Chapter 9
On Monday, I sat silently next to Dawn in the back seat of the car. Diego kept looking in the rear-view mirror while he drove us to school, probably wondering why we didn’t talk to each other.
I fidgeted as I played with the hem of my pink halter style shirt. How would today go? Would Javier pretend he didn’t know me? Did he tell his friends about what we did the other night? This was killing me. Dawn’s refusal to speak to me didn’t help.
Diego pulled up in front of the school. We still didn’t say a word as we went our separate ways to our classes. I almost held my breath as I sat in my first class and waited for Javier. I pretended to be reading when he walked in. He stopped at my desk and I looked up at him.
He leaned down. “Please don’t make me sit this close to the front. Can we compromise and move back a little bit?”
I smiled at him. “Sure. Where do you want to sit?” I slid out of my desk and followed him. As promised, he sat in the middle and not all of the way in the back of the room.
“How was the rest of your weekend?”
“Quiet. I hid in my room to avoid confrontation.”
He nodded and looked at me. “Would it help if I met your parents?”
“I honestly don’t know. They’re acting even more weird than usual right now.”
Ricardo walked in and slowed his stride when he saw where Javier was sitting. “Dude, really?”
“Really,” Javier said flatly.
“Hi, Kayla,” Ricardo said.
“Hi.” I was shocked he knew my name.
Ricardo slid into the seat behind Javier. He turned around and started talking to more of their friends that sat behind us.
Javier kept his voice low in order to not be heard by the rest of the clan.
“I’m assuming the pub isn’t a good idea this weekend.”
“Well, I think it’s a good idea, but I’ll probably opt for going to Tucson to get a dress for the wedding.”
“Do you want me to take you?”
“Yes, but that won’t fly with my family right now.”
Javier thought for a minute. “I'll send Veronica with you and meet you there.”
I giggled. “I like how you think, but what if Veronica doesn’t want to go?”
“Oh, I think she will.”
Class started and we stopped talking. As the day progressed, Javier sat with me in all of the classes we had together and walked me to my other classes. At lunch, he retreated to sit with his friends and I looked for Dawn.
I was grateful when she waved me over to her in the courtyard. I sat down next to her. “Hey.”
“How’s it going?”
“Fine. Do you still want to shop with me this weekend?”
“Sure.”
“Do you mind if I invite Veronica too?”
“No, that’s cool.” Dawn answered with indifference.
I wondered how much longer she’d give me the stand-offish treatment. My phone buzzed, distracting me from my thoughts. I took it out of my pocket to see who it was.
Shopping on Saturday? Veronica texted.
If you are up for it.
Always up for shopping. Let’s catch a movie while we’re there.
Sounds good. I’ll ask my dad for the car.
Pub on Friday?
Better not. Don’t want to ruin my chances of going to your house the next weekend.
Good call. The wedding will be way more fun than the pub. Better to lay low.
~ ~ ~
The days that followed carried on much the same way. I quietly went to school and did my homework in my room when I got home. I kept my mouth shut at dinner and did what I was told around the house. Dawn softened up, but I still kept to myself.
Regardless of the cool indifference I displayed at home, Javier and I talked on the phone every night for hours. It was amazing how much we had in common even though we grew up in totally different parts of the country and in totally different cultures.
I learned he wanted to attend the University of Arizona after high school but hadn’t decided between business and graphic design. I told him I intended to pursue interior design but hadn't figured out what university I wanted to go to yet. We talked about his family’s involvement in Mexico’s government and his dislike for politics.
He was funny and insightful. Not like any other high school boy I’d ever known. I found my thoughts lingering on him day in and day out and I looked forward to the next time I’d talk to him, or see him.
~ ~ ~
By Wednesday, I thought I’d better ask about the wedding and going to Tucson. I chose to talk to Mom about this since she was home most of the time and I didn’t want to try and reason with Dad. I found her in the kitchen with Esmeralda preparing dinner.
“Hey, Mom. Do you have a sec?”
Mom looked up and smiled. “Sure, honey.”
“Veronica invited me to stay at her house next weekend and to attend her cousin’s wedding with her. Would it be okay if I went?”
She paused from the chopping she was doing on the cutting board and looked at me for a moment. “Why would you need to stay all weekend? Can’t you go to the wedding and come home?”
“These weddings have days of activities. There is a dinner the night before, then the wedding the next day, and they open gifts the day after the wedding and have a barbeque. It sounds like fun. I’m thrilled Veronica wants to include me.”
