After Kat's mom found the meaning of my name and then Rona's, Kat left her house for a moment before returning with Hernando in tow.
"Hey Nando!" I said with a smile. He looked at me with a frown and I didn't understand why.
Until Katrina spoke. "Mom, Kit has to go but Hernando is bringing him to the bus stop because he gets lost easily." My jaw dropped as I knew my sense of direction exceeds Kat's, but Kat laughed at me. "Come on Kit, I'll see you out."
Kat had a hand on my shoulder when her mom added, "I hope to see you again, Kit!" Kat glanced at me and gave me an apologetic look. When Hernando, Kat, and I were near the front door Kat whispered, "Nando is bringing you to the bus stop for your own protection Kit. Please, let me know when you come to South Tucson next time?"
I shook my head as I said, "Like hell I'm going to the bus stop with Nando. I can get there on my own."
Hernando rolled his eyes as he said, "Yes, but will you make it there without injury."
We heard Kat's mom humming and Hernando opened the front door for us three to walk out. "Cabron, from what Katrina's told me, you're on Alejandro's radar now and this is his turf."
"I'm not going to be afraid of one guy." Kat pursed her lips for a second.
"Kit, this is not up for debate. If you don't do this for yourself, then do it for me? I only have one best friend." After she said that I noticed she was holding my hand. I pulled my hand out of hers and sighed.
"Fine, I'll go with Nando. I'll let you know I'm coming next time, Kat. I'm sorry."
"Don't be, now go quickly!" she exclaimed as she went back inside and closed as well as locked the front door.
Hernando walked down the steps as he said, "Come on, cabron."
"Thank you for taking time out of your day to do this," I replied. "So, why is Kat afraid of Alejandro?"
"She always tells me because she's smart," Hernando replied while I smirked. "Why don't you tell me why you came by yourself. Do you want to die?"
"That wasn't in my plans today, no," I replied.
"You have no idea do you, cabron," said Hernando with a snort. "I shouldn't even be helping you avoid Alejandro."
"Because you're a part of El Leon and you're aunt doesn't know?"
"Wait, how do you know that?"
The public bus pulled up as I told Hernando, "I figured as much. Later, Nando."
Hernando didn't say goodbye, only walked away. As the bus pulled away, I saw his back as he turned around the corner back into South Tucson.
I was tempted to text Kat an apology again, but I already apologized enough in person for my surprise visit. What I wasn't expecting Saturday night was to get a text from Rona that said: We need to talk.
That's never good news! Which is why I'm waiting for her at the Public library on a Sunday afternoon.
Thinking of what I could've done that was wrong. I'm not a part-time boyfriend who ignored her at school and only interacted with her during after hours. I carry her books from classroom to classroom, we speak about world issues, and I even help her put up flyers on every bulletin board at school for the environmental fair coming up.
"Kit!" exclaims Rona as I jump finally taking her in. Well, she's not dressed like I'd imagine a girl breaking up with someone would dress like. She's dressed up like she just came from church. "Hi," she says shyly.
"Nobody told me an angel was going to visit the library today," I reply as Rona rolls her eyes.
Rona sits down next to me on the loveseat bench near the library doors. "Kit, we need to talk about something. It's something I've actually been nervous bringing up but..."
I feel myself hold my breath even though I know from debate that holding your breath doesn't help with the nerves.
"I was wondering if you'd like to meet my family."
What?
"I know we've only been together for a few weeks, but my parents can't just wait to meet you." Well damn, Rona hasn't met my parents either. We've just been in our own little world and even though mom helped me find a nice place for Rona and I's first date, she hasn't asked me about Rona since.
Holding Rona's hand in mine I ask her, "How does your family know about me. You didn't tell them that we...you know."
"Of course not, Kit. If I ever told my dad we had sex, then he would have me shipped off to a nunnery. As far as dad's concerned, I'm still a virgin." Hell no, she's not.
I bring her palm to my lips and kiss it and let my lips linger there for a moment. "So, am I your first official boyfriend or something? What about the guy from Germany?"
As Rona's blue grey eyes cloud over, I feel bad about bringing up German guy.
"Yes, you'd be the first boy to meet my parents. The guy from Germany was...was not meant to be. I know that now."
I nod and give her a wink. "Then, it would be an honor to be your first official boyfriend."