La Tienda (Joel Pimentel)

10

"Pass me the ball!" I yell. The score was currently 8-7. If we make two more goals we can win since we decided on ten goals as the winning number. Israel kicks the ball to me and I stop it with my feet. 

Joel starts running over to me, but I dodge him and run over to the goal. I kick it in and cheer. "Still think you're going to win?" I ask, smirking at Joel. "The game isn't over yet" he says. 

We go back to our beginning positions and start another play. Joel manages to run past all of us and shoot the ball in the goal. He throws his hands up and sticks his tongue out at us. 

9-8

"Come on guys we got this, think about all those dishes" I laugh. Israel starts running with the ball so I run past him closer to the goal. He kicks it over to me, but Joel intercepts it. "Ugh" I yell. I run over to Joel and stick my foot out. The ball flies from between his feet and over to Israel. 

"Go go go" Gabe and I yell. Israel runs over to the goal and kicks it in. "YEAH" all three of us scream. Joel pouts, "I'm still not doing your chores for a week." 

"Hey! A deal is a deal" Gabe whines. "I'm older than you" Joel says. "Whatever! You have cooties!" Gabe says, then runs into the house. Israel follows him inside. 

"That's not fair" I laugh. "Life isn't fair" Joel replies. "Oh come on Joel don't be a sore loser" I playfully hit his chest. He looks over at me and pouts again, "but I wanted to win." 

"You'll live" I say. He wraps his arms around my waist, "you can still get whatever you want though." 

He stares into my eyes, making my mouth go dry. "I want you to do their chores for a week" I chuckle. He frowns, "fine fine, whatever you want pretty girl." 

"Can I ask for one more thing?" I smile. "Anything" he smiles back. "A kiss." 

He laughs, before leaning in and kissing me.  

"What time is it?' I ask. He reaches into his pocket and checks his phone, "it's 4." 

"Crap I have to go" I say. "No! Why?" he whines. "I have to tutor Sophie in an hour" I sigh. 

"Ugh, alright I'll take you" he says. "Thanks.. you're the best" I smile.

-later that night- 

To Joel: Hey!! I'm home now :-) 

I place my phone down on the bedside and take my cardigan off. My phone buzzes, 

From Joel: How was it? 

To Joel: It was alright, Sophie is getting better at math 

From Joel: Because she has an amazing tutor

To Joel: you flatter me 

The front door opens and in walks my mom. "Hola mama" I say when I reach the bottom step. "Hola mija" she says, struggling to walk in with all the shopping bags in her hands. I walk over to her and help her. 

"What's with all the food?" I ask. "I was at the supermarket and I had an idea" she says. "Which is..?" 

"I want you to invite Joel and his friends over for dinner tomorrow" she says. My heart drops, "w-what, why?"

"Because they've been so kind to you, it's the least we could do" she sighs. "I-I guess.. uh can I invite Laura too?" I ask. 

"Already did, I saw her at the store and she said she'll be there" she smiles. "Oh wow, thanks mom" I say becoming more excited about the idea. "Can I borrow your phone?" I ask. "Where's yours?" she asks with an angry tone.