling knowing you're making a difference in someone's life.

  "Zuria only tutors, so she can brag about it," snaps Casandra.

  "Cassie!" my mom chides.

  Aunt Letty turns her steely glare at Casandra. Uh-oh. Casandra shifts her eyes away in terror. "What did you say?" my aunt questions with gruffness. Under her leveled voice is the threat—the threat of being a moron in her eyes. Believe me, it's quite a threat.

  "No-no-nothing, Aunt Letty," Casandra murmurs with a shaky voice.

  "Are we going to have any problems with the both of you," she questions Casandra and Carina with sharp spikes on her tongue.

  "No, Aunt Letty," Carina rushes nervously.

  "No problems," Casandra echoes, her voice still shaky.

  "Good!" exclaims Aunt Letty. "I don't want problems with my digestion."

  Starting to eat, my mom smiles at her favorite sister. There are five sisters and two brothers in total. My maternal grandparents live a few blocks away. I'm sure that was one of the main reasons my Aunt Letty decided to retire here instead of living close to her other siblings.

  “How's the backyard coming along, Fulgencio?” she asks my dad. The landscaping has already started. The backyard is a mess, but dad is thrilled.

  "Really great!" he gushes enthusiastically.

  "A huge fountain is fun."

  "You'll be sticking your feet in it, Aunt Letty?" I ask.

  "You bet."

  "You don't have to worry about snooping eyes, Letty. Next project, I'll be tearing down the chain link fence and putting up a brick one to keep prying eyes out," dad snickers. It's a weird tone for him, because dad is hardly ever negative.

  "Snooping eyes?' questions my Aunt Letty.

  "He's talking about the Quintanillas," mom interjects.

  "I'm getting rid of the chain link fence. Those people can see straight into our yard with it!"

  "So what?" asks my Aunt Letty.

  "I don't want them snoop
ing," my dad blurts.

  "Listen, Fulgencio, I think it's time to mend fences. This silly fight has gone on long enough."

  "The man stole my water hose! What kind of man steals another man's water hose?"

  "Maybe it was a misunderstanding," explains my Aunt Letty. "Maybe he thought you were giving it to him."

  "There's no way he thought it! I told him to put it back in my garage when he finished with it! He never did!"

  "Let's change the subject," my mother interjects. "I don't like yelling at my dinner table."

  The conversation around the table becomes much more pleasant. I sigh. My dad is never going to make up with Benjamin's family. For some reason, that fills me with lots of sadness.

  As Benjamin takes the seat next to me in Social Studies, I try to stop my trembling. I had discreetly tried to find out about the text messages yesterday, but hadn't been able to ascertain their originators. I'm certain, though, that they hadn't been from Lorena or Suzy.

  "Hi," Benjamin says.

  I turn to find that he's speaking to me. Peebo isn't at his chair yet. He must be running late.

  "Hello," I return.

  "Get any interesting text messages lately?"

  Chapter 10

  I gawk at him! Literally gawk at him! It had been him after all.

  "I got some last night," I murmur, finding my voice.

  "Keep a look out for some more after school," he says as the bell rings.

  Did he really say that he would text me later? Had I imagined it? Am I going nuts?

  My face remains flushed throughout the whole period. And every time I check out Benjamin from my peripheral vision, his hot self is looking at me. Can all of this be true? Am I dreaming?

  Rushing to my house when school is over, I'm grateful that it's Casandra's turn to help mom. I don't think I can concentrate on the food. I'd probably burn myself. Besides, I want to be completely free to text back if in fact I hadn't imagined what Benjamin had said to me.

  A text comes soon after I get comfortable in my room.

  It's me—Benjamin.

  Is it really U, I plug in.

  Why R U having such a hard time believing it?

  I sigh. Why R U talking to me now? U used to not before.

  I've got my reasons.

  What R they?

  Let's talk in person.

  I gasp. If our parents found out we were friendly with one another, we'd be in serious trouble. Before I can text him back, another text comes to me.

  We'll meet in secret.

  I debate if I should or not. My stomach hurts with the uncertainty. Of course, I really want to, but if our parents found out...

  C'mon, Zuria. Live dangerously.

  OK, I text him. When?

  Now.

  Now? I question.

  Meet me at Lupita's Ice Cream.

  OK.

  Lupita's Ice Cream is a little shop several blocks from us. There is a much fancier one nearby, so most people in my neighborhood don't go to Lupita's. It's the perfect place to meet in secret.

  I nervously and excitedly go downstairs and tell my mom I'm having ice cream with a friend. It's not a lie. I decide that Benjamin is officially my amigo.

  "Make sure you make it back by dinner," mom tells me.

  "I will." Checking my watch, I find that I've got several hours before supper.

  Several hours with Benjamin!!! I'm still having a hard time believing I'm in reality instead of in a surreal dream when I get in my car. Glancing over to Benjamin's driveway, I find that his Mustang isn't at its usual place. He usually parks it in the garage at night but during the day, he keeps it out.

  Forcing myself to keep my mind on the road, I remind myself to breathe. At Lupita's small parking lot, I immediately spot the Mustang. Trembling, I step in the door. Benjamin is at the other end of the small Ice Cream Shoppe in the most private booth. The only reason I see him is because he's standing next to it and signaling me to go to him.

  As I'm walking towards his smiling face, I gulp hard. My throat is constricting. My hands are clammy. My stomach is twisting with all the butterflies flapping frantically inside of it.

