Alpha Aria

Chapter 6 Diego Gets Bad News

DIEGO

"Diego, ándele, you will be late for school!" My mother called up the stairs.

Groaning, I placed a pillow over my head to drown her out. A few moments later my door opened and she cried out, “You're still in bed!"

"Mami, some privacy? Jeez!" I muttered from under the pillow, which she unceremoniously yanked off of my head.

“Lazy bones! Get dressed!” My mom admonished me. Then she took a look at my face and crumpled next to me, her voice immediately softening."¿Que paso mijo?" Glancing toward the mirror on the wall across from my bed I could see why she was suddenly so concerned. I looked like shit. Dark circles framed my eyes and the pallor in my face was unmistakable.

“No es nada, Mami.” I mumbled and swiped her hand away from my hair, which she had started to pet.

“No cierto, Diego. Obviously something is wrong.” She pursed her lips and glared at me.

The ache in my gut turned sharp, and I couldn’t hold back any more. A few tears escaped the corners of my eyes and I choked, “I messed up, mami. I fucked everything up. Aria hates me.”

Her arms enveloped me in a hug and I clung to her like my life depended on it. She didn’t ask any more questions, which relieved me as I wasn't keen on explaining it all to her. RIght now I just needed her like a small boy needs their mama when they scrape a knee. I blinked back salty tears and took in a shaky breath. She released me and grabbed my chin, forcing me to look her in the eyes.

“I don’t know what happened, but there is no way Aria hates you. Eres perfecto.” I chuckled in denial, shaking my head.

“Gracias, mami.” I wiped my few tears, embarrassed that I let myself cry. My father always says that men that cry are sissies. I didn’t believe that now, but as a child I heard it often. It was hard not to think of it even though I was older and had learned better.

She got up and left the room, calling over her shoulder, “You still have to go to school, mijo.”

I sighed. I suppose there was no way to avoid it. Aria might hate me but I still had to face her at school. Throwing on a pair of jeans and a favorite old tee with the words ‘Love your mother’ and the earth on it, I grabbed my backpack and headed off.

As it turned out, Aria wasn’t at school all day, so I didn’t have to face her. During art class, I pulled out my phone and sent a text.

Me: Miss you. Ms. Greene asked about you. I hope you are well. I am still sorry. Please talk to me.

I wasn’t expecting anything back, as this was at least the twentieth time I had texted her since last night. When my phone vibrated almost instantly I was surprised. My heart thumped loudly as I looked down at the screen but before I could read the reply, Ms Greene had pulled my phone from my hand. “You know the rules, Mr. Ruiz. You can collect this after class.” She went to her desk and put my phone in my drawer.

Most of the time, I adored Ms Greene. She is quirky, fun loving and has a great sense of humor. She always wears crazy color combinations and she always has a fun and wacky hairstyle. However, at this moment I seethed in anger toward her as my mind raced with worry about what Aria had said. I tried to bury myself in the Paul Gaughuin piece I was working on, but my heart just wasn’t in it. Then all of a sudden, I noticed it. The scent of honeydew and cardamom.

My eyes flew to the door as Aria walked in, heading straight for Ms. Greene’s desk. Her jaw was set in a determined fashion and she didn’t look in my direction once. In her arms was a large wrapped frame, which I recognised as her project. She handed it to Ms. Greene and they exchanged some quiet words, the teacher nodding and smiling while Aria signed. I couldn’t hear Ms Greene, even with my enhanced hearing, but I could tell Aria said ‘Thank you for everything.’ Then Aria leaned over and gave her a small hug and turned to leave. Right before she finished turning she glanced briefly in my direction, her face unreadable. Then she hurried out the door without looking back.