Elly's about to make the biggest move of her life-from Germany to America. But before she officially settles in, a school trip takes her to Freeridge, the city she'll soon call home. What she didn't expect? Meeting someone who's about to flip her wo...
The support my parents showed for Oscar really threw the tension in his own home into sharp relief. Ray was still crashing on Oscar's couch, and with each passing day, the difference between the warmth he felt from my family and the cold distance with Ray felt more striking. It was a reminder of what Oscar had missed growing up, and though Ray could be nice in conversation, I knew Oscar held onto years of resentment. I didn't have the full story of his past, but I knew enough to understand why he was guarded.
On the other hand, things with my parents went great. My mom would often invite him over for dinner, and my dad loved talking cars with him. One night, my dad surprised Oscar with a piece for his Impala—something he'd been searching for forever. The look on Oscar's face was priceless; his eyes lit up like a kid's on Christmas morning.
My dad was proud, too, almost like he saw Oscar as family already. And in those moments, I realized just how much Oscar needed this—a place where he could let his walls down, be himself, and actually feel at home. Every time he'd come over, I could see him opening up more—he almost seemed like a different person when he was around them, softer somehow, and maybe even a bit vulnerable. My parents gave him a place where he didn't have to keep up the tough exterior.
One scorching afternoon, the crew decided a pool day was in order and invited me along. I figured I should tell Oscar.
I called him.
Elly: "Hey, papi?"
Oscar: "Hey, mi amor. What's up?"
Elly: "My friends and I are heading to the pool."
There was a short pause.
Oscar: "You... in a bikini, with creeps staring at you, and me not around? I don't think so. I'll come with you."
Elly: "Sounds good. I'm sure the others will be thrilled." I couldn't help but tease, knowing we both understood the group might not feel exactly thrilled.
Oscar: "See you soon, mi amor."
I made my way over, arriving at the same time as Oscar and Cesar. We paid, went inside, and began searching for Monse and Jasmine in the packed crowd. After a bit of wandering, we found them set up with towels and bags laid out.
Oscar: "I'm hitting the pool."
Jasmine: "Oh, do a cannonball!"
Oscar's expression was priceless—he was immensly annoyed. I couldn't help but laugh.
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Jasmine: "Or don't. No, don't do that. It's so stupid." She immediately regretted annoying Oscar.
Oscar just rolled his eyes, unfazed. Oscar: "Come with me, Elly?"
