I rode in the car with Jaylan.

I rode in the car with Jaylan.

I rode in the car with Jaylan.

I, Elizabeth Maria Lucero, rode in the car with Jaylan.

Does it make it real like magic if you say it three times?

I can't believe what happened last night.

You didn't even talk!

He smells good.

You barely said four words to him.

What is Sonic?

Probably some secret code key term to get in your pants!

I crinkle my forehead in an attempt to hush my thoughts. I barely know the guy, and I'm freaking out.

You only have said at least twenty total words to him, an excellent thesis starter. *sarcastic audible clap*

I grumble to myself, attempting to twist open the nail polish I've selected for my toes this week.

I wonder if he has bad breath? It smells like cinnamon, nice try.

Or if he is a picky eater........ anyone who likes Pineapple Laffy Taffy is not a picky eater.

Or worst of all......What if he uses Pine Sol and not Fabouslo?

My eyes widen like saucers, fantasizing him using his muscular, tattooed hands to open the horridly yellow cap with ease and dumping it into the mop bucket with that crystalline smile. I gasp and cover my hands over my mouth, watching him mop up my kitchen floor in a sensual manner, sending me a wink.

His muscular, tattooed arms extend as he swipes across the floor, missing all the small corners. I reach to grab the mop from him, but he playfully puts it behind him, making me reach for it to save this kitchen smelling like a rotten lemon. Instead, he tosses away the mop and yanks my waist forward to him, leaning down to kiss me roughly.

My fists hit him repeatedly like a damsel in distress because of him being evil using Pine Sol. He lifts me onto kitchen counter, steps between my legs, and roughly opens my jean jacket, revealing my white lac-

Okay, you seriously need to stop watching fewer telenovelas and spend more time in those textbooks.

I furrow my brows, ignoring my internal self-criticism while I massage the warmth in my right cheek, attempting to ignore the third hot telenovela fantasy I've had about Jaylan in the previous twelve hours since our car ride together.

Yeah, maybe I should cut back on the telenovela. I pause the last episode of Amor En La Calle trienta y tres on my laptop, nibbling on my lower lip.

Maybe it might be a bad idea to tutor Jaylan on Wednesday.

Yeah maybe!

Nobody asked you!

Strands of hair fly in my face. I breathe deeply, blowing it to cool off my overheated telenovela fantasies involving Jaylan.

I need to clip my hair up; I wonder if it would be irrational to just trim it.

Bet he can wind all of it around one hand and -

I analyze my long hair with pursed lips to see if I would truly go through with cutting it. Dropping a piece of my hair, I attempt to open this nail polish bottle again. My whole face scrunches up, trying to twist this stupid nail polish bottle open with no luck.

"Ugh!" I groan.

I bet Jaylan could open it.

Chica dejalo ir deja de ser tan loca! (Girl, let it go, stop being so crazy!)

I let out a defeated breath. I tossed the lavender nail polish bottle to the side as the sixth one I couldn't open. My eyes connect to an alluring blue, and I pick it up. I twist it open with ease, and I smile.

Guess this will be my new color of the week.

I can't believe I rode with Jaylan. His cologne was not too strong and not too weak. It was just right. The smell was like a forbidden smell of desire like you hear about on commercials. It had hints of lemons and orange but the woody vanilla made me want to lick his arm because it reminded me of a bourbon cupcake.

I delightfully sigh, brushing my big toe with this unique blue. Call me an overthinker, but what girl doesn't overthink when an attractive guy keeps clouding their mind. You can't tell me you don't fantasize.

Is it a crime?

Yesterday was an upside-down roller coaster, to say the least. It all started with oversleeping, forgetting my laptop to take my exam, and sitting next to Carly because there were no more seats.

I just pretended she wasn't there until she tried to talk to me after class about if we could be partners during open lab or something. I wasn't entirely sure since I walked away from her mid-sentence.

I refuse to be treated like that again, how Sofia treated me.

Wednesday, I cried silently in my room, trying to shove down the hurt from my past. I don't want to relive my summer before college again.

College blessed me with fabulous women like Alexis and Maxine who've healed me through the experience. I realized it's less important to have a ton of friends and more important to have a few close but real ones.

If I had told Lexi or Max what happened, then they would have busted down Carly and Ava's door. I just don't want that.

I can handle it... At least for now.

However, I told Jessica and Spencer what had happened. I started to regret it when Jessica marched over to Carly and another student Savannah chewed her out last night at the beginning of lab. I shrunk in my seat when Jessica called Carly a racist b word in front of everyone. Let's just say Savannah found another partner.

