Secrets

Episode 4

I rested my head against the window of our car door, this morning Sage decided to drop me off at school, I usually get picked up by Ashley, or take the bus. But he has his days where he will wake up earlier than usual, buy us breakfast, drop me off and head back home. I always appreciate his effort but sometimes I feel bad, he could be sound asleep or getting his school work done. "What's on your mind kid?" Sage asked looking back at the road as he pulled out of our driveway. I shook my head, "nothing, just not looking forward to school that's all" I said looking down at my backpack in my lap. He furrowed his eyebrows in concern, "how come?" He asked raising his eyebrow. "It's just me getting tired of it already. Going from one class to another, staring at a board for an hour listening to the teacher ramble on and on, taking notes" I listed. He chuckled, "ah yes, I remember when I was feeling the exact same way whenever I had to go to school. I know it can be boring and stressful but enjoy it kid, college is a whole different story. Besides, a good breakfast will get you ready for the day" Sage said. I smiled at him, "thanks Sage".

We drove to the store and Sage parked the car, we both got out and walked inside into the cool store. We knew Roberto (the owner) since we were kids, he was close with mom and dad. Especially with dad, they both grew up in Italy together and they came to the US, went to college, formed a family (which for the record, Roberto didn't keep for long since he got divorced from his wife after 8 years of them being together), and their friendship grew up until dad passed away. Sage and I have good memories here, before one of Sage's baseball games we would come here for a protein shake, on weekends come here for breakfast, ate burritos, sandwiches, toast, anything that Roberto had on the menu, our parents would sit down with Roberto and his wife on one of the tables in his store and talk endlessly while Sage and I played with his 2 daughters (Lisa and Miranda).

I sighed remembering 4 little kids running around the store laughing in happiness the entire time. It's been years since I've seen his daughters, after the divorce, his wife took the girls to Orlando leaving us here in Miami. I looked at the fridge and grabbed a drink for Sage and I. I walked over to the counter and just as I set the drinks down Roberto walked out from the kitchen with his greasy black hair styled to the side, he was wearing a white, slightly stained t-shirt, black pants and an apron hung around his waist. He yelled at us in joy throwing his arms in the air. "Ayyyee! It's my 2 favorite people in the world, how are you doing?" He asked in his light accent engulfing each of us in a hug. "Roberto! It's so good to see you!" Sage exclaimed. "What can I get you both?" He asked clapping his hands together. Sage began ordering while my mind drifted elsewhere,  "How about you Jade? Why don't I make you your favorite ah? A tasty vanilla shake, with hummus toast on the side" he said resting his arm over my shoulder, my stomach did a summersault just by hearing that, that was the absolute best. "And, uh, I'll add some protein you are looking rather pale ragazza" Roberto said putting his fingers under my chin moving my head from side to side.

Sage looked at me too and laughed along with Roberto. I didn't pay much attention to his comment, he's always said I was too "white" to be Italian. A joke he has been laying on me since the beginning of time. Especially since Sage and my parents held more of a tan skin tone, I had a color tone that could match one of the Cullen's from Twilight. "Alright I'll get started on those for you guys" Roberto rushed into the kitchen and we started hearing the blender go off, and his yelling towards the employees. Not much yelling I guess, Roberto has always had a loud voice, whenever he talks normally it's like he's shouting right in your ear. But that was him. Sage pulled out his phone and stared at it mindlessly while I continued to look around at the room in awe, still having flashbacks of our childhood. A sudden ding from my phone pulled me out of my trance and I dug into my back pocket to pull it out.

Ashley: Hey! What time will you get here?

Me: I'm not sure. Came to get breakfast with Sage. Why?