VALERIE
“Hello Grandma Petra. Hey Valerie.” Tatia greeted cheerfully. I smiled at her. Of all Skye's friends, I liked Tatia. She was simple-minded and sweet.
“How are you Tatiana?” Abuelita asked. “It's been so long since I last saw you.”
Tatia smiled. “I'm fine. It's just I've been busy with college so I'm unable to visit."
She moved to sit beside Skye. “I wanted to drop by and my car broke down. Fortunately Acio was passing by and he offered to give me a ride.”
“Oh.” Was all Skye said.
“I was hoping you could assist me with the assignment that old geezer gave us today because I have no idea how to go about it.”
She complained.
“Fine. I guess I could -”
“It's okay.” She interjected Skye who shot her a questioning look.
Tatia blushed turning to look at Avio who leaned against the island. “I asked Acio here to assist me and he agreed. Right, Acio?”
Acio grunted and I gave him a questioning look to which he shrugged. Tatia was infatuated with him. You could see it in the way she looked at him. It was that obvious.
“So where'd you teach me at?” She asked him eagerly.
I glanced at Skye. I could see the hurt and jealousy she tried to hide but I could read her like a book.
I was glad she'd recognised her true feelings for Acio but it was only going to affect her friendship with Tatia. I sighed inwardly.
Acio left the kitchen with Tatia who took the opportunity to sling her arm around his.
We sat in silence after they'd gone. I turned to Abuelita. She rolled her eyes at me reminding so much of her grandson. I turned to Skye and signed.
So tell me about your new guy?
“I don't wanna talk about it.” She answered offhandedly. I was hurt but I knew she wasn't her usual bubbly self.
She sighed. “I'm sorry Val. It's just I'm tired and hungry.”
I didn't believe her but I nodded. She looked so downcast that I felt sad for her.
“Dante must be done serving the food. Let's go before the food gets cold.”
We trailed after Abuelita out of the kitchen to the dinning room. The aroma of Dante's dishes filled my nose, making my mouth water.
Uh-oh, I thought as I spotted Avio and Tatia at the huge dining table. Acio was staring into a book as he spoke whereas Tatia gazed at him like some lovestruck puppy. Why did they come here of all places.
I turned to Abuelita, helpless. The three of us had halted as we watched them. Suddenly Tatia stood up.
“Thanks Acio. You're the best!”
I watched in horror as a kiss landed on his cheek. I glanced at Skye. Her face was a mask of control but I knew what she was feeling inside as I took in her clenched fingers. I prayed she and Acio accepted their feelings so all this drama would end.
