Las Almas was busy as always. Vendors stood by on the sidewalks, either selling fruits or other snacks. Guadalupe was on her way to the market, she was told by her mother to buy some masa. Guadalupe made sure to stray away from any shady people. The rise of drug dealers and criminals have been rising lately.
She let out a sigh of relief when she finally saw the small market. She saw the woman who normally sells the masa and quickly grabbed her purse. "Good evening, ma'am!"
The woman nodded as she handed Guadalupe the packaged masa to her, Guadalupe thanked her as she grabbed it handed the money. "Have a nice day," the mature woman says as Guadalupe made her way back home.
Guadalupe was practically skipping her way home, something she used to do a lot when her mother wasn't around to scold her about it. When Guadalupe almost trips on her own foot she walked normally, realizing now that her mother was right to scold her. She was born to be "wobbly" as her family would often joke.
Guadalupe usually hated having to go into the city as her family lived further away in the country. It was an hour walk and her family only owned a small pickup truck which was already taken by her father. Today, however, was a pretty rough day.
Today, Guadalupe went to find a job with no success. Her family wasn't making enough money to support her and her little brothers going to school. She had to find a job soon, she loves school and wants to be able to help her family move in the city.
"Lupe?"
Guadalupe looked up and her eyes widened in surprise. "Rudy? Hey, I haven't seen you in a while," she says as she walked up closer to him to greet him with a hug. "What happened to you?"
She frowned, "I had to drop out, my father can't afford to keep me and my brothers in. So my mother and I have to find a job. But thank god my little brother still can if we just put the work in."
"Oh, I'm so sorry Lupe," Rodolfo says as he hugged her again. "I wish I can help."
Guadalupe smiled, "You worrying about me is the only thing that matters. I know you think about me and I'm grateful for that."
Rodolfo awkwardly chuckled, "Can I walk you home at least? You know it's pretty dangerous to be by yourself." Guadalupe nods and the two began to walk side by side.
"Are you sure you can take me home? I wouldn't want your mother to worry about you. And it's so far!"
Rodolfo chuckled, "Don't worry Lupe! She wouldn't be mad if she knew I was with you. She says she misses you coming by after school."
Guadalupe smiled, "I miss her too, she's my best friend." Rodolfo turned to her, "And me? What am I to you?"
Guadalupe shrugged her shoulders, "You're more than a friend, but I just don't know how to label you."
Rodolfo's face seemed to have went red, "Can we go out tomorrow? I-I mean I want to take you out, maybe we can go have lunch together?"
Guadalupe nods, "I would like that."