Shortly after, our grades were posted, like that, an anticipation twirl in your stomach when creeping up the hill on a roller coaster. Thankfully, I got an eighty three percent, and I'll take it. A hard test put a damper on people's spirits in the lab, so they left early, including Jessica. She didn't get the seventy nine percent she was hoping for to get a B in the class.

All that was left was a few students, including Spencer and I. Spencer was determined to make sure he nailed down wound care dressing for a gunshot wound. Let's just say I had thirty different size gauze pads on my left arm before he got it right. Miss Wolf kicked us out and told him to give it a rest.

Remember when I said yesterday was like a roller coaster? You know that unexpected loop out of nowhere, well Spencer asked me to go on a real date.

I wasn't expecting that. I never been on a date I mean it would be nice to dress up and meet all my Pinterest expectations but in my gut it just didn't feel so right.

I know I shouldn't have lied but I told him I had a family FaceTime waiting to me which didn't exactly happen right away.

He even offered to take me home but I said I rather walk and enjoy the snow clouds.

Max would have lost her mind if she knew I half walked home. I definitely think that thoroughly considering the cheap lab coat that cost sixty dollars didn't do justice to keep me warm. To think I'm only paying for a sixty-dollar lab coat just to have the stupid embodied patch say UMD Nursing in a size so big it swallows me up like a child playing dress-up.

Walking by myself didn't get too bad for the first fifteen minutes, until every sound the bare trees made quickened my pace. I rolled my hands around my Bisabuela rosary in my lab coat pocket, praying to Saint Jude to be desperately rescued from cold weather. Instantly, a soft squeal turns my attention to a black sports car with all tinted windows that's parked on a nearby curb. I couldn't make out who the driver was, and I'm sure Saint Jude didn't want this creepy car.

Not even four quick strides away... He called me by my nickname.

Releasing a dreamy sigh, I narrow my focus back, painting my pinky toe. I wonder if Jaylan likes this type of blue?

Inspecting my right foot, I wiggle my toes to make sure they look just right and the polish dries. I bend slightly to my left foot, painting my big toe, when suddenly the motion of my bedroom door flies open. The noise causes me to juggle the nail polish brush, getting blue all over my ivory comforter.

Max is going to kill me.

"Okay, what about this one?" Lexi anxiously questions another outfit choice and nibbles her lower lip.

"Lexi," I whine quickly, removing the now empty blue polish on my nightstand and frown at a difficult stain.

"Oops." Lexi covers her mouth.

I playfully crinkle my nose, watching her twirl around, showcasing her seventh outfit choice of the afternoon.

This time she put on a long, chocolate brown, V-neck long sleeve with high-waisted light jeans. Glitter glistens from her brown chest, highlighted by the LED lights from my full-length body mirror. Her gold accented jewelry makes her brown skin pop out more, complimenting her beauty.

She is so beautiful.

"What do you think?" she asks, modeling in the mirror.

"I think this is your last outfit!" I conclude.

She pokes her lip and fixates on herself in the mirror. She frowns and heaves her chest. "Bu-"

"Relax, it's simple and cute," I assure her and finish my pinky toe.

"I need to change!" Lexi frets, lifting her upper soft golden eyelids up.

"DON'T!" I yell, reaching out my hand to stop her.

Her hand clasps on my door, and I crawl out of my bed.

"You look great, Lexi!" I assure her.

She walks back over to my mirror, inspecting her outfit again. "I don't knowww," Lexi murmurs indecisively, nibbling her lips as she examines herself in the mirror.

She turns to look at her butt intently, starring, and I snicker. "It's big if that's what you're thinking." I giggle.

Her perfect eyebrows raise and her mouth drops open. "I wasn't thinking it, but thank you." She purses her lips at me in the mirror.

I giggle, collecting my hair up to clip it.

"Where are you guys going anyway?" I wonder, digging through Abuela's porcelain bowl for Mamá's hair claw.

Hmm, where is it?

"I'm not sure. He said it was a surprise. Which makes it harder to dress!" Lexi sputters and places one hand on her thigh.

"I thought you said you weren't worried," I tease with a snicker as my eyes continue searching across my dresser for the clip.

Where is it!?

"I'm not!" she defends with a high-pitched squeak.

I turn around to arrogant grin at Lexi, watching her study at her perfectly round butt in her jeans.

Where is it!

My eyes move like Dora the Explorer's camera looking for the obvious train in front of us, but Mamá's hair claw is nowhere in sight.

"I think I'm going to change!" Lexi sighs, desperately throwing up her hands.

"Lexi, you look fine!" I promise.

Her eyes began to gloss and make my heart sink to my feet. She slumps her shoulders and walks out of my room in defeat.

