Eyes Set To Kill

“Luna!” I called out as I jumped on to my best friend

I had timed it just right to catch her walking home from school. She spun around with a shocked look on her face that was quickly replaced with relief once she realized it was me,

“Salest, I almost flipped you right on your ass!”

she shoved me playfully.

I gently shoved back as I said, “Please. You couldn't, even if you tried.”

We laughed together, Luna shook her head, gesturing for me to walk with her,

“What are you doing here anyways, I thought you had an assembly today?” She asked as we turned the corner. Coming up to their house,

” I do, and that’s exactly where my mom thinks I’ll be for the next 2 and a half hours.”

I happily skipped up the porch steps of her house, I checked the door to see if it was unlocked; it was. I smiled back at Luna, she rolled her eyes playfully,

“Yess, He is probably home already.” Luna said with a smirk.

Sol usually got home before Luna because he drove, and she liked to walk. So, he always left the door unlocked for her. They get on each other’s every last nerve but they’re constantly thinking about one another and taking care of each other without even realizing it. It was definitely just in their nature. I giggled and pushed open the door before shouting,

“I’m home!”

I ran across the living room heading for the stairs.

“Hi niñas, Dinner soon!”

I heard Luna’s mom call from the kitchen.

“Thanks Ma!” Luna shouted back.

we made our way up to Luna’s room where we dumped our bags on her bed and then bee lined it to Sol’s room. Luna threw open his door as we filed in. I fell onto his bed, letting my head hang off the side where He was leaning up against, playing some video game.

“Hey ugly.” Luna said as she leaned back against the doorway.

“You're ugly” he said with a smirk, not taking his eyes off of the screen.

It was a joke between the two, because they were damn near identical. They were only a year apart in age, Luna being the youngest. They were Irish twins. While watching Sol play, I noticed an enemy in the far corner, I don’t think he noticed them, “There!” I shouted, pointing at the screen. It was too late though.

“Damn!” Sol grunted, shoving his controller onto the floor.

“You do know you could have knocked right?” He asked as he turned his head to look at Luna,

“For what? I always come in here.” She answered.

Sol shrugged, “For all you know, I could have had someone in here.” He answered.

Jealousy pooled in the pit of my stomach.

“Gross. I’m gonna go try and wash that image from my brain now.” Luna said with a wrinkled nose, leaving the room.

She had soccer practice on Fridays just like Sol. Luna hated using the showers at their school though, she wouldn’t use the locker room either if she didn’t have to.

I took that as my que too; Especially after Sol had made that stupid remark. I huffed, lifting myself off his bed, heading for the door. Before I could even get three steps in though, I felt Sol grab hold of my arm. He swiftly moved around me to block my path as he quietly pushed the door closed with his free hand. I looked up at him from under my eyelashes. He already had a dumb grin on his face,

“Could’ve had someone in here, huh? Was that supposed to be funny?” I mocked.

I pulled my arm from his grasp, crossing my arms over my chest. He laughed softly and placed his hands on my hips,

“You know I love to see you all worked up..” Sol cooed

he pulled me close before reaching up and cupping my face, planting a slow deep kiss on my lips. I couldn’t help it, I melted into him. I’ve been head over heels for the kid since I’d met him. He’s had me wrapped around his finger, ever since he kissed me for the first time. Luna has been basically planning our wedding since we were kids, she's always on about wanting me to be her real sister. I still haven’t told her we’ve been serious for a while now; I definitely feel guilty about it, but I want to make sure Sol is all in before we start telling anyone.

“You always mess with me.” I said annoyed,

my hands had found their way to his chest, their favorite place it seemed.

“And you always fall for it.” He said,

“Well, keep on and maybe I’ll find someone else to sneak off with when I’m supposed to be grounded.” I said back sassily.

In one quick movement Sol leaned down some, grabbing hold of my ass, lifting me up as I squealed: not expecting it.

“Oh yeah?” He growled,

Sol Stepped over to his dresser, sitting me on top. I smiled and nodded, keeping my legs around his waist so that he was close. Sol leaned in and kissed my collarbone gently, trailing kisses up my neck, stopping just as he reached my lips, leaving me to catch my breath.

“Not if I have any say.” He said softly.

He bit his bottom lip, teasing me, his eyes bore into me, full of lust. I couldn’t control myself any longer. I crashed my lips against his, and he returned it hungrily.

