Bittersweet (Isabela x Reader)

Chapter 7

When you arrived back at the Casita, everyone was eager to get their food and eat, but you stayed in the cart a bit longer. Miguel seemed to have noticed and he turned around after hopping out.

"Something wrong, Vato?"

You tried to smile and hop off the cart. Bad idea. As soon as your leg touched the ground, you fell face-first into the grass. Your cousin gasped and ran over to help you back up. He glanced at your ruined leg and noticed how the wheel track on the pants. He helped you inside and Casita brought a chair to you by the edge of the door.

Isabela approached you first.

"What happened?" she asked.

You bared through the pain. "Nothing, my leg just fell asleep," you lied.

You were stubborn as she poked and prodded your injured leg. You flinched under her touch but refused to show a hint of emotion with her around. However, you couldn't deny that the feeling of her fingers on your bare skin sent shivers. Your heart sped up and your face grew hot. But you turned your head away so Isabela didn't notice. You forgot that Miguel was next to you and your frown seemed to sink down, even more, when you saw that he had a smug smirk. He was holding in a laugh.

"Mamá! They injured their leg," she tattled as she went to her mom.

"Is she your girl?" he whispered.

You scoffed and rolled your eyes. "No. I absolutely hate her. She's the bane of my existence."

At least that's what you believed. You thought that you did for three years. You knew that you loved her before, but you weren't sure now. You hated her since she rejected you harshly and you thought that you would ever since. You really wanted to drink these emotions away... They were just too difficult to understand.

You had a bite of food to heal your leg, getting a good scolding from Julieta about hiding your injuries. During lunch, you stayed quiet. Miguel was eagerly talking about his songs and music with Camilo. Your uncle was talking about something with the other parents. Even Socorro was socializing with Antonio.

You finished your meal and got up, excusing yourself to go home. It didn't take long for Isa to notice and she followed you out. She was right behind you even closer than your shadow. You stopped walking and she did the same. You whipped your head around and glared at her.

"Do you mind?" you hissed. "I'd like a little space."

She stepped back and gave you a look. "Is that better?"

You bitterly leered at her. God, could this girl be even more infuriating? You didn't think she could until you went into town for some groceries. Every single person greeted her, and let's be honest, you weren't in the best of moods. You didn't bother waiting for Isa as she was trapped in a conversation with someone. So wrapped in your head, you stumbled against the cobblestone road. The various cans and fruits rolled out from your bag. You cursed at yourself for being an idiot.

"Here, let me help," offered a voice.

You looked up from the ground and a young man stood in front of you, kneeling down and offering his hand. You stared at him, admiring his features before snapping out of it and accepting his hand.

His hooded amber eyes looked at ease and his wild brown hair reminded you of a lion's mane. It went down to his tanned shoulders and his patch of brown facial hair on the tip of his chin seemed to be the only thing that was neatly groomed. You could barely see his ears from his sideburns. Despite his easy-going looks, he swiftly helped you gather your fallen groceries.

"Uhm. Thanks," you awkwardly mumbled.

He nodded and grinned, revealing a chipped tooth. "Not a problem."