Lexi deserves to be happy.

I frown, trailing behind her to her room. It looks like a bomb went off, with clothes and shoes everywhere like Black Friday shoppers getting the best sales. Lexi's room is always tidy and constantly changes when she finds out about Joanna Gaines' next big thing!

"Don't change," I beg.

"I hate this," she groans loudly, bouncing back on her bed, flailing her arms.

"Why," I ask, joining her on her bed.

"First dates take too much effort," she confesses.

"Lexi, you know Stephen will like you regardless of what you wear," I remind her.

She slides her hands slowly down her face, and I giggle. "But it's Stephen Hollis."

"Lexi, why are you so worried?"

"What if he doesn't like me?" she admits, lifting up her body a bit.

"I'm pretty sure he does. He dropped hot chocolate to you for class twice this week," I smugly remind her with a cocked eyebrow.

The right side of her mouth creeps up. And to think the little stinker pretended she wasn't interested last Friday. I have never seen her this happy. Derek never made her smile like Stephen has been doing.

"I guess you're right," Lexi agrees, sitting up.

"What time is he coming?"

"In seven minutes." She sheepishly grins.

"Yeah, you are definitely not changing."

She grumbles, popping up from the bed. She picks up her khaki Shawl Collar Drawstring Waist Trench Coat.

"I just hope he is not like the rest," Lexi sighs hopelessly and slips on her jacket.

I kneel on her bed, combing my fingers through my hair to the side. "Just know Lexi, the only guy you need in your life is the one that proves that he needs you in his." I point out.

She pokes her lower lip out, opening her bedroom door. "Stop it before I stay and cuddle with you instead," she vouches.

I giggle, jumping off her bed, following after her to the living room.  Since Max isn't here I guess it is safe to tell Lexi the events occurred last night.

Jaylan Parker

"Lexi I have to tell you something."

"What?" Lexi goes into the kitchen for something.

"You promise not overreact." I squint my eyes

Lexi comes out the kitchen and side eyes me with a soft grin, "your new candy stash?"

I would never tell her that, Max would throw it out again!

"No... um. Well." I dig my toe into the carpet.

Lexi arches her brow, "spit it out!"

"I rode in the car with Jaylan." The words came out so fast I didn't know if it came out English or Spanish. Possibly Spanglish.

Lexi eyes stretch wide with her mouth gape open, "is that why you were so jittery last night!"

I nod as she bounces up and down. "Shut up!" She playfully pushes my arm. "What happen!" Lexi rushes to the dinning room table and sits and pats the table.

I take my chair out and sit, "I was walking home from open lab and he just followed me half way home." I squint at end.

"I'm really going to pretend I didn't hear the beginning but oh my God!" She touches my arm.

"It was nothing." I convince myself but my smile couldn't be contained anymore.

"Lizzie. First the tutoring now this. Hmmm." Lexi sides eyes me again.

"Stop that!"

"I'm just saying," Lexi hums.

"It's not like that if anything, he would-"

The sting on my arm waters up my eyes. "Ow!" I rub my arm.

"What I tell you about comparing!" Lexi looks at her phone and then at me.

"Not too but-"

Lexi holds up her hand, "Lizzie, I will tell you this, you have nothing to compare and you are the most beautiful woman inside and outside."

"You are suppose to say that," I mumble.

Lexi squints her eyes at me with press lips, "anyway what happen."

"Nothing, he just took me home and then invited me to Sonic? What's that?"

Lexi cackles throws her head back but coos, "he was trying, probably to wanted you try the slushies. They got good ones!"

"I wanted to go but my family called."

"If they didn't would you?" Lexi arches her brow.

Would I?

"Would have been bad if I did?" I chew the inside of my cheek.

"Nooooo, but I do want you to be careful." Lexi touches my closes hand.

"I will."

"But I'm sure you would have fun, Jaylan is a cool guy under all that hard exterior he tries to convince." Lexi shrugs typing on her phone.

I mean would be fun but I don't know if Jaylan knows the word fun. He seems like a word hard and only work hard no play ever.

I shrug, "probably but I wouldn't have worked because Max knows his location and mine."

Lexi snickers swiping on her phone, "not mine tonight."

"Speaking of, where is Max?" My gaze fell on the keyholder.

"Girl, I don't keep track of her like that," Lexi jokingly pretends, slinging her purse strap over her shoulder.

"Did she come home last night?" I muse.

"Come to think of it, I did hear her come in this morning but then leave ten minutes after." Lexi murmurs, scratching her head and checking her phone.

"Interesting," I hum.

