The Life Of 'Bello (Intersex/Camila)

Departure

2009

Francisco Miguel Alejandro Cabello Estrabao
5/18/1990 - 5/10/2008

I smooth my hand over the gravestone gently. Can't believe it's been over a year since they took my brother. He was out with his girlfriend and was mugged. The thief shot them both. His girlfriend survived.

I set a flower down then lean in to plant a soft kiss on top of the stone. "I love you Sisco," I say quietly, patting it a few times before putting my hands in my pocket and walking away towards my bike.

I've visited his grave every morning before school. I've never fully said goodbye. The last time I saw him was that morning at breakfast. We had a small argument about who got the rest of the cereal and he thumped me on the head before taking the rest. Leaving me with just a PopTart to eat.

I wish I could relive that morning.

I hop on my bike and began my journey to school.

The reason I took my bike is because our car died some time ago and now they're working on getting a new one.

Without Francisco, the house was always quiet besides Sofi fussing every now and again. Damien hasn't left his room, Madison sleeps a lot now, and Ma and Dad... they're struggling to cope as well.

Twenty minutes later, I arrived at school and locked my bike up before heading inside. I was late, but I didn't care. I make it to class, catching the many nosy eyes staring at me.

The teacher scolds me, but I blocked him out and just went to my seat.

I didn't bother to bring any books or anything since it's the end of the school year. The teacher was talking about watching a movie when I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn around, seeing a concerned look on the Brit's face.

"How are you feeling?" She whispers. I shrug, "I dunno, honestly. Numb, I guess?" I whisper back. She pats my back then smiles. She had recently got her braces off, showing rows of straight, white teeth.

"If you ever need to talk, I'm here for you," she says. I nod, "Okay." Then I turned back around, laying my head down. I ended up falling asleep due to emotional exhaustion.

An hour later, the bell rings for us to go to our next class. I stand up, collect my things, and stuff my hands in my hoodie's pockets. As I was walking out, headed to my next class, I feel someone slightly bump me.

"Carlos?" The small, accented voice calls out to me. I keep my gaze on the dirty tile floors, making sure that I don't step on the lines. "Um, me and a few friends of mine we're going to the skating rink. Do you wanna come?"

I sigh, glancing over at the girl, shrugging. "Dunno. I might," I answer vaguely. "You could bring your friends if you want?" She chews in her bottom lip. I squint at her, "What about Andrew?"

"Andre?"

"Yeah, him," I say, going down the stairs. "Actually, him and I broke up over spring break," I hum in response. I part of me was hyped up since my crush is now single, but another part couldn't bothered. "Sorry about that," I say, finally reaching the hall our classes are on.

"We're meeting there later at 5, if you change your mind," she says, hugging her books to her chest. I nod, "I'll think about it."

"Ok, well, see you later," she waves at me and goes off to her class. I step into the classroom, immediately met with a friendly face. "Carlos, what's up, compa?" The boy greets me, doing our handshake.

"Shit, man," I answer, sitting on the table beside him, planting my feet in a chair. "How you holding up?" He asks and I let out a deep sigh, "I dunno, honestly."