THANKSGIVING BREAK had been pretty uneventful for Alec. Usually, his Aunt Elena and Uncle Julian would come back to California to spend time for the holidays, but they couldn't make it this year. And his Uncle Diego and Aunt Olivia's family went to New York as this year was their time to see Olivia's side of the family. So it was just Alec and his grandparents celebrating together.
Although Alec missed his other family and wished they were there as he missed them. But he didn't miss the fact that he would usually be the one to be left babysitting his cousins. Don't get him wrong, Alec loves his cousins, but he didn't like how his Aunts and Uncles would stick him with them.
They always said since he was the eldest grandchild, it was his job to look after them. Alec loves spending time with his cousins, but because he's the oldest, they don't have the same interests. They were all significantly younger than him, so it wasn't as if he could talk to them about things he had going on. It frustrates him a little, but Alec lets it go as he doesn't see his cousins much since they live in different states. So he put up with them for that sake.
But since they didn't come, Alec spent Thanksgiving with his grandparents. It wasn't all bad, as Jeremiah's parents invited them to dinner with them. Jeremiah's extended family didn't mind the extra guest, so they welcomed the three over. Angelica had even made her famous chicken tamales to thank the family for inviting them. The dish won over the family as they all enjoyed the traditional Spanish dish. So Alec's Thanksgiving was uneventful, to say the least, aside from meeting some more of Jeremiah's family.
Now back at school, Alec's mind went back to overthinking. About all his schoolwork and the last few football games until the season is over. And about his World History project with May. Speaking of May, Alec still felt embarrassed about his interaction with her during Halloween with Jordan. He would cringe whenever he thought about it wishing he could go back and change what happened. Alec remembered the night as he stood at his locker shaking his head at the embarrassing memory.
As Alec put his books away, he didn't need and took the ones he did, he couldn't help but think of May in general. About the way her laugh makes Alec's heart skip a beat. How whenever she smiled, Alec couldn't help but smile as well, how she was so soft-spoken yet so strong-willed. Alec admired the girl and everything she did, and yet he couldn't admit to himself just how much he liked the girl.
Alec's thought was broken by someone snapping in his face. Turning, Alec found Ashley leaning against the locker next to his.
"Hi, Ashley," Alec said, wondering why she was standing there.
"Are you okay, Alec? You seemed deep in thought." She said, showing concern for the boy.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking about something." Alec said, finishing putting his books away.
"Oh...well anyway, how was your break? Spend time with family?" Ashley asked, making Alec let out a sigh.
"It was good. Um...I don't mean to sound rude, but is there something you need, Ashley?" Alec asked the cheerleader.
"Yeah, there was." Ashley smiled. "I couldn't help but notice that you've been speaking to May Grant a lot lately."
Alec nodded, "Yeah, we have a project together for Ms. Stanley. And we've become friends. Why?"
"Alec, she's a loser," Ashley said, putting her hand on Alec's arm flirtatiously.
"And," Alec said as he eyed her hand on his arm, getting annoyed that she said that about May.
"And you shouldn't be spending so much time with her. If you do, your popularity could dwindle, and I'd hate to see that happen." Ashley said.
Hearing the cheerleader say that Alec knew exactly what this was about. He knew Ashley didn't want to lose her slim chance of dating him if he kept hanging with May.
"Ashley, I really could care less about my popularity," Alec told her, and he saw her face fall slightly.
"Well, you should, Alec. You're the football team's captain for crying out loud." Ashley said, shaking her head.
Alec sighed, "What is this really about Ashley? Is this about me not agreeing to date you or something?" Alec asked her.
"While I still think we should date, it's not about that. I'm just trying to look out for you, Alec." Ashley said with a fake smile making Alec scoff.
"Yeah, right. I can see it on your face. This is about you getting me to date you." Alec said, closing his locker. "How many times do I have to tell you this? I don't like you like that, Ashley."
"Come on, Alec, how could you not like me? I'm perfect." Ashley scoffed concededly, and Alec shook his head.
"And? Life isn't all about being perfect. Or being popular. And if you can't see that, then I'm sorry." Alec said. "Seriously, Ashley, there are plenty of other guys in the school that I'm sure would love to go out with you. Why don't you go after any of them."
Alec walked away after that over the conversation with the cheerleader. He grew annoyed at how much Ashley would try asking him out to gain more popularity from dating him. That's not what Alec was about. It's not what his grandparents taught him to be. Alec didn't care about becoming popular. He just wanted to get through high school and get into a good college. He wanted to make something of himself.
Alec wasn't exactly sure what yet, but he knew he would figure it out one day.
