The Search

Chapter 5: Stay

     "So let me get this straight. You're parents are trying to link up with your ex boy's family for vacation. You don't want to go so you have to find someone to stay with. Is all that right?"
     "Yeah pretty much."
     "Quick question?"
     "Sure."
     "What the fuck does that have to do with me?"
     "Oh right! Sorry Papi I keep forgetting. Can I stay with you?"
     "I mean...it's not up to me."
"Please ask. Please Papi?" I said in the cutest voice I could.
"Uggggg!!! Fine Mami. You know I'm a sucker for a cute voice."
"Yay thank you Papi!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." She said hanging up the phone.
All I could do now was wait.

Arianna called me back and told me to come over. I didn't know why, but I was hoping she was going to tell me I could stay.
     I walked to her house and brought my sister Bethany along with me. My parents were out, so I was stuck babysitting. I didn't mind though. It's amazing how much good luck my 7 year old sister could bring sometimes.
"Why are we at Arianna's house sis?" Bethany had been here a couple times. Never inside, but still she recognized the place.
"Cause I'm not going to Europe." I said knocking on the front door.
"But why?"
"I can't explain it. I just can't go Munchkin."
"Ok." She looked down at her shoes. This would be the first time we'd be separated for a long time. She wasn't happy, but strangely she behaved.
After a minute or two Papi opened the door. She invited us in and told us to sit on the couch and wait. When she came back, her mom was with her. I stood up, but Bethany sat and continued watching SpongeBob.
"Hi Ms. Martinez." She smiled at me. She was about to say something, but Arianna cut her off.
     "She said you can stay." Her mom gave her a look. "What? You were taking too long." She smiled innocently. Ms. Martinez just rolled her eyes.
"Yes Camille. You can stay here until your parents come back." She smile at me. I love her smile. Arianna's parents had always been like family to me. It felt good to be around them. I always felt welcomed.
"Thank you so much Ms. Martinez. I'm sorry I had to come to you on such short notice. Now I actually have to go. Gotta get home and make dinner for my little Munchkin." Bethany looked up when she heard her name.
"Sis I'm sleepy," she said with a yawn.
"I know Beth. Come on." I grabbed her hand, thanked them again for letting me stay, and took Bethany home.
When we got in, Bethany went to our room without saying a word. I was worried. She always ran to the living room before dinner. Something had to be wrong.
I walked in our room and found Bethany sitting on her bed. She was crying, and instantly I knew this was because of the vacation, and because of me. 

"Beth, what's wrong?" I asked even though I already knew.

"Why do you have to stay here?" She was becoming hysterical.
"Awwwww. Munchkin..." I sat next to her and tried to hug her, but she wouldn't let me. I guess my staying had really hurt her. "You know it's only for a few weeks."
"I don't care! I want you to come with us."
"I know you want me to come. But I just can't."
"Why?"
"You wouldn't understand. But look. If we can make it through this trip, I promise I'll spend all my free time with you when you get home. That sound good to you?" I held my arms out.
She looked at me with a little smile. 

"Yeah. It does." We hugged and I kissed her forehead.

"Now come on. There's 2 big bowls of spaghetti and meatballs with our names on them ."