Page 114 of Outspoken

I’m about to ask Angel about his day, when he slaps the lid on the Monopoly box and then stands. The next moment he’s gone.

“He hates me,” I tell Mom, laying my head back and covering my eyes with the inside of my elbow.

“He needs time. He’s lived with a lot of family. He needs to feel safe and then he’ll talk to you.”

“I hope you’re right.”

I rest in the darkness behind my eyes a moment as I wait for Amber to return so we can have time alone to talk. I don’t know what I’ll say, but I need to get my chaotic thoughts and feelings out somehow. I’ve been avoiding it too long.

Not meaning to, my exhaustion takes over and I doze off. I don’t know how long I’m out, but I jolt awake when Mom pokes my side. A delicious aroma tickles my nose, so I yawn and sit up. My eyes land on a plate of burritos on the coffee table next to a bottle of aguas frescas Mom made the other day.

I stare a moment, trying to get my brain to wake up. My gaze shifts to Amber, who is standing next to the couch. She hands me a napkin and utensils.

“You need to eat,” she says softly. I must look completely lost because she gives a weak smile and adds, “Don’t give me too much credit. I warmed some frozen burritos and added cheese.”

“Thank you,” I finally say, still staring.

It’s just a plate of burritos, but they suddenly change everything in my heart. That feeling inside me I let rest earlier starts to wreak havoc, rearranging everything I thought I understood.

Amber adds to the turmoil by leaning down to give Mom a hug and then a kiss on the cheek.

The new feeling in me expands, filling every inch with warm light. This is too much for my heart to handle. No one I’ve ever dated has been so loving with my Mom or so caring and considerate toward me. Friendly, sure, but nothing like this.

“Thank you so much for having me, Marta,” Amber says. “I’m glad I stayed, and I’m pretty sure I know who the killer is.”

“The guy in the suit?” Mom asks, giving her a knowing nod.

“Definitely. He was too shady.”

They smile at each other.

Amber grabs her purse and I started to stand.

“No,” she says, pointing at the food. “Stop neglecting yourself. Eat. I’ll wait for you on the porch. There’s no rush, so just eat and relax a few minutes, okay?”

My heartreallycan’t deal with what’s happening.

I nod and she walks to the front door. After waving at Mom, she steps out.

Mom watches me and grins as I scarf down the burritos faster than I’ve eaten anything in my life. I manage not to choke, chugging the drink to force it all down. Then I run the dirty dishes to the kitchen and finally come to a stop at the front door.

“You need anything?” I ask Mom.

She gives me one of her knowing smiles and shakes her head. “I’m fine, mijo. Angel is here if I need something. Did you know he can drive? He’s not supposed to know that, but he’s smart for his age. So I’m perfectly fine. Take your love to the park.”

“This late?”

“Sí. It’s the best time.”

“I don’t know, but I’ll be back.”

She wraps a blanket around her, looking completely content with life, and shifts her attention to the TV.

I step outside onto the porch to find Amber gently rocking in a chair. The night air is cool, causing goosebumps up my arms. Or it could be how close Amber is.

Staring at the grass and clutching her purse in her lap, she says mindlessly, “Your mom gave me your last Hershey’s bar. Sorry.”

I half-smile and sit in the rocking chair beside her. “It’s cool. I try to hide sweets, but she has a sixth sense or something. She sniffs out sugar.”

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