RED.

Chapter 11: Downhill

"I bet you're eating alone." He sighed into the phone.

"Bingo." I said as I unwrapped the sandwich in my hand.

"Why aren't you eating with that cute curly-haired girl from Roma's?" I felt my stomach drop at the mention of "cute" and "girl" come from his mouth. I simply cleared my throat and said, "No."

"I thought pretty girls like other pretty girls." He laughed. "You could've let me bring you lunch."

"You also could've went to school Chresanto, besides my chicken salad is very good."

"School is for chumps."

"You're so lame man."

"I can also be yours, once you're done playing with my emotions. You decided on spending Thanksgiving with us?"

"No I haven't, I'm going to ask Nana when I get home today." I said after finishing my sandwich. "If I come, do you want me to bring food?"

"Are you cooking it?" He chuckled.

"Maybe asshole."

"I'm just asking, because if Nana is cooking you can bring a lot of food. That food she gave me was unforgettable."

"Shut up and answer the question."

"You can, the more the merrier."

"Good, I'll call you when I ask Nana." I smiled.

"Fine-" Chresanto was cut off by his mother who was yelling about him not being sick enough for his phone. "I'll call you later. Ma why you always-"

The phone disconnected just as the bell for our final class ring through the school, and I was on my way.

-

I entered my home to hear the sultry voice of Selena's Baila Esta Cumbia being played. I tossed my backpack onto the couch and began to move to the beat. Nana appeared in front of me singing the lyrics. A laughed escaped my mouth, and soon my grandmother and I were singing our hearts out.

"How was school?" She asked when the song ended.

"Same old, same old. I have a question."

"What is it?"

"Do you remember my friend Chresanto?" She nodded in response. "Well he wants us to come over for Thanksgiving."

"You know I go to Mexico for the family, but I don't mind you going." She said. "Usted tiene cosas que necesita hacer."

"Like what?"

"Your counselor called, I need you to take the SAT the second week in December and I need to know at least three universities you want to attend. Yes?"

"Yes ma'am. You got it."

"Excellent, what do you want to bring to that dinner?" She smiled.

After going through several dishes with Nana, I was finally able to relax in my bed. I remembered telling Chresanto I'd call him once I got an answer. I did just that, only to be sent voicemail.

To Chresanto, 10:11 p.m
So you just ignore my call?
Chresanto, 10:11 p.m
missed me that much? im sorry baby, the guys are here.
To Chresanto, 10:12 p.m
Idiot, can't believe i'm spending Thanksgiving with you.

It wasn't long before my phone started vibrating in my hands. "Please don't let me interrupt quality time with your boys."