Lovestruck

  During the drive to the restaurant, Moonflower chatted about Saul’s new job. He had started working as an assistant in his father’s welding shop. Xavier quietly stared at Selena as she tried to nervously concentrate at what the pair up front was saying. When they finally reached the eatery, Selena realized that Moonflower and Saul had not paid attention to the fact that she nor Xavier had spoken at all.

  “Where are we?” asked Xavier, finally speaking.

  “Chico’s Tacos of course,” stated Saul.

  “What?”

  “You’ve never been to Chico’s Tacos?” asked Moonflower.

  “No, I’ve never been here. Why?”

  “You don’t now what you’re missing, dude,” expressed Saul.

  Moonflower’s facial features positioned themselves in a very dramatic pose. “Your palate has been tragically neglected. You just can’t imagine how much!”

  “This is one of El Paso’s most famous landmarks,” commented Selena.

  “A fast food restaurant?” asked Xavier.

  Moonflower emphatically nodded. “You’ll see, you’ll see. You’ll thank your lucky movie stars that you met us, and we brought you here.”

  Saul insisted on ordering for him since Xavier was about to order a hamburger, but Saul told him he had to have the place’s specialty.

  “You can’t come to Chico’s Tacos and not have the rolled tacos, dude,” affirmed Saul.

  “It would be a sacrilege!” Moonflower exclaimed dramatically. “And utter madness!”

  Selena nodded. “Xavier, you have to try the rolled tacos.”

  “What’s the difference? Isn’t everything here good?”

  “Dude, have the chico’s tacos,” insisted Saul.

  Xavier acquiesced but was curious about the huge deal made over the tacos. When their order was ready, Xavier studied the small carton containers with rolled flute-like corn tortillas containing meat inside and swimming in red sauce. Yellow cheese floated on top. Moonflower, Selena and Saul poured little containers of green salsa over the mixture. Xavier did the same and the other three waited patiently for him to take his first bite.

  “Oh!” Xavier announced. “Is this good!”

  “Dude, now you know what you’ve been missing all these years,” Saul declared.

  Xavier decided to get four more orders and asked if anyone wanted some, but the others were full. He ate them all while Moonflower and Saul looked at him in wonderment.

  “Where does all that fit?” Moonflower asked wistfully. You’re so thin.”

  “This is really good,” stated Xavier, between bites.

  Later, at the movies, Xavier was still talking about Chico’s Tacos. They sat patiently, waiting for the film to start, and Xavier commented on how he couldn’t believe that he didn’t know such a place existed.

  “Okay, but can we talk about something else?” asked Saul, causing Selena and Moonflower to giggle.

  “I can’t wait to see this movie!” Moonflower gushed.

  “I just hope it won’t disappoint you, my butterfly dudette.”

  Moonflower and Saul went on and on about the film, pausing for hardly any breaths. The lights started dimming, and the blank screen in front of them came to life.

  “No more talking,” chided Moonflower to Selena and Xavier. “Time for the movie.”

  Suddenly, the picture onscreen broke off along with the sound. A loud groan could be heard from the crowded seats and several people stepped out to complain about the incident. For fifteen minutes the reel would run for a few seconds and then break the continuance. Finally, a few ushers stepped in.

  “Sorry about the movie,” one of them said. “We can’t get the projector to work, but we’re going to give you two complimentary tickets each so— " Abruptly, the reel started again without problems.

  The head usher eyed the screen in a bewildered way. “I guess it’s working again,” he said, scratching his head. He gave away the complimentary tickets anyway and promptly left so the audience could enjoy the film.

  Xavier shrugged his shoulders. “Mechanical stuff,” he stated.

  The film continued smoothly and with no more interruptions. When it ended, Saul didn’t try to hide his disgust.

  “I can’t believe Hollywood tricked me into watching this thing,” he said, annoyed. “I wish that the projector would’ve stayed messed up.”

  “I liked the movie,” Selena commented.

  Moonflower nodded, sighing deeply. “It was funny and romantic.”

  “It was totally a chick flick. I thought it was supposed to be an action film,” Saul declared.

