Chapter 3: Ready. Aim. Fire!*

What would you do if everything you thought was true turned into a lie?

“Jaydan!” Brandon yelled walking into Jacob's house.

“A knock would have been nice Luis.” Houdini said from the couch in the corner of the living room.

“Maybe if you were around long enough Houdini, I’d actually listen to you. And I'm Brandon.” Brandon said as Michael and Anthony walked in behind him.

“I need a drink.” Houdini grabbed his coat and walked out of the house, pushing past Luis as he walked up the stairs.

“Brandon?” Jaydan asked as she and Jacob walked out of his bedroom.

“The one and only.” Brandon said as Jacob stood still, and crossed his arms while he stood in the doorway.

“Umm...” Jaydan wasn't sure what to say.

“Luis slept with Melody. Just now.” Brandon said as Luis walked in the front door. All eyes turned to him while Jacob dropped his arms.

“What?” Jaydan said slowly, taking a step toward Luis.

“Jay, I can explain.” Luis said stepping toward her.

“You better stop right there.” Jacob said stepping in between Luis and Jaydan.

“Or what? You gonna beat me up? You gonna kick my ass?”

“Push me and I will Luis. We were never friends. I would kick your ass in a heartbeat.”

“Why? Because with me out of the picture you get to be with Jaydan? You get to take my place as her boyfriend and you can act like the father of my child.”

“I'd be a better father than you would!”

“No you wouldn't! At least I had a father for a few years. Houdini has never been around for more than 2 months.” Luis said taking a single step toward Jacob.

“You had a father until he realized you were a screw up! You and Brandon were a disappointment. So he left.” Jacob paused as a smile formed in the corner of his mouth. “And what happened after that? Oh yeah! CeeCee realized you were fuck ups too!”

“You need to calm the fuck down Jacob and stop acting like you have the perfect family. Because everyone in this room knows that you don't!” Brandon said from the doorway.

“No. I know I don't have the perfect family. But I do know that at least my mother loved me.” His eyes widened as did his smile as he looking Luis in the eyes.

“Did she Jacob? Is that why she killed herself? Cause she loved you so much?” Brandon asked walking over to Jacob. Without a thought or a word, Jacob lunged at Brandon and threw him to the floor. His hands moved quickly as blood started to drip down Brandon's face.

“Jake! Stop!” Jaydan yelled looking at Michael and Anthony for help. They quickly ran to grab Jacob as Luis slid on the floor and pulled Brandon away.

“Fucking psycho!” Brandon managed to yell, stumbling to his feet.

“Get the fuck out of my house!” Jacob yelled as Jaydan grabbed on to his arm, preventing him from going after Brandon again. “And take your slut brother with you!”

Michael looked at Jaydan and slowly took Luis, Brandon, and Anthony out of the house. “Who the fuck does he think he is? To fucking come into my damn house and fucking say that shit!” Jacob ran his hands through his hair as Jaydan looked at him. Her eyes were wide and she looked like a deer in someones headlights. “What's wrong?” He asked once he looked back at her.

“You scared me. You could have seriously hurt Brandon if Michael and Anthony hadn't have stepped in.”

“Well that was the plan.” Jacob let out a deep sigh as he walked back into his room, leaving Jaydan standing in the living room, staring at the front door.

Cassandra stormed out of Nora's house and walked over to Daniel's house. Her emotions were running and she wasn't thinking clearly. All she wanted to do was hurt Nora. And she knew she couldn't do that physically. Even though she knew Nora was weak, she was ever weaker.

She knocked on the door and waited for an answer. “It's open!” Daniel yelled from the kitchen. Cassandra slowly opened the door and stepped in. Before she walked up the hallway, she pulled her shirt down slightly and adjusted her bra. If there was one thing she knew guys loved, it was boobs. She pushed her hair back and walked up the hallway with confidence. She stopped when she seen Daniel in the kitchen.

He was standing over the counter, shirtless. His jeans hung low on his hips. He had a cup in front of him and liquor was on the counter. “Cassandra.” Daniel said, slightly shocked that she was standing in his kitchen doorway.

“Daniel.” She has a slight smile in the corner of her mouth. This was going to be easier than she thought.

“Look if you're here to tell me how sorry Nora is--”

“I don't give a fuck how sorry Nora is.” Cassandra cut in.

“Damn. You're upset.”

“I have my reasons.” She walked into the kitchen and stood next to Daniel, putting her back against the counter and looking up at him.

“You wanted Brandon for yourself.” His sly smile came to his lips.

“Things change.” She hooked her finger through one of his belt loops and pulled him closer to her, gently.

“Do they really? Do things actually change? Or is this what you wanted to begin with?” He put his head closer to hers, their foreheads touching.

“I...I....I don't know.” Cassandra didn't know what was going on. She lost her train of thought. Her breathing was short, her heart racing. And there was a feeling, deep down inside of her that she's never felt before.

Daniel let out a small laugh. “You're not ready.” He was about to move his head away from her when she surprised him and aggressively forced his lips to her. He pulled away from her slowly. “Or maybe you are.”

