And Back Again

Chapter 13

"Yes!" Zara shrieked, tears already streaming down her face.

Angel shot up, grabbing her around the waist, and kissed her passionately. Her feet were a few inches off the ground as they embraced, a black sedan carefully going around them without even bothering to honk.

"You're such an asshole," she giggled as their kiss finally ended.

"Thanks," he grumbled playfully. "Oh shit, the ring." He fumbled with the box for a second before getting the ring out and slipping it on her finger.

"Oh Angel," Zara gasped as she gazed at the ring in the sunlight. "It's perfect."

"Get out of the fucking street!" A passerby hollered at them as he squealed through the intersection.

"Fuck off," Zara shouted back, "We just got engaged!"

Angel kissed her again before jumping back on his bike. "Pop," he said to her, gesturing to the butcher shop. "I'll meet you over there."

"Felicidades," Felipe said, his arms open for a hug as she stepped into the pavement.

"Thank you," she sniffled as they hugged. "Did you know?"

Felipe nodded. "I think everyone knew, mija."

"Jesus," she grumbled.

Angel came from behind Zara and spun her around, kissing her fervently.  "Pop, you meet my fiancée?"

"If your mother could see you now," Felipe said wistfully. "She would be so proud."

Zara pressed her hand to his cheek and beamed. "He's right. You bagged an amazing woman despite being such a dick."

"Come on," Angel groaned. "Don't you have a classroom to pack up?"

"Go you two," Felipe said, hugging them both. "We'll have dinner soon." He leaned in closer and whispered to Angel. "Congratulations. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks Pop," Angel said, growing emotional.

Felipe watched as Angel and Zara got back on his bike and took off the way they had come. He was overjoyed for his son and proud he had found a way to foster a healthy relationship but there was always a feeling of dread in his heart whenever Angel left. As proud as he was of Angel's happiness and choice in his relationship he was still mourning the life his son could have had if he didn't patch.

—

Back in her classroom, Zara and Angel decided since Felipe knew they had to tell her parents as well. Sending Molly and Letti to the cafeteria for lunch, they sat on her desk and FaceTimed the Osbournes.

"My two favorite people!" Holly sang as she answered the call. "How are you, my babies?"

Zara smirked and slowly raised her left hand into view. That was when Holly erupted into tears, calling Bob's attention from the other room.

"What is it?" He asked gruffly.

"I'm getting married, Dad!" Zara said excitedly.

"You finally did it, son," Bob said with a subdued smile. "Congratulations, sweetheart," he said to Zara.

"Thank god," Holly said in the background. "I was afraid you'd never do it!"

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Hol," Angel groaned. "You and Z are killing me."

"Me?" Zara asked dramatically. "I kid because I love," she reminded him.

"And she learned it from me," Holly added. "I am so happy," she came back into view. "You have no idea. I am overjoyed. I am ecstatic. I don't even know what I am!"