On My Own Time

Chapter 10

It's been 5 days since I first went to Victors house. We would talk, play with his gaming counsels, eat, and then talk some more. I was genuinely having a good time and so was Victor. Actually, he was having such a great time that he cancelled plans with his friends over the weekend and we hung out again. His parents were home over the weekend but they were gone by the time I had arrived. We never hang out outside of his room but I found that to be okay. I didn't want to hang out at some place because I had a feeling we'd both change in attitude and it wouldn't be the same. He still makes his flirty comments but I always remind myself that it didn't mean anything. While I was enjoying spending time with him I missed spending time with Max, Sara, and even Charlie now. I hang out with them at lunch but it wasn't the same because it wasn't enough time. Max was noticing the amount of time I was spending with Victor as well and asked me about it. Everyone still thought I was tutoring him, it just didn't feel right to say that we were hanging out. I had began to realize just how much Victor was taking from my time. Of course I can't put all the blame on him because I was the one agreeing to it.

"Honey? It's time to wake up. Its Monday silly, not Sunday!" My mother said from outside my door.

I had been awake for a good ten minutes but I was lazy to get up. Victor and I were texting and I must've fallen asleep when I couldn't stay awake anymore. My phone was under me when I woke up, probably falling off my chest and getting under me when I turned in my sleep. I didn't understand how some people could sleep while staying still. I moved a lot in my sleep. I got up from my bed and stretched, wincing when I heard the cracks from my back as I stretched. I quickly changed to my black jeans and a simple black shirt with a flannel. I didn't bother to fix my hair and instead put on my socks and shoes. The sound of my phone making a ding caught my attention and I grabbed it from the random spot on my bed. I couldn't stop the smile when I saw the five messages from Victor, some most likely from last night.

From: Victor
What should we do tomorrow?

From: Victor
Did you fall asleep?

From: Victor
Goodnight sleepy head (;

From: Victor
Good morning sunshine

From: Victor
I'll be at your place in ten by the way (;

My eyes widened at the last message and I rushed to get my things. I ran out my bedroom door, running to the bathroom and doing my business as well as brushing my teeth. I rushed past Caden who was walking down the stairs at his own pace. We haven't spoken since the food fight in the cafeteria. He got in trouble by the school and we both got in trouble when we got home. It was a silent agreement between us that we would just no longer convers. He no longer gave my mother attitude but he also didn't talk to her at all anymore. He didn't even acknowledge her.

"Honey? What's the rush?"

"Nothing, just hungry," I said, quickly coming up with the lie.

My mother laughed and slid a plate of eggs with toast towards me. I ate as quickly as I could, desperate to leave as soon as Victor got there. I got through halfway of the toast when I felt the vibration in my back pocket, most likely Victor massaging me. I put my plate away and was about to leave when I noticed Caden looking at me and smirking.

"What?"

"Nothing," he said and continued to eat his cereal.

I decided to ignore him and kissed my mother's cheek while saying goodbye. I grabbed my backpack and walked outside, seeing Victor on his phone in his car. He looked over when he heard the front door shut and he smiled. I smiled and walked up to the car, bending down a bit to look at him through the window.

"Victor Torres, what a surprise to see you here."

He released a chuckle and said, "Sorry to intrude. I just missed you so much."

I rolled my eyes and got in the car, putting on my seat belt as he drove off. He drove with one hand on the wheel while the other rested on the window. He was dressed in dark jeans with a burgundy shirt, his hair neatly made and slightly gelled. His cologne smelled nice and I couldn't believe how great he made such a simple outfit look.

"So, for tonight I was thinking-"

"Shoot, I forgot to tell you."

He glanced at me and said, "What's wrong?"

"I actually can't go today."

He frowned and asked, "Why? Getting tired of me already?" He joked.

I chuckled and ran a hand through me hair saying, "Max misses me and I feel bad for not hanging out with him."

"Ah, the competition," he joked even more.

I laughed and gently shoved his shoulder. Once we got to the school I wasn't sure how I was supposed to get out. This was our first time actually appearing together alone in public. I wasn't quite sure how to appear or feel. Victor acted like nothing as he parked the car, grabbed his backpack, and got out. He waited for me as I scrambled to get out, getting my backpack as well before shutting the door. He locked his car and I already saw his friends walking over. When they saw me they slightly stopped in shock but continued slowly to make their way.

"Hey guys," Victor greeted.

"Sup."

"Hey."

It was awkward and I wasn't sure if I was supposed to say a greetings. They stared at me while Victor held a small smirk. He finally released a small chuckle to end the tension and patted my shoulder.

"I'll see you around then?"

"Um. . . Yeah."

He gave me a wink before leaving with his friends. However I felt sick to the stomach when I saw the same girl from last week cling to his arm. She was obviously flirting with him but with a single glance my way, he unhooked his arm from hers. She was clearly disturbed by this but I looked away before I could see more of the scene. I didn't want to be caught anyways. I shook my head and walked inside the school, going to my locker and seeing Sara and Charlie already there.

"Hey! Where's Max?" Charlie asked, a slight frown on her face.

"Oh, I didn't take the bus today. But he should be here any minute now."

"You didn't take the bus? I thought you always took the bus."

"I got a ride from a friend," I said and opened my locker, switching to the books I needed.

Just then Max came walking over, a sad look on his face. He walked over to me and hugged me. I wasn't sure what was going on but I wanted to know if he was hurt and who hurt him.

"Max? What's wrong?" I asked and rubbed his back.

"My best friend is missing," he faked sobbed.

I rolled my eyes and gently pushed him off, Max now laughing. He lightly punched my arm to which I winced and rubbed the spot. That was definitely going to leave a small bruise. However, I knew I deserved it.

"Okay, okay! I know I haven't been around and I'm sorry. Let's hang today?"

"Oh? Mr. Victor Torres doesn't need your full and undivided attention today?" Max sassed.

"It is true though, we barely see you now Diego," Charlie commented.

"I know and I'm sorry. I won't be disappearing on you guys anymore."

Sara made a 'mhm' noise and crossed her arms. I chuckled and ruffled her hair. She glared at me and let out a huff as she tried to fix her hair. Charlie was laughing while Max tried to help Sara out. I didn't realize how much I missed them until now which only deepened the guilt I was currently feeling.

"Come on, the bell will ring any second now," Max said and we bid Charlie a goodbye before leaving to our class.