Her breathing was heavy. “I am.” Daniel let his hands slide down her body, resting them on her ass. She stared up into his eyes, her mouth slightly open as he gripped. She stood up on her tip toes and kissed him again. This time he didn't pull away. Instead he lifted her body as she rapped her legs around his waist and he sat her on the counter, slowly pushing the liquor away.

“You're sure you want this?” He asked in between breaths. She nodded her head vigorously as he slid her shirt of her body. He cupped her breast and pulled her bra down. She quickly pushed him away, hopped off the counter and stood in front of him. A smile appeared on her face as she slowly bent down, unzipping his pants. She pulled them down as she crouched lower. In on swift move he was inside of her, and everything else was forgotten.

“That fucking bitch!” Brandon said once he sat down at his kitchen table with Michael, Luis, and Anthony. “And it's all your fucking fault!” He looked as Luis as Anthony passed his an ice pack for his eye and a towel for the blood.

“My fault? This is you're fault. You couldn't keep your mouth shut about MY business and you had to jump into a conversation between Jacob and I.” Luis shot back, sitting down across from Brandon.

“He was fucking talking about our parents Luis. Or did you forget about that?”

“If you hadn't have gone in there and tried to act like the better person and tell Jaydan that I slept with Melody, than I wouldn't have fought with Jacob and you wouldn't have a bleeding face.”

“You're the one that fucked up Luis.”

“You're the one trying to get back at me because you got caught fucking Nora behind your best friends back. Newsflash Brandon, it was only a matter of time before Daniel figured it out. And it had nothing to do with me.”

“It had everything to do with you Luis! If you were never born than I wouldn't be in this mess.”

“If I was never born than you would have never been born either! I'm the fucking older one Brandon, whether you choose to believe it or not!” Luis stood up as the door bell rang.

“Should I get that?” Michael asked looking around the room.

“I'll get it.” Luis said walking down the hallway and opening the front door. Jaydan was standing on the porch looking at her hands. Once the door opened she looked up. “Jay.”

“We should talk.” She turned around and sat down on the steps.

Luis took a deep breath and shut the door. He slowly walked to the steps and sat down by the railing, 2 feet from Jaydan. “Jay I'm--”

“Is it true?” She didn't look at him.

“Jay I can--”

“Luis. Is it true?”

He let out a deep sign and nodded his head. “Yeah.”

“Why Luis? Is it because you're not ready to be a dad?” She looked at him as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I told you that you didn't have to do this with me. That I'd do it alone. You didn't have to go out an do this.”

“I didn't do this because I wasn't ready to be a dad.”

“Then why Luis? Why'd you have to do this?” When he didn't answer, she spoke again. “Am I not good enough for you?”

“I'm sorry Jay. This had nothing to do with you. I was selfish.” Luis looked down, unable to continue looking at Jaydan cry.

Jaydan stood up and wiped away the tears. She looked next door and seen Jacob step onto the front porch. She looked back at Luis and when he didn't lift his head, and walked down the remainder of the steps and over to Jacob.

Jacob walked as Jaydan walked over to him, and noticed at Luis didn't stop her from leaving. When she reached him, he opened his arms and led her into the house and away from the pain that was the father of her unborn child.

“Who do you think was at the door?” Anthony asked looking at the closed door.

“It was probably Jaydan here to break Luis' heart after he broke her's.” Michael said sitting down at the table.

“Damn.” Anthony said following his lead.

“It's what he deserves.” Brandon said wiping blood off his eyebrow.

“What are you talking about?” Michael asked looking at Brandon.

“He shouldn't have fucked up and slept with Melody. He's not ready to be a father. He's not ready to grow up. You both know it as much as I do. It's better that he lets go now before getting attached to a baby that probably isn't even his.”

“What the fuck crawled up your ass? If there is ANYONE who should be behind Luis when he says that he wants to be a father, it should be you.” Michael said, shocked by what Brandon was saying.

“Why? Because he's my twin? I know him better than anyone else and I know that he can't be a father.”

“You would think that because you don't have a father in your life you would be pushing Luis to be the best father there is. But you're not. You're saying that you think he's going to fail because you want him to fail. You don't want him to leave you here alone with your mother. And I get that Brandon. I totally get that. But you need to cut the shit and be there for your brother. You don't get how luck you are to have a brother that actually cares about you. That you're never actually alone in this world.” Anthony stood up before he finished. “You're just pushing him away Brandon. And soon, you're going to be alone.” He looked at Michael before he walked up the hallway and out the door.

He seen Luis sitting on the steps with his head down and sat next to him. “You and Jaydan are going to get through this. You haven't lost her Cuz. She still loves you. And that baby that is growing inside of her, is yours.” Anthony put his arm around Luis as they sat there in silence as the darkness engulfed them.

Chapter 2: The match that lights the fire*

When things get complicated, it is much easier to ignore the problem.

Jacob looked over at Jaydan. “Your mother slapped you and kicked you out? In a time like this?” The look on his face expressed his disgust.

“Yeah. And when CeeCee accidentally found out about it...she wasn't pleased to say the least.”

“Accidentally?”

