returning {to the past} -crystal

[~echo~]

Anita sat next to him and waited for the talking to begin.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Alex was acutely aware of Anita's warm body just beside him, especially seeing as the booths just weren't that big. He tried to keep his distance, but their arms still brushed every now and then. He tried to focus on his brother instead of the girl he'd been in love with for half of high school. But then... he had no idea what to say to Carlos. What did you say to a brother you hadn't seen for weeks, hadn't had a civil conversation with in years? He hardly knew his little brother anymore. So he went for the only thing he knew they both still cared about. "Have you talked to mom recently?"

Carlos grimaced. "Not really. Called her last week." He lowered his eyes and touched his forehead, a classic sign of shame. "She was upset."

[~echo~]

Anita watched Carlos for a moment and then back down at the table, also trying not to focus on Alex's muscular body so close to hers. She swallowed and crossed her arms. "Have you ever thought about how your mother feels about you being in the gang?" she asked cautiously after a moment.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"Of course I have!" Carlos said. "But I don't have a choice, okay? Mierda. Alex, I owe Arlo."

[~echo~]

Anita fell silent again and stayed that way for some time.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Alex let the silence reign before finally finding his voice. "How much?" he asked. "How did it happen?"

Carlos shook his head. "How doesn't matter. But it's enough that there's no way I can pay it... probably ever. I'll be his lackey for the rest of my life."

[~echo~]

Anita looked at Alex. "Which is why you should get a job and at least try."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Carlos's eyes slid to her. "What do you suggest, chica?" he asked. "Who would hire a thug like me?"

[~echo~]

"Grocery store?" she suggested lamely.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

The two brothers turned to look at her, and even Alex looked skeptical. Eventually, he looked back at Carlos. "I can pull some strings. We'll find you a job, Carlos. You just gotta trust me."

Carlos watched his brother, and for the first time indecision flickered in his eyes. Like he might agree. Then he shook his head. "No. Arlo will kill me if I step out on him. Then he'll kill Mom."

[~echo~]

"Your mom can be protected somehow, I'm sure."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Carlos scoffed. "Really. Are you going to protect her?" he asked Anita.

Alex leaned forward, his expression going dark. "Leave her alone. She's trying to help." He took a deep breath and relaxed his muscles again. "But I can protect her, Carlos. She can come live with me until we pay Arlo off. But you have to commit to this."

[~echo~]

Anita glared at Carlos but stayed silent this time.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Carlos swallowed and then nodded slowly. "Okay. Just... just promise me she'll be safe. And Luis, too. He's off at college, but who knows what Arlo might do?"

[~echo~]

Anita glanced at Alex but didn't say anything.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"We'll take care of Luis," Alex assured him. Then he placed a hand on Anita's arm without thinking about it. "Now, how about we get the poor girl some food before she starves?"

[~echo~]

Anita's eyes widened for a moment as he touched her, then gave a small smile. "I can pay for my food."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Alex seemed to realize what he'd done after a second and jerked his hand away. Then he moved on as if nothing had happened. "Nonsense," he said. "What kind of gentleman would I be?"

[~echo~]

"As long as you don't mind, then," she said. "What's good here?"

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"Everything," Carlos and Alex said at the same time. Alex shot his younger brother a wry smile and then said to Anita, "Try the enchiladas. They're the best in New York."