Unexpected 4: Digital Purge

Chapter 2: Intruders

36 hrs before, Chris' apartment

Chris was exhausted! Literally, everything in her body hurt, from her toes to the tip of her hair. Thank God she had gotten a haircut recently!

The nurses and doctors in the hospital had been so nice to her. From the moment she was taken in, the care was exceptional. She did so well that Saturday afternoon her request for early dispatch was granted. She had to wait until noon, but at last she was out. Uncle Sarzo and her cousin Tomás were nice enough to pick her up and drive her home.

She insisted in resting, until the 'tornadoes' came in. Yup, she had already given them a name. Yup, them: her new roommate and new son. Yup...she was still wrapping her head around that!

I must've had a really bad concussion. What the hell did I just sign up to? Good bye apartment...good bye silence...good bye tranquility...good bye groceries! I'm gonna miss you!

Her uncle and cousin had been so nice, that they even bought her some food. They helped her in the bathroom and wouldn't leave until she was tucked in bed.

"Bendiciones, tío. Adios, Tomás. Los amo un mundo!" (Blessings, uncle. Bye, Tomás. I love you a lot!) she said as she said farewell.

Hours of glorious and delightful peace went by and then...bang! Her eyes snapped open as she heard the door slam shut.

Oh no!

"Chris? You here?" she heard Jim call from the entrance. She heard the stumping of feet and barging of the intruders, as she stared at the ceiling wondering... pondering... thinking... sigh!

"Se acabó la paz!" (That's it for the peace!) she said out loud, as she felt them moving chairs in her dining room, turning on her TV, and opening her fridge.

It was already past 10pm and everyone in the apartment was ready to call it a day. Chris was still tired, Jim was complaining about body aches, and Rubio had been yawning continuously.

"Alright, time for bed!" she called out, as she grabbed the remote and turned off the TV. Lakers were blowing out the Kings, so there were no complaints when the TV went black. "Rubio, go wash up." she said, as the kid got up form the floor, and headed towards the bathroom. "Hey! Brush your teeth but don't take forever in there, okay? Afternoon shower broke the record in this house!"

Rubio shot a smile as he giggled. He went into his room, as the two adults fixed up the living room. Both turned to the kitchen, as Chris placed the popcorn bowl and glasses in the sink and Street organized the mess on top of the dinning room table. They had spent an hour sorting through everything Rubio had to do to catch up in school. He had to complete a truck load of works and papers, just to have a shot at passing 9th grade. Judge made it clear; if by the end of the week he had not finished at least 1/3 of that list, he would add service hours (even if he was not convicted!). So, the kid had no choice.

"Chris, I know what you said about the sleeping arrangements, but can I please make a request. Please!" Chris turned around to Street standing at her bedroom door. By that time, kitchen and dining room were clean, the kid was in bed and every light in the house was turned off, except the lamp on her night stand.

She took off her hairband, and ran her fingers through her hair. "Ok?" she turned to her dresser to find the comfiest pajama she had. Then she grabbed some bottom underwear and a clean towel. As she turned to head to the bathroom, she noticed Street was almost bent sideways. "What's wrong, Street?"

He sighed and tried to straighten up. "I know you said about the couch, but"- he groaned as he continued to stretch, placing both hands on his lower back for supporter, "my back is killing me, Chris. Seriously."