“She walked in when Luis and Brandon were talking about it.” Jaydan said sitting down at the kitchen table.

Jacob brought over her cup of ice cream and sat down across from her. “Jay I'm sorry.”

“It's not your fault. I'm just glad that you're home. If you weren't I’d have to go suck up to Nora. Or Daniel.”

“He's always had a soft spot for you.” Jacob said smiling.

“All you Ruidiaz boys do.” She smiled as she began to eat her ice cream.

“Hey, we have some pretty good taste.” Jacob said with a smile on his face as Houdini, his father walked into the house.

“Jake! I brought dinner!” He called taking his coat off and hanging it on the coat hanger. He took a few large strides up the hallway and turned into the kitchen. “Hey Jaydan.”

“What did I say about calling me Jake? You named me Jacob for a reason.”

“Actually I had no say in your name. I suggested Butch, and your mom shot me down.” He placed the bags on the kitchen counter and walked over to the fridge.

“Thank god!” Jaydan said laughing as Jacob rolled his eyes.

“You kids want some food?”

“No.” Jacob said while Jaydan nodded.

“Looks like someone appreciates my efforts.” Houdini said as Jacob stood up.

“Whatever Houdini.” He mumbled walking into his room.

“I'll go talk to him.” Jaydan whispered hurrying up the hallway after Jacob. She softly knocked on the door and opened it slowly. “You okay?”

“No.” Jacob sat in the beanbag chair by the TV, not sure if he should look at Jaydan or not. “He thinks he can come in here and be all fatherly. He's been gone 9 months. 9 fucking months! And then he waltz on in here as if he's the best damn dad around! And it pisses me off every time he calls me Jake.”

“That's what your mom used to call you....”

“I don't want to talk about it.” Jacob said turning on the TV. And just like that he was lost in a game of Grand Theft Auto 5.

Daniel looked at his phone as I vibrated on the table. Nora. This was the 6^th time in a row that she's called. And it will be the 6^th time in a row that he ignores her. He has absolutely no interest in talking to her. Or anyone for that matter. He just wanted to be left alone.

“Daniel!” Ronnie, his older brother called walking up the hallway. He attempted to open Daniel's bedroom door, but it was locked. “Okay. I just came over cause mom needs toilet paper and I don't feel like going to the store. So I'm just going to take a roll and go home.” He waited a minute for Daniel to reply and when he didn't Ronnie just left.

When his parents first split, Daniel got stuck with David, while Ronnie got to stay with Cindy. Now that they're back together, David is spending all his time over at Cindy's place, while Daniel refused to go back there. He refused to see her again. She gave him up and it was easy for her. She never once looked back. Never once called him to say Happy Birthday or Merry Christmas. She meant nothing to him and how his father got over all of that is beyond his belief. He's the one who said day after day that Daniel didn't need her. That he and Daniel were better off without her. And then what? They run into each other in the super market and everything is forgotten? Bull-fucking-shit!

Brandon sat on the porch and watched as Luis walked over to the Jaydan's house. Maybe, just maybe they could actually grow up a little and raise a baby. After all they were the only couple in their group of friends that has lasted longer than two months.

Two months. That was the cut off. It was what was instilled in these boys minds since day one. They were taught that girls only lasted two months. Sometimes shorter, but never longer. The more that Brandon thought about it, the stupider it sounded. He let out a deep sigh as he seen Melody open the door, and Luis walk in. Odd. Why hadn't Jaydan opened the door? They could barely get their hands off of each other.

“Brandon!!!!” Michael yelled walking out of his house.

Brandon's head shot up and he turned to the left. He watched as Michael walked over to the porch and slowly up the steps. “What's up?”

“Abuela is staying at my house.” His voice was toneless and Brandon knew that Michael was less than pleased about the news.

“You can stay here. I think Luis is staying with Jaydan.”

“They're staying at Jacobs?”

“What? No! They're at her house.”

“No cuz, Jaydan is at Jacob's house.” Michael said pointing at Jacob's window where you could clearly see Jaydan.

“What? Luis just went over to Jaydan's like 5 minutes ago—and Melody opened the door.” Brandon's eyes widened as he put two and two together.

“You don't think....?”

“Oh, I think!” Brandon said standing up.

“What are we gonna do?”

“We're gonna write an anonymous letter!” Brandon said laughing.

“Ya know, Nora finally made me watch that episode of Jersey Shore the other day!” Michael said following Brandon into the house.

“That show's been over for like 4 years.”

“I'm slow, okay?” Michael said as they sat in the kitchen and contemplated what to do.

“ANTHONY!!!!” Shay yelled walking up to Anthony's room.

“What?” He asked turning his chair away from his computer to look at his mother.

“Go over your aunts and borrow some sugar, butter and milk.”

“Why don't you just go to the store and get your own milk, butter, and sugar?”

“Just go!” Without another word, Shay left the room and walked back to the kitchen.

Anthony do this. Anthony do that. Can this woman do anything for herself? Anthony put on his sneakers and walked down the stairs, half stomping, half sliding. He slammed the door while he left and walked over to Brandon and Luis's house, mumbling to himself.