  “There was some action,” interjected Xavier.

  Saul rolled his eyes. “Some? It was supposed to be all action.”

  “I liked it,” stated Xavier.

  “But it was a chick flick, dude.”

  “I like romantic comedies. There’s enough tragedy in the world without having to watch blood and guts all the time,” Xavier said, nonchalantly.

  “Dude, has anyone told you you’re strange?” Saul asked.

  Xavier caught Selena’s eyes and smiled his movie star sparkler. “Yes, I’ve been told.”

  “Well, I don’t think it’s strange,” offered Moonflower. “I think it’s neat that you like romantic comedies.”

  “Me too,” Selena chimed in.

  “So you’re a romantic at heart?” uttered Saul.

  “I guess so,” answered Xavier.

  Moonflower smiled as she looked from Selena to Xavier. “Romantic is very good.”

  On the way home, Xavier insisted they leave him off at Selena’s house, so he could walk her to the door.

  “We can wait for you, dude, if you want us to drop you off at your place,” said Saul.

  “No, I’ll walk home. I don’t live too far from here.”

  Before leaving, Moonflower gave Selena a huge knowing smile. Selena shook her head with annoyance but Moonflower wouldn’t take the smile off of her lips.

  At the door, Selena prepared to say a simple good night but Xavier glided close to her, completely unaware of the invasion of space he was causing a nervous and trembling Selena.

  “You’re in my space,” declared Selena, unable to step away from him.

  “Sorry,” he said, smiling his sparkler but not moving an inch.

  “The polite thing would be for you to step back.”

  “Yes, that would be the polite thing to do,” he agreed, still staying firmly in place.

  At a distance, Selena heard her hummingbird, Barbra Streisand, singing melodiously with a rhythm that enveloped itself to the quiet of the night.

  “Strange,” she expressed.

  “What do you mean?”

  “My hummingbird has never been here at night.”

  “There’s a first time for everything,” he said lightly.

  She nodded her cloudy head. “Yes.”

  “Moonflower thinks I want you for more than a friend, right?” he asked quietly, his voice smooth and deep.

  He was so close that Selena could feel his light breath on her cheek. “Yes, it’s stupid,” she said, embarrassed.

  “No, it’s not,” he said, getting even closer. “She’s right.”

  As he confidently closed off the vacant space remaining between them, she took quick bursts of air to try to steady herself just before his mouth reached hers. She told herself not to make a fool out of herself by swooning,

  POP!!!

  A painful lightning spark exploded from their jointed lips. The sharp popping sound resonated in their ears. They swiftly separated, both slamming their fingers over their sore mouths.

  “Ow!” Selena exclaimed. “That hurt!”

  Chapter 21

  “It’s just a little static,” explained Xavier, his fingers still rubbing his mouth.

  “It’s like we attract electricity,” stated Selena as her eyebrows furrowed.

  “We spark—that’s a good thing.” r />
  “But—“

  Like a gentle feather, his lips reached hers once more and this time no painful explosions separated them. Her lips tasted an inviting subtle sweetness coming from him, more like a dab of powdered cinnamon than a teaspoon of sharp vanilla. And she was lost. Where was she? She didn’t know. All she knew was that she didn’t want to push him aside and tell him they were only friends and shouldn’t be kissing like this. She didn’t want to question his motives or wonder if he was being sincere. All she wanted to do was keep kissing him, keep him close, and keep their emotions intersecting.

  When a loud radio was turned on from the inside of Selena’s home, both jumped away from each other. She smiled in an embarrassed way, and he gently touched her hand.

  “My dad,” was all she could say.

  He nodded. “I figured.”

  “He’s very protective.”

  “I know.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry that you have a family that takes good care of you, Selena.”

  She smiled. “It’s nice to be cared about.”

  “Don’t ever doubt that you’re deeply cared about, and I’m not just talking about your parents,” he stated authoritatively. “We’re not just friends anymore.”

  And with that, the spell was suddenly broken. A nervous hemorrhage came out of her mouth. “Maybe we shouldn’t have—“

  “Stop,” he declared.

