Through You [Hidalgos #2]

One - Why don't you ever want to talk about him?

CLAUDIA

July 4th, five years later

"What's it like to live with three very attractive guys?"

"You are so lucky."

"I'm dying of envy!"

"Living with those absolute gods, what a privilege!"

"How can you stand living under the same roof?"

"Have you ever slept with one of them?"

"Can you get me their numbers?"

I've heard these kinds of comments from the moment the Hidalgo brothers became the leading men in the fantasies of every girl and boy around town. Although we're not family, I grew up with Artemis, Ares, and Apolo Hidalgo. And out there, on the streets, they cause never-ending swooning and sighing.

How did we end up living under the same roof? Well, my mother was hired to work as a housekeeper for the Hidalgo family when I was a little girl. Mr. Juan Hidalgo, their father, opened his doors and allowed us to live in his home. A year ago, when my mother fell ill and could no longer work, Mr. Hidalgo let me take her place as housekeeper. I am forever grateful to him for his kindness.

Many envy my position and think I have the perfect life because I live in close proximity to three very attractive guys. This is far from my reality. To me, there is more to life than relationships, sex, boys, etc. Relationships only lead to problems, disagreements. Sure, sometimes they may bring happiness, however, it's fleeting, and not worth the risk. Or at least I don't believe it is. I prefer stability and tranquility a thousand times over what a relationship may offer. So I keep a safe distance from all these complications. I have too much on my plate already.

I'm not only talking about love. It's also difficult for me to make friends. I have no time for friendships. I work for the Hidalgos during the day. During my breaks, I look after my mother. And in the evenings I attend university. My day starts at four in the morning and ends close to midnight. I hardly have time to sleep. At the age of twenty, I should have many friends, yet I only have one, and that's simply because we're in the same classes. Of course, I also consider the boys my friends. Well, Ares and Apolo. With Artemis, it's a different story.

The truth is, growing up, Artemis and I were very close. Then everything changed five years ago, that Fourth of July night, when I rejected him after he kissed me. From that moment on, our relationship ceased to be easy and comfortable, and turned tense and distant. Now he'll only speak to me when necessary.

Although they never asked questions, Ares and Apolo noticed the change. I appreciate their discretion. It helped me avoid the discomfort of having to explain what happened between their brother and me.

It was easy for Artemis to avoid me. At the end of that summer he started university and left home to live on campus, where he remained for the five years of his program. A month ago he graduated. And now he's coming home. Today.

Life can be full of irony when it wants to be. Out of all the days, he had to come back today, on the exact date of that night, five years ago. I must admit that I'm nervous. The last time I saw him was six months ago. It was a brief encounter—he came by the house to pick up a few things, and didn't even say hello.

To be completely honest, I hope we can manage to be civilized. Five years have gone by. I doubt he evens remembers what happened that night. I don't expect us to be as close as we once were, but I hope we can at least be friendly.

"Is the food ready?" Martha, my mother, asks while zipping up the black dress I need to wear for the surprise party the Hidalgos planned for Artemis.

"Claudia, are you listening to me?"