Page 70 of Fool Me Twice

I could nearly hear the wheels turning in Sebastián’s little mind. What he was trying to work out, though, I couldn’t tell for sure. Was he worried about Rodrigo’s reaction?

No, I decided. This had been a cry for help, just like his sliding grades and his talk about mothers.

“I was really surprised when your principal said you had gotten into a fight,” I said. “It sounds like something must really be bothering you.”

He perked up, the light coming back to his eyes. “I just feel angry… all the time.”

I nodded. “I’ve felt like that before. It sucks. Do you know why you feel angry?”

He stared at the seat in front of him, and I waited patiently. At Sebastián’s age, there was a good chance he didn’t even know what was bothering him. A lot of adults didn’t even know what was bothering them half the time…

“I heard Melba and my dad talking,” he said.

I cocked my head. “When?”

“Before you and I met.” He continued to avoid my eyes.

“And what were they talking about?”

“About me. They said… Dad said that no one can know where I am from.”

“Where you’re from?” Unease slithered through me.

What an odd choice of words. What did Rodrigo mean by that?

“Did you hear them say anything else?” I asked, already fully aware that I could be getting in way over my head.

Sebastián traced a circle on the seat between us. “Melba said that I had a right to know, and that not telling me will hurt me in the end.”

My throat tightened. “That sounds really hard. I bet it hurt to hear that.”

He nodded, eyes downcast. “Yes.”

I put my hand on his shoulder. “Have you talked to Melba or your father about this?”

“No.” Sebastián sniffled and finally looked up. “Do you know what they meant?”

I opened my mouth, wishing with every ounce of my spirit that I had a better answer for him. Instead, all I had was the truth.

“No,” I said. “I’m sorry. I don’t.”

“What did my principal say to you?”

“That you can return to school tomorrow. He was just as surprised as me about the fighting.” I placed my hand on the top of his head, warmed from the sun coming through the window.

“He knows you’re a good kid,” I said. “Just like I know, and your father and Melba know.”

“Why is my dad keeping a secret from me?” His shoulders slumped forward.

My chest pinched. “I don’t know, Sebastián. I wish I had an answer for you.” I took his hand in mine.

“Will you talk to him? He likes you. He tells you things.”

I bit my lower lip. “I will definitely talk with him, yes.”

Sebastián hesitated, and I sensed he had more to tell me.

“What is it?” I asked.