  “But, Xavier, we’re good friends. We’re—“

  “Yes, we’ll always be good friends but . . . “ he said, caressing her cheek. “How do you feel about me, Selena?”

  “I . . . I . . .”

  “Do you like being with me?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Did you like my kiss?”

  Selena could feel her face heat up and her breath sharpen in spastic fits. “I. . . I . . .”

  “Selena,” he said firmly. “Just say it. Did you like my kiss?”

  “It’s not so simple.”

  He let out a frustrated breath. “Why not?”

  “What if we’re wrong for each other?”

  “Selena,” he said strongly, “sometimes you have to jump in the water.”

  “But—“

  “Selena, did you like my kiss?” he repeated. “Just answer, please.”

  “Yes,” Selena answered simply.

  “You like being with me, and you liked my kiss. What’s the problem?”

  “I guess when you put it that way . . .”

  The radio was turned up louder.

  “I guess it's dad’s way of saying that it's getting late,” explained Selena.

  He joined his forehead with Selena’s, their touch emanating a warmth that sent shivers up their spines. “You’ve got to get in,” he whispered.

  “I do,” she mumbled with disappointment.

  Xavier detached his forehead and then bent his neck, giving Selena a voluptuous peck on the mouth. “You tell Zac that you’re with me now,” he murmured as he left.

  Selena stepped into her home with a dazed look. Mr. Spinoza gave her a worried look while Mrs. Spinoza grinned from ear to ear. How could Selena tell them about the evening? How could she even begin to explain what was happening to her?

  “Did you have a nice night, preciosa?” asked Mrs. Spinoza after Mr. Spinoza had turned off the radio.

  “Yes.”

  “You did?” Mr. Spinoza asked gruffly.

  “Yes, Dad.”

  “Not too nice, I hope,” grumbled Mr. Spinoza.

  "Did he kiss you, Sel?" Moonflower asked anxiously over the phone. “Did he take you in his strong arms, look deeply into your passionate eyes, and brought his fiery lips to yours?”

  No sooner had Selena gotten into her comfortable pajamas and was gazing at the perfect rose Xavier had given her when her mom had stepped into her room, handing her the cordless telephone. Selena hadn't even heard it ring. How far away was she from reality?

  "You called me for that?" Selena asked.

  "Stop avoiding my question. Did he kiss you or not?"

  "Yes," Selena said, caressing the flower Xavier had given her.

  "I knew it," Moonflower gushed excitedly. “You finally know what it's like to be in love! I’m so excited!”

  “In love?”

  “Don’t argue with me, Sel. I know when someone’s in love.”

  “But—“

  “What did his kiss taste like? Eternity? Bliss?”

  Selena decided to ignore her question. "You must've known he was going to kiss me before I did."

  "It didn't take a genius, Sel. I bet he's a good kisser!"

  "I don't have that much experience, but he did make my knees shake."

  "Awesome!"

  That night, Selena went to bed thinking about Xavier's warm lips. She had been kissed only once before by a boy she had only gone out with once. He had put his sloppy lips on hers, and her stomach had turned. The next day, he had told everybody at school that he had given her the smooch of her life. It had been more like tasting a septic tank. With Xavier, it was like being in quicksand—the deeper he kissed Selena, the deeper she got into him.

  Chapter 22

  When Xavier arrived at Selena's home, he stopped in front of the door and smiled with the anticipation of seeing Selena. Antonio ran to him, expecting a pat on the head, and Xavier didn’t disappoint him.

  “Hello, boy,” Xavier said.

  Antonio barked his greeting, and he felt calmer. It wouldn’t do for him to lose control of his faculties. It wouldn’t do at all. He had pulled off meeting her parents without a hitch but if he wasn’t careful, the curse would spring out without him being able to do anything about it as it had done before. Luckily, no great harm had come of it. Selena didn’t suspect anything even though she had inadvertently witnessed some of it and knew there was something different about him.

  Xavier gave the door a strong knock and was expecting Selena to answer but instead, Mrs. Spinoza appeared.

