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| Link | Quote | Stars | Tags | Author |
| c743b67 | You do realize she has a boyfriend. And she's rich. And white. And wears designer clothes you'll never be able to afford." Yeah, I know that. And I'm sick and tired of being reminded of it. "I need your help, Isa. Not a lecture. I've got Paco givin' me his crap already." Isa holds up her hands. "I'm just pointing out facts. You're a smart guy, Alex. Add it up. No matter how much you might want her in your life, she doesn't belong. A triangl.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 8de8d60 | My dad called the cops and told them I stole his car." I roll my eyes. "Your old man put you in this hellhole? On purpose?" "He thought it would teach me a lesson." "Yeah," I say. "The lesson is that your old man's an asshole." The dad should have taught his son how to dress better instead. "My mom'll bail me out." "You sure?" White Guy straightens. "She's a lawyer, and my dad's done this before. A few times. I think to piss off my mom and .. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 19d3d16 | I've never ditched school before. Of course a boy I kissed has never been arrested before, either. This is about me being real. To myself. And now I'm going to be real to Alex, like he's always wanted. It's scary, and I'm not convinced I'm doing the right thing. But I can't ignore this magnetic pull that Alex has over me. I plug in the address on my GPS. It leads me to the south side, to a place called Enrique's Auto Body. A guy is standing.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| d272992 | Colin is standing on our front stoop with a dozen red roses in his hand. "For you," he says, surprising me. Wow! I'm feeling stupid for thinking about Alex so much this past week. I hug Colin and give him a kiss, a real one on the lips. "Let me put these in water," I say, stepping back. I hum happily as I walk to the kitchen, smelling their sweet fragrance. Putting water in a vase, I wonder if Alex ever brought his girlfriend flowers. Alex .. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| c45053a | Wait!" I yell. I take a deep breath. This is it. I'm going to spill my guts. "I don't know why or when I started falling for you, Alex. But I did. Ever since I almost ran over your motorcycle that first day of school I haven't been able to stop thinking about what it would be like if you and I got together. And that kiss...God, I swear I never experienced anything like that in my life. It mean something. If the solar system didn't tilt th.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| d5c2b5e | Before we seal our plans with a kiss, Alex clears his throat in front of us. "No PDA. School rules. Besides, she's my partner, dickhead. Not yours." "Shut up, Fuentes," Colin mutters, then joins Darlene. I put my hand on my hip and glare at Alex. "Since when are you so concerned with school rules?" "Since you became my chem partner. Outside chemistry, you're his. In chemistry, you're mine." "Want to find your club and pull me by my hair int.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| f77147f | When my eyes meet his gaze as we're sitting here staring at each other, time stops. Those eyes are piercing mine, and I can swear at this moment he senses the real me. The one without the attitude, without the facade. Just Brittany. "What would it take for you to go out with me?" he asks. "You're not serious." "Do I look like I'm jokin'?" Mrs. Peterson wanders by us, saving me from answering. "I'm keeping my eyes on you two. Alex, we missed.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 12471d2 | He looks at me with chocolate brown eyes that are so intense I swear they could hypnotize someone. "You ready?" he asks. For a nanosecond, as I'm staring into those dark eyes, I wonder what it would be like to kiss Alex. My gaze drops to his lips. For less than a nanosecond, I can almost feel them coming closer. Would his lips be hard on mine, or soft? Is he a slow kisser, or hungry and fast like his personality? "For what?" I whisper as I .. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| cf902cc | You only like white guys?" "Stop that," I say through gritted teeth. "What?" he says, getting all serious. "It's the truth, ain't it?" Mrs. Peterson appears in front of us. "How's that outline coming along?" she asks. I put on a fake smile. "Peachy." I pull out the research I did at home and get down to business while Mrs. Peterson watches. "I did some research on the hand warmers last night. We need to dissolve sixty grams of sodium acetat.