The Jock, The Nerd and The Geek

24

Abuela looked at her, eyes narrowing. "Maria."

He closed his eyes now. Naturally, he was defensive over her. And calling her that— He wasn't thinking straight and he didn't want to say something he would regret. "It is alright if you won't give me the computer, but keep her out of it, Mother. Please,"

And as always, Maria never listened. "I wouldn't be surprised that she's the reason for doing this. That girl is nothing but bad luck, I told you! Her Mother was a drug addict and I'm sure she is, as well. Now, she cut you off and you're having withdrawal symptoms—"

What?

She was spouting the most ridiculous statement he had ever had. Adriana had never been a drug addict, and Alex never—

"You knew her," He stared at his Mother. His eyes searching hers for some sort of explanation. "You know she is not like that. You know Alex— Alex would never—. How can you say that?"

"Marcos," Her voice sounded calm now, understandings. Maria walked to him, her hand reaching out to his shoulder before touching his chin as she spoke, "I know you. I gave birth to you. What you were with her, it was not you. I knew girls like her. She has... Confused you. She made you think you loved her but—"

She made him—

Marcos slapped her hand away, startling her, but he didn't care as he moved backwards again, hitting his back on the stair railing. "I wasn't— Me with her? She confused me? Are you— Are you listening to yourself, Mother?"

"Marcos—"

"She made me— Mother, I love her! It's not about a thought! It's real!"

I still feel it and it kills me you'd think I don't.

"What do you know about love, Marcos?" Maria asked, her voice sad. "I love you, I do. You are— You are easy to deceive. To manipulate. You have a good heart but you— You don't know half of what you want."

W-What?

His eyes had widened in fear now as he listened to her. Why did she— Why did everyone—?

Weak. Stupid. Defenceless. Vulnerable.

His heart felt like it would explode with how it was taking in everything. He could hear Julian laughing at him. Andrea. They had been right. They saw him as the weakling he was and they took advantage—

"You're so much better than you think. Than even what I see you as, Eros. You're perfect. I wish you knew this."

He sat on the stairs now, his hand on his chest as tears began gathering in his eyes. This— This was ridiculous. He could still hear her voice. After everything...

"Why do you hate her, Mother?" He looked up at her now. "What did Alex ever do to you?"

The pitiful look Maria had before had changed into a shocked one at the question but rather than answering said, "You will go to your room, and shower. Then come back and have a talk—"

Marcos shook his head. "Now, Mama. Tell me."

Again, she was not listening. She already had her back turned at him as she began walking back to the store room."I will be going to the laundromat today—"

"Stop it!"

He was standing again, watching his Mother jerk at the way he screamed but he didn't stop there. "Talk to me! Tell me why for three years, you have been nothing but mean, and vindictive and cruel to a girl that has done nothing but love your son!"