On My Own Time

Chapter 19

I quickly stuffed my now finished homework in my backpack and took a quick look in the mirror. I had taken a shower due to my mother's orders and I was now dressed in black jeans and a blue flannel with a muscle shirt underneath. I had to change my shirt at least three times before receiving the okay from my mother that I looked presentable. I orginally wanted to wear a simple t-shirt but my mother did not like that idea too much. I quickly made my way downstairs and helped my mother fix the table. I was rather annoyed from the loud music that was coming from Caden's room. Though I knew I was more annoyed by who else was in there. After Daniel left he had come back to tell us that he couldn't find Caden but he left over a dozen messages telling him to come home. It just so happened that Victor drove him home and my mother of course invited him for dinner. My lucky day.

"Diego, honey, can you please set the plates and then tell the boys that our guests will be here any minute."

I swallowed down the no that wanted to come out and instead nodded my head. I tried my best to take a while with setting the table but after a while my mother smacked my arm and told me to hurry up. There was no avoiding it so after I put the last plate down I released a sigh and made my way to Caden's room. I knocked on the door but of course they did not hear me due to the music. I ended up kicking the door, finally catching their attention. Caden opened the door and glared at me.

"What?"

I rolled my eyes and said, "Come down. Our guest will be here any minute. Don't forget to bring your little friend," I said, walking away as I finished my sentence.

"Stupid," I heard Caden mumble.

"Idiot," I purposely said loudly.

Caden slammed the door and I didn't bother to look back. Instead my mind was more occupied that the front door just rang meaning our guests were here. This should be fun. Both my mother and Daniel appeared from the kitchen door and the sound of feet coming down the stairs was heard. I opened the door and smiled at Max and his family.

"Hello and welcome," I said shaking Max's dad's hand and moving aside to let them in.

Max's mother eyed me but continued to walk inside, greeting my mother and Daniel. Of course she had her bible sticking out of her purse and I saw a spray bottle. I wonder if that was her holy water. Max chuckle, noticing I was eyeing the spray bottle. I smiled at him and he gave my back a pat. I guess his parents made him dress up too. His hair was wet and he was wearing a button up with dark blue jeans. In other words, my best friend looked good. And then my eyes widened when I saw him. Hector was packed with muscles and his black hair that was pushed to the side made his cheek bones pop out. He too was wearing a button up shirt but what looked like to be a tattoo was peaking out from the collar. His black jeans fit him well. And finally, his perfect green eyes that shined behind black framed glasses looked down at me. His big smile was wide and happy and before I knew it, his large arms engulfed my tiny frame compared to him.

"Diego! Oh it's so good to see you. I really missed you!"

I made a noise that was something between a laugh and a wheeze from the struggle of trying to breathe. Hector chuckled and let me go. I felt a nudge to my side and I looked to see Victor there with a fake smile.

"Who is this, Diego?"

"This is, Hector, Max's cousin."

Hector held out his hand with his innocent smile while Victor gave a fake sassy one in return and shook his hand.

"So, did Max tell you I'm joining your gang at school?"

"Yeah he told me. Also said you had a book to show me."

He cheeks reddened a bit and he gave a chuckle, scratching the back of his neck. I glanced at Victor just in time to see him roll his eyes and let out a boring sigh. Thankfully Max appeared and grabbed my shoulders, dragging me away and taking me to the kitchen.

"Our moms wanted a drink and I need you to show me where the cups are."

I chuckled and grabbed plenty of cups for everyone while Max got the lemonade and iced tea from the fridge. We brought the drinks to the table where everyone now was and set the cups down.

"Thank you boys," my mother said and motioned us to sit down.

We had a big table thanks to Daniel being able to afford one. Daniel sat at the end of the table and my mother sat next to him to be able to fit everyone in. Max's dad sat at the other end of the table, his wife sitting on the right. Max sat next to his mother and Caden sat next to Max. Of course, my seat was right between Victor and Hector.

"I hope you enjoy the food. For desert there is pie and I made cookies for the boys," my mother said and smiled.

We all served ourselves and many thanks were sent to my mother who smiled widely in return. Of course, Caden left out his thanks but I promised my mother that I'd behave. Thankfully Caden was remaining silent but I did notice his slight smirk and Max's look of irritation. I didn't comment on it though and simply turned to Hector who tapped my shoulder.

"So, tell me what's going on with you? How's school? Anyone on your mind?"

Victor coughed and I could already imagine his little smirk. I simply shrugged my shoulders though which made Hector groan and lightly shove my should to get me to spill. I chuckled and took a bite before getting ready to respond.

"School's good. Sara is excited to see you. As of right now, there is no one."

"Oh Sara, she creeps me out a bit," he laughed. "But wait really? No one has captured your attention?"

"Nope."

"Are you sure about that?" Caden asked with a smirk.

I furrowed my eyebrows as I gave him a look of confusion. I dared to not even glance at Victor because I knew Caden was evil enough to put the pieces together. That's right, I said evil, not smart. I only hoped that my mother didn't hear that or especially, Max's mother.

"That's all teenagers do these days, fall in love, have intimacy, but not thanking the lord," Max's mother sneered.

"Diego, honey, you like someone?"

"No, I don-"

"You didn't tell your best friend?" Max joked.

I gave him a fake glare to which he chuckled and took a drink of his lemonade.

"I think that's nice," Max's father said.

"I don-"

"So, who is the lucky girl?" Daniel asked with a warm smile.

"I don't like anyone! I am just focusing on school."

"Oh sure."

"You got a problem, Caden?"

"Is this how your boys behave?" Max's mother said with digust.

"Boys please," my mother pleaded with a nervous smile.

"Caden," Daniel scolded.

Everyone was silent for a bit, Hector awkwardly taking a sip of his drink and Victor taking a bite of his food. My mother nervously laughed and Daniel cleared his throat. Thankfully Max's father began a conversation about food and that got the adults talking again. The teenagers, me included, were still silent.

"I need to talk to you," Victor whispered to me so quietly I thought I imagined it for a second.

I slightly nodded my head and began eating again. I couldn't wait until this dinner was over. Caden managed to ruin today even more.