Cholo

(4) Cuatro

The reflection that stared back was stern. Its features were no longer chubby or flushed, but pale and thin. My hair was wrapped into a tight bun. I added the slightest bit of makeup, attempting to add color to the dullness of my face. I smiled, but it did not quite reach my eyes. My reflection was uncanny. I cleared my throat and straightened my collar. I smiled again; practicing to perfect the art of acting. For that's what my interview requires of me. Put the private life to the side, and the public life to the front.

I grabbed an apple and my car keys as I left the house. I climbed into the car, turning on the engine. The car purred to life.  I turned on the radio - I couldn't care less for what was on, I only needed the distraction. The neighborhood was surprisingly peaceful at dawn. One could almost put their guard down - almost. I had to leave at the break of dawn since my destination is an hour away. I had to maintain the perfect first impression. My interview is at 7:30 but leaving now gives me the leisure of driving smoothly without being frantic about time.

Although I attempted to bury them, thoughts about Oscar and Caesar clouded my mind. On the one hand, Caesar's 'promotion' did not occur as of yet, and for once he was a normal teenage boy fussing over a girl. Apparently, Monse told the new fifth member of the 'fam' that he was not safe and those words took a hit at Caesar. He showed up at my door, somewhat drunk and rambling incoherently about Monse and her carelessness. Somehow I managed to calm him down with some advice and an order to text his brother that he was sleeping over. He did so gladly. I smiled remembering how normal he was. That's the life he deserves. A normal life. Worrying about normal, mundane things. He shouldn't be walking around flashing a red light.

I clutched the steering wheel tightly at the thought of Oscar; the cause of all this distress. I was stupid enough to believe his worthless promise. How can I be so naive to believe that he would stick to his word? He left you for god's sake. And how did he do it? You fell deeply in love, puta. So, deeply that you drowned. Believing ever lie he spoke. Until he was sentenced to prison. You stuck by his side through everything, and how does he repay you? By ghosting you. Never did he send a letter back, or call, and when you visited he made sure he was on 'bad behavior'; disallowing him to have visitors. He pushed you away without explanation. An now, he sends his brother like a lamb to the slaughter.

"Hijo de su chingada madre [son of a bitch]." I smacked the steering wheel, seething with oppressed anger. 

-    C     H     O      L      O      -

The burden on shoulders was somewhat lifted as I stepped out of the hospital. I was notified that I had aced the interview and within a week would receive an e-mail or phone call with the information. I smiled and made my way to a nearby coffee shop.

Taking my place in a queue, right behind a man in a striped t-shirt and bright red hair. I pulled out my phone; sending a text to my dad about how well the interview went and another to Caesar about a hangover cure.

"Next please." Called the Barista behind the counter.

We exchanged smiles as I ordered.

I waved goodbye at her while grabbing my Iced Americano.  

-   C     H     O       L       O       -

It has been two days since the interview and I managed to avoid bumping into Oscar. Caesar was still mad at Monse, always frustrated by her and non-stop complaining. Every now and then, I would add a comment - but otherwise remained quiet as he complained and moaned about the agony of love. I rolled my eyes. "You're so cute when you're pissed." I ruffled his hair.