Spring's Unexpected Love

Chapter 14 (Ximena)

Saturday morning was overcast and chilly, the weather making it hard for me to drag myself out of bed. I stumbled into the kitchen, only to find that my family had went ahead and eaten breakfast without me- again. I sighed, microwaving the slightly cold crepes while waiting for the kettle to boil water for a mug of coffee.

At some point while I was eating, Mateo decided to join me, burping rudely in my face before settling down in the seat beside me.

"You're so gross," I said, fanning the air around my face.

He smiled, "Good morning to you too, big sis."

"You guys ate breakfast without me again." It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

He shrugged, "Your fault for staying up all night and playing video games."

"You were too."

"Yeah, but I don't need ten hours of sleep like you."

"It's nine hours of sleep," I corrected him, "And it's no wonder you always look like a sleep deprived zombie; you should sleep more."

He glared at me, "I do not look like a zombie!"

"Do too!"

"Do not!"

I laughed, ruffling my brother's hair. "So, what're your plans for today?"

"I'm going to one of my friend's house to hang out."

"Cool!"

"You?"

I shrugged, "I think I'm gonna head to Game Reaction."

"Really? What for?" My brother asked, wrinkling his nose, "You know that you can just play games at home."

"Yeah, but they've added the latest issue of my favorite manga to their collection," I replied.

My brother rolled his eyes, "Nerd."

"A proud one."

Game Reaction Cafe was an Internet cafe inspired by PC Bangs in South Korea. It had the latest computers, consoles, and gaming technology as well as great snacks- all at an affordable price. They even had rentable private rooms for parties. Because the gaming community often collided with the anime community, Game Reaction Cafe also had an anime and manga corner with all the latest issues and figurines that was by far my favorite place.

"Well, Emilia and Mom took the car for a quick shopping trip for some new recipe they're trying out, so I guess you'll have to walk or take the bus," Mat told me.

I shrugged, "The bus seems fine." Game Reaction Cafe wasn't too far from my house, but I wasn't in the mood for a half an hour walk, especially when it looked like it could rain any second. I'd rather opt for the bus, which had a stop only three minutes away from home and ten minutes from the cafe.

Mateo stood a gave me a lazy, mock salute, "Aye, sister!" Before throwing over his shoulder as he left, "See you later, Xi."

After finishing my breakfast, taking a quick shower, and changing into a simple sweatshirt and sweatpants, I left the house and began my walk to the bus stop. The weather was a bit chilly; the wind whipped at my hair, which was in a loose ponytail, blowing the stray strands into my mouth and eyes. The sky was still gray, filled with clouds waiting to burst and release buckets of rain down onto the Earth. According to the weather forecast, it wouldn't rain until later that evening; I hoped it was right this time.