My Repair Boyfriend, Leo Valdez

Eclipse III

We got into class and the only open seats were in the back corner of the room. That was k with me. I liked the corner.

"So I never got your name." Leo said when we had sat down.

"My name is Eclipse Nightshade." the teacher called my name for attendance. "Here!" I yelled.

"Oh, I see we have a new student with us today. So what's your name?" she said.

Leo stood up. "My name is Leo Valdez." he said to the class, who wasn't paying much attention.

"Can you tell us about yourself?" the teacher asked.

"I am from Texas and my mom died when I was young and my dad left us when I was born for his job." the girls started paying attention and looked sorry for him. "Two summers ago my life changed and I got to meet my dad for the first time. And I really enjoy making things and building them."

"Well that's nice. I hope you like it here." she turned her attention back to the class. "Those of you who play the xylophone for this song, go to the band room and get them. The rest of you can just talk."

The class immediately  started talking and being loud. Leo sat down and I stared at him.

"What?" he asked.

"Your dad didn't come back when your mom died?"

"His boss wouldn't allow it." he shrugged. "Why what about your parents?"

"What about my parents?" I said defensively. I didn't like this topic.

"Tell me about them. What are they like?"

"Well, my mom died 2 years ago and my dad left when I was born too. He had to go fight a war."

"How did your mom die?" he asked, careful not to pressure me.

"She fought in the Navy. I guess I can see why my parents got together. They both liked to fight." I joked. "What about your mom?"

"She died when the machine shop she worked in set on fire." he looked down at his hands. "She didn't make it out."

"I hate saying this, because I hate when people say it to me, but I'm sorry about your mom." I said softly.

Some kids had turned around to hear our conversation. "What you lookin' at?" I told them. They turned around quickly, knowing my reputation with fights.

He changed the subject. "So what's your favorite color? Mine's red."

"Same."

"Wow. We're more in common than I thought." he said.

We're not even close. I thought. Believe me. We're not.

"Favorite food?" he asked.

"Sherry brownies."  I answered.

"What are 'Sherry Brownies'?"

"My mom used to have a friend named Sherry who would randomly make us these really awesome brownies. On the inside were chocolate chips. They were about 2 square inches. No matter how hot or cold they were, they always seemed to melt in your mouth. I have one for lunch if you want a piece."

"By the way you described it, yes." he said.

We both started laughing. We talked some more and then class ended. I was disappointed. I wanted to talk to Leo more. He had funny jokes and was like a puzzle. He was hiding something huge. And luckily, I liked solving puzzles.