OFF THE RECORD (First Person)

27. What Was I Made For

December 2014

Emma

I decided to call Isaiah. I had good news for him after the afternoon I had spent drinking with my coworkers.

"Hi Isa, how are you?" I asked through the speaker as I paced through my room.

"I'm doing good. I'm actually at the factory right now, making sure everything's okay. California is the shit!" He exclaimed.

I chuckled. "I'm happy for you. I hope you have time to have fun, at least a little."

"Dude, if I come back a single man, kick me please! How's everything in Houston?" He asked.

"Everything's the same as you left it. Astros are still number one, and the traffic still sucks!"

"I think I'm becoming a Dodgers' fan..." He admitted.

"Fucking traitor!" I yelled at him.

Isaiah laughed on his end.

"How much longer are you going to be over there?" I asked, now calmly.

"Another three months. Why? You miss me already?" He answered with a question.

"A ton. But I was calling you for something else. I think I have a date for you." I had talked to Imelda, who was single, and very much looking for a boyfriend.

"And you tell me now that I'm over here? The fuck?" Isaiah exhaled.

"I know. I'm sorry. But I just hung out with the guys at work. They are pretty chill."

"Okay, alright. And who is it? Send me a picture of her to see if I'm up to it." He suggested.

I rolled my eyes. "Ugh, okay, I guess."

"Well, well, and what about you and the Hobo? Are y'all a thing now, or what?" He questioned, remembering our reunion.

I blushed. I was glad he could not see me. "No. Not even. That night was...nada."

"Really? I don't believe you." He stated.

"For reals. Don't even mention it."

Isaiah let out a sigh. "Well, tell him that. I don't think it meant nada for him. Don't play with his feelings, Emilia." Isaiah only called me for my name when he wanted to bother me or scold me. I knew this time was the latter.

"Yeah, don't worry about it." I dismissed him. "I gotta go, okay? I'll send you her picture and I'll talk to you later."

"Take care, Emma." He hung up.

I sighed deeply. I had avoided the topic for a few days now, but Isaiah was right. I needed to make up my mind.

Regina

I used my key to enter Jose's apartment. I hadn't used it for a while, but this was the only way I was going to be able to show my support to him.

His apartment was dark, except for the beaming neon clocks on his microwave and stove.

I walked slowly, avoiding making any noise. I expected him to be alone, but if Letty was with him, I didn't want to be discovered trespassing.

I opened his bedroom door quietly. I heard a compressed sob coming from the bed, and as I only saw one bulk under the covers, I hurried my step. I made my way into his sheets, making him do a small jump.

"Reggie!" Was all he could blur out.

I held him tightly, slipping my hands to his uncovered back. I then took his head into my chest, letting him rest his sorrows.