Page 22 of Hate That Blooms

I check the messages on the house phone and see that the lawyer called and wants to know if I can meet with her after school tomorrow.Finally!The sooner I figure out what the next steps are, the better. I take a deep breath, reminding myself to stay strong for Mireya’s sake. It’s clear that I can’t let my pain consume me; I need to focus on taking care of her. With a determined mindset, I head out to pick her up from school.

As I drive to the school, my thoughts wander back to the lawyer’s call. It’s a reminder of the difficult situation I find myself in. I still need to pick up mom’s ashes from the funeral home. That’s going to be twenty-three hundred dollars. Luckily, mom keeps a little lockbox full of cash in her room, so I’ll be able to pay for it. Sorting out her affairs and dealing with the legalities has been overwhelming. But I know I have to face it head-on.

The house is causing me concern. I know she got it in the divorce, but does that mean that my dad can’t come after me for it? I don’t need to worry about anything except insurance and taxes since she paid off the mortgage over a year ago. She always wanted to make sure we had a home, so that was her priority. She busted her ass to pay it off early.

When I arrive at Mireya’s school, she’s waiting for me outside with her aide, a smile lighting up her face. She may be young, but she’s been through so much already. I can’t let her down. I smile back, and Juno, her aide, helps get her in the car. “She had a great day today. Little Lady even went down the big slide at recess! We’re so proud of you, Reya!”

“That’s awesome! Say bye to Juno, Reya.” I say.

Mireya looks out the window and hums to herself. Juno smiles and closes the door. During the drive back, Mireya talks about her day at school, listening to her stories about the playground and the slime video she watched on the computer. I find a small glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that has enveloped my life. Mireya has always been the sunshine in the gray clouds. When it comes to her, she’s always been the light in my life.

Arriving home, I feel a sense of accomplishment as I see that the house is in order and dinner’s cooking. It may seem like minor tasks, but they give me a sense of control and stability in a world that feels out of control. I set her at the table and grab my history homework so I can work on it while dinner finishes up.

Sitting down to eat, I feel nothing if not grateful for these simple moments of togetherness. Mireya’s laughter fills the room, and for a brief moment, the weight on my shoulders eases. I know tomorrow’s meeting with the lawyer will bring its own challenges, but I’m determined to face them head-on.

Once dinner is finished, Mireya and I spend some quality time together, playing games and laughing. “Movie time!” She squeals and runs to grab the remote. I put on one of her favorite kids’ movies and finish up my homework while she giggles, stopping occasionally to laugh at the stupid adult humor hidden within the film. She passes out well before the movie is over.

Tucking Mireya into bed, I kiss her forehead and whisper, “I’ll always be here for you, no matter what.” It’s a promise I intend to keep, even when life feels overwhelming.

Returning to my room, I pick up my phone and see the message from the unknown number again. Their words resonate with me, reminding me of the importance of being there for my sister. I may not have all the answers, but I won’t let my pain consume me.

Flopping onto my bed, I close my eyes, ready to face whatever challenges tomorrow brings. I know it won’t be easy, but I have the strength within me to handle it. And as I drift off to sleep, I hold on to the belief that there is light at the end of this dark tunnel.

There has to be, right?

* * *

“Shit,” I shuffle through my locker and backpack, looking for my history book and homework that I put in there last night. “Where the fuck is it?” Mr. Enriquez is a jerk and will for sure make a scene about me not being prepared for class if I show up without my book and homework. “Fuck,” I whimper under my breath.

Then I feel like someone is watching me.

I pivot and find his honey brown eyes staring at me. If those eyes belonged to anyone else, they would do nothing for me. But they’re his, and even though I hate what he’s doing to me, for some strange, fucked-up reason, I don’t hate him. When those eyes look at me, inside, I melt. Despite the way he treats me, in those eyes, I see something else.

The hurt that we share.

The betrayal.

Want. Need. Maybe even lust.

“Lose something, Gabriela?” He chuckles, slipping his backpack on.

“Did you take my homework?” I’m full-blown panicking now. I check my watch, and I have six minutes to get to class.

“I don’t know what you're talking about.” I shoot him a glare, my frustration mounting.

“Don’t play dumb, Joaquín,” I shoot him another glare, it has to have been him. I need that homework, and he knows it.

He takes a step closer, his presence overwhelming. “Why would I want your homework, Gabriela? I have better things to do.” His side smirk tells me he’s done something, and I’d bet if I was to rifle through his backpack, I’d find my homework.

I narrow my eyes suspiciously, knowing I can’t trust him. “Just give it back to me, Joaquín. I don’t have time for this.”

He smirks, his gaze never leaving mine. “Nope. I don’t have it. Maybe you shouldn’t be so careless. It looks like you're losing your mind.” Raising his middle finger, he leaves the hallway, laughing.

It takes me four minutes to get to the history hall, and by the time I step in the door, I am two minutes late. “Miss Ruíz, late. Do you have a pass?”

Eyes on the floor, I shake my head. He tsks.

“Turn in your homework assignment, then take your seat.” He scoffs, turning toward the board.

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