“Niños! Dinner!” Karolina called from downstairs.

Sol Threw me my shirt from where he picked it up from the floor near his bed, I pulled the shirt over my head, noticing the neckline was almost ripped.

“Damn..” I mumbled, fiddling with it.

“Sorry Babe.” Sol apologized as he held out a sweater to me,

he kissed my cheek as he moved past me to open his door. He must have torn my shirt when he pulled it off, I didn’t notice in the heat of the moment. I heard the water stop running from the bathroom where Luna was showering, I slipped past Sol and headed downstairs as I zipped up the sweater he had given me. The familiar scent of him hit my nose as I did so, making my stomach do flips as if I wasn’t just with him. When I made it to the Dining room, Karolina was setting plates at the table. I made myself useful and grabbed the silverware she had out and put them on the placemats where they belonged. Karolina smiled at me gratefully before disappearing back into the kitchen. As I took my usual spot on the left side of the table I heard Sol’s heavy feet thumping down the stairs, Luna, with lighter steps, not far behind. While they were taking their seats, Sol beside me and Luna in front of me, Karolina came into the dining room with two plates of food in each hand. She set one in front of me,

“Thank you.” I said, smiling up at her.

She nodded once while flashing her usual warm smile, but before she said anything else, Sol was putting his hand out for the other plate in her hand, she pulled it from his reach.

“If you were seated at the table on time like Salest, maybe you would have been served first.” She scolded.

Luna chuckled, probably because Sol looked so wounded, the poor thing was always up for some grub. Karolina set the plate down at her place at the head of the table, pointing at Luna,

“Tu Tambien, eh?” She warned.

before going back to the kitchen to get her children's plates. Now Sol was the one laughing at Luna’s wounded expression.

Once their mom was seated and everyone had their plates, we joined hands to say grace,

“Sol, Say Grace Papa.” She said.

Luna’s family is Latino. So, in their culture, Papa, Papi and similar nicknames are used in a loving way. I've always loved their culture so much, especially the food. Karolina’s meal looked amazing. Puerto Rican rice and some bistec, with fried tostones on the side. If you know, you know and if you don’t, well, I feel sorry for you. my mouth watered at the thought of how good it probably tasted. We bowed our heads as Sol started the prayer,

“ Te damos gracias Dios por esta deliciosa comida con la que has bendecido a mi familia esta noche. Que continúes poniendo comida en nuestra mesa, manteniendo un techo sobre nuestras cabezas y ropa sobre nuestras espaldas. Amén.” He finished.

“ Amén.” We said in sync. Ending the prayer before we started eating.

As we ate, we engaged in small talk. Sol and Luna teased each other plenty about who could kick who's ass in soccer. In reality though they are pretty much nose to nose, both are talented in the sport, or any sport for that matter. They both are just extremely competitive and are in most sports, so it’s always a competition. I on the other hand am pretty much the exact opposite. I never took much interest in sports. Not that I’m not good at them, I just don’t enjoy it. I’d much rather sit in my room, crack open a book and relax with a nice hot cup of coffee.

“Oh shit! You have 30 minutes to get home!” Luna said as she hopped up from her seat.

Pulling me back to reality. I scooted my seat out, knowing I wasn’t going to make it in time even if I was on the bus already. I always shoot myself in the foot when I sneak off to see them, especially while already on thin ice with Mom, it’s too easy to lose track of time.

“Ma, Can I use the truck to take Salest home?” Sol asked, pushing his chair out from the table.

Karolina was picking up the plates.

“Just to drop Salest off and then straight back home. Entiendes?” She said,

“Yes Ma’am.” He answered.

Luna came down the stairs with my bookbag, handing it over to me before giving me a hug.

"I’m going to stay and help mom clean up. Get her home on time, Sol. Be safe.” She said, with a wink.

Was that a sex joke, or am I just being paranoid?

“Love you!” I yelled out as we walked out the front door.

