Forget Green Gables

'Gordita'

"He called you WHAT?" Felix demands over dinner. I had not planned on saying anything, remembering the night just before Labor Day, but Felix comments that he does not think the team will be winning the game that coming Friday on account of their running back being suspended because some girls had narced on him for being the same jerk he always is.

I laugh, relaying the story that Jessie shared earlier in the locker room. "You are NOT fat! You're not even chunky!"

"I know that." I pop a strawberry in my mouth, one of my favorite fruits.

"I mean, I spend half my time chasing guys away from you. How that nerdy little Algrim guy got you is beyond me," Felix muses, stabbing another forkful of pasta. "I'm going to break Dustin's nose. Maybe I'll just forget to block next time the coach calls that stupid veer play. Call my sister fat again, see what happens to you, pendejo."

"Calm down, Felix. It's not that big of a deal."

"Seriously, Cheyanne. I'm your older brother. It's my job to look out for you."

I roll my eyes. "Two whole minutes doesn't make you my 'older' brother, and the only way you're bigger than I am is your ego."

Felix grins, grabs a pint of ice cream from the freezer, and heads for his bedroom.

I sigh and retreat to my room, attempting to solve my math homework. My weight does not bother me in the slightest; I am curvy and healthy. I am built stereotypically Latina, but my features-the auburn hair and green eyes- are all my father. What bothers me about the entire situation is how free Dustin Martinez feels he is to make comments about whatever he likes. I have people I do not like, of course, but I do not feel free to comment on whatever I please. Truly, I do not even feel the need. Is there not a line with Dustin, and how far will he push the issue before it comes to a breaking point?

Cheyanne,
Cosmic Bowling Friday night?
Jessie

Jessie,
Sounds like a plain to me!
Cheyanne

Cheyanne,
Bring Danny, and Jamie if she wants to come,

Jessie