Back To You

Shower

Hiraeth Davenport

Oscar crossed his arms and stared, unimpressed, at the girl in front of him. Malakai stared back at him, her lips pressed into a tight thin line, as she tried not to giggle. "Be good. I'm trusting you."

"I'm a responsible girl, Oscar. I'll be fine." Malakai nodded, withholding her usual snarkiness. I wondered what exactly was going on. I had only been over for approximately two minutes before Oscar interrupted my hugging session and pulled Malakai to the side.

"Malakai." Oscar rubbed his forehead. "Esta niña va a ser la muerte de mí."

"I promise, I'll be good." Malakai held her hands behind her back and bit the inside of her cheek. I could tell that she was dying to laugh. But if she did, Oscar would probably lose his shit.

Oscar pointed at her and squinted his eyes. I couldn't help but let out a little laugh and Oscar snapped at me and pointed to the spot next to Malakai. I figured he wanted me to stand next to Malakai, so he could scold me too. "Don't raid my weed cabinet. Everything you touch, you gotta buy. And everything your novia touches, you gotta buy."

"Got it." Malakai rocked on her heels.

Oscar wasn't finished at all. "Don't touch my tequila or my Arrowhead water. If you feel thirsty drink some bourbon or that nasty ass Dasani that you like."

"Got it." Malakai nodded. She nudged me with her elbow and I nodded in response.

Oscar rubbed his chin as he was thinking of something else to say. "And do not break nothing, chica. I'm not playing with you, I will kick your ass."

"I promise," Malakai promised.

Oscar sighed and relaxed. It seemed as though he was completely finished with his requests. But suddenly he thought of one more thing to say. "Oh, and no sex, or whatever the hell you lesbian teenagers do, on my couches, counters, tables, bathrooms-"

"I'll stick to my bed." Malakai beamed, innocently. Oscar just rolled his eyes but he didn't say anything. "Are you nervous?"

"No, I'm not..." Oscar mumbled. Malakai just gave him a knowing glance and Oscar looked at his feet. "Solo un poco."

Malakai pulled Oscar into a comforting hug. I understood how Malakai described her relationship with Oscar as familial. They acted like siblings. "You'll be fine, Oscar."

Oscar kissed the top of her head before he pulled away. "Behave because I really like having you around." A smile hinted at his lips, and I could see that he meant what he said.

"I will. I promise." Unlike Oscar, Malakai had a full-blown smile on her face. Both of her dimples were on full display.

Oscar turned to me. "Watch her for me. Make sure she doesn't get into any trouble."

"I will, Sir." I nodded.

Oscar put his hand over his heart as if my words wounded him. "Sir? Come on, you're making me feel old."

Malakai rolled her eyes and started to shove Oscar out the door. "Okay, you're beginning to stall, get on the road already. Have fun at your quince."

"You know what don't drink my casamigoes or beer either," Oscar grumbled.

Malakai nodded. "Mhm mhm. Goodbye, old man."

"I'll handle you when I get back, young lady." Oscar began to say something else but Malakai lightly closed the door in his face.

Malakai pulled me into her arms and kissed my forehead. "He gave me a fucking curfew for non-work days." There was a slight hint of amusement in her tone.