Now that we were alone again, Sol slipped his arm around my waist as he grabbed my bag from my shoulder while we walked over to Sol's truck. He threw my bag in the back as we got in. It was a nice Mercedes, it had three rows of seats. It became Sols a few months ago after Karolina was finally able to buy herself the Buick she’s wanted for the longest. We had the best memories in this truck. Going on road trips, cruises, you name it. It was also the first place Sol and I had sex. Cliche, I know. It totally happened in the heat of the moment. Though he hasn’t officially asked me to be his girlfriend, I’d say we’re pretty serious. It does worry me though. We’ve had chemistry for as long as I can remember, but if he really felt the same, wouldn’t he have taken the reins by now? I mean shit we’ve only known each other for 5 years, you’d think he’d have pulled his head out of his ass by now, but that’s exactly why this is complicated, why we’re complicated. If he really has had feelings for me all this time, why would it be so hard to commit?

Sol is labeled as a player at his school. Luna was forever complaining about how every girl always tried to be her friend just to be in the same proximity as him. It drives me nuts with jealousy, but Sol knew that. He knew it drove me insane. Sol was also very good at hiding the things he didn’t want anyone to know. So really? I didn’t actually know what was going on with him.

We were already getting close to my house, The radio was playing softly, I rolled down the window a bit to get some fresh air,

“Why so quiet?” Sol asked, placing his hand on my thigh, giving it a small squeeze.

“Just thinking.” I answered, He glanced over at me momentarily, averting his eyes back on the road.

“Don’t worry, we’re almost there, babe. You shouldn’t be late.” He reassured me.

There was a long pause. We pulled up a few houses down from mine to be sure my mother wouldn’t be able to see us. I still had about 6 minutes until curfew, but I was willing to milk it. I turned in my seat with a smirk on my face. Before Sol could interject, I climbed over the middle console, straddling his lap as I kissed him deeply. He didn’t miss a beat, instantly wrapping his arms around me, returning the kiss eagerly. We quickly fell in sync, tasting each other. I felt him harden, pushing up against me as I ever so slightly bit his lip. A low growl came from him as he gripped my hips tightly, wanting more. I giggled, kissing him softer this time before pulling away. I climbed back to my seat and smirked at him. Sol chuckled, and huffed, probably catching his breath.

“You’re always teasing me.” He said, looking over at me, his eyes full of passion.

I leaned over slowly, stopping inches before his lips,

“And you always fall for it.” I whispered.

Sol smirked as I pulled away just as he leaned in for another kiss.

“Touche.” He chuckled. “Let’s get you inside before your mom starts looking for you.” He added before hopping out of the truck.

While he made his way around to my door, I turned in my seat to grab my bag. I had just hooked my hand onto the strap when Sol opened my door, making the lights inside the truck turn on.

“I was gonna grab that for you.” He said sternly.

He hated letting me do pretty much anything on my own. I shrugged,

“Too slow.” I joked.

My bag was next to Sol’s duffel bag for soccer. I noticed a gold sparkly top stuffed inside. I frowned, reaching around with my free hand for the top, pulling it from the bag and holding it up, turning to face Sol as I looked at it. It was a fucking cheerleader uniform, I recognized it immediately; these were my school colors. When Sol realized what I had his whole face dropped. I balled the shirt up in my hand, pushing him back with that same arm so I could get down from the truck.

“I fucking knew it.” I scoffed, shaking my head.

Sol crossed his arms,

“You’re the one that said you didn’t want anyone to know.” Sol said, deflecting.

“You Asshole! Just because I’m not ready for anyone else to know about us doesn’t mean you can go around screwing randoms! Clearly, I’m not the only one not ready, you can’t even commit to me!” I said, in disbelief, my heart ached.

I can’t believe the rumors were true. So that means he HAS been screwing around with phony ass Leah Kingston. She was head cheerleader at my school. She’s had her eyes set on Sol Since He hit puberty hard and made first in soccer as a freshman. Also the first freshman to ever do so, conveniently for him. Every girl in town has been swooning over him since.

“Salest.. it means nothing compared to you. We made out but nothing more. I have no idea why her-” I cut him off,

“Don’t ever even think about touching me again.” I spat

before shoving the uniform into his chest and walking past him. He tried to grab hold of my arm but I was well past him already. I heard him call after me but I didn’t dare give him the satisfaction of turning back. I wanted to run, I wanted to run home and crawl into my bed and cry. Instead, I pushed my shoulders back and held my head high as I strode to my house. I glanced at my phone for the time and realized I was 5 minutes late. I’d better come up with an excuse, and fast.

I pushed open the front door and sure enough, mom was sitting in her lounge chair, her laptop on her lap, most likely working, per usual.

