BEWARE C.G.

20. She's Gone

Bella Leticia Zambada-García got ready today. It was an accomplishment for her, seeing as it had been one of the longest times she had ever gone without caring how she looked. If there was one thing Bella's mother taught her (the only thing really) it was that if you always look your best, people will fear you. Even if you're a complete mess, if you get ready every day then people will think you have your shit together. It worked for the most part but it also put an unhealthy urge on Bella to always look her best, and at the same time always critique herself. As if the girl hadn't been through enough, the very last thing she should worry about would be how she looked.

But it was the thing she worried about the most. If her shoes match her outfit, if her hair looked fine, if she was pretty. Bella knew better than to listen to her mom but when the only woman in your life is constantly telling you how messy you look, it's gonna take a toll. Carl always hated that, how Bella would focus on her looks and absolutely talk down upon herself for any issue. She wanted to be perfect, without anyone, she wanted to let everyone know how good she was doing without her shitty parents help. Yet another way parents can fuck you up.

She came to the house, knocking on the door and waiting for an answer as she tapped her foot nervously. Bella grabbed out her handheld mirror, checking to see if her hair was in place and if her mascara hadn't smudged. Finally, the front door opened and she saw the last thing she expected to see.

A teenage boy. Taller than her, with dark hair and as she was about to find; the prettiest smile she had ever seen. He smiled kindly before speaking. "You the babysitter?"

Bella only nods, finding herself at a loss for words at the cute boy in front of her and he opens the door wider to let her in. "Thanks" She quietly mumbles and enters the house, finding the boy's mother she presumes rushing down the stairs.

"You're here!" Tanisha gasps, walking over to give the girl a hug. "I couldn't thank you enough sweetie. I really appreciate it" She smiles, smoothing the girls hair before going to get her keys off the counter.

"Of course. It's no problem. I love kids" Bella reassures and the woman faces towards her.

"That's what Kev and V said. Oh I wish everyone was as nice as you, their own brother won't even watch them anymore" T scolds her oldest son, pinching him in the arm and he winces before stepping back.

"Mom, chill. It's not my fault I'm busy" He defends and she rolls her eyes.

"Mhm. Busy. Too busy to help your own mother while I pursue my lifelong dream of owning my own beauty salon!" She says dramatically and the teen crosses his arms. "Well I better get going! You call me if you need anything and help yourself to anything in that kitchen! I'm sorry about my rude ass son, Andre!" Tanisha bids Bella goodbye and kisses her kids on the cheek before stepping out.

Bella laughs, leaning over to say hi to her girls. The seven and five-year old wave shyly and return to the cartoon they had been watching and the girl finally decides it's time to speak. "So, what's got you so busy you can't even help your mom?" She teases and Andre sighs, taking a step back.

"Basketball. I'm a sophomore but I'm trying out for Varsity this season so I gotta practice as much as I can" He explains, grabbing his bag that he kept his shoes and ball in.

"Nice" Bella nods at his words.

"What's got you so not busy that you're watching five little rugrats every Sunday for the next month?" Andre laughs, leaning just a little bit closer to Bella.

Her heat was beating fast, so fast that she almost forgot to answer his question. "Oh! Uh my best friend went to Juvie so things have been kinda boring and I figured why not?"