  "Thank you for coming," he tells me, his hazel eyes firmly on me. I have to look away, or I'll get lost in them. Get lost in his gorgeous face with the sexy stubble. Get lost in his longish medium brown hair the color of dark caramel. Get lost in his six foot frame with arms that can completely envelope me.

  I sit directly in front of him in the booth. A banana split is in front of me. An ice cream shake is in front of him.

  "When we were kids, you used to love banana splits, so I got you one," he murmurs.

  I nod. "I still like them."

  Taking the plastic spoon, I eat some of the dessert to show him I'm telling the truth. Wow! Strawberry! He even remembered my favorite flavor.

  "How is it?" he asks.

  "Great." I want to melt in his pleasant voice. It's not too baritone, but definitely low.

  "You're probably wondering why I asked you here," he says, eyeing me closely.

  "The thought had crossed my mind."

  "Well, Zuri, I'm not the same guy I was before the summer."

  I love that he is using his childhood nickname for me. It makes me want to foolishly sigh.

  "I can see that. You've quit the basketball team, you changed your appearance, and you broke up with your girlfriend," I say lightly.

  "Let me explain," he murmurs, taking a few seconds to get his thoughts in order.

  Finally! I'm going to get the answers to the questions that have been burning me.

  "Mom and dad thought I was becoming a brat," he blurts.

  "A brat?"

  "I was letting all the most-valuable-player-stuff go to my head."

  "Really?" I ask with curiosity. I had always seen him act polite at school.

  "Yeah, I guess so. They had enough of me when I told them they had to stop all the pro-bono business and earn money like successful lawyers did, so we could live in a better house and drive better cars."

  I grimace. "You told your parents that?" I ask with disbelief. How could he have ever thought his parents were anything less than awesome?

  "It didn't go off too well," he chuckles.

  I laugh too. "I wouldn't think so."

  "For the summer, they decided to teach me a lesson."

  "What did they do?" I ask, fascinated.

  "They took me to a place in Mexico to help the needy."

  "Wow!" I exclaim. "That's interesting."

  "I came back a different guy."

  "You don't want to play basketball anymore?"

  He frowns. "I'll tell you a secret."

  "What is it?"

  "I hate basketball. For some strange quirk I'm able to play it, but I've never liked it."

  "Why didn't you quit before?"

  "My dad was so proud of me that I couldn't let him down."

  I'm flabbergasted. Who knew what was inside his heart?

  I have to ask him the question smoldering inside of me. "Why are you telling me all this? Why are you confiding in me?"

  "I've always been in love with you, Zuri."

  Chapter 11

  The saliva in my mouth goes the wrong way, and I start coughing like crazy. He gently pounds my chest. When my coughing is under control, he rushes to the counter to get me a soda.

  "Drink," he commands, handing me the beverage. I immediately start gulping the Coke down.

  "Sorry," he murmurs, "I shouldn't have sprung it on you like that."

  "You love me?" I burst incredulously when I find my words. This can't be happening! No way!

  "Yeah," he says simply.

  My brown eyes dig into his. "That can't be true."

  "Why not?"

  "You've never paid attention to me except when we were kids."

  "I've always paid attention to you. I just faked it well."

  "
Really well," I mutter.

  "I couldn't ask you out, Zuri. Not with our parents fighting like cats and dogs."

  I nod. "Our parents really hate one another," I sigh.

  He eyes me solemnly. "I'm tired of their childishness."

  I smile. "Me too."

  "I love you, Zuri, and I don't care who knows it."

  I eye him, still perplexed. "You mean to tell me that you never cared for Chantilly?"

  "I wouldn't go as far to say that I never cared for her."

  "But you didn't love her?"

  "No."

  "Not even before the summer?"

  "Nope."

  "Not even then," I mutter, still not quite believing him. "You sure?"

  "Not even then. It's you I've always had feelings for. YOU."

  This is so unbelievable that I just gawk at him like an idiot.

  "I can see that you're having problems believing me," he says gently.

  I nod. "It's just that all this is so impossible."

  "I don't see why."

  "I'm just freaked out."

  He smiles. "Don't be."

  "Easier said than done."

  "You never have to be freaked out with me, okay?"

  "Okay."

  "Zuri," his face turns solemn, "we've been talking about my feelings for you. I need to know how you feel about me."

  My mouth turns as dry as a parched dirt road. I had kept my secret for so long that I don't want to divulge it—even now. Suppose he is playing a cruel joke on me? Maybe he's recording our conversation to put it online and humiliate me. Anything is possible in our electronic age. I mean, how much do I really know about him except what he's telling me?

  "Zuria," he says, his eyes intently on me, "what's the verdict?"

  "Sorry, I don't feel the same way for you," I state, trying to make my voice sound honest.

  His face crumbles. "You don't?"

  Maybe he's acting, I say to myself.

  "No."

  "That really sucks," he blurts unhappily.

  "Sorry."

  "You don't have even very, very tiny feelings for me?"

  I sigh. "Maybe tiny."

  I should've said no but I can't help myself. His gorgeous steady eyes on me make me want to melt.

  His lips upturn. "Tiny is a starting point," he states. "After you get to know me some more, maybe you'll like me more."

  "Benjamin, how can we get together with our parents hating each other like they do?"

  He shrugs. "We'll figure it out."

  "We will?" I ask with insecurity.

  "You bet."

  "It'll be hard."

  "That's okay. I like a challenge."

  "Is it worth all the trouble?" I blurt.