Page 5 of Violent Attraction
“Can I go get the fabric with you?” I like picking out fabric, it's one of my favorite things to do besides actually using the sewing machine.
“Sabes qué, I was going to go when I took you three to school tomorrow, but I think we can convince your papí to let us go right now. What do you think?” I’m already nodding before she can even finish the sentence.
“Yes.”
My mom’s smile grows even more as she swipes at a piece of hair that fell out of my ponytail.
“Let me go talk to him. Go play and I will come find you.” She places a kiss on my hair before she walks out of the room.
I watch her walk away, before I turn back to the table to continue looking at the pictures of the dresses. I’m so happy to be starting this project with my mom and to be going to the fabric store. The dresses are going to be so pretty.
Finally deciding to do what my mom told me to do, I leave the pictures on the table and head back to my room. Might as well get ready to head to out.
It’s while I’m fixing my ponytail that I hear my older brother’s voice.
“We can play until dinner,” he’s talking to someone, and being the nosy person that I am, I look through the doorway to see who.
He’s talking to his friend Santiago. He and Leo have been friends practically all their lives, and since they’re the same age, go to school together and with Santiago living here on the property, they spend all their time together.
“What are you guys doing?” I open the door once my hair is in its place.
The two boys stop and look over to me. Leo gives me an annoyed sigh while Santiago gives me a small smile.
“We are going to throw the ball around for a little bit.” Leo sounds just as annoyed as he looks. “Where are you going?” He asks, looking me up and down, probably noticing that I changed into a dress to go to the store with mom.
I smile. “Mom and I are going to the fabric store to get some stuff for a new project. If we come back before dinner, can I throw the ball around with you guys?”
Just because I like making dresses doesn’t mean that I don’t like throwing a football or baseball around. I can be a total tomboy sometimes.
Santiago nods. “Yeah, we will be out in the grass. Come out and find us.”
Even with the frustrated grunt that my brother releases, the smile on Santiago's face doesn’t disappear. Sometimes I like Santiago better than my brother, he’s even a better listener than Leo is.
“Isabella!” My mom yells out and I turn to see that she is coming down the hall.
She has a smile on her face and when she sees the boys standing with me, it grows.
“Niños, what are you up to?”
“We were about to go play outside.” Leo tells her. Even at fourteen-years-old my brother is still a total momma’s boy.
“Just don’t get into too much trouble, okay? I’m going to go to the store, but I will be back in a little bit.”
Both boys nod. “We will, mamá.” Leo says before they turn and continue on their way. I watch the boys leave the hallway until I can no longer see them.
“You can stay and play with them, Bella.” My mom’s voice is soft and encouraging.
I shake my head. “But I’m heading to the store with you.”
She bends her knees and gets at eye level with me. “You don’t have to. If you want to stay and play, you can. I can pick out the fabric and as soon as I get back, we will get started. You go play.”
I think about the offer. We have all summer, so I can go to the fabric store when we go on a different day. I don’t have to go today, and I can play with Leo and Santiago for a little bit.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course, mija. Go play. I will make sure to get some beautiful fabric for you.” I hug my mom and after a quick outfit change, I make my way out to the courtyard to join the boys.
Leo grunts at my appearance and isn't happy that I’m there for a good five minutes but he gets over it.