Since 2nd Grade

Dulce's POV

   The ride with Joseph was surprisingly fun. He told me about his SoundCloud career and how he had plans for our future. He said our future. He also told me that his mom passed about 3 months ago, and how he inherited her money that she was going to use for his college and her law school. That fifteen minute car ride was an emotional rollercoaster, but it was always like that with Joseph. He knew how to make me go from the devil to an angel to a sinner, and then back to the devil all in one day. I'm not going to lie, this was the most fun I've had in a while. I guess I really do miss his dumb ass. I pulled into my complex. My dad was outside, loading his work truck. He may have won the lottery, but money saving was still important to him. I got out and walked towards my father, Joseph following.
   "Hey papi, this is my friend, Joseph. He wanted to know if he could help us move."
   I plopped down on the truck. My father looked at me and smiled sadly.
   "What's wrong, papi? It's okay if you don't want him to help. He can call himself an Uber."
   I explained. My dad was always so protective of me.
   "No,no. He's fine. He can actually just walk to the gas station across the street and get a couple more boxes. You just go in the house."
   He said as he patted Joseph's back, and led me inside. Once I got in I could not believe my eyes. She was actually here. It's been so long I don't even know how I remember what she looked like. How could I even forget? She's caused me so much pain and trauma. I don't know if I want to cry or fight her.
   "What are you doing here?"
   I said, trying to sound disinterested, but really, I was shook.
   "Ay dios mio, George, she's gorgeous!"
   My mom walked towards me, and I backed up.
   "How was your business trip, mom? Why are you home so soon, huh?"
   My voice started cracking as I spoke, tears following.
   "Dulce, honey, no, don't do that."
   She walked towards me once again, and this time I let her grab me. I resent her for leaving, but she was here now, and I'm just thankful that I can tell her how I feel for once, rather than using my voice memos and recording how I feel to a phone.
    When Joseph returned, I watched as he loaded the boxes in the truck, while my father and mother talked and laughed in the corner. Is this really a laughing situation? She's been gone for years, and they're sitting in a corner acting like teenagers as if nothing happened. The least she could do is apologize for leaving us to rot. Even though it's irritating, it's not my place to make them talk about it. That's what a marriage counselor is for.
   Once I saw Joseph loading the last box on the truck, I walked towards him.
   "Thanks for the help, buddy. You can leave now."
   I patted his shoulder. Now that my mom is here, there'll be more family affairs that he doesn't need to witness.
   "No seas estúpido, Dulce. We need him to move into the new house."
   My mom said, grabbing Joseph's hand. My stomach dropped. I'm not sure if it's jealousy or anger but I have to say something or I will go crazy.
   "Why are you even here? Because word got around that dad won the lottery? I hope that's not it because you're definitely not welcome to stay with us."
   I walked past her and went towards the door of the apartment.
   "Dulce, get back here now!"
   My father's voice boomed with sternness. I walked back towards the three of them.
   "You know, dad, you are so clueless. It was just me and you when times got tough.¿Donde estaba ella? Nowhere to be found. Ahora que tenemos dinero, de repente te ama! Do you not see the correlation, papi? She doesn't want us! Ella quiere tu dinero!
   I cried. This is why I wanted Joseph to go, but I'm glad he's here.
   "Baby, that's not true at all. Siempre te he amado a ti ya tu padre. Tú lo sabes!"
   My mom wiped a lone tear from her cheek. I know her crying is fake, because who cries and one year comes out? Someone who doesn't really care.
   "I know this may seem unfair, but I need you to choose, papi. Me or her. I can't be around somebody who shows up when there's something in it for them. If you choose me, she has to disappear like she did before. If you choose her, voy a desaparecer."
   I stated simply. I understand that he loves her, shit I love her too, but I have to love her from afar. There's a long silence before my father spoke up.
   "Dulce, te quiero pero tu madre nos necesita."
   My father patted my hand like I was some stranger.
   "Open the truck, dad."
   I said flatly. He did so, and I grabbed the few boxes that belonged to me, with no help from Joseph. Instead, he was standing there, mouth agape, trying to understand what was going on.
   "Let's go, Joseph."
   I sighed, blinking away the tears that were forming. I can't believe he isn't stopping me. After all we've been through, as a family, just the two of us, he still chose her. She's only choosing him because it's convenient. Meanwhile, he's choosing her because because he thinks that there is still a connection between them. Oh well. They're no longer my problem.

• • • • • • • • •
   "Where's your house?"
   I asked Joseph as we left out of a gas station. I was planning to drop him off and stay at a hotel for the meantime.
   "Where are you going?"
   He asked, popping a mint in his mouth.
   "Because if it ain't with family, then you're coming with me."
   He added, licking his lips. I sighed internally. He knew that was my weakness. Being caring plus the lip licking was an ultra moisturizer for me downstairs. Wait, he fucked my ex best friend. But he's a good guy. He just made a dumb ass mistake. I mean, I don't have anything else to lose, and I believe in second chances when they're valid. Fuck it.
   "Fine. But we have to start over completely. As strangers and progress from there."
   I said, closing my car door. Let's see how this goes.