Who Is She?

Long time no see. Where have you been? I haven’t felt that.. tingly, for lack of better word, feeling I get when I’m being watched, when you’re around. I dip the sudsy rag I’m using into the bucket next to me to continue scrubbing the floor, trying to make it spotless.

In case you were wondering, Mom’s still a.. questionable parent. I haven’t seen Dad since that night in the basement of our old home. I can’t really remember anything outside these four walls, to be honest. I know there was one person that I loved more than anyone, that was my everything. I can’t remember, and I hate it. I hate what my life has become.

I refocus as I hear Mom’s heels, she’s coming. I wipe the floor less aggressively, waiting for the clicking of her heels to stop. I could’ve just as easily looked up at her to watch her approach, but she didn’t like when I stared at her. Looked, even. “Mother.”“Nayeli.”I hope she doesn’t sense that I’m standoffish, but she’s so good at reading people that-

“Are you done?” She looked around the room.“I think so,” I mumble, staring at the ground and absentmindedly polishing the ground.

“What was that?” Mom’s voice was so smooth, so inviting, so dangerous.I look her in the eyes. “I think I’m done.”She walks around, towards the staircase, where I haven’t gotten. Shoot. Her back is to me, hands clasped be mnhind her back. “Someone will be joining you.”What? “I’m sorry?”She slightly angled her upper half so that she could see me out the corner of her eyes, faintly tilted her head to the right.

I take the hint, and quickly move to stand behind her.

“His name is Andrés.”

“Anything I should know?”

Mom’s response didn’t come immediately. “He’s my helper.”

“Hello.” A voice comes from behind me. Immediately, I turn around, choosing to a fighting stance.

“Andés, Nayeli. Nayeli, Andrés.” Mom introduces us.

I slowly straighten my posture, look at Andrés with suspicion. He has a slightly crooked grin, a sly smile. He radiates confidence, and I can tell girls head over heels for him, and he enjoys it. I have to stop myself from wrinkling my nose at him.

This w̶h̶i̶t̶e̶ beige kid next to me seemed a couple years older than me, his sandy blonde hair is slightly disheveled. It reminds me of another kid, his tanned skin, his unruly hair, his- Leone. His name is Leone! I remember! A smile grows on my face, and I watch Mother’s mouth move, but I can’t hear her over all the thoughts in my head.I watch her nod, and suddenly there’s an intense pain in my side, and I fall to my knees clutching my side. What the heck? Tears sting my eyes, something hit the second degree burn in my side.

“Look up.” Mom’s sharp voice cuts through the pain.