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 513bd63 | Let's have a bet, then. If I'm right, you kiss me," he says. "And if I'm right?" "Name it." It's like taking candy from a baby. Mr. Macho Guy's ego is about to be taken down a notch, and I'm all too happy to be the one to do it. "If I win you take me and the class project seriously," I tell him. "No teasing me, no making ridiculous comments." "Deal. I'd feel terrible if I didn't tell you I have a photographic memory." "Alex, I'd feel terrib.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 0aeaed7 | Your stitches are bleeding." "They're staples," I correct her, trying to lighten the mood. The girl is even whiter than she usually is. And she's breathing heavy, almost panting. If she passes out, I swear I'm losing the bet with Lucky. If she can't handle a little streak of my blood, how's she gonna handle having sex with me? Unless we're not naked, so she doesn't have to see my various scars. Or if it's dark, then she can pretend I'm some.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 6e8b39a | I've got to get Brittany alone if I'm gonna have any chance of saving face saving my Honda. Does her freakout session mean she really doesn't hate me? I've never seen that girl do anything not scripted or 100 percent intentional. She's a robot. Or so I thought. She's always looked and acted like a princess on camera every time I've seen her. Who knew it'd be my bloody arm that would crack her. I look over at Brittany. She's focused on my .. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| f1aa006 | I've got to get Brittany alone if I'm gonna have any chance of saving face saving my Honda. Does her freakout session mean she really doesn't hate me? I've never seen that girl do anything not scripted or 100 percent intentional. She's a robot. Or so I thought. She's always looked and acted like a princess on camera every time I've seen her. Who knew it'd be my bloody arm that would crack her. I look over at Brittany. She's focused on my .. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| a443544 | I park my bike in her driveway and ring her doorbell. I clear my throat so I don't choke on my words. , what am I gonna say to her? And why am I feeling all insecure, like I need to impress her because she'll judge me? Nobody answers. I ring again. Where's a servant or butler to answer the door when you need one? Just as I'm about to give up and slap myself with a big dose of what-the-fuck-do-I-think-I'm-doing, the door opens. Standing bef.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| cc8543e | My car rounds the corner, riding the path to the body shop. When I spot Alex leaning on his motorcycle waiting for me in the parking lot, my pulse skips a beat. Oh, boy. I'm in trouble. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 446def0 | When I spot Alex leaning on his motorcycle waiting for me in the parking lot, my pulse skips a beat. Oh, boy. I'm in trouble. Gone is his ever-present bandanna. Alex's thick black hair rests on his forehead, daring to be swept back. Black pants and a black silk shirt have replaced his jeans and T-shirt. He looks like a young Mexican daredevil. I can't help but smile as I park next to him. " , you look like you've got a secret." , I think as.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 6b8b60e | Come here," he says, pulling me against him. "I don't want to go to the wedding anymore. I'd rather have you all to myself." "No way," I say, running a slow finger along the side of his jaw. "You're a tease." I love this playful side of Alex. It makes me forget all about those demons. "I came to see a Latino wedding, and I expect to see one," I tell him. "And here I thought you were comin' to be with me." "You've got a big ego, Fuentes." "T.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 89a9f0c | I came to see a Latino wedding, and I expect to see one," I tell him. "And here I thought you were comin' to be with me." "You've got a big ego, Fuentes." "That's not all I've got." He backs me against my car, his breath warming my neck more than the midday sun." | Simone Elkeles | ||
| ba29db0 | Don't think I'm getting on that thing." His left eyebrow raises a fraction. "Why not? Julio's not good enough for you?" "Julio? You named your motorcycle Julio?" "After my great uncle who helped my parents move here from Mexico." "I like Julio just fine. I just don't want to ride on him wearing this short dress. Unless you want everyone riding behind us to see my undies." He rubs his chin, thinking about it. "Now that would be a sight for s.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| a1a8db8 | Don't think I'm getting on that thing." His left eyebrow raises a fraction. "Why not? Julio's not good enough for you?" "Julio? You named your motorcycle Julio?" "After my great uncle who helped my parents move here from Mexico." "I like Julio just fine. I just don't want to ride on him wearing this short dress. Unless you want everyone riding behind us to see my undies." He rubs his chin, thinking about it. "Now that would be a sight for s.