I didn't want this at first, but I guess things change..

Part 12 .

He pulls me into a hug. ‘’Shh, I know it still hurts.’’

‘’A lot, Ivan.’’ I whisper.

‘’Don’t cry , Michelle. Joe wouldn’t want this.’’ He whispers in my ear.

‘’I know, but I miss him so much.’’

‘’I do too. In fact everybody does, but we all know you miss him the most.’’

That’s true, I do miss him the most. We were so close.  And to lose him was something that shook me.

Ivan pulls away and kisses my forehead. ‘’How is Phillip?’’

‘’He’s good. He says its still hard on him though.’’

‘’Well of course, they were good friends.’’

I nod. ‘’So how’s school?’’

He shrugs. ‘’College is college. It’s fun, crazy, and,’’ He wiggles his eyebrows. ‘’There’s a lot of party's and party's equal girls.’’

I roll my eyes. ‘’Of course, so what girl are you interested in, huh?’’

His face goes blank. ‘’Well, um there really hasn’t been any to capture my attention.’’

‘’Uh-huh,’’ somethings off about him. ‘’You like someone, huh?’’

‘’Um, well, yeah I guess.’’ He says uncomfortably.

‘’Do I know here?’’

‘’Um, yeah.’’

‘’Does she go to school with you?’’

‘’Um…yeah?’’ He says unsure of his answer, and that’s because he doesn’t want to tell me who it is.

‘’Mkay.’’ I decide to  let it go for now. He calms down and sits down on his bed.

‘’So you excited for your 22nd birthday?’’

He shrugs. ‘’It’s just another year older.’’

‘’I guess, what are you planning on doing?’’

‘’I’m not sure. I’m too old for a party, so I might go to Vegas or something.’’

I roll my eyes. ‘’Typical.

‘’Do you have any better ideas?’’

‘’Yeah, Miami, duh.’’

‘’Not bad, I’ll let you know.’’

‘’Mkay.’’

‘’Kids come an eat!’’ Mom calls from downstairs. I remember when she use to call for us and all three of us would run down the stairs because we love moms cooking.

‘’Let’s go.’’ I whisper, not wanting to remember anything else for the moment.

I sit by Ivan as my mom serves the food. It smells delicious!

‘’Where’s dad, mom?’’

‘’Got held up at work.’’

‘’Mmm, that sucks.’’

‘’Yeah, he was looking forward to seeing you.’’

‘’Me too.’’ When she’s done serving we dig in. ‘’So how are my Aunt Gloria and Uncle Eduardo doing?’’ I actually haven’t talked to them in a long time and their from my moms side of the family.

‘’Their good, we’re actually planning a trip to Mexico to see my parents.’’

‘’Dad and my uncle are going?’’

‘’Yeah.’’

‘’Mm, so where are Sandra and Rudy staying?’’ Their my cousins.

‘’Actually, here.’’

‘’Really?’’ see my cousins and I actually get along, even Ivan gets along with them.

‘’Yeah, your aunt doesn’t want to leave them alone.’’

‘’Yay! We haven’t seen them in forever.’’

‘’Yup.’’ Ivan finally chips in.

‘’Whats wrong with you?’’

‘’Your not the one that has to stay with them.’’

I laugh. ‘’Ah, okay that sucks for you.’’ I stick out my tongue at him.

‘’Your lucky  you don’t live here anymore.’’ He grumbles.

‘’Yeah sure,’’ I turn my attention back to my mom. ‘’Do you know when you guys are going to go?’’

‘’Not yet, but I’ll let you know.’’

I nod. ‘’Okay,’’ After that we finish eating. ‘’Thanks, mom. That was delicious.’’

‘’Your welcome honey.’’

‘’Well I think its time for me to go.’’

‘’Okay.’’

‘’Bye Ivan, love you.’’

‘’Love you to, sis.’’

‘’Te quiero mami.’’ (I love you mom)

‘’Te quiero tambien, hija.’’ (I love you too daughter.)

I hug her tight. ‘’I’ll see you later.’’

‘’Okay.’’ I get into my car and drive home.