Tangled Fates

chapter eleven.

C A S S I A

I'm sitting at the kitchen table, absentmindedly eating my cereal. Today is the day of celebration, and I got my dress tailored in advance. It's a beige, cream-colored mermaid-style dress that fits tightly to my body, featuring a low-cut neckline and ruched straps with a long slit starting at my mid-thigh. I'm surprised my mother didn't have any critiques for it - she hates dresses that showcase cleavage and with one tug on mine, everything's out. I finish my breakfast and wash my plate as I go over everything I'll have to complete in preparation for this event.

"Hey, sweetie." I hear my mother's voice as she kisses me on my forehead. "Good morning, mom. What do you want for breakfast?" I ask my mother, cleaning the bowl with a cloth.

"Oh, don't worry. I'll find something to eat. Also, your dress is ready but you may have to go and pick it up yourself. Between the decorations, and arranging the guest list I'm afraid I won't have time." My mother checks her watch, fixing her jewelry.

"Yeah, that's fine. If you need any help, let me know." My mother smiles as she places another kiss on my forehead. "Thank you, baby."

"What time does it start?" I ask. I have a school assignment to complete since Friday, which might take a while. I should've started from the day it was assigned but of course, procrastination got the best of me. "Around 7. It'll be for around 5 hours but you guys will be fine. I know this might not be your type of crowd but this is a big thing for the Garcia's, and we're glad to be right beside them." I smile as my mother explains, examining the admiration in her eyes.

Lorenzo's mom and mine are quite close, they share such a deep sense of love for each other. They also got pregnant at similar times, that being Lorenzo is an exact month older than me.

My mom and I chat for a while before I leave her in the kitchen as I return to my room and pull my MacBook out. Typing away, I hear my phone vibrate and I turn my attention to it, but not before noticing a plastic bag on the table. "What is this?" I say to myself, as I pick it up and reach for the object inside. I pull it out, and to my surprise, it's those chocolate pretzels Lorenzo bought while we were driving to Fresno. It's untouched, the plastic still sealed tightly on the top.

I furrow my eyebrows slightly, as I pull my laptop to the side and place the plastic bag on my lap. I know I didn't place this in my room, so the only other person would be him. But why?

Suddenly, it clicks in my head. Am I really that dumb? I literally even thought about the fact that he didn't like them, so why would he buy something he doesn't eat? If anything, he bought the wrong thing. I'm still yet to receive my water bottle. It's almost been a week. Frustrated, I go to his room through the bathroom and open his door. He's leaning on his spinning chair with his foot on top of his other, book in his hands, and headphones in his ear.

Lorenzo reading? Who would've thought?

I clear my throat, making my presence known. He doesn't budge. I clear my throat once again, louder this time. He still doesn't budge.

"What do you want?" He replied in a monotonous tone, clearly disinterested in what I had to say. "Did you put these in my room?" I say, lifting the bag in the air. He glances for a second before returning to his book, nodding. "I didn't want it." I doubt he'd admit that he bought them for me but - sure that works too.

"You know, thank you for the pretzels I really appreciate it, I do but what about the $23 water bottle that you broke almost a week ago?" I scolded, putting my arm on my hip. He throws his head back, slightly dropping his book. "It's never peace with you, is it? You just always have to disturb someone with your bullshit." He scoffs as he tugs his headphones off, shutting close the book and standing up. "Do you want it?" He says, pointing to the bag in my hand.