Motherless

49

My breakfast sat on my lap while I parked at the very back of the student lot the spot where nobody ever goes unless they're skipping, hiding, or making out.
I took a bite of toast, heart hammering so loudly it felt like the whole car could hear it.

Mom probably thought I was halfway to first period right now.
I hated lying to her.
But I needed answers.

I checked the clock again.
7:27 AM.

Hector always got here stupid early to "get extra reps in."
Which basically translated to: he's the only 10th grader who wakes up like a dad training for the military.

I finished my mango slices, shoved the container under the seat, and took a breath that somehow did nothing.

Time to get him.

The school was mostly empty just a few teachers unlocking doors, a janitor rolling a trash bin, and the hum of lights that weren't meant to be on yet. I walked straight to the boys' locker room, pushing the door open and stepping inside like I owned the place.

"HELLO? Don't tase me, I'm harmless!" I called out jokingly.

No answer.

Then
the sound of a shower turning off.

Perfect.

A moment later, Hector stepped out from the corner, towel around his waist, hair dripping, looking around like he expected a ghost.

Then he saw me.

And screamed.

Like.
Actually screamed.

"BRO— TALIA?! WHAT— WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?!"

I immediately slapped both hands over my eyes.
"Oh my God, relax! I'm not looking! Jeez!"

"You're IN THE GUYS' LOCKER ROOM—"

"And you are louder than the morning announcements, can you chill?!"

He scrambled backward, one hand grabbing the towel like it was about to fall off (it wasn't), face redder than the gym mats.

"Talia, I'm literally— I'm literally—"

"I KNOW," I snapped, cheeks burning even behind my hands. "That's why I said hurry up!"

"What are you even—?"

"We're going," I said firmly. "Get dressed. Meet me in my car. And don't let anyone see you coming out of here or we're both dead."

"What do you mean 'we're going'?"

"Just trust me," I said, lowering one hand so I could peek at the wall and definitely NOT at him. "Ten minutes. Car. Back of the lot."

Before he could argue, I turned toward the door.

"And, uh..." I said, smirking without looking back, "nice abs, by the way."

I heard him choke on air.

"I— TA— THAT IS NOT— YOU CAN'T JUST— GO!"

Laughing a little, because teasing him made the nerves easier, I walked out and let the door swing shut behind me.

Hector

By the time I made it to Talia's car, I was sweating in a way that absolutely did NOT match the weather.

She was already in the driver's seat, tapping the steering wheel like she was two seconds from leaving without me.

I yanked open the passenger door and fell in.