Maria Santiago was staring at her children with disappointment in her eyes. I mean why wouldn't she after learning that Lincoln had been bullied by her daughter and was hospitalized because of his older sister. An older sister who had dated her son until they broke up for the stupidest of reasons. Part of her was happy for that since their relationship was anything, but positive. However...the other part knew that her son was still in love with that girl despite everything that she's done to her brother. Before long, Maria started to speak.

"Words can't express how disappointed I am at the two of you." She said. 

"Sigh....I understand why you feel that way Mom. I bullied Lincoln before he became my friend and I regret it. Lincoln didn't deserve to be bullied and I accept any punishment that you'll give me to atone to it." Ronnie Anne said.

"Normally I would, but it seems like you are starting to learn from your mistakes. However...I wish to ask why you started to bully him in the first place?" Maria said. 

"I started to bully him because I got jealous that Bobby was spending more time with Lori than myself. So I stupidly thought that I could force Lori into breaking up with Bobby by bullying her brother. However...I underestimated her intelligence." Ronnie Anne stated.

"How?" Maria said.

"Apparently, she told Lincoln that I like him because I bully him." Ronnie Anne said.

"But you do..." Bobby said before Maria glared at her son.

"I will let you speak when it's your turn. For now, I want to hear Ronalda's version of events before hearing yours." Maria said. It was clear that her son was influenced by that rotten girl that had hooked her claws into him. If only she could have seen the signs sooner than maybe her son would see that Ronnie Anne and Lincoln were just friends and nothing else. Even if it were to turn into something romantic, it should be decided by the both of them and no one else.

"So she thought that you liked him?" Maria said.

"Yes and once she found out that Lincoln had spoken badly about me...she thought that the only way for us to fix our issue is by having us double date." Ronnie Anne said.

"Is that really the only way to fix it? I mean...why couldn't he just apologize?" Maria said. 

"Exactly, but Bobby and Lori were dead set on making us go on a double date." Ronnie Anne said.

"Thanks for giving your side of the story. Now Roberto...tell me your side." Maria said with no emotion in her voice. To be completely honest, she knew how this was going to go. He would defend his beloved Lori and say that it must be some misunderstanding. Another point that made her fear for her son's future with that woman...no, she wasn't a woman. A woman wouldn't beat an innocent young child for not doing what she wanted...to Maria, Lori was a child. A child who had no issue doing bodily harm to anyone if it meant getting her way. So with a sigh, she started hearing Bobby's side and in the end...she had a huge frown on her face.

"Bobby...That was the stupidest thing that I ever heard." Maria stated bluntly.

"See. Bobby is completely in denial of Lori's true colors." Ronnie Anne stated.

"I'm not in denial. I'm sure that this is..." Bobby started to say before Maria cut him off.

"She's right Roberto. It seems like this girl is nothing, but a bad influence on you which why I'm glad that you dumped her." Maria said.

"Huh. Lori's not..." Bobby started to say before Maria slammed her fist on the dining room table in front of her.

"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR THESE EXCUSES. I want to know what were you thinking when you started to date this girl. You weren't like this before Roberto and it's clear that this girl changed you into a mindless fool who doesn't listen to what his family is telling him." Maria said.

"Mom, I..." Bobby said before she cut him off again.

"I don't want to hear anymore Roberto. As of this moment, you are only allowed to drive to school and work. You won't be permitted to see this girl and you will cut contact with her now." Maria said.

"What?" Bobby said with a shocked tone.

"You heard me. This girl has tainted you and cutting off contact will do you some good. Ronalda...we will talk about your punishment later. For now, you will head to your room while I deal with your brother." Maria said as she grabbed a nearby flip flop. Ronnie Anne ran from the living room and never turned back...despite hearing screams of terror and the angry shouts from her mother. 

Author Notes:

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