It All Started With A Piñata

Chapter 3 - The Piñata

Sunlight blinds me through the open window, and I can hear the tropical birds cawing cacophonously like an annoying laugh. I step out onto the balcony, the dry breeze brushing the curtains into me. I'm surprised when I realize my room is right in front of the front yard - my eyes find the blue tiled fountain and the array of plants I saw yesterday night. So the yard looked nice. It looked like anyone's paradise, but being here with my parents and their so-called friends was going to be absolute hell. 

Throwing on some clothes after my shower, I felt refreshed after last night's travels. It felt good to get out of my dusty pants and sweaty shirt. I couldn't stand how gross I felt baking in my own filth. I head out into a grand rotunda, with elaborate tile motifs and black handlebars. It's stunning how intricate the patterns are and I'm amazed with the design. I'm in a whirlwind of colours and it's stupendous. 

"Sterling! How did you sleep, hon?"

"Fine. I guess. You?"

I turn around to Mom and I'm reminded of what awaits me. Stupid architecture. For a second I thought this trip was actually going to be worthwhile. 

"Alright. Let's go get some breakfast."

Stepping down the winding flight of stairs, we find the kitchen after looking for a couple of minutes. The Rodriguez's house was huge, with several hallways and conjoining rooms. I felt like a rat in a maze, looking for a piece of cheese at the end.

"Buenos días my friends! Come sit!"

"Morning!" Mom says, a little over enthusiastically.

Diego beckons us to sit at the bar, pouring us some orange juice. 

"Thanks," I mumble, my annoyance of the trip starting to set in.

"Someone got up late! My goodness, it's already 10:00!" Diego grins, patting my shoulder heartily.

I want to fling it off and run back to my room to go back to sleep. But I smile back at him because it's the easiest and most friendliest way of not having to say anything back to him. 

"Your dad and my family went out about an hour ago to pick up some stuff for our party tonight! They're really excited to meet you later!"

"We're really excited to meet them too," Mom smiles kindly, though I know that it's all an act.

I sigh in relief. At least I had another hour before I had to meet these people. Diego fries us eggs and bacon, and I scarf it up as fast as I can so I can run back to my room and enjoy my last hour of solitude. 

"Thanks," I mutter quickly, hurrying back to the rotunda.

 I took the stairs three at a time, then grabbed my console and hopped flat onto back onto the bed. Ahhhhhh. This was what paradise was like. I bury myself into the pillows and enjoy my video game in the peace and quiet. No parents, no clients, no random people I've never met before. This was where it was at.

The minutes slipped by quickly, and before I knew it, a knock on my door interrupted my relaxation. Just great.

"Sterling! There are some people I would like you to meet!"

Dad barges in, his face beaded with sweat and his linen shirt stained with two circles under his arms. Normally I would laugh, but I dreaded meeting these people more than I could bear to poke fun at him.

"Do I have to go?" I ask, groaning.

"Sterling, we've been through this. They have been very hospitable and kind enough to let us stay here. The least you can do it greet them."

"Fine." 

"Leave the console here."

"Alright, I'm going," I say, my voice inching higher as anger fills me inside.