He rang the doorbell and Michael got up to let him in. “Get in here!” He dragged Anthony into the kitchen and shoved him into a chair.

“What? I just came over here because my mothers lazy.”

“We think Luis slept...well is sleeping with Melody.” Michael said unable to contain himself. He sank into the chair across from Anthony and placed his hand over his mouth.

“WHAT!” Anthony asked standing up.

“Yeah. He said he was going over to Jay's, although he fought with me about it. And then Michael comes over and we see Jaydan over at Jacob's, but Luis hasn't left Jay's house yet.” Brandon said looking around the kitchen.

“You gonna tell Jay?”

“I don't fucking know!”

“You shouldn't.”

“What? Why?” Michael asked looking up at Anthony.

“Cause that'll just stress her out. And that;s not good for the baby.” Anthony said matter-of-factly.

“Nah. If I get found out, so does he.” Brandon said standing up. He looked back at Anthony and Michael before quickly rushing out of the house and over to Jacob's.

“Cassandra, I don't know what to do. He won't answer my calls!” Nora said falling back on to her bed. She looked over at Cassandra playing on the computer, while she turned to look at her.

“Well would you answer his calls if you found out he and I were sleeping together?”

“I mean...probably not. But it's not like I meant for me and Brandon to happen. We just kind of did.”

“Nora, you don't just accidentally fall into a mans pants. And of all the men you have to choose from, you picked Brandon—Daniel's best friend. That's probably why he's so upset. You just have to let him cool off for a day or two and try again later.” Cassandra kept her voice calm and slow.

“No Cassandra, you don't understand. If I let him cool off he'll hurt himself. Or worst—he'll go after Brandon. That's the kind of person that Daniel is. He is NOT calm. He turns his emotional pain and anger into physical pain for someone else.”

“Then Brandon should have thought of that before he fucked you.” She had a hint of jealousy in her voice.

“You're not mad at me too, are you?”

“Me? Mad at you? Why on Earth would you think that?” Cassandra quickly turned around in her chair to look Nora in the eyes.

“Because I slept with Brandon....”

“Why should I care? It's not like Brandon and I are dating or anything. It's not like I had a crush on him that you knew about. It's not like I confided in you about him! You stabbed me in the back Nora! How the fuck could you do that?”

“I'm sorry...” Nora mumbled barely able to speak.

“Fuck you Nora. You and Brandon deserve everything that Daniel has coming your way!” Cassandra stood up and walked out of the room, not looking at Nora as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Luis looked over and seen Melody laying next to him, her breaths calming. She looked up and smiled at him. “Hey cutie.” Luis quickly looked at the clock and rolled out of bed. “Where are you going?” She sat up and stared at him as he pulled up his pants.

“This was a mistake.” He picked up his shirt and fumbled putting his head through the hole. His head shot to the left as Melody got out of bed. “What are you doing?” She moved closer to him, her skin darker in the shadow.

“Stay with me.” Her voice was hardly above a whisper.

“No. I need to see Jaydan. I need to make sure she still needs me.”

“If you leave I’ll tell her where you've been.”

“She won't believe you. She hates you.”

“And why would I lie Luis? Why would I claim to be with you? I mean, you've been with everyone else. Would it really be a stretch if you were with me too?”

“I love Jay and she knows it!”

“If you really loved her, you wouldn't be with me.” Melody placed her hands around his neck and gently left a trail of kisses.

“Stop.” He gently pushed her away and when she gripped him harder he shoved her on the bed.

“You're ready for round two? Or should I say round three?”

“This was a mistake Mel. And you know it as much as I do.” He hurried out of the room and down the hallway to the front door.

“You'll be back Luis!” Melody yelled before shutting her door.

As Luis walked out of the front door, he seen Brandon quickly walking toward Jacob's house, Michael and Anthony not far behind.

Chapter 1: Just the beginning*

When nothing ever goes right; you'll never have anything to lose.

“Just forget it!” Daniel yelled walking outside. Ever since his mom and dad got back together, things have been getting harder. With all the fighting between him and his mom, and his dad always taking his moms side; he just needed to get out of the house.

“Hey Daniel! What's up?” Luis asked from his porch, next to Daniel's house.

“Have you seen Nora?” Daniel asked looking around the culdesac.

If Luis told Daniel that Nora was in the room with Brandon, his best friend, he'd freak. Daniel had enough on his plate. He didn't have to know about Brandon and Nora's secret love affair too.

“I don't know man, but I think my mom's calling me.” Luis got up, knocking over the chair and ran into his and Brandon's room.

“Get up!” Luis yelled taking off his shoe and throwing it at Brandon's bed.

“What the fuck is your problem!?” Brandon asked sitting up.

“Nora, you gotta leave. Daniel's looking for you.” Luis said as Brandon rolled out of bed. He grabbed her clothes, pushed them toward her and dragged her to the bathroom.

“You didn't say anything, did you?” He asked looking at Luis.

“No! But I should have. They still go out, you know! She's your best friends girlfriend and you're fucking her. You, Brandon, should win the 'Best friend of the year' award!”

“Why are you so upset? You slept with Jaydan when she was with Jacob.”

