She's the last person Rachel would've ever imagined to cross paths with right in front of her doorstep, but here she is — Eleanor, Hector's mother. The last time Rachel saw this woman, her hands were around Rachel's neck. Rachel nervously glances at the house, hoping her parents aren't home, just as they usually aren't when she returns from school. She turns back to Eleanor, who clearly doesn't seem to be here for a friendly visit. 

"Thought I'd look you in the face when I ask this," Eleanor says, "How does it feel to separate a son from his mother?"

The accusation shakes Rachel to the core, leaving her speechless for a second. "I-It's not like that," she stammers out. How could Hector's mother possibly reach such a baseless conclusion?

"Really? After he brought you home that day, he started pulling away from me, the only parent who ever cared for him. I raised him, both as a mother and father! Now he doesn't even want to live under my roof. A coincidence? I don't think so. You're seeing him, aren't you? Whispering in his ear about how he should leave behind his alcoholic mother."

"You've got it wrong. And if you have something to say, I think it would be best if you spoke with Hector."

Rachel takes a few steps back when Eleanor comes closer to her. "No. The one I talk to is you, and you better listen to me. Leave my son alone or el—"

"What's going on?"

Rachel sees Ricky behind Eleanor. "Is everything okay?" Ricky says.

Eleanor scoffs and leaves. Rachel's knees appear to give out. Ricky holds her up. "You okay? Who was that woman? Did she hurt you?"

It takes Rachel a moment to snap out it and compose herself. "No. She is... she's no one. I'm just feeling a little under the weather, that's all."

"What was she talking to you about?"

"She was asking for directions," Rachel says, and could see that Ricky doesn't buy her lie. "It was nothing," she says, "What are you doing here?"

"I need your Physics book for the assignment. I left mine at my grandparents' over the weekend. You sure you are alright?" Ricky can see that Rachel still appears visibly shaken.

After convincing him she's fine Rachel gives him the book and returns to her room. She then reaches for her phone, wanting to give Hector a call, but hesitates to dial him. She doesn't want to stir up any more trouble between Hector and his mother. Even though he moved out, he still makes sure to visit her whenever he can to check on her. Rachel knows he worries about her. But he might get upset at his mother if he heard what went down, and confront her about it. Then Eleanor will only get angrier at Rachel for telling on her.

Rachel puts down the phone. She will tell him if this happens again. But, now, hopefully, it's the last time Rachel has to see Eleanor.