Love me

pte

MIGUEL HERNANDEZ

s la

at my phone. I try Angelica's number again-for the fiftieth time today, maybe

an doing to me,

ng, from the noise, the expectations, and especially from Jessica. But most of a

turn on your phone, I say aloud, n

gain ? my mother's voi

in my chest as I whi

ca, my boy, she adds, walking closer

with concern. She stands there, arms cros

? she asks, her brow arched

and raise my e

e and my two sisters with nothing but love and high expectations. My sisters are both studying

are you doing ? I say, t

ed you a question. Answer me,

g on your beloved Jes

een complaining a lot lately... abo

ease ! I cut her off sharply, m

t she come to me with our problems like an adult ? Why d

ike that ? my mother as

rough my hair and

! Every time something goes wrong, she runs straight to you. I'm tir

me that lately, you haven't been spending any time with

stop by to see you guys. Now, I've said hi. It's time for me

eethear

alk out of the room. I'll see Dad next time. Right now

ing, I need to

lica

en sold, and your gallery keeps gaining popularity eve

s. Not the public. Not even Miguel. I set it up quietly and hired a manager to run

that success,

or both our sakes. He already has a girlfriend, and I didn't want to come betwe

glowing with joy. Now you're back to being silent and

on who used to make me smile, I adm

to you ? Did he hurt you ? she asks, sitti

eady has someone. It didn't feel ri

picks up my phone, which

this thing on ? she asks, already press

s better if I stay away from re

rts scrolling through

o's been blowing up your Facebook. Tons of messages,

s. My heart pounds as I read through message after message. He

y phone onto the bed an

, honey ? my mot

a girlfriend, and if I keep talking to him, I'll just keep hu

ey. I'm sure the right man will come along. Someone who's meant for you, someone who will

starts ringing again. The sound s

nce down. My heart skips a

gu

in my chest. I can't

eps ringing, ove

? my mother

ching the p

erate to talk to you. At least list

ess the green button and slo

? I w

you. And a no... is not acceptable, Miguel s

. My heart is a thunderstorm i

ven c