Delia's Crossing (Delia 1)

On the way to the bus station, however, Ignacio caught up with me.

“You didn’t do so well today,” he said. “I know Señorita Holt thinks you’re the best student in her class.”

“No, I’m not the best.”

“I think you’re the best,” he insisted. “Just listening to you, I learn a lot.”

I shook my head. Why now, why was everyone trying to give me compliments? The evil eye didn’t just have eyes; it had ears. As if to prove it, the ojo malvado ordered its vengeance to continue.

I heard him call my name.

Both Ignacio and I stopped to look at Bradley in his sports car. He had pulled up to the curb.

“Get in,” he ordered.

I shook my head.

“Who’s that?” Ignacio asked.

“You caused trouble between me and Sophia!” Bradley shouted. “My father heard about it through my stepmother already. Get in,” he demanded again.

I still hesitated. I felt Ignacio move up beside me protectively.

“Go away,” he told Bradley.

“You keep out of this, José, or I’ll sic the INS on you.”

“My name is not José and I’m not afraid of the INS. I am legally here.”

“Yeah, right. Delia, either you get in, or I’m driving over to speak with your aunt right now. Well?”

“What does he say? Who is this boy?” Ignacio asked me. I shook my head.

“It’s all right,” I said.

“I don’t think so,” Ignacio replied quickly, and glared at Bradley.

I took a deep breath, lowered my head, and went to his car.

“Now you’re being smart,” Bradley said.

I got in and almost didn’t get the door closed before he shot off, throwing me back in the seat. I turned and looked at Ignacio, who was standing there looking confused, angry, and troubled.

See, Delia, I told myself, anyone you touch gets wounded.

11

One Grief Cures Another

“Okay, what exactly did you tell Sophia, huh? No lies, either, because I can easily find out the truth. Speak!” he shouted.

“She saw you drive me to the house and called me names. All I told them was that you told me to get into your car, and I did not ask you to give me a ride.”

“Edward wasn’t too friendly today. Are you sure that’s all you told them?”

“Yes, that’s all,” I said.

He relaxed and nodded. “Okay, then, Sophia’s lying. She said you said I wanted to be your boyfriend, which doesn’t surprise me.” He smiled. “Your aunt’s not too happy with you, huh? There’s a lot of trouble between her and Edward because of you. Isn’t that true?”