“She was pretending to be with him. There's a difference. Daniel and Nora ain't pretending to go out, Bro. They really do out out.”

“What's your problem? Since when do you care who I sleep with?” Brandon asked as Nora slipped out the front door.

Normally, Luis didn't get into Brandon's sex life, since he didn't like when Brandon got in his. They were twins, they shared a room and a love for chicken. Other than that there was nothing else they shared.

Brandon was the praised child, the one their mom liked to show off. But if she knew about this, man she'd flip. Daniel was like a 3^rd son to her.

“What do you want me to do Luis? Tell Daniel I'm sleeping with his girl?”

“The only girl Daniels ever loved!” Luis added.

“Fuck off. You did me a solid by letting me know he was looking for Nora, but stay outta my life.” Brandon said grabbing shorts and a towel, before he walked into the bathroom and slammed the door.

Luis took a deep breath before walking out into the kitchen. There was a note on the table next to a bowl of chicken. 10 am and all he wanted was his chicken. It was his way of dealing with losing his dad.

8 years ago, when he and Brandon were only 8, their mom and dad were together. Everything was fine, or so it seemed. They never fought, they always had smiles, and they even invited family over. And that's saying something, given the way CeeCee hated 2 out of 3 of her sisters.

Every family has their hidden secrets, and the break up with CeeCee and their dad, was definitely one of them.

At first, him moving out was weird. Their dad would always wake up on Saturday morning and make them Micky Mouse shaped pancakes with bacon, as their mom danced around the kitchen. She was happy with him, really happy.

But now she's out all the time and barely looks at the twins. They're just a constant reminder of their dad. Luis more so, she'd always say that they were so much alike. CeeCee's barely home and when she is, she's sitting in her room.

Luis sat down at the table and pulled the bowl closer to him. There was nothing better to do other then sit back and watch his life fall to pieces in front of him. There was a loud vibrating sound and Luis looked down at his phone. Jaydan was calling.

“Hello?” he said answering the phone with a mouth filled with chicken.

“Hey, what chu doing?” She asked in a flirtatious voice.

“Eating, you?”

“Bored, Adriana won't let me do her hair.” Jaydan said, talking about her older sister.

“How could you, you'd get lost in all of it.”

“Funny.” She laughed, her cute little laugh that made Luis smile. “Can I come over?”

“Of course.” Luis said getting up and putting the chicken into the microwave.

“Kay, come open the door.” He walked down the hall, opened the door and hung up the phone.

“Were you standing here the whole time?”

“Yeah.” she said smiling and standing on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek as he quickly blushed.

“WHERE IS HE!?” Daniel yelled pushing Luis and Jay out of the way and walking down the hall.

“Who?” Luis asked following him quickly.

“That backstabbing best friend I have!”

“Shower. What happened?”

“Do NOT play stupid with me Luis. You know that Nora was here last night! You knew that they were hooking up behind my back and you did shit! You are shit Luis! You're just like your fucking brother.” Daniel said, his words stinging.

“I told Brandon to stop! I told him that he shouldn't be doing this! And the only fucking reason I didn't tell you was cause you were dealing with your mom and dad! I was looking out for you Daniel! Not everyone in this culdesac is against you!” Luis shot back.

“If you really aren't against me you would have told me!”

“I'm not your best friend! He should have been the one to tell you! It ain't my job to let you know who's fucking who Daniel!”

“Fuck you Luis! Now I know why your dad left! He didn't want to have to be blamed for 2 fuck ups!”

“And what's your excuse Daniel? Your moms with your dad, and you're still a fuck up. You have everything handed to you on a silver fucking platter and you still manage to make people feel bad for you. You make everyone scared to hurt your feelings cause you're like a girl. If we say the wrong thing, you'll explode, and we'll be stuck picking up the pieces. Wake the fuck up Daniel! We just put up with you. None of us really care about you. Not even Nora, that's why she cheated on you.” Luis said as Jacob and Nora walked in.

“You don't know shit Luis. You're just a follower! You know nothing about Daniel, and you know nothing about him and I's relationship!” Nora said walking over to Daniel. She looked at him and put her hand on his arm.

“Don't fucking touch me.” he whispered. “I want nothing to do with you, you dirty skank. Go fuck Brandon, we all know you will anyways. I don't need you. I don't need any of you.” Daniel yelled about to walk away.

“So you're just gonna leave? Sounds a lot like your family Daniel. When things get tough they leave. That's why your dad originally left, right? You were too much, and Ronny wasn't his kid. He left cause he didn't know how to deal with his problems.” Luis said.

“Maybe you should worry a little less about my family, and more about your own. Has CeeCee spoke to you today? This week? This month even? Oh that’s right, she HATES you! You're a constant reminder that she fucked up. She never wanted you. Or Brandon. But your sorry grandmother made her keep you. And now even Abuela hates you.” Daniel said spitefully.

“Fuck you! My mom doesn't hate me! And neither does Abuela!” Luis said, on the verge of tears.

“Keep telling yourself that, and maybe one day it'll be true.” Daniel said pushing people to the sides as he walked outside.