“So, you want to stay Friday through Sunday?”
“I’d be home Sunday afternoon.”
My mom turned to our silent maid. “Esmeralda, do you know the Fuentes family?”
“Sí, señora. They are a good family.”
My mom sighed. “Okay, but I’m trusting you won’t outstay your welcome, Kayla, and you’ll be on your best behavior.”
I couldn’t stop smiling. “I will, Mom, I promise. Thank you.” I kissed her cheek, turned to leave the kitchen, and then stopped. “Can I shop for a dress in Tucson on Saturday with Veronica and Dawn if she wants to come?”
“I suppose that’d be fine. Does Veronica know her way around Tucson?”
“Yes, she does. She tells me it’s the only good place to shop unless you go all the way to Phoenix.”
“Okay, fine.” Mom checked the ribs she was preparing in the crockpot, and brushed the onion that she had been cutting into it.
“Thanks, Mom!”
I turned and raced upstairs to see if Dawn still wanted to shop this weekend. I knocked on her door and then cracked it open. She sat at her desk, doing homework.
“Mom said we could go to Tucson on Saturday.”
“Cool. Veronica coming too?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, sounds good.”
She didn’t even look up so I closed the door and went back to my room. I called Veronica and Javier to make plans for this weekend and the next. I couldn’t wait, even though I’d miss going to the pub on Friday.
I found myself fantasizing about the next time I’d be alone with Javier. It shouldn’t be this hard. After all, we’re both eighteen. Maybe, I should go to the U of A next year too, so we’d be together.
~ ~ ~
I spent the rest of the week content, that is until Friday rolled around. I seriously pouted because I couldn’t go to the pub with everyone. I sat through dinner listening to idle chitchat and just wanting tomorrow to arrive so I’d see Javier.
“What time are you girls leaving in the morning?” Mom asked, snapping me out of my daydream.
“I told Veronica to be here at ten so we could have lunch in Tucson and then shop,” I said. “Is it okay if we catch a movie while we are there too?”
“Aren’t there theaters here?”
“Yes, I just thought we’d make a day of it while we were in the big city.”
My mom stared at me for a moment before finally answering. “That’s fine. Just keep me informed while you’re there so I know exactly where you are.”
“We will,” I answered. “Can I be excused?”
“Yes,” my mother answered.
My father hadn't said more than two words during dinner and although I was grateful he hadn’t commented about our plans, I wondered what was wrong. He couldn’t possibly still be mad at me about last Friday night, could he?
I went back to my room and sent a text to Javier.
See you tomorrow for a movie?
That’s the plan. What time are you guys leaving?
Veronica will be here at ten.
We will be right behind you.
We?
Me and Ricardo.
Okay, see you then.
Wish I was seeing you tonight.
Me too.
I put my phone on the charger and decided to call it a night. I got ready for bed and lay thinking about what tomorrow would bring until sleep finally won over.
~ ~ ~
Morning came fast and I got up, showered, and dressed in my favorite skinny jeans and a fitted Hollister button woven shirt. I left my hair down but added a few waves to make it look casual. Finally, I’d get to see Javier. Veronica was right on time, and I went to the door to meet her. I brought her inside to introduce her to my parents.
“Mom, this is my friend, Veronica.”
“Hello, Veronica. It’s nice to meet you.” Mom smiled and shook her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Johnson. You have a beautiful home.”
“Thank you, Veronica. You’re too kind.”
“Where’s Dad?” I asked.
“He had to go into work for a few hours.”
“Oh. Okay. Well, we are going to get going. Thanks for letting me take the car. We won’t be too late and I’ll let you know where we are.”
“Okay, sweetie. Here’s some money. This should cover a new dress and some shoes.”
“Thanks mom.” I kissed my mom’s cheek and then we went upstairs to get Dawn so we could leave.
The drive to Tucson took us about two hours. It’d have been shorter if we didn’t have to wait in line at a border-patrol checkpoint on I-10. It’s crazy that even though we are in Arizona, there are additional checkpoints within fifty miles of the border.
We went to the mall and decided to have lunch first. Veronica sent a text to Javier to let him know where we’d eat. We’d barely been seated by the hostess when Javier and Ricardo walked into the restaurant. I hadn’t noticed before now how much darker Ricardo is than Javier. He wore his hair almost identical to Javier, cut close in a taper fade and longer on top. They both wore jeans and crew T-shirts but Javier’s was more fitted and I couldn’t help but stare at him.