Lexi's just about to say something when her phone rings. While biting her lower lip, she reads the message and toys with one of her curls. "He is so cute," Lexi gushes.

I smile to watch her open the door and give her a genuine smile. "Well, have fun. You deserve it, Lexi."

"Ugh, don't do that. You make me want to stay." Lexi flashes me a sly grin.

I place my hands to my lips to stop from giggling.

"Bye, I l love you!" She gives a quick wave and leaves.

Lexi deserves happiness. The things she had been through with Derek were unfair. No woman should be treated like the way he treated her. No woman should have to fight for her spot.

I know I did with Hugo. I wish mixed signals didn't fool me with Hugo. I was so stupid. I should have listened to my cousin Mariana when she said indecision is a decision. He made his decision with Sofia. I don't want to be a second option when I meet the next guy. I deserve more... I deserve to be happy too.

Belly flopping on my bed, I reach my phone and press the facetime button to call Mariana for some much-needed prima chat.

Facetime unavailable... Hmm, she is probably with Alejandro.

I purse my lips and call Papà, but the same result.

Facetime unavailable... my phone pings and I see a message from Spencer making me giggle.

Spencer: did you turn into frosty last night.

I type with the biggest smile,

Me: Nope but I saw him walking

Immediately Spencer likes my message and I see the grey dots appear and disappear.

Spencer: you are special you know that right?

His words warms my heart and I type back.

Me: thanks Spencer, you are special too! ❤️

Grey dots appear and disappear but
I exit out my messages and open my Instagram and notice a request.

RashadBrooks16

I twist my lips as I click on his name and focus in on his profile. He has photos of himself and the basketball team. I couldn't help but notice not to many of Jaylan.

Rashad is hot without a doubt. But I barley know him. Without clicking accept, he sends a message through Instagram in my direct message as if he knew I was looking on his page.

RashadBrooks16: I saw you celebrated National Sandwich Day at the schools website. So thoughtful that was at the local soup kitchen admirable.

My chest warm up at the memory because Jessica, Spencer and I went for two reasons extra credit and we love helping the community.

The photo alone makes me miss think of a few things which blurs my vision. I exit out completely not replying and hold my phone to my chest.

School is almost over.

And I have no plans.

Sure, I could make a decisions but a few hold me up.

Mateo, my green card and Papà.

I hate being adult sometimes and make decisions. Blinking a few tears I hear the front door unlock. I sit up and wipe a few tears from my eyes and sniffle.

"Lizzie? Lexi, I'm home," Max's voice cheerfully echoes.

She sounds happy.... a little too happy.

Rolling off my bed, my eyes caught sight of the blue stain on my comforter. I yank it off and walk out to see Maxine's face brighter and relaxed. She tucks her hair underneath her ear, nibbling back a smile and texting on her phone.

"Who has you smiling," I giggle.

She jumps and tucks her phone in her chest. Her eyes bulge at me but slants them quickly.

"What do you mean?" her voice seethes almost like Maleficent.

"Your face seems relaxed." I squeak, clasping onto my blanket.

"I'm always relaxed," she defends, throwing her basketball bag.

"Right," I disclose, turning my back to our laundry closet.

"What are you getting at?" I hear her step closer to me.

"Nothing, nothing," I sigh, shutting the washer and press start.

She hums, and I turn around to see her typing on her phone rapidly. I arch my eyebrow with her mumbling and out slips a giggle, texting away.

"So, Max," I began.

Her eyes peer up and squint at me. I teasingly smile at her, making her roll her eyes.

"I'm starved. Let's go get something to eat!" She breaks my open investigation.

"Can we go to Sonic?" I ask, only for her to gape her mouth open in disgust like I've said something repulsive

I knew Sonic was a dirty term..

"Sonic? Eww, as if," she scoffs, side eyeing me .

"I heard it was good."

"By who," she demands, pursing her lips as if I'm up to something.

Yeah, if I told her I rode home with Jaylan, I would most likely be going to the covenant down the street. She already drove past it yesterday because I spilled her lavender essential oil by accident.

"S-S-Spencer," I stammer.

She lifts a brow at me, putting her hand on her hip. "You tell Spencer to get better taste buds." She scoffs.

"Right..." Plastering a smile, my eyes peek up at her spotted neck.

That doesn't look too good.

Her hand clamps down right where I'm inspecting. "Anywho, I'm going to take a shower, and we can go Chick-fil-a instead." She pats my shoulder and opens the bathroom door.

"Oh, and Maxine, you're breaking out on your neck. I have Eucerin in my room," I shyly mention.

Her face and chest become rosy, and she dashes to the bathroom, still holding her neck.

She is weird.

Edited by: still_just_me