I move to the closet and open the door. I pull off my sweatpants and toss them onto the chair with the rest of the worn clothes. I grab a pair of black jeans and pull them on. Then the black hoodie with the whiteGuns N’ Roseslogo. I drag it over my head, exhaling halfway before sliding my hands through the sleeves.
The leather jacket hanging on the wall still smells like cigarette smoke. I spray a few drops of cologne on it, sniffing to make sure it’s covered.
Ella calls it the scent of a liar: bergamot, cedarwood, pink pepper.
She isn’t wrong.
I crouch to put my sneakers on, and then I hear another thud from the balcony.
“I’m ready,” Carmen says behind me.
I ignore her until I finish tying the laces and straighten up.
I grab the jacket from the hanger. And when I turn around, she is standing there in tight blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and white Vans.
I raise a brow as I walk toward her and toss the jacket at her. The air shifts as it lands, carrying her sweet floral scent with it.
She smells so good.
What the fuck is wrong with me?
I close my eyes and turn away, trying to get myself together before I pick up the helmet.
“Am I supposed to wear this?” she asks, holding it up with two fingers, nose scrunched.
I nod and grab my keys and wallet before turning back around. She pulls the jacket on.
I laugh.
On her, it looks like she could fit twice inside it.
I sign to her,You look good.
But she doesn’t understand. I sigh, then text her.
You look ridiculous.
She chuckles. “Yeah, I know,” and walks past me, grabbing the helmet. “Would I need this?”
I nod and walk toward the balcony.
She rushes after me, like a lost puppy following too close.
This is a bad idea,I tell myself.
I sit on the railing and jump down. From below, I see her gasp, leaning over, silently shouting, “What the fuck?”
I crouch, place the helmet on the grass, then straighten and lift my hands, fingers moving as I motion for her to jump.
Instead, she throws the helmet at me.
It hits me straight in the crotch.
2“Ay, cabrón,” she curses from above, slapping her palm over her mouth.
I lift my thumb in the air and turn away, clutching my balls as it might help. No sound comes out, just a single tear burning at the corner of my eye.
I always knew I would take a hit between the legs someday with the way I behave, but I never expected it to be while I am trying to help a sister in need.
