After working, I jogged home with Victor. He was coming over for a little bit before we went to his house. I was spending the night there, as Dad wouldn't be home for the weekend and I didn't want to be home alone.
I took a shower and got dressed in casual summer clothes. I packed a bag, making sure I had everything I needed. I joined Victor out in the living room and we left. We jogged down the street. I had gotten really good at running and I could do it for long distances. Maybe not as good as Victor and the other cross country teams, but I could still do it.
We arrived at Victor's house and we walked in. Victor's mom greeted me and brought me into the kitchen. She started talking rapidly at me but I couldn't understand. Victor stood at the entrance, translating for me with a stupid grin on his face.
"She says she's glad you're here," Victor said. "She called you her mija."
"What does mija mean?" I asked.
"It means my daughter in Spanish." Victor came over to stand by me. "It's a compliment. Hispanic families are really welcoming."
"Tell her I said thank you for letting me come over and spending the night," I said. "I hope it isn't much of a hassle."
Victor kissed my cheek. "I will. She likes you a lot."
I smiled, blushing a little. "I hope so. I don't want my boyfriend's mom to hate me."
"Dad likes you too," Victor said. "He thinks you're good for me and you're really sweet."
I smiled. "I hope so. I try to be myself."
"You're doing a really good job."
Victor's mom, María, said something and Victor nodded.
He looked back at me. "Dinner's ready. Come sit with me."
I followed Victor into the dining area and sat next to Victor. We had tamales and they were the best tamales I had ever had. María made sure I was fed well and gave me as many tamales as I could eat. Victor translated everything that was going on and I laughed at the jokes.
Dinner was finished and I helped clean up. Yolanda and Guadalupe were so nice to me. They had learned a little sign language and were talking to me as well as they could. It was so nice that they tried to talk to me.
I helped wash dishes and when that was done, I joined the others in the living room. There wasn't any room on the couches so I sat in between Victor's legs. He gently combed his fingers through my braids. It reminded me that I needed to redo them. They'd probably get messed up as I worked in the fields.
We spent most of the night talking. As everyone was going to be, Victor took me outside. We climbed onto the roof and laid down, staring up at the stars. It was so lovely at night. There were so many stars out.
"It's so nice outside," I said. There was enough light outside that I could see Victor's hands.
"It is," Victor agreed. "I like stargazing sometimes. I know you mentioned how you like space, so I thought I'd take you here."
"I like how that ladder is conveniently placed," I said. "It makes it so we can get up here easily."
Victor smiled, looking over at me. "I know. I'm glad I met you, Athena."
"Me too," I said. "I wouldn't have such an amazing friend and boyfriend."
"I wouldn't have an amazing girlfriend," Victor said. "And friend. Being friends with your significant other is always a great idea."
"I agree," I said. "We have really good inside jokes."
Victor smiled. "I want to be with you for a while, Athena, and I hope you feel the same. You're really special to me and very close to my heart. I love you."
I smiled and scooted closer to Victor. "I love you too, Victor, and I do want to stay with you for a long, long time."
Victor leaned in and kissed me. I inhaled sharply through my nose and placed a hand on Victor's cheek. The kissed was sweet and passionate. It made my heart swell and beat faster.
Victor pulled away. "I love you, Athena."
I smiled and kissed Victor. "I love you too, Victor."