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 48be424 | After parking in the west lot, far from a certain gang member with a reputation that could scare off even the toughest Fairfield football players, Sierra and I walk up the front steps of Fairfield High. Unfortunately, Alex Fuentes and the rest of his gang friends are hanging by the front doors. "Walk right past them," Sierra mutters. "Whatever you do, don't look in their eyes." It's pretty hard not to when Alex Fuentes steps right in front .. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| a2bc790 | After parking in the west lot, far from a certain gang member with a reputation that could scare off even the toughest Fairfield football players, Sierra and I walk up the front steps of Fairfield High. Unfortunately, Alex Fuentes and the rest of his gang friends are hanging by the front doors. "Walk right past them," Sierra mutters. "Whatever you do, don't look in their eyes." It's pretty hard not to when Alex Fuentes steps right in front .. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 1f652d4 | You're gonna have to talk to me at some point." "So your girlfriend can have a reason to beat me up? No thanks, Alex. I'd rather keep my face the way it is." "I don't have a girlfriend. You want to interview for the position?" I scan her from top to bottom, focusing on the parts she relies on so heavily. She curls her pink-frosted top lip and sneers at me. "Not on your life." " , you wouldn't know what to do with all this testosterone if yo.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| c66d167 | You ditched school to see if I was okay?" I nod because my tongue won't work. Alex steps back. "Well, then. Now that you've seen I'm , go back to school. I gotta, you know, get back to work. My bike was impounded last night and I need to make money to get it back." "Wait!" I yell. I take a deep breath. This is it. I'm going to spill my guts. "I don't know why or when I started falling for you, Alex. But I did. Ever since I almost ran over .. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 3215553 | I sit on the bathroom floor, wiping my eyes with toilet paper and doing my best to cover my nose. A loud knock interrupts my crying fit. "Brittany, you in there?" Alex's voice comes through the door. "No." "Please come out." "No." "Then let me in." "No." "I want to teach you somethin' in Spanish." "What?" " " "What does it mean?" I ask, the tissue still on my face. "I'll tell you if you let me in." I turn the knob until it clicks. Alex step.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 3744f81 | I didn't want to like you," I admit, looking back up at him. "I know." "This probably won't work," I tell him. "Probably not." "My home life's not so perfect." "That makes two of us," he says. "I'm willing to find out what this thing is going on between us. Are you?" "If we weren't outside," he says, "I'd show you--" I cut him off by grabbing the thick hair at the base of his neck and pulling that gorgeous head of his down. If we can't exa.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| ebc844e | A loud knock at the door interrupts us. " " "Who's that?" "The bride." "Let me in!" Elena commands. Alex unlocks the door. A vision in white ruffles with dozens of dollar bills safety-pinned to the back of her dress squeezes her way into the bathroom, then shuts the door behind her. "Okay, what's goin' on?" She, too, sniffs a bunch of times. "Was Paco in here?" Alex and I nod. "What the fuck does that guy eat that it comes out his other end.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 128a060 | A loud clearing of Enrique's throat tears us apart. Alex looks at me with intense passion. "I have to get back to work," he says, his breathing ragged. "Oh. Well, sure." Suddenly embarrassed at our PDA, I step back. "Can I see you later today?" he asks. "My friend Sierra is coming over for dinner." "The one who looks in her purse a lot?" "Um, yeah." I need to change the subject or I'll be tempted to invite him, too. I can see it all now--my.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 08da89c | I wasn't going to kiss you." "You wern't." "Nope. The next time I kiss you I'm gonna take my time..." | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 4c368b6 | I seriously don't give a crap how I get the pants; just that I get 'em before my next class. A wet crotch is not the way to show Brittany I'm a stud. