The Block Is Hot | Oscar Diaz

7

This past few weeks were filled with nothing but the most awkward of situations. Cesar and Olivia were now official. Ruby was the most upset, and it was obvious, because he made it obvious.

And even though Monse tried to hide it, it was obvious as well. Well, to me. Olivia didn't seem to notice, or Cesar. I wanted to help Monse out, but she just brushed it off every time. I felt bad.

The more we all hung out as a group, the more intimate they got. At first it just started off as simple smiles and hand holds, now it's just full on make out sessions, and the only time you'd see Olivia is if she was on Cesar's lap. Sometimes it was cute, but even Jamal and I felt uncomfortable, and we're not the ones who should feel that way.

"Wait, where's Mario? I was hoping to see him." Jamal asked

"He went with his new bougie girlfriend to Nevada." Ruby answered

"Instead of coming home?" Monse asked

"He's in the bone zone." Cesar said

"True." We all said in agreement

"Can you pass the tres leches?" Olivia asked

"Oh okay." Jamal said as he grabbed the plate and handed it to Olivia

"My mom makes the best tres leches for my birthday." Olivia began. "Guess not this year."

"Don't say that. Maybe your folks will be home for your birthday." Monse replied

"I mean. It is possible." I added as I took a bite of my food

"In a week? I don't think so." Olivia responded

"Wait, your quince is in a week?" Ruby questioned. "And you didn't tell us?"

"Mom, Dad, Olivia's quince is in a week!" He announced

"It's not a big deal." Olivia whispered

"What?" Ruby's mom asked as she came to the living room

"Mija, is that true?"

"Mm-hmm." Olivia answered with a fake smile

"Olivia, don't worry about a thing." Ruby's dad started, "I'm gonna get my shifts covered at work and we'll do it here next Saturday."

Everyone started cheering except for Olivia. And I just looked at her. I know how's she feeling right now, she doesn't want a big party, or anything.

She just wants to see her parents...

I know that feeling too damn well.

~~~~~~~

By the time everyone else stopped planning what THEY wanted to do for Olivia's birthday, Olivia was long gone.

"Where's Olivia?" Monse asked

"I don't know. Did you check her room?" I asked

"No. Come on." Monse ordered as we both walked to her room. The door was already open, and Cesar was just standing there, looking at Olivia as she was crying.

"Are you okay?" Monse asked

Olivia didn't reply.

"Can you two do that girly thing where you get soft and supportive?" Cesar asked

"I do that?" Monse asked

"No." Cesar answered. "But can you?"

Monse rolled her eyes and we both walked towards Olivia and sat beside each side of her on her bed. Monse didn't say anything as she wrapped her arms around Olivia. Then Olivia did the same.