her; Alex Alvarez [discontinued]

[chapter three]

[her; Alex Alvarez]

I woke up early enough to see that it was still dark. I walked into the kitchen in my robe, turned on the stove, and began my morning routine. I made father and I some breakfast. I know dad loves eating something cold in the morning. He says it "Wakes up my insides!" So I make a Greek yogurt-suger cone-fruit covered-meal. And for me, I made a salad. I'm no vegan, but when I can be I take the opportunity. Dad walked into the kitchen, still yawning. I kissed him on the cheek, set him at the table and gave him his cone. He thanked me and we ate together. I talked about some stuff that I had going on at school. Some grades, assignments, and special scholarships that I could apply for next year. Dad argued about how we have all the money in the world, and how we dont need to save it. But I just said that it'll make me feel more accomplished, and with that, he agreed. We finished breakfast and walked down to the Alvarez family. Dad stopped at the door as Abuela gave him a coffee cubano. Dad thanked her and walked away, but before he did I said "Thank you!" I walked back into the apartment and Abuela gave me a coffee cubano as well. I know I'm young, but where do you think I get all my energy from? It's how I'm able to deal with Alex! Elena, alex and I sat at the table while Penelope and Abuela argued about the Pope's placement. I knew secretly that Penelope wasnt sure about her belief in all that stuff, but I kept that between her and I. I heard Penelope say "Oye mira eso! He looks happy there!" Abuelita pulled out another picture of the pope and we all laughed to ourselves, knowing penelope would be aggravated.

We were all sat down at the table for dinner. Dad was talking about how Abuela could just give him the entire thing. I enjoyed seeing my dad bond with the family. There was a time when my dad would do stupid things, and the family had to protect me from him. But we're past that. I was sitting next to Alex, and I saw Penelope walk through the door. I gave Alex a slight nudge on the leg, to let him know that his mom was home and he should pay attention. When Penelope closed the door, everyone payed attention. We collectively said "Hiii!" Abuelita said "Hola Lupita! We are almost done, but there is plenty left!" Penelope walked over to us and said," Aww, dinner with my entire family, and my landlord and his daughter!" I giggled. Penelope liked to joke about our friendship, and I was okay with it. It was really funny. Abuelita called dad an orphan, she knows I dont typically like those jokes, so she put a hand over my hand to tell me that she was sorry. I know dad is rich and funny and owns a building, but its not the only thing about him. I know what hes been through, because he knows what I've been through. 

Dad started telling a story about his childhood, but Abuelita mistook it for a telenovela. Everyone was surprised. Penelope walked out of the kitchen, while Carmen walked into the room we were all in. She sat down, and Penelope immediately questioned her. She must've thought "what's this vampire doing in my house??" I thought the same thing when I saw her in the car on the ride home. Anyways, carmen introduced herself, and penelope indirectly made a fool out of herself. Alex and I gave eachother a look and laughed. Penelope wanted Elena to explain this social studies project, even though I knew what was ACTUALLY going on, but I let it be. Elena didnt want to explain the project, so Abuela wanted us to tell the funny story that happened in Chemistry class. Alex and I, simultaneously said "Again?" Abuela laughed and said,"Okok I'll tell it. So there is the floor and...SLIP!!" The old lady practically cackled, but we all laughed along, cause it really was a funny story, especially if you were there.