Running Out Of Time

Chapter 1 ~ Happy New Year!

New year, new me. I never understood that phrase. The thought of change terrifies me. Although I do wish things were different. But I'd rather deal with what I'm used to rather than defeating the unknown.

My family is pretty small. It's just my mom and little sister Evelyn. Everyone calls her Ev though. My so-called father left us when Ev was only one. He found a younger woman on a business trip. The asshole left us with nothing. My mom works two jobs just trying to make ends meet. Even though it was hard for us in the beginning, we were all still so loved and connected.

My mother was born and raised in Mexico. Her life was never easy for the get go. Her norm was working hard to just survive. She moved here when she was only 10 years old and fought for her citizenship. Her family was very poor but they were still happy since they had each other. Unfortunately my tios and tias got deported a few years ago along with my grandparents. We still visit them from time to time but other than them we don't have much family. So it's just us.

"Mija! Come here, dinner's ready." mom yells. I take my headphones off and head downstairs.

"What'd you make ma?" I asked as I started preparing my plate.

"Just some tacos and frijoles (beans)." She says. She always makes this knowing it's my sister and I's favorite. Although my mom is always working, that's one thing she'll always take care of. Making sure we have a home cooked meal. Whether it's me or her making it.

"Yay I love tacos and beans!" Ev exclaims. Ma chuckles as she puts together her food.

"Sage, I wanted to talk to you about something." she says while stuffing her mouth with food.

I raise an eyebrow with some sort of interest in my face. "What's up?"

"So you know at the diner I was chatting with one of the new waitresses there." My mom works nights at the local diner and mornings as a dental receptionist.

"Yeah, what about it?" Confused as to where this was going.

"Well her and her family just moved into town. Turns out her and I went to high school together. What a small world, right?"

"That's cool ma. What's your point?"

"My point is she has a son that's your age and he will be going to your school after winter break. I invited their family to have dinner with us tomorrow evening and I'm just asking you to maybe try and talk to him. I'm sure he doesn't have a lot of friends mija (daughter), so it'd be nice for you to show him some kindness."

I roll my eyes at the thought of me having to force myself to talk to someone new. I'm a very introverted person. I have my small group of friends (Gail and Ryan). The thought of having to go out of my way to speak to someone I don't know is intolerable. But yet I still agreed because I know this would make my mom so happy. She doesn't really have much of a social life considering she's always busy trying to provide for us. So why not make her happy and take one for the team.

"Yeah I guess I can make an effort." I said with a sarcastic tone.

"That's my girl." She says while squeezing my cheek. What's with hispanic mothers and cheeks anyways?

I finish up helping my mom clean up the kitchen and head up to my room so I go back to finish up my homework. I put my main playlist on and just let the music sink into my ears as the lyrics cave in. I listen to typical teenage music. Frank Ocean, SZA, Tame Impala, Tyler the Creator, you know the good stuff. As I start wrapping up my assignments I get a text from my phone. It's my friend's group chat.

Ryan ~ What are you guys doing tomorrow? I'm quite literally dying of boredom

Ryan is definitely the most dramatic out of the group. He always has some sort of attitude. Ever since he came out he has just been on one with the sas. I love him very much though.

Gail ~ My parents are making me spend time with them for "family game night"

Abigail is like the complete opposite of Ryan. He's more of the type to be spontaneous and honestly if someone said anything ending it with yolo he'll do it. Dude really has no chill. Yet Gail is the more logical one. She would much rather stay in and binge watch Gilmore Girls than go out(probably why we get along so well). Don't get me wrong she's so much fun with a little liquor in her system but she has a bright future ahead of her. She's like the smartest person I know. She's wanted to go to Columbia since she was 8 and hasn't stopped working hard for it since. Her passion for Columbia inspired me and she convinced me to go with her too. As if I'd ever get in.

Ryan: Ewwww. Ditch it and come hang with me and sage loser

Me: Ugh guys I wish. My mom is making me help her host this new family in town she met at work or something.

Ryan: OMG are you talking about the Walkers that just came into town?

Me: Uh I guess so?

We live in a pretty small suburban town so everyone knows everyone. And plus Ryan is like Gretchen Weiners. He knows everything about everyone.

Gail: Oh yeah I heard about them and his son. They say Blake Walker is like a criminal or something. Apparently their family moves around a lot since he gets into so much trouble

Me: How do you guys know so much about them and why is this news for me

Ryan: Well I know literally everything and probably because you live under a rock. Even Gail knows and that says a lot.

Gail: HEY!

Me: whatever i'm sure they're just stupid rumors. I'm going to hit the hay. I'm beat

Ryan: LAME! I'll talk to you losers later

Gail: Goodnight guys

Ryan & me: goodnight!

I know they're both probably full of shit but the thought of it still floats around in my mind. I mean could a whole ass criminal be coming over to my house tomorrow. The thought of it haunts me throughout the night. I eventually get bored of the idea and drift off to sleep. 

WOOOOO! CHAPTER 1 LFG! I hope you guys liked it (sorry I know it was kinda short) and I will most likely be posting a new chapter twice a week or something idk yet. Anyways PLZ lmk what you guys thought and I'm always open for constructive criticism so I could be better. Anyways thanks for reading cuties ttyl!