Maybe Life Isn't So Bad.

Chapter 2: Part 2

I hugged Nadia and Silvio as they got their snot on me.
"I'll come back during spring break, I promise", I said, wiping Silvio's tears. I soon saw my gesture as useless as more tears streamed down his face.
"Tío Lance, can't you stay", he sniffled. Nadia the oldest of the two, answered for me.
"No, Silvio. Tío Lance has to go to the space school", she pulled her brother away. She acted as if the tears running down her own cheeks didn't exist. I stood up as the kids bickered over me leaving. Veronica opened her arms and I hugged her tightly.
"I'm going to miss you little bro", she said, hugging me back. I went to hug Marco and Luis. Rachel was already in college, so she left two days before. Pop-pop came over and hugged me tighter than any of my siblings.
"Be safe on the road", he said, looking me in the eye. "And if you ever think of doing it, call me." I sighed inwardly.
"Yes Pop-pop-"
"Promise me Lance", he said again.
"I promise", I said. "Promise to call me with any updates on Mamá, ok?". Veronica interrupted.
"Of course, Lance but please try to think of other things than Mamá while at the Garrison, ok?.", She said. I could see the pleading in her eyes. She only wanted the best for me, I knew that. I mean I wouldn't want Nadia or Silvio moping around 24/7. They're too young for that and to Veronica I was too.
"I- I'll try", I answered after a moment.
"Thank you", she grinned, hugging me one more time. I waved goodbye to all of them, getting down on Nadia and Silvio's level to say bye to them both. I stepped outside, looking through my bag filled with Christmas gifts and my other shit. Of course my keys weren't there. I head back inside where Marco's waiting for me.
"Forget anything?", he chuckled, dangling my keys from his finger.
"Um yeah, thanks" I said, grabbing my keys and turning back towards the door but Marco placed his hand on my shoulder.
"Hey bro, stop being uptight, get a chick, get laid dude.", He said smirking. I forgot I didn't come out to anyone except Veronica. Instead of correcting him, I smiled.
"I'll try", I said, waving bye once more and walking out the door. I hopped into my car and started the engine. I looked into my rearview mirror, and I started to think about what Marco said. Am I uptight? Do I need to get... laid? I pushed those thoughts out of my head and started to drive, but the thought still lingered.