Tangled Webs -Oscar Diaz-

Chapter 2

School had started in Freeridge for both Ruby and Sofia. Neither were overly thrilled. Both of them started with brave faces and over-elaborate outfits. Although Ruby could walk to high school, community college was farther. Sofia had to wake up early, walk a few blocks, catch the bus, get off the bus, walk a few more blocks, and then get to the campus. It wasn't easy, but it was manageable.

Cesar was back at the Martinez household the following day. Much to Sofia's surprise, but considering she wasn't in Ruby's friend group like she was with Mario, she couldn't ask what he was doing back. 

Sofia believed a few days into the school year that things were going to be normal. This school year was going to be a good one. She had already made a few friends in her classes. None of which were from Freeridge. Of course, Sofia didn't tell them where she was from. After one particularly good day, Sofia skipped home with a smile. "Ma," she called running inside the house. "You'll never believe it." Her mother's back was to her, but she quickly turned around upon hearing her daughter's voice. "I made a friend at school. Her name is Jane. We are in the same Biology class, she's nice. And Mario didn't have to introduce me."

"That's amazing, mija," her mother exclaimed happily holding her face in her hands. Sofia smiled shuffling out of her grip. "Where's Ruby?" Just as the words left her lips, the door flung open, and Ruby walked inside.

"Hey," Ruby waved, walking inside with a smug smile. He let his backpack fall to the ground in the middle of the walkway. Sofia gave him an odd look knowing her mother disapproved of that. "How is everyone?"

"I'm great," Sofia smiled happily; her brother never asked her how she was. That should have been the second red flag, but she didn't pick up on it.

"Your sister made a friend at school."

Ruby waved her off, stepping closer. Sofia felt her lips tug in a frown as she looked at the floor. "I," he pointed his thumbs at himself, "have a room to decorate. My room, my own room." Sofia picked her head up, realizing why he was behaving the way he was now.

"Actually," their mother spoke folding the laundry, "you no longer have your own room." This confused both of them.

"What," Ruby gasped dramatically, "what do you mean? Abuelita moved out!" Sofia looked between them confused. Abuelita did move out, so who needed it now?

"She did, but your Prima needs it now," Geny, their mother, said ignoring Ruby's cries.

Ruby and Sofia shared a look, not knowing who their mother was talking about. "Cousin, what cousin?"

"My old friend Rosa, her daughter," she explained slowly.

"Her parents were deported," Abuelita spoke up for the first time. Sofia jumped forgetting she was sitting next to her mother.

"She's not even blood related," Ruby threw his hands in the air. "Why can't she sleep on the couch or with the twins?" Sofia felt guilty. She knew how bad Ruby wanted his own room. It's all he's wanted for fourteen years. "This is reverse sexism!"

"Ruby," Sofia hit him on the back of the head.

"I can sleep on the couch," a soft voice from behind them said. Sofia and Ruby turned around and came face to face with the 'cousin' staying with them and seeing how pretty she was Sofia instantly turned to Ruby and saw him checking her out. She bit back a sharp comment.

"Mija, ignore Ruby," Geny spoke to the girl.

"Ruben," Ruby cut in, "I go by Ruben now."

Sofia chocked, "psh, since when." Ruby was quick to glare at her, stomping on her foot. "Ow!"

"Sorry about everything earlier," Ruby tried to clear the air, "just a misunderstanding. Mom?" Ruby reached behind him and grabbed onto her hand, leading her to the kitchen. Sofia watched Ruby lead their mom away with a raised eyebrow. Once they were out of earshot, she grinned.