Sisterly Love
I was in my room, doing homework, when Elena popped her head in with some freshly-baked empanadas. I spat mine out because it was so hot, and then apologized because I thought I had hurt her feelings. But, that wasn't the reason why Elena looked so sad... Elena Maria sighed. "It's not the empanadas, Iz. I've just had a terrible week…and weird." "You want to talk about it?" asked Isabel. She blew on her empanada and took a second bite, this time relishing the sweet, apple gooiness. "No, that's okay," Elena Maria muttered. Isabel rolled her eyes. "Come on, Elena. Don't tell me that you came into the room with a plate of deliciousness just because you thought I was hungry. Please … I'm your sister. I know you better than that!" Elena broke into half a smile and rested her shoulder against Isabel's. "Fine. Long story short—Jimmy and I had another fight." "How about long story long?" Elena Maria shrugged. "Ugh, I don't even know where to begin. I guess it all started with the Snack Club." Isabel raised her eyebrows. "Is that like the BSG of the 9th grade or something?" Elena Maria shook her head. "No, no. Not at all. The Snack Club is this thing that the boys' indoor lacrosse team started. Ron Kylie—he's the captain—told all the guys on the team to get their girlfriends to show up at all the practices with snacks, for moral support or something." "That's so lame," Isabel remarked. "As if girlfriends don't have their own things to do in the afternoon!" "I know. You're so right, Izzie!" "Hey, isn't Jimmy the co-captain?" Isabel inquired. "Yes. Don't remind me. He definitely had something to do with the Club," Elena Maria griped. … "Um, so other than the Snack Club, are things okay between you and Jimmy?" asked Isabel. Elena Maria nodded, then slowly the nod transformed into a head shake. "Actually, to tell you the truth, I don't think I really like Jimmy. He never calls me when he says he's going to. A few weeks ago he promised me that he'd take me out for dinner, then he made me meet him at Village Fare Pizza. When I got there he was waiting outside with three of his friends. And they all just talked about sports all night." Isabel gaped. "No way." "Way. And it gets worse. He said he left his wallet at home." "Noooo waaaaay …" Isabel cried. "Yup. And … so did his friends. Jimmy hasn't even paid me back yet, even after one of his friends who did pay me back got on his case." Isabel jumped off the bed and twirled around. "Elena Maria, does the word 'user/loser' mean anything to you? Where is your brain, chica?" "I just got so caught up with everybody telling me that I was the greatest cook…then everything got so messed up. And Jimmy was so cute and popular. And Jimmy just doesn't like Scott, and I have more fun hanging out with Scott, because he's funny and he really is a great cook. I mean, I couldn't tell Scott this, because I have my pride and all, but Scott's chili is better than mine. And anyway …" Elena Maria paused. "I just don't want a boyfriend right now," she admitted. "Uh huh," Isabel said. "That makes sense considering that Jimmy is such a crummy boyfriend. It's like you need to take a breather." "Exactly," her sister agreed. "I mean, Scott's awesome. He's a nice kid, he's … my friend. I love hanging out with him. We have so many things in common besides food. And he even said he would teach me to snowboard. Something Jimmy said he would do and never did." Isabel smiled mischievously. "Loooove for Scott?" Elena Maria lightly threw a pillow at her sister. "No. You know what I mean." She sighed. "I've been with Jimmy for a few months now, Iz. Maybe that's just how things get after a while. The whole boyfriend thing loses its … sparkle. Or something." "Well, if you want my advice I'd take a little break from Jimmy, the user/loser," Isabel suggested, "'cause it sounds to me like your real dream boat is waiting in the wings … or in the kitchen!" Elena Maria blew her nose into a tissue and laughed. Charlotte made up a word for that: sniggle. Isabel thought that was perfect. "You know, Izzie, I promise you, Jimmy and I are finito!" "Maybe I can have a chat with the BSG and see if Avery knows anything about Scott?" Isabel offered. "Please, Iz, this isn't second grade! If something's going on between me and Scott—which it isn't—I want to figure it out myself," Elena Maria said decidedly. Isabel flipped open her cartoon notebook. "Fine. Listen, I have deadline coming up so I have to start working on my cartoon…" Elena Maria stood, stretched, and muttered, "I should get started on my homework too." She started towards the door, but froze halfway there. "Actually, Izzy… on the off-chance that Avery does mention something about Scott … well, you can let me know." "Got it," Isabel smirked. She threw her pillow at Elena Maria and added, "Sorry—I owed you one." "Ouch!" Elena Maria laughed. "Thanks, sis. I needed that!"
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