No more, Raquel.
I look at my bed and notice a small white box on it. When I reach over and pick it up, a note falls out. My eyes widen as I see that it’s the box for the newest iPhone. I quickly check the note.
So you don’t walk around without a phone. Take it as consolation for everything you had to go through that night.
Don’t even think about giving it back to me.
Ares
I laugh so loudly that Rocky looks at me quizzically. “Are you crazy, Greek God?” I ask aloud. “You’re completely crazy!”
There’s no way I can accept this cell phone; it’s too expensive. Money is definitely not an issue for Ares, but how the hell did he get into my room with Rocky here? I look at the dog, remembering that he didn’t want to eat when I came in, and I realize his belly is fat and full.
“Oh no. Rocky. Traitor!”
Rocky puts his head down as if admitting his guilt.
I have to give this phone back, so I put on some jeans and a T-shirt and head out. I go around the block so I can get to the Hidalgos’ front door, because there’s no way I’m going in from the back. I don’t want to be mistaken for a burglar and get shot or whatever.
In front of the house, my courage dwindles. It’s a three-story house with Victorian windows and a garden with a fountain at the entrance. It’s as intimidating as him. Regaining my nerve, I ring the doorbell.
A pretty girl with red hair opens the door. If it weren’t for her uniform, I would have thought she was part of the family. “Good evening, can I help you?”
“Hey. Is Ares here?”
“Yes, who’s asking?”
“Raquel.”
“All right, Raquel, for security reasons I can’t let you in until he tells me. Will you wait for me for a second while I look for him?”
“Of course.”
She closes the door, and I play with the box in my hands. I don’t think it was a good idea to come here. If Ares tells her he doesn’t want to see me, she’ll probably slam the door in my face.
A few minutes later, the girl reappears. “You can go in now. He’s waiting for you in the playroom.”
Playroom?
Ares’s house is stupidly luxurious inside, and I’m not at all surprised. She leads me through the living room into a long hallway and stops. “It’s the third door on the right.”
“Thank you.”
I don’t know why I’m suddenly so nervous. I’m going to see Ares. I feel like it’s been so long, but it’s really only been a few days.
Just give him back the phone, Raquel. Walk in, give him the phone, and walk out. Simple. Easy.
I knock on the door and hear him shout, “Come in!”
I open the door and peek inside. It’s an ordinary playroom with a pool table, a huge TV with different consoles underneath it, and plush furniture. Ares is sitting on a couch in front of the TV with a controller for what looks like a PlayStation 4 in his hands, playing something with a lot of shooting. He’s shirtless with only his school uniform pants on. His hair is messy from the headphones he’s wearing, and he’s biting his lip as he plays.
Why the hell do you have to be so hot, Ares? I’ve forgotten why I’m here. I clear my throat, uncomfortable.
“Guys, I’ll be right back,” Ares says into the microphone connected to his headset. “I know, I know, I have a guest.” He exits the game and takes off his headphones. His eyes meet mine. “Let me guess. You came to return the phone?”
He stands up, which makes me feel small, as usual. Why does he have to be shirtless? That’s not how you greet a visitor.
I find my voice. “Yes. I appreciate the gesture, but it’s too much.”
“It’s a gift, and it’s rude to refuse a gift.”
“It’s not my birthday or Christmas, so there’s no reason for a gift.” I hold out the box to him.
“Do you only receive gifts on your birthday and Christmas?”
Yes, and sometimes not even on those dates.
“Just take it.”
Ares just looks at me, and it makes me want to run away. “Raquel, you had a horrible experience that night and lost something you worked hard to get.”
“How do you know that?”
“I’m not an idiot. I’m guessing that with your mother’s salary and the bills she has to pay, she could never have bought the phone you had. I know you bought it yourself with your money, with your hard work. I’m sorry I couldn’t stop them from taking it away from you, but I can give you another one. Let me give it to you. Don’t be proud.”