Page 28 of Brandishing Beginnings

A blond with glasses chose that moment to walk out of the restaurant, looking warily around at us. “Kara, come on.” The blond waved Kara toward the door.

Kara’s face crumbled, as a sob tore out of her. She rushed to her friend, not bothering to look back at the three men.

Anxiety rolled over me as the reality of the situation fell on me. Marcos had to wipe his eyes and quickly turn and look away.

How the hell were we going to fix this?

Later that night, shame and guilt continued to eat away at me and my buddies, my brothers in all but blood. We had fucked up good and bad, not only with Maya, but with Kara as well. We hadn’teven thought of how their actions would affect their sister, or how it would look to invite skanks to a funeral.

Marcos was laying on the floor at my feet, as I sat on the couch. Nico sat off to the side, leaning back in the recliner. The three of us had headed back to our cramped apartment, not wanting to upset Kara further at Lita’s.

A ping of text coming through had Marcos reaching into his pocket for his cellphone. I looked over my buddy’s shoulder and read the message from Kara.

Kara:

I’m going back to the dorms tonight with my friends. I packed up my stuff. Let me know what you want to do about the apartment.

Marcos:

Lil Manita, I’m so sorry. I’ll take care of the apartment until the end of the lease. Don’t worry about it. We can talk more about it this summer.

Kara:

I’m probably going to stay at the dorms for Christmas.

Marcos crumbled, a sob breaking out of him as he read Kara’s words. I sighed as Marcos rolled onto his side, and tried to stop the tears. He slowly stood up and headed for his room, not saying a word to either of them.

“What happened?” Nico asked.

“Kara said she’s going to stay at the dorms for Christmas break.”

Nico’s face fell as pain etched into his features. “Dude, we fucked up.”

“Tell me about it.” I shook my head, fucking disgusted with myself.

“We should have fucking talked Marcos out of the stupid plan,” Nico said.

Shaking my head, I sighed. “We tried. He wouldn’t listen.”

“Well now it’s all fucking shot to shit!” Nico exploded, jumping to his feet. He stalked the living room, pacing as he ran his fingers through his shaggy, shoulder length hair.

Deciding to take matters into my own hands, I pulled my own phone and sent Kara a message.

Jason:

I’m sorry about the skanks at your mother’s funeral. Everything you said today was right, but you know that already. I’m sorry I wasn’t a better friend and brother to you today. I’ll work on that, lil sis.

Kara:

Do better.

I had to smile wryly at her reply.

Jason:

Yes, ma’am.

Jason:

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