“What the fuck was that all about?” Jacob whispered to Jaydan.

“I guess Nora's fucking Brandon, while still dating Daniel. And you know him, he has to have the last spiteful word.” Jaydan said rapping her arms around Luis.

“Lu, did mom leave-” Brandon said walking into the kitchen with a towel rapped around his waist. “What's everyone doing in my kitchen?”

“Witnessing World War 3.” Jacob said leaving.

“What the fuck does that mean?” Brandon asked looking as Nora as silent tears rolled down her face. “What's wrong?”

“I'm done Brandon. You said he wouldn't find out, but he did and now he hates me. Thanks!” Nora said running home.

Right before Brandon turned to walk back into his room, Michael, their cousin, came running into their kitchen. “Abuela's back from Mexico.” He said as Luis and Brandon's jaws dropped.

It might be summer but all Anthony could think of was all the work he had to do for school in September. There were only 2 years left until he was off to college. 2 more years stuck in this small town, where everyone knew everyone and everyone was always involved in your business. He couldn't stand it. The only way out was college, it was his only escape.

The only problem with college was his GPA. It sucked. Well, it didn't really suck, but he definitely slacked 10^th grade. It was the best in his family, although there wasn't much competition when your cousins are Brandon, Luis, Michael and Jeremy.

He couldn't help but still feel like he wasn't good enough. Even with a 3.7, his mother still wasn’t happy. She still said he could do better. Would still yell at him, call him a piece of shit, and say Daniel could do better- when in fact, everyone knew Daniel couldn't.

He'd bring home an A, and all Shay would say is: “It should have been an A plus.” Then she'd grab her beer and cigarettes and walk away.

No matter what he did, he was never good enough for her. In her eyes, Anthony was a disappointment.

“ANTHONY!” Michael yelled as he, Luis and Brandon barged into their cousins house.

“Yeah?” he called from up in his room.

They raced upstairs, the first one in would break the news. The winner was, Luis. “Abuela's coming home!” he spat out, with no air left.

“WHAT!?” Anthony said, not believing what his cousin had just said.

“She called my mom from the airport. She's back.” Michael said sitting on Anthony's bed.

“I thought she moved to Mexico.”

“Negative. That's just what she wanted us to believe. Get our guards down and then, BAM! Come back and ruin our lives again, with her tiny self.” Michael said as Luis finally caught his breath.

“You needa lay off the chicken.” Anthony said looking at Luis

“Shut up! What are you doing anyways?” he asked noticing Anthony sitting at his computer with a word document open.

“Working on my college letters.”

“You're only going into the 11^th grade. Don't you send those in when you're in 12^th grade?” Michael asked.

“If I finish early, I'll be able to send them in early and then I can hear back early and make my decision on where I'll accept early.” Anthony stated as the guys laughed. “I really don't know how we're related!” he said, noticing that they weren't interested in college talk. “Are you guys even planing on going to college?”

“Yes.” Michael said, sounding as though he was offended by the question.

“Yeah.” Brandon said, as all eyes turned to Luis.

“What? You act as though you're surprised. I'm not the college type. I'm not the school type at all. I have other things planed anyways.” Luis said looking away from his cousins.

“What's that supposed to mean, Bro?” Brandon asked.

“So now you want to be involved in my life. Fuck you Brandon, fuck you!” Luis said getting up and leaving, quicker then he arrived.

“What was that all about?” Anthony asked, although he knew Brandon and Michael were just as confused.

“I just need to see you.” Luis said on the phone with Jaydan once he got home.

“I thought you were going to make some sort of plan thing with your cousins.” she said. Luis could tell from the sound of her voice that she was still mad at him for leaving her when he went to Anthony's house.

“I'm sorry Jay. I didn't mean to leave you. It was just something I had to do.”

“When are you going to tell them?” she asked after a long pause.

“You haven't told Juanita.”

“I'm gonna tell her tonight, after dinner.”

“Then I'll tell my mom today too.”

“Are you sure you're ready for this?”

“I'm as ready as I'll ever be, Babe.” Luis said with a slight smile on his face. The more he talked to Jaydan, the more he realized that what he was doing would be the right choice. He loved her, he really did. She made him happy, and to be honest, it took a lot to make him smile these days. “So are you gonna come over, or...?”

“I'll be right there.” She said hanging up.

Luis might only be 16, but he was the only guy who really knew what he wanted. School wasn't for him. Work wasn't for him. So what else was there for him to do besides-

His thoughts were lost when he heard the doorbell ring. He quickly got up and ran to the door, opening it quickly to see Jaydan. “Hey.” she said smiling.

“Hey.” He smiled back, taking her hand. Together they walked down the hallway and into his bedroom. When they first started going out it was all just a hook up. She was doing him to get her mom mad, and he was doing her because he couldn't get her cousin, Melody. But once they started, they couldn't stop.

The sex was good, and at first that's all Luis cared about. But then, they slowed down and actually got to know each other. They got to talking and went on their first date. And honestly, it was one of the best nights of both of their lives.

