YELLOWJACKET - CH.5: ANCHOR

At the curb that sat right in front of Mercy’s house, I gave Cleo’s hair another quick ruffle, nearly getting my hand ensnared in the tangled curls her hat left behind.

“Alright, I’m lettin’ you loose— now you go on in there and get right to work on your homework,” I said. “I didn’t spend my whole afternoon staring at junk so you can half-ass your little story about your new best friend, Molten Lava Man.”

Cleo unbuckled her seatbelt. “Maybe if you read my paper, you’ll be a little more cultured.”

The arrogance of this kid, I thought, but I couldn’t help but laugh. She was lucky she had big eyes like a goldfish and that Mercy didn’t believe in using la chancla on her - that had to be why she was so mouthy all the time.

“Okay, mocosa, we can argue about art another time. Maybe after I read your paper.” With the press of a button, I unlocked the car door. “You’ll have to forgive me if I take a while to read it, though, since I’ve just learned from you that I’m borderline illiterate.”

Her eyes glistened hopefully. “… Would you actually read it though? Like, seriously?”

“Uh… sure. You write it, I’ll read it,” I lied. “And if you work hard and get a good grade on it, I’ll take you shopping. My treat.”

“What?! Really?!” With a squeal, Cleo bounced up and gave me a hug from the passenger’s side. “You’re the best! I love you, Tío! I’ll make you proud!”

“Love you too,” I replied, coughing from the tightness of her hug. “Be good.”

 

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