  "Good afternoon, Mrs. Spinoza."

  "Hello, Xavier,” she said, eyeing the flowers and smiling. “I'm assuming you're here to see Selena."

  "I sure am."

  "She's at Moonflower's."

  "I told her I'd come today, but I'm a little early."

  "Come in, Xavier," Mrs. Spinoza said, leading him inside. "I'll call her on the phone."

  "No, please don't."

  "Excuse me?"

  "They just got their friendship back. I'll wait for her."

  Mrs. Spinoza grinned. "You don't mind waiting?"

  "No, not at all.”

  Xavier suddenly realized what was askew in the living room. It was almost too odd for words. Could his eyes be deceiving him?

  "Excuse me, Mrs. Spinoza, but is Zac watching TV?" he asked.

  Zac comfortably sat in front of the TV set with his eyes fixed on the screen.

  Mrs. Spinoza chuckled. "Yes, he is."

  Zac grunted at Xavier, but his eyesight quickly returned to the screen.

  "What's he watching?"

  "His favorite is the old Green Acres show,” stated Mrs. Spinoza.

  "I'm assuming he likes to watch Arnold—the pig."

  "Arnold is his favorite movie star."

  "Do you think he understands what he's watching?"

  "I'm pretty sure he does,” assured Mrs. Spinoza.

  “I wouldn’t be surprised.”

  The telephone rang loudly. "Make yourself at home while I get the phone," said Mrs. Spinoza as she stepped into the kitchen.

  Xavier patiently sat on the sofa and Zac ignored him until a commercial appeared on the screen. Zac suddenly turned to Xavier and gave him a loud angry grunt.

  "Don't you start with me, Zac," stated Xavier.

  Zac gave him a heavy squeal and eyed him with challenge in his eyes.

  "Don't get me in trouble. You're in with this family, but I'm not—not yet, anyway."

 
Zac’s high pitched shrill practically pierced Xavier’s ears.

  "You and I need to have a talk—man to pig."

  Zac squealed louder when Xavier said pig.

  "Zac, that's what you are. You're not a man. You're a pig."

  Zac grunted at him.

  "You need to realize that you can never be Selena's boyfriend, okay?"

  Zac's deafening cry almost blew out Xavier’s ear drums.

  "For one thing, how would you kiss her with that big snout of yours?"

  Zac looked as pensive as a pig could get.

  "She does love you but in a family way and not like a girlfriend."

  Zac’s sad eyes looked down.

  "I know it's hard to accept, bud. But it's better if you come to terms with it now."

  "Are you talking to Zac?" asked an amused Mrs. Spinoza, stepping in from the kitchen.

  Xavier was suddenly embarrassed. "A little."

  "I talk to him too, but a word to the wise—don't ever talk to Zac in front of Selena's dad."

  "I won't."

  "He accepts his daughter talking to her animals, but he'll think you're weird."

  "Don't worry, Mrs. Spinoza, I'll try not to be weird around him."

  The spring door could be heard swinging open.

  "That must be Selena," said Mrs. Spinoza.

  "You're already here," Selena stated with a grin. "Have you been waiting for long?"

  "No, not long at all," answered Xavier, rewarding her with his movie star smile.

  "How was your visit with Moonflower?" asked Mrs. Spinoza.

  "Very good. Mrs. Dominguez says hello."

  "That reminds me, I need to call her to ask about the church bazaar,” said Mrs. Spinoza as she went into the kitchen.

  Selena shyly stepped up to Xavier. "I'm glad your here," she said brightly.

  Pecking her on the lips, he squeezed her hand. "Stolen kisses," he murmured.

  “No electrical shocks,” stated Selena.

  “Nope, just sparks,” he asserted as his lips moved to join hers.

  Suddenly, they felt something crossing their feet. When they looked down, Zac who was rushing out the back door that had been left ajar.

  "Zac," Selena called out, but Zac kept running. "I think we've hurt his feelings."

  "Selena, he's got to get used to me being here," Xavier stated firmly.

  “But—“

  “He needs to accept me.”

  She nodded. "You're right."