Chapter 23 Breaking the Silence
Mayzie had been quiet for most of the evening after her talk with Ilona. She was pretty sure Alonso had noticed, not just because she was ignoring him, but because she was being cold to his whole family. On the bus ride home, she had only given him short grunts instead of real answers.
"Sorry the food was not that great tonight," Alonso said as they walked into their apartment building. "I saw you barely touched it. My mother is going to be heartbroken, I promise you." He gave a little laugh.
Mayzie managed a small smile. "It is fine."
He let out a long sigh of relief. "Thank God! Those are the first words you have said in hours. I was starting to think you were mad at me. I have been sitting here wondering what I did wrong."
"I was just thinking," she said, clearing her throat as Alonso unlocked her door for her. "Your mother gave me a lot to process."
Alonso stopped turning the key and looked at her. "She gave you something to think about? That is new. Usually, she just talks about church or when her kids are finally going to fall in love and start having babies." He grinned. "So, which one was it?"
Mayzie chuckled. "Are you going to open the door or what?"
"Oh, so it is a secret now?" Alonso finished unlocking the door and swung it open. "After you, my lady," he said with a playful bow.
"Do you want some ramen? Like you said, I did not eat much at dinner," she asked as she stepped inside.
"Sure, I will meet you at my place," he replied, heading next door to his own apartment. He could feel a weird tension in the air; he knew Mayzie had something heavy on her mind.
A few minutes later, Alonso was filling a pot with water while Mayzie opened the ramen packets. He set the pot on the burner but had not turned it on yet. He turned to her, his expression serious.
"You really look like something is bothering you," he said softly. "What did my mom say that upset you so much?"
Mayzie did not look up. "Why did you not move back in with them when they asked? You could save so much money. You would not have to work this hard."
Alonso shrugged. "I did not want to give up my freedom. My parents are a lot, Mayzie. I lived with them for eighteen years; that was plenty."
Mayzie stared at the dry noodles. "You should tell her that. She thinks it is because of me."
Alonso frowned. "What? Why would she think that?"
She finally looked him in the eyes. "She thinks you are in love with me. And not just in a 'you-guys-look-cute-together' way. She thinks you are truly in love with me."
Alonso went dead silent. He did not know whether to admit the truth or tell a lie to keep things simple. Mayzie watched him, noticing that he had literally stopped breathing. She had her answer right there, but a part of her wanted him to deny it, while another part was desperate to hear him say it.
"I see," she said, breaking the quiet. "I am... I am not hungry anymore. You can have both."
As she turned to leave, she caught a glimpse of total heartbreak in his eyes. She opened the door and stepped out, but paused. From the hallway, she heard his breath hitch — the sound of someone trying not to cry. With the walls being so thin, he clearly did not want her to hear him.
She looked back. He was leaning against the counter for balance, his hand over his mouth. Inside her, two feelings were fighting. Her friendship with him told her to run away, but a romantic spark wanted to know if this could actually work. She was not sure if she loved him that way, but she could not stop thinking about what Ilona had said — about giving him a chance because he was a good man who would treat her right.
"Alonso?" she whispered, stepping back inside.
He spun around, startled, and quickly rubbed his eyes with his wrists. "Mayzie, I thought you left," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I just... got something in my eye."
She did not let him finish. She leaned in and pressed her lips to his. Alonso froze in shock. Mayzie placed her hands on his cheeks, trying to make the kiss deeper. He remained stiff at first, then started to kiss her back, though he seemed hesitant and unsure. His heart was hammering against his ribs.
She moved closer, trying to make it more passionate. One voice in her head screamed, "I have to know!" while another shouted, "Stop this right now!"
When she felt how tense he was, she started to worry. Was she making a mistake? Was he realizing he did not actually want this? She pulled back, her hands dropping to his shoulders. He looked completely lost.
"I'm sorry. That was uncomfortable for you," she mumbled, feeling embarrassed. "I would not do it again."
She turned toward the door, feeling like her questions were still unanswered. But before she could leave, Alonso's hand slammed against the door, pinning it shut. He kept his head down, looking like he was in physical pain.
"Do it again," he whispered, his voice shaking.
"What?"
"Do it again!" he barked.
Mayzie did not hesitate. She grabbed his face and kissed him again, and this time, Alonso crashed into her. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her so close there was no space left between them. The kiss changed — it became urgent and deep.
When she gave in to him, Alonso felt a surge of pure joy. He took control, his tongue meeting hers in a slow, rhythmic dance. Mayzie's hands slid down to his waist, and a low groan escaped his throat. They sank to the floor together, never breaking the kiss. As their clothes began to come off, Mayzie let herself go, even though a small part of her felt like she was making a huge mistake.