Tangled Webs -Oscar Diaz-

Chapter 12

Sofia was scared to tell Ruby and her anxiety spiked at the thought of telling him. She knew he wasn't going to react well and blow the situation out of proportion. Sofia thought the best idea would be to avoid speaking about the situation until she gained confidence. That seemed to be a losing battle. Throughout the day, every time she got the courage to tell him, she couldn't get the words out.

The first time was during lunch, the next was when they were playing with the twins, then doing dishes, and finally, when they were both working on homework. Now, Sofia found herself sitting on the couch with Ruby watching Harry Potter. Her eyes continuously drifted towards him throughout the movie. Her fingers nervously pulled at the sleeves of her sweater as she tried to find the right words. She knew it wasn't a big deal, but it was Ruby.

Suddenly, the boy paused the movie and looked at her. "What is it?" Ruby's words shocked Sofia. She wasn't expecting him to speak.

"What," she blinked.

"Do you need something?" Ruby's facial expression changed. "Is there food on my face?"

Sofia chuckled, "no, Ruby." An idea came to her mind, "I actually wanted to talk to you about something." Ruby shifted in his seat, "you wanted to be involved in my life. Well, I'm ready to share, I think."

"Really." The smile on his face was bright, "okay, share."

Sofia took a breath attempting to calm her nerves. "Well-"

"Spit it out already," Ruby threw his hands in the air. Sofia jumped back at his tone. "I'm on the edge of my seat here."

"I just started talking," Sofia stared at her brother.

"Oh, right, continue."

"Right." Sofia tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, I-" she paused, struggling to find the words. "Have been," she stopped again.

Ruby rolled his eyes, "for the love of- What is it?"

"I'm seeing someone," Sofia let out. The second the words fell from her lips she felt as if a weight was lifted off her shoulder.

Ruby's excited expression fell within seconds. The shock was evident on his face. "What," his voice held disgust. Sofia wasn't expecting that type of response. "A boyfriend? Why?"

"What's that tone for," Sofia's shoulders fell. "You're the one who told me to go out and-"

"I didn't say sleep with the first person who shows interest in you." Sofia's jaw dropped at her brother's harsh words. She wasn't anticipating him to lash out at her.

"Why are you so mad?

Ruby ignored her, "who is the guy?" Sofia simply stared at him, "you don't know his name?"

"I do," Sofia hurried out. "Now, I'm worried about telling you." She didn't know she should proceed in telling him.

Ruby rolled his eyes, "spit it out." Sofia was starting to realize that telling Ruby was a mistake. "Sofia-"

"It's Oscar." It was Ruby's turn to be speechless. He pushed off the couch in an instant and began pacing by the window. "Ruby," Sofia didn't understand how the simple conservation had gone downhill as fast as it did. "Ruby."

"Oscar," he turned to her. His eyes were wide, and the vein in his forehead was pulsing. "Oscar Diaz! Spooky! The one in a gang?"

Sofia swallowed, "yes."

Ruby's eye twitched, "are you crazy?"

"Why are you yelling at me," Sofia stood from her spot. "I didn't do anything wrong!" Ruby pointed at her, but no words came out. "See, you can't say anything because I'm right."