No one else believed that they could be going out, that their relationship consisted of anything more then just sex. Because that's the type of person Luis always was. It had been that way for years. He was the type to hit it, and leave. But...something changed inside of him and all he wanted was her. He didn't care when he got into her, all he cared about was being with her.

“Wanna watch a movie?” he asked as they got into his bed.

“Sure.” she replied handing him the controller. As they were looking for a movie to watch, Brandon came in.

“What the fuck was that all about?” he asked, not caring that Jaydan was in the room.

“What was what?” Luis asked, not looking away from the tv.

“What else do you have planned? Mom wants us to go to college.”

“Who gives a flying fuck what she wants?! She doesn't care about us! She just wants us to go to college to get rid of us! Don't you see it Brandon, she hates us!” Luis said looking at his brother, not noticing CeeCee standing in the doorway.

“No. She cares.”

“No she doesn't. When was the last time she asked you how was your day? Or the last time we sat down and had a family dinner? Daniel was right, she doesn't want us, that’s the ONLY reason she wants us to go to college. But fuck her, I'm not going. I'm gonna stay here and raise my baby with Jaydan.” Luis said as Jaydan gasped, she was the only one who knew that CeeCee was standing there. “What?” he asked, as she pointed to the door way.

“We have a family dinner at your aunts house tonight. At 6. Be there, and don't mention the baby .” CeeCee said, turning and walking away. She showed no emotion on how she felt about the baby, none at all. That's what worried Brandon, Luis and Jaydan most.

This should be fun. Luis thought as he stood in the doorway to his Aunt Shanaynay's house. CeeCee rang the doorbell and the 3 of them stood there, waiting for someone to get the door.

“Michael, get the door.” Abuela said in her thick, Mexican accent.

“But you're right there!”

“I'm old, get the door.”

“I love how you can call you old, but if I do it, I get hit in the back of the head with the broom.” Michael said getting up to get the door. “Hey Aunty CeeCee.” Michael said in his kiss-up ways. It's what always helped him get on the good side with the older women in the family, and the bad side of his cousins. Although with Michael being their favorite, they'd never noticed the others mistakes.

“Hi Sweetie.” She said walking by him and over to her sisters. Shay and Anthony were already here, they were just waiting for the oldest of the Cruz sisters, Shanequa, and her son Jeremy.

“Aunty CeeCee!” Dominic, Michael's little brother, yelled running over to his aunt.

“Dork.” Michael whispered as he, Luis and Brandon walked into Michael's room, away from the family.

“Could this get any worst?” Michael asked as he shut the door and everyone looked at Anthony.

“Michael told me.” Anthony responded, looking at Luis.

“This is why the family doesn't tell you shit!” Luis said, looking at Brandon. He knew that Brandon was the one who told Michael, he just wondered who else knew.

“Are you going to tell Abuela?” Michael asked.

“HELL NO!” Luis yelled.

“Tell Abuela what?” Jeremy asked as he walked in.

“That Luis is having a baby.” Michael said, covering him mouth when he was done, due to the look Luis was giving him. “Sorry.” He said looking away.

“With who?” Jeremy asked looking around the room.

“My girlfriend!” Luis yelled.

“Well it is you we're talking about, so you never know.” Jeremy said as the other boys laughed.

“Not funny!” Luis said rolling his eyes. He hated that his family didn't believe that he could stay in a stable relationship. That he could be with one girl and just that one girl. But Luis knew he could. He knew that all he wanted was Jaydan, and he was going to do anything to keep her, even if that meant telling his family about their baby.

“You know that if Abuela finds out from someone else that you're having a baby, she's gonna kill you.” Jeremy mentioned.

“And since you knew, she'll kill you too Michael.” Brandon said laughing.

“WHAT?” Michael asked confused.

“You're her favorite, so she expects no secrets from you...and this baby would be a secret.” Brandon had an evil smirk on his face.

“BOYS! DINNER!” Shanaynay yelled as she and the girls sat at the table.

“What are we gonna do?' Jeremy asked as there was a squeak outside Michael's door.

“Nothing. When the time is right, I'll tell her.” Luis said as they all walked to the dinner table.

“So, boys, whats new?” Abuela asked as sweat started to drip down Michael's forehead.

“You're what!?” Juanita yelled, as Jaydan stood in the doorway of Juanita's bedroom.

“Pregnant.” Jaydan mumbled again. She didn't want to say it the first time, and the second time wasn't any better. Being the youngest in a family of 6 girls, no boys and a niece currently living with them, it was hard for Jaydan to get to talk to her mom alone. And this was certainly not the reason she'd like to be talking to her.

“How could you do this Jaydan?! How could you do this to you, to Luis....to me! I am too young to be a...a...grandmother!”

“Well maybe if you didn't spread your legs at 14 you wouldn't be in this mess! You know what they all say, 'Like mother, like daughter.' So if there is anyone to blame for this, it's you!” Jaydan said, hoping her words would sting.

Juanita quickly got out of bed and walked over to Jaydan. Before she knew what was going on, Jaydan felt a painful sting on her cheek. Where Juanita's hand met Jay's face. “How dare you blame me for your own fucked up mistakes. You're the slut that opens her legs to anything that has a dick. Fuck, I don't even know if they need a dick. You're just a little slut!” Juanita yelled, getting angry.