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 9e2484d | I start to get up, to leave him my whole bed so he could sleep in peace. "Don't leave me. " he says. "Lie next to me." | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 04e843e | They think they can buy a U-shaped shell, stuff it, and call it a taco, but those cafeteria workers wouldn't know taco meat from a piece of shit. That's what this tastes like, | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 840ac8f | You," Elena says, pointing directly at me. "Come with me. Alex, I want you and your brothers to sing." Alex shakes his head. "Elena, I don't think--" Elena holds up a hand in front of Alex, silencing even him. "I didn't ask you to think. I asked you to join your brothers in singin' to me and my new husband." Elena opens the door and yanks me through the house, stopping only when we reach the backyard. She lets me go only to grab the microph.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 2771f53 | I lean over to Paco and ask, "Seriously, what do think of Alex and me together?" "Seriously, you're pro'bly the best thing that's ever happened to the guy." | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 9e3ed24 | He lifts my chin up to face him. "Why aren't you afraid of bein' with me?" "Are you kidding? I'm terrified." I focus on the tattoos running up and down his arms. "I can't pretend to live a squeaky-clean life." He holds up my hand so it's palm against palm with his. Is he thinking about the difference in the color of our skin, his rough fingers against the nail polish on the tips of mine? "In some ways we're so opposite," he says. I thread m.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 0134ebf | Come here," I say softly when I park in the auto body's back lot. She leans over the middle console, closing the distance between us. "I had an amazing time," she whispers. "Well, besides when I hid in the bathroom...and you threatened that guy." "Forget about that and kiss me," I say. I weave my hands in her hair. She wraps her arms around my neck as I trace the valley between her lips with my tongue. Parting her lips, I deepen the kiss. I.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 830f8e9 | I want you, ," I say, my voice hoarse. She presses against my erection, the pleasure/pain almost unbearable. But when I start to pull her panties down, she stills my hand and pushes it away. "I...I'm not ready for that. Alex, stop." I move off her and sit back in the seat, waiting for my body to cool down. I can't look at her as she adjusts her straps, covering her body again. Shit, I went too fast. I told myself not to get too excited, to.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 722a8a3 | I follow her, my black shirt open and flying in the wind behind me like a vampire's cape. Either that or the grim reaper's. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 5580680 | Alex, are you okay?" Brittany asks, looking totally concerned. Should I tell her I was spacing out while thinking about us having sex? Mrs. P. walks up the aisle with a stern look on her face. "This is a library, you two. Keep it down." But then she notices the small line of blood snaking down my arm and staining my sleeve. "Brittany, help him to the nurse. Alex, next time come to school with that thing bandaged." "Don't I get sympathy, Mrs.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 9af3f1b | She's freaking out. If she cries, I won't know what to do. I'm not used to crying chicks. I don't think Carmen cried once during our entire relationship. In fact, I'm not sure Carmen has tear ducts. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| a49fbc0 | I reach into the hat and pull out a little white slip of paper. I open it slowly while I bite my lower lip in anticipation. In bold letters I read HAND WARMERS. "Hand warmers?" I question. Alex leans over and reads the paper with a confused look on his face. "What the fuck are hand warmers?" Mrs. Peterson shoots Alex a warning glare. "If you'd like to stay after school, I have another blue detention slip on my desk with your name already on.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| 0132c2b | I drive into the high school parking lot with my mind more on my sister than on the road. My wheels screech to a stop when I almost hit a guy and girl on a motorcycle. I thought it was an empty parking space. "Watch it, bitch," Carmen Sanchez, the girl on the back of the motorcycle, says as she flips me the finger. She obviously missed the Road Rage lecture in Driver's Ed. "Sorry," I say loudly so I can be heard over the roar of the motorcy.. | Simone Elkeles | ||
| ea81592 | I don't have a bathin' suit," I tell them. "Don't worry," Brittany says. "Doug probably has one in the pool house you can wear." In the pool house, Doug looks through a drawer searching for suits. "There's only two here." Doug picks up a skimpy Speedo and holds it out to me. "This okay for you, big guy?" "That wouldn't fit my right testicle." | Simone Elkeles | ||
| bbee7a8 | Care to share with me what happened in the parking lot? I'd like to hear your side," Aguirre says. Not happening. I learned long ago that my side doesn't matter. "The thing this mornin'...total misunderstandin'," I tell him. " | Simone Elkeles |