“You’re late, Salest.” She said without looking up from the screen.

“Sorry mom, Ms.Goldin pulled me aside to talk to me about early admissions. I missed the first bus back.” I lied,

hoping she’d buy it. Her eyebrows furrowed, as she continued typing away on her laptop.

"Well, you won’t be getting in anywhere early with a C in Chemistry.” Mom said.

Ah yes, the reason my mom is pissed at me this week. We got our grades posted Monday; I’m doing pretty good. Mostly As, a B or two. The only problem was that I flunked last chapter’s test, which may or may not have been due to not going to the study group…. Because I may or may not have snuck off with Sol. Which I’m heavily regretting right about now.

“It’s only the first half of the semester. I’ll turn it around, I Promise.” I answered, I really meant it too.

I needed to focus. Maybe I’d be able to get myself into a university far from here. Far from Sol.

Mom sighed, finally looking up at me,

“You’d better. Stop wasting the present with that boy and start working towards your future.” She said

she watched me closely, daring me to lie.

I looked down, not having the energy to defend him. Not after what just happened. “

It won’t be a distraction anymore, to say the least.” I said,

It started to hit me how much he had really hurt me. He’s the only guy I’ve ever even looked at romantically. The only guy that, despite being a dumb ass, I’ve ever wanted. I felt mom standing in front of me, tears stung the corners of my eyes, begging to be set free. Mom squeezed my shoulder, I lifted my head to meet her gaze.

“Whatever has happened, I’m sorry you are hurt.” She said,

her eyes soft momentarily before hardening as she continued

“But it is for the best. Boys like him have no control. You must hold your head high, Salest. Focus on what’s important.” She lectured.

and for once, I thought, maybe she’s been right about him this whole time. I swallowed down the lump in my throat, blinking back the tears as I did what I was told. I held my head up,

“I won’t be distracted again, I swear.” I said.

Mom nodded approvingly.

“Get some rest. We’ll talk some more over breakfast.”

She patted my cheek gently before heading back to her chair to continue working.

I turned on my heel, making my way upstairs to my room.

I rubbed the burn scar on my shoulder as I walked, it spread down to my elbow. I seethe, bearing the memory of the pain. the pain of loss, the pain of being burnt. I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the red and blue flames lick my skin all over again, hearing my mother’s screams. Calling for Father, who would never come. I breathed in deeply, clinging to it feeling like my life depended on it. Why? Why did he go back into the flames? What was so important?

As I breathed out slowly I opened my eyes, coming back to reality. I was in my bathroom, leaning over the sink, clutching it so hard that my hands were almost white. I don’t know how I managed to make it in here but it’s a good thing I did because I needed a shower to clear my head. There’s no way I’d be able to sleep any time soon without one. I turned on the water in the shower before stripping my clothes off, it felt like with every item I took off it was a little easier to breathe.

My phone buzzed twice. Startling me because I had it on the counter which caused it to sound so much louder than usual. I picked it up to look at the notifications. It was two texts, one from Sol and one from Luna. I sighed. Bad news first, then good news to cheer you up, right?

I dragged Sol’s text down so I could read it. Not wanting him to get the notification that I’d read it.

“Salest. I fucked up, okay? There's nothing going on with me and Leah. I promise. Meet me at our spot during your lunch period, please let me explain.” the text read.

I groaned, just like that he thinks I’m going to want to talk? Hell no. I cleared his notification before I tapped Luna’s text bringing up our text thread.

“Sooooo You’re still coming to the family reunion next weekend right >_>? PLZZZZ don’t make me have to deal with my annoying Tias AND whore ass Antonia (*barf*) by myself ;c “ her text read.

I groaned again, Luna and Sol’s family butted into their personal life way too often, they treated Karolina like she was a child. She may have been the youngest out of all of her siblings but that didn’t mean she needed to be treated that way. Then their cousin, Antonia? Let’s just say she’s a raging bitch.