“I learned from the best!” Jaydan yelled as she ducked, knowing her mother would swing.

“Get the fuck out of my house! I never want to see you again! You're a little cunt!” Juanita yelled slamming the door in Jaydan's face.

Jaydan didn’t know what to do, where to go...she didn’t know anything. She quickly walked to her room and grabbed a bag. She put the things she thought she'd need in the bag and left the house without another word.

Taking out her phone, she let out a sigh. Luis was still over Michael's for dinner. Without another thought, she walked next door and rang the door bell.

“Hey.” Jacob said opening the door. Jay knew that if Luis knew that she went to Jacob for help, he'd be pissed. But she needed someone to help her, and Jacob was her best friend.

“I need to stay here.” she said pushing past him and walking down the hallway to his bedroom.

“What's wrong with your house?” Jacob asked following her.

“My mothers the biggest bitch in the world! That's whats wrong with my house.”

“What happened exactly?”

“I told her I was...” Jaydan stopped herself. She hadn't told Jacob that her and Luis would soon have a baby. “I'm pregnant Bestie.” She said smiling and looking at her stomach.

“WHAT! When, who, what?” Jacob asked unzippering Jaydan's sweater and seeing a little baby bump.

“A baby is growing inside of me, about 14 weeks ago, Luis, and again, it's a baby.” she said taking out her phone. She pressed a few buttons and then showed Jacob her ultrasound photo.

“Oh...My...God.” He said looking from the picture to her and back again. Jacob had know Jaydan for 10 years, since she was 5. and the idea of her having a baby was just crazy. “Who else knows?”

“My mom, and I told Luis. Soo..whoever he told.”

“Wow. I just can't believe it.” he said smiling at her.

“Me either.” Jaydan replied. She tried to cover her hurt with her happiness about sharing the news with Jacob. But really, the only ones she still had were him and Luis.

“Whats up with your face?” He asked after a moment of silence.

“Huh?”

“Your face. Its all red on this side.” Jacob said touching the left side of her face. Jaydan flinched due to the pain. He cheek was still stinging.

“It's nothing.”

“Who put their hands on you, babe?” Jacob asked looking into Jaydan's worried eyes.

“Well that went well.” CeeCee said as she and the boys walked back home.

“Mom, who are you trying to convince? That was the worst dinner I had to sit through. You could sliced the tension with a butter knife!” Brandon said opening the front door.

“It's called sarcasm, Brandon!”

“I didn't know, Mother!”

“Don't talk to me like that!” she said slapping Brandon upside the back of the head. She then turned her attention to Luis. “You will NOT tell anyone about that baby until it's born and it's proven to be yours.” CeeCee turned on her heels and started walking into her bedroom.

“What are you trying to say mom?” Luis ask, confused.

“I'm saying we all know about Jaydan. We allllllll know that you are not the only guy she's slept with. I just don't want you tied down before you know its yours.”

“She's having a baby mom! It's not an it! This is a growing baby! It's not a pair of concert tickets! And this is my baby!”

“You don't know that sweetie.”

“Do NOT sweetie me! Jaydan and I have been together for the past 6 months! She'd never cheat on me Ma! This is my baby!”

“I just want you to be sure before it's too late to back out. I know how you get attached.” And with that CeeCee shut her door, signaling the end of their argument.

“She's a bitch.” Luis said walking to the front door.

“We all know.” Brandon said walking toward their room.

“You're not gonna ask where I'm going?”

“Nope.”

“I'm stuck with a family filled with bitches!” Luis said walking out of the house and to Jaydan's house. He needed to see her. To know that she needed to see him too. Taking a deep breath Luis rang the doorbell and waited for someone to open the door.

“Hello.” Melody, Jaydan's hot cousin, said as she opened the door in her tank top and booty shorts.

“Umm...is Jaydan here?” Luis asked trying not to look at her. Ever since he was younger, he'd always had a crush on Melody. But when he hooked up with Jaydan he ruined all chances of ever getting to be with Mel.

“Nope. Auntie Juanita kicked her out earlier. For having the baby. But you're more than welcome to come in and hang out with me.” She had a flirtatious look on her face. Luis knew exactly what she meant...but he didn't want to ruin anything that was going on with Jaydan...whatever was going on. He was never sure with them. “So...you coming?” she asked.

“Sure.” he said as she grabbed his hand and led him down the hallway to her bedroom. Once he was in, she shut and locked the door.

“Ummm...” Luis said as Melody turned the lights down. She walked over to him and pressed her lips against him. Luis could feel her body heat as they backed up to the bed. Her hands moved from his face, down to the bottom of his shirt.

She was moving fast. Removing his shirt in a single lift. Once it was off she tossed it across the room and gently pushed Luis onto the bed. He didn't know what was going on. All he knew was that he liked it. He liked when the women were in charge and that was one of the best things about the girls in the culdesac.

Melody threw her legs around him and started to take off his belt. Once it was off, she put him inside of her and for the rest of the night, he was hers...not Jaydan's.