Memories

Susanna Martinez

Felix and I sat on a bench in a nearby park. The sun was setting, so it was to get dark very soon. We just talked and talked. Everything post second grade. I told him about myself and he told me about himself. Maybe it was the way the sky showed off its purple and pink hues as the sun set. Or maybe his Dr. Pepper tasted extra good. I'm not sure, but whatever it was that made him open up to me, I'm grateful to. After the shop we went into, he sort of lowered his guard. I appreciated it, but it was just sort of uncharacteristic of him.

"You know how I've been expelled from a bunch of different schools?" He asked.

"Yeah? What about it?" I reply, both of us looking up at the sky.

"I am the way I am because of my family, you know? My dad didn't treat us right, and when he finally left, I felt like I had to become like him. Somehow as a way to fill in for him?" He said.

"Don't get me wrong, I wasn't like, hurting my mom and siblings. Just like, kids at school." He continued.

"I don't harass kids anymore, stopped after middle school, but I just don't get why I'm supposed to follow the rules you know? Why could my dad just break the rules on how to be a good father and get away with it?" He said sternly. He put his head down, looking at the Dr. Pepper in his hand.

I was feeling bold. Maybe it was the caffeine in my iced coffee or the way I felt my heart warm up as I realized he confided in me once again. I rested my head on his shoulder and pecked him on the cheek.

"I'm sorry for everything you've been through, Felix. And that no one was there to help you so you had to find other ways to cope." I lifted my head up and looked into his eyes,
"But hey, I'm here now, you can trust in me." I say, my eyes fixated on his.

A slight smile appeared on his face, causing his eyes to smile too.

"Thanks Susy." Is all he said as he rested his head atop my head.

                                            ~~~

It was now 11pm-ish. Nothing but the moon and nearby street lamps lit up the dark night.

"I think we gotta call it a night, Felix." I said as we walked around the park.

"This early? Fine. But can I walk you home?" He asked.

"I live kinda far, you sure?" I questioned.

"Yeah sure, lead the way!" He replied as he grabbed my hand again.

The cold air hit my face as we walked. My nose almost frozen. The only thing giving me warmth was his warm hand holding mine. On the way to my house, we just talked about nonsense, since we had already talked about anything and everything. I asked about anything that came to mind. He seemed to have a lot of energy left.

"You don't seem tired yet. Parties always start at this hour or what?" I asked, half joking.

He chuckled softly, "Nah, nah. For your information I haven't gone to a single party in weeks."

"Oh wow, weeks! How do you survive 2 weeks no parties?!" I replied.

"Oh come on, Susy! Who do you think I am? It's actually been 3 whole weeks no party. Get your facts right before you bully me." He jested.

"Actually, my friend Edward is throwing a party tomorrow night. You and your friends should come." He suggested.

"Hmm...yeah, I'm down." I replied.

We approached my house. We stopped at the gate and turned to face each other.

"So, see you tomorrow then?" Felix asked, looking down into my eyes.

"See you tomorrow, Felix." I say, turning away from him to walk inside.

He grabbed my hand and turned me towards him. He looked at me with some sort of determination. Confused, I opened my mouth to question him. Before I could get a word out, his lips were on mine. He implanted a soft and gentle kiss onto my lips. He pulled away shortly and said,

"Sweet dreams, Susanna."

                                             ~~~
                                 Felix De la Rosa

I walked down the dark and lonely streets as I started down at my phone, my feet leading me home. I chuckled to myself as I texted Luis, explaining everything that happened this late afternoon. Obviously excluding the part at the park. I exited out of messages and opened Clash of Clans until a notification popped up on my screen.

'Apple Cash, $30.00 sent from Luis.'

I stopped in my tracks, quickly accepting the money.
Another notification then appeared on the top of my phone.

'tylrc17 has started following you.'

Oh, I'm gonna have a fun night. I thought to myself, following Taylor back.