I sighed and typed out a text

“I’m not sure I can get my mom to unground me in time :c”

Before I could hit send, I was interrupted by an incoming call from Sol. I rolled my eyes as I ignored the call and hit send on my text to Luna before placing my phone back on the counter and finally getting into the shower. Realizing I’d wasted so much water at this point. Sol always has had the biggest hold on my emotions, he was a weakness. I had no room for that any more. Like Mother said, I needed to focus, stop wasting the present on things that don’t benefit my future. We’ve been serious for months and He can’t even say the word girlfriend. I stood under the hot water, allowing it to pour over my face and body, washing all of my thoughts away. I sighed deeply, letting the sound of the water block out the voice inside my head begging me to answer the ongoing buzzing from Sol’s calls coming from the other side of the shower curtain. I wouldn’t give in, He’d gone too far this time. He’s always been a flirter, but this was another level. I wanted to know why he’d actually hook up with her, I thought he loved me.

“Ugh!” I grunted as I scrubbed my face. Rinsing the soap I’d just washed myself with.

Enough! I won’t let him occupy my every thought, I’ll lose my mind. I shut off the shower, shoving my shower curtain aside as I grabbed my towel, angry all over again. As I stepped out I snatched my convulsing phone off the counter, answering the call.

“I don’t want to talk!” I shouted.

“Just tell me you don’t love me anymore, damn” Luna said from the other line.

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. Crap.

“I’m sorry I thought you were.. Someone else.” I answered.

Luna chucked, “Uh huh. What’d the dumbass do this time?" She asked.

She knew we’d always had a thing for one another, and because of it we were also always getting on each other’s every last nerve. I placed her on speaker before setting the phone down, running my brush through my hair to pull out any tangles.

“Nothing worth talking about. I’m done with him Luna, For real this time. I need to focus on -”

She cut me off

“I need to focus on school, and college, because my mom will burn me at the stake if I don’t get into an Ivy league?” Luna mocked.

I couldn’t help but laugh,

“Exactly.” I said

I scooped my phone off the counter, heading into my room to get dressed. Luna always made me feel better, she was always shedding the right amount of light to lead you in the dark. She obviously took the role of her name seriously. So did Sol. He won’t allow anyone to get close to him, and if you manage to, you’ll burn up and I’ve decided I’ve been burned enough in this lifetime.

I threw my phone on my bed as I dug in my drawers for an oversized tee to sleep in

“Puh-Lease dude you guys argue like every other week. ANYWAY, whatever, I called because of the reunion, you’d BETTER figure out how you’re going to convince your mom to let you come. You knew it was coming up and your ass was with Sol instead of studying. You never think about me.” She whined.

Shit, well I guess she does know that we’ve gotten more serious.

“Wow, I-” She cut me off, she did that a lot.

“Salest, He’s my BROTHER and you’re my BEST FRIEND. You guys are idiots if you thought me and my mom didn’t realize that shit was going on, like immediately. Which yeah, by the way, I expect a full explanation with full- well not too full, i’ll vomit- but I NEED the details!" She ranted.

She makes my head spin sometimes. I say that with love.

Wait a minute …

“Wait - your MOM knows?!” I exclaimed.

I grimaced at the thought. Great literally everyone fuckin knows were serious EXCEPT Sol.

“Like I said. I-D-I-O-T-S.” Luna answered.

I grabbed my phone, taking her off of speaker as I plopped onto my bed.

“Wonderful.” I groaned.

“I’m serious Luna. I can’t see him, at least not any time soon. Plus I’m grounded, as F remember?” I finished.

“Wow he really pissed you off this time.” She muttered before continuing,

“Well, you don’t gotta see him. My mom cut him slack because his team is celebrating their third win of the season the same day, soooo he won’t be there.”

I could practically hear her rolling her eyes, she wished she had a way out of the reunion. I sighed, feeling my eyes starting to feel heavier.

“Okay fine. I’ll figure something out to convince my mom. Can I please have permission to get some sleep now? “ I said.

Luna groaned “Boooooo, Sleep is for the weak. but just know I’ll be blowing you up the rest of the week until your mom gives you the green light. Love youuuu.” She said before hanging up.

I chuckled and shook my head. My phone started vibrating again, When I raised my phone to look, of course, it was Sol. Mid call I pulled up his contact and blocked his number, He’ll know now that I have no interest in talking.

I turned over and clicked off my table lamp, surging my room in darkness. As I closed my eyes, my mind flooded with thoughts of Sol, images of him and Leah together. My heart was telling me to cry, so that she could begin to heal properly. But my mind would not allow it, for it would break her. And my soul begged for sleep, to rest so that I could face tomorrow as readily as possible. So who will win, you’re probably wondering. The answer is none. For I lay awake. Awake and numb.