“Hello, ladies.” Javier slid into the booth next to me.
“Hi,” I said, smiling ear to ear.
Javier leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Good to see you.”
Ricardo sat next to Dawn and introduced himself. My sister looked uninterested, but shook his hand and was polite. We ordered, ate and then into the mall, we went. I couldn’t believe Javier and Ricardo tolerated going in and out of stores with us. Veronica and I tried on dress after dress until I found one I liked.
It was a halter-style, plum cocktail dress with rhinestones speckled throughout the fitted bodice. I loved it immediately. Veronica had already found her dress and shoes so everyone waited on me. Luckily, I was able to find shoes in the same store.
Javier handed Ricardo some money. “Why don’t you guys get the movie tickets while Kayla and I take the dresses out to the car?”
“Will do. Meet us at the entry podium.”
Javier took my hand and we walked out. We put the dresses in the car and then he seized the opportunity to give me a long lingering kiss. As our tongues danced together, I felt like my insides would explode if I didn’t have more. His kiss stole the air out of me, but I didn’t want it to stop.
“I didn't think I was going to get any time alone with you.” Javier said, with his forehead touching mine.
“We get next weekend together.” I still tried to catch my breath.
“I know, but that seems like forever away.” He sounded as tortured as I felt. “I can’t wait to see you in that dress.” He kissed the side of my neck and I got goosebumps all over.
“We should get back inside,” I said half-heartedly.
We stood there together a minute more and then walked back into the mall holding hands. I felt happy because we’d spent the afternoon together. I hoped that Javier felt the way about me that I did about him. I called my mom to let her know that we were going to a movie and then we’d be home.
We found Dawn, Ricardo and Veronica at the podium waiting for us, and we all walked into the movie together. We stopped to grab popcorn and sodas. Javier and I shared while everyone else bought his or her own individual snacks.
The movie was a comedy and we all had a lot of laughs that we were still talking about when we left. When it was time to go, Javier asked me to ride with him.
I gave Dawn the keys and told her that we would follow each other until we got to Nogales. We’d pull over there and I’d drive us the rest of the way. Veronica and Ricardo went with my sister and I went with Javier. We talked and laughed as we made our way back to Nogales, and before we knew it we were pulling into the Safeway grocery store lot in order for me to get back into my own car.
While we were in the parking lot saying good-bye to one another, a border patrol agent pulled up. He turned on his lights. I didn’t understand what was happening. We were United States citizens. Why was he stopping to talk to us?
He got out of the car, walked over, and shone his flashlight in our faces, one by one. “What are you kids doing?”
“Heading home,” Javier answered.
“Where’s home?” the officer asked.
“Disneyland,” Javier shot back.
I didn’t understand. Why was he being sarcastic with the law enforcement agent?
“Do you think you’re funny, boy?”
“I am not your boy.” Javier sounded mean this time.
“Turn around and put your hands on the car.”
Javier did as he was told. The officer searched him. “I’m not going to ask you again. Where is home?”
“The U.S. Where’s your home?”
The officer hit him in the head with the flashlight this time and Javier fell to the ground. I gasped in horror. I looked at Veronica and saw tears in her eyes. I also saw her push a button on her phone, a speed-dial number.
“Listen, you wetback piece of shit, I can package you up and send you back to where you came from. Do you understand me?”
My hands shook. I didn’t know what to do. I wasn’t sure what would happen next. Why was this man harassing us? Another border patrol car pulled up and I almost started crying. Were things going to get worse? A second agent, a tall, dark-haired guy got out and walked up to us.
“What do you have here, Bill?”
“This shithead is resisting due process.”
“Due process,” the other agent repeated without emotion. “Are they U.S. citizens?”
“That’s what he says, but he doesn’t like to give a straight answer.”
“How about the rest of them? Did you ask for I.D.?”
“Not yet.”
“Let’s see it, kids,” the agent said.
We each took out our identification and showed it to the second agent. He walked over to Javier who’d managed to stand up. “Do you have a driver’s license that I can see?”
Javier reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, opening it.
The agent looked at his license and handed it back. “Fuentes. Any relation to Marcos Fuentes, the guy who owns the car lots in town?”
“He’s my dad,” Javier answered.
The agent nodded. “Why don’t you kids stop hanging out here and head for home?"