Chapter Text
Alejandro’s grin tightened. It would be alright; it had to be alright. He had purposefully arranged for a time where Neha would not be wholly available. A little white lie about his own availability and he had control over the project for a couple of hours until she was able to get here. More than enough time to make enough headway on it so that she would not be able to change it and submit to Alejandro’s clearly superior idea.
That was the plan at least.
Instead, Alejandro could feel his brain cells slipping away just by the proximity of the group. He had thought that they would have at least come together on this one occasion, but alas... This should honestly be considered a wakeup call. Sometimes, idiocy cannot be fixed after all. No matter how great the leader.
Perhaps he had misunderstood just how much more tolerable her presence had made this flock of imbeciles. It was truly a shame he had not been assigned to Courtney and Heather’s group, there were a mix of academic and determined people there, or even Bridgette and Leshawna’s, they were also more academically diverse between Bridgette who was in the same sets as him and Lindsay who could not spell her own name. Plus they would all accept his leadership and do as he would say without question. To his dismay, the only thing they have in common was letting him take charge. The only other group was also filled with simpletons and a few above average- and Trent.
But who was he stuck with? Four literal idiots of which he was certain they were all failing. And Neha. Who wasn’t here. Because of Alejandro’s own egotistical needs.
Whatever, he needed to ensure he had the head start. If he could get them to sit still for a moment at least, or to stay on track. Seriously, how could th-
Alejandro heard the doorbell ring and blinked back the forming migraine as he looked at the clock. Had it seriously been three hours and they had not made any headway whatsoever? Of course it had. The blame could be put squarely on Owen and Izzy dragging the other two into their incessant chattering whenever there was a moment of quiet.
Alejandro stood up, considering the time it could only be Neha and he did not exactly want his mother or José to be the one greeting her at the door. Considering her personality, that former interaction could not go well- he did not want to play mediator today. Not when he was already exhausted. And with the latter he did not want to see José win her over in mere moments like he always does. Not when all it would do is remind him of his inferiority to his brother.
“I will be back in two moments my friends, I do believe that Neha has arrived.” Alejandro announced as he stood up and opened his room’s door and made his way over to the front door. As he passed the kitchen he could practically taste his mother’s disapproval of the riff raff he brought in and feel her stare weigh down on him. Alejandro ignored it, he was taking too long to answer the door after all so her annoyance at his lack of manners was perfectly understandable.
When he reached the front door, Alejandro took a moment to ensure he was composed and took a breath. He then opened it, his prepared greeting on the tip of his tongue ready to relay it to his last project mate.
But he did not. Instead, he froze.
She- she actually looked put together. As in not in a comedically oversized hoodie and face fully covered. No, instead her hair was styled out of her face, glasses perched on her striking nose leaving her eyes wider now that she wasn’t perpetually squinting, a white collared shirt underneath a sweater despite it being barely the end of summer, a flowing brown skirt that for once didn’t clash with the rest of her outfit and- did Alejandro spy the slight sheen of makeup?
“Hi.” She said as plain and nasally as usual, giving her signature raised eyebrow. Neha was definitely wearing make-up. She was seriously dressing up for this meeting? How out of character.
“Hi.” Alejandro reiterated back slightly dumbfounded. He then grinned, getting a grip of himself as he bowed slightly, giving a similar introduction to the one earlier with the rest of the group. “I humbly welcome you to mi casa, please make yourself comfortable. If you need anything just let me know and I will do my best to provide.”
“Thanks.” She answered dryly as Alejandro stepped aside to let her in, closing the door behind him lest he get reprimanded by his mother on letting any insects in.
“You’re looking awfully lovely today,” Alejandro couldn’t stop himself from commenting as he watched her take her shoes- slightly heeled dress shoes might he add- off and place them on the side. “I must admit I am quite surprised senorita. I did not expect you to put so much effort in for little old me. Or perhaps someone else in the group?”
“I didn’t.” Neha did not even bother to amuse his little dig, instead she glared at him in pure unfiltered non-amusement. Alejandro’s stomach lurched. The stress from having to deal with the others must have finally caught up with him. “I didn’t have any time to get changed after work because a certain someone was insistent on meeting at this time.” She paused then corrected herself. “Well, I changed out of my trousers but that was because some asshole spat his drink out at me.”
“Sounds like your shift was truly eventful.” Alejandro chuckled as he led her to his room.
“Eh, not any more than usual.” Was the blunt reply accompanied with a smirk. Alejandro laughed again at it, about the absurdity of her comment and facial expression.
“Who is this then.” His mother’s voice echoed out. She stood in the doorframe of the kitchen and Alejandro paused- she had not come out to greet the other guests so why now?
“This is Neha, mother. Neha devi.” Alejandro introduced. “She is my partner- for the project. One of them at least.”
“Your partner? I am afraid my Alejandro has not mentioned you before miss Deli.” Oh mierda. She was doing that again. The stabbing dislike meant to unravel the foe and get them to lash out and claim superiority.
“Its devi ma’am, a very common mishap, plenty of people confuse the two.” Alejandro frowned. No they did not. And since when was Neha so gracious? She did not even treat their teachers with the same respect, “and that’s probably because we haven’t talked or hung out before, this is only because of the project.”
“I see.”
“oh, right. Here, as thanks for hosting us all, I know that the group can be quite…unruly.” She took out a bottle of wine and gave it to his mother like an offering. Once again, since when as she so gracious and polite?!
“A DRC Romanee Conti?” Alejandro did not know much of wine. What he did know by his mother’s expression however was that it must have been an expensive bottle. Which begged the question, considering her financial status, how did Neha get her fingers on it?
“Yes ma’am. My boss had a bottle left over at work and I thought that since I was coming over, it would only be polite to gift it as thanks for your hospitality.” He thought she worked at a café, Alejandro was unaware that café’s served alcohol.
“And what did you say your name was?”
“Neha Devi ma’am.”
“hm.” She gave her a once over and Alejandro just knew that she was internally critiquing her. For some reason Alejandro’s hands were feeling damp and he fought back the urge to shift in place. It was impolite after all. However, in contrast, Neha seemed perfectly calm, at ease even and it caused the unease to worsen. “How would you like to stay over for dinner tonight?" que.
“I would be honoured ma’am.” Que.
“I will let you get back to your work then.” She nodded, clipped in tone. Then his mother turned to face him fully, a clear dismissal of Neha. “Make sure to leave your door open dear.” Once again, she did not care prior to this.
“Sí mother.”
“Alejandro dear, there is no need to be so formal just because we are in company.” …que? No, seriously, Alejandro was deeply confused by this entire interaction. So much so that he was seriously starting to question whether he had entered an alternative universe.
“Of course, sorry mamá.”
“That’s better my dearest son.” She was acting odd. His mother tended to show that warmth to José in the house, not Alejandro. In fact, it was usually when he had done something wrong and she was offering up her advice to help him improve that she did so. But she did not offer any kind of advice here, instead her gaze remained fixed on Neha and for the first time Alejandro could admit that he was starting to get uncomfortable with his mother’s presence.
Alejandro subtly wiped his hand on his trousers before grabbing Neha’s arm and practically fleeing down the corridor. He only looked at her once and after seeing the frown on her face that indicated she was lost in thought, he decided he did not want to know what she was thinking. Not about his family.
“Neha!” Tyler cheered when they walked into his room. Izzy enthusiastically waved, mouth far to occupied with using a highlighter as a chew toy to say anything.
“Little buddy, you’re here!”
“So, the nