Chapter 35: Luis POV

Luis’ POV

The only thoughts I had on my mind as soon as I saw the gate of my house was “I need to be alone.”

So I did my best to avoid any and everyone I might come across. Dad wasn't home. That left the option to Clarissa and her mom.

I pushed the door open slightly and took lights steps, hoping I'd get to my room soon enough without needing to face any of them.

Of course those were mere wishes, becauee even though Clarissa and her mom were busy arguing over who would make dinner, they still noticed me.

“Hey welcome home, Luis. Help us decide who should make dinner.”

“Dont bother uour brother and just give up. The last time you cooked something, you constipated for two days straight,” her mom said and if this was any ither day, I'd have joined in and given my opinion like Clarissa ssked.

Not today. Not when every group chat were busy making me the topic of the day and I had no doubt that they won't get tired even in weeks to come.

It was so bothersome and depressing to think about.

“I'll be in my room.” I said curtly and gripped the stairs.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and was about to continue up when Clarissa appeared by my side.

“I need your opinion and you must give it, you—” she paused as she looked at me, trying to come up with one of her lame insults.

It was how her bullies from elementary school had come up with insults bit that's just what they were. And even now, it seemed like she couldn't find anything to insult me about.

Thanks to her, I'd started walking out and burned up, even though it's a little.

I couldn't help but smirk as she pouted and tapped her puffed up Cheeks while trying to think something up.

“Just do what you want,” I said and Started up the stairs.

“Mom, I'm going up with Luis and he said I should make dinner,” Clarissa dragged my bag off my Shoulder and ran up the stairs. I wanted to flip out but she was standing in front of my room.

“What do you want?” I asked as I umlocked my door.

“To ask you what you want for dinner,” she shrugged as i pushed yhe door slightly open.

“Anything you make. Now please leave.” I said, my tone even. My attempt at holding back my upset feelings wasn't exactly working well, but at the same time, I didnt want to take it out on her.

I just needed some time alone. Was that too much to ask for?

“Why?” she made a pose with hrr hand on her pushed out waist.

“I need some time alone,” I said.

“Pfft. You look like you've had enough time alone,” she pushed my door open, “Areyou trying to hide something from me?” She asked as she stepped in.

What she said was indeed true.

If had enough time to myself. But all that while people were talking about me like I wasn't there.

I could here the name calling, the snickering. The way they laughed and pointed.

“Clarissa please,” I walked in after her, leaving door open for her to leave.

Over the past weeks, it felt like we had gotten to know eachother better, but at this moment, it just felt kicked she was back to being that version of herself that annoyed me to noend.

“Come on. Relax,” she patted my bed as she plopped on it and dropped my bag to the ground.

“Looks Clarissa i… “

“You don't jave to keep your feeling bottled up ypu know. Especially around a family that cares about you,” she suddenly looked up at me with such concern and compassion in her eyes.

She was looking at me like she could see all my grieviances, like she understood me and just needed me to open up for her to comfort me.

My throat felt dry as my eyes watered.

“Oh god,” I cussed and sniffled.

At this point my tears just made me feel embarassed.