Family Life
Matt’s next day was as monotonous as usual. The only good part of his day was meeting with Frank after school. The air, heavy with humidity, made Matt feel sticky as he tapped his cane down the sidewalk. Frank had told him he had a surprise. Matt felt giddy the closer he got to the bakery Frank told him they’d meet at. The buttery smell relaxed him. Matt walked into the bakery. The speakers hissed as they played music that reminded him of his dad. Matt’s face flushed when he heard the sweet tones of Frank’s laugh. He was dancing and talking to a girl sitting on the counter.
“Francisco! Your friend is here!” A woman yelled. Frank spun around quickly, “Matt! Sorry, I was helping my ma.” He set the broom against the wall and walked over, “You hungry? Ma’s got some leftovers from today.” He walked behind the counter, sliding the glass open. “We have Puerquio, Conchas, Empanadas, Orejas, Elote, Cuerno, and Payaso.” Matt was quiet. He wasn’t sure what any of those were. His dad never bought stuff like that. “Uhm, why don’t you choose for me?” He smiled, tilting his head. The sweet sugary scent of the bread made Matt hungry. “Here, my ma makes hello kitty conchas for kids, and I thought you’d like it,” he said while placing the bread in Matt’s hands.
Matt chuckled, taking a bite. The sugar crumbled and got all over his shirt. It was delicious. “Woah! It’s amazing, thank you,” he smiled behind his hand before taking another bite. “Thank you, mijo,” the woman chirped. “I’m Louisa, Francisco’s mom.” Matt smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Ms. Castillo, it’s delicious.” Louisa shook her head at his compliment and put her hands on her hips. “Just Louisa is fine. I’m glad my son has found such a nice boyfriend.” Matt went stiff, face heating up. She thought he was Frank’s boyfriend. His mind started racing, thinking of ways to tell her they weren’t dating without making it weird, “Oh, no, I'm sorry we’re–” Frank cut him off with a heavy sigh. The two went back and forth. Matt couldn’t keep up and had never learned enough Spanish as a kid to understand most of it. He caught a few words like Frank telling his mom she was embarrassing him and his mom saying he was hopeless.
The two finished their little spat, and it seemed Louisa won because Matt could feel the embarrassment radiating off Frank. “Let’s go upstairs! My sister can help,” the young girl huffed, “Hey! You can’t just offer me like that!” Frank grabbed Matt’s hand and guided him out of the bakery and to an alley. Matt could smell rotting food in the trash cans and wished Frank would hurry before he barfed. Frank unlocked a door and pulled Matt in, “Take off your shoes. The rack is next to you,” he slid off his slides and then started up the stairs. Matt followed after folding his cane and putting it in his pocket. “You live above the bakery?” Frank opened another door, “Yeah, moved in a couple of years back. Since my dad’s back on duty, ma’s been takin’ time for herself.” Frank shrugged. Matt nodded, remembering how Frank told stories about how his dad was so brave as a kid. He hadn’t mentioned him in a while, and Matt wondered if they were on good terms. “That’s good! I noticed your mom didn’t recognize me.” He chuckled. The last time Matt had seen Frank’s mom was years ago when they went out for Frank’s sixth birthday. He wasn’t on hormones then. “Oh, yeah! I forgot how long it's been.” Frank laughed.
Eventually, Matt had to leave, or Frank would get an earful from his dad. Frank helped him into his old truck and drove him home. Matt was always comfortable around Frank. He yawned and leaned on the older boy’s shoulder. The radio was playing quietly, and Frank was singing along. He wished the ride home was longer because he’d fallen asleep against Frank while listening to his heartbeat. Frank nudged him awake, and Matt whined, “No, I’m tired. Let me sleep.” Frank chuckled against Matt’s hair, “C’mon red, I gotta get you inside.” Matt huffed and stepped out of the truck, almost falling face-first into what smelled like dog pee. Thankfully Frank caught him and walked him inside. Matt was in and out of consciousness. He remembered his dad laying him in bed and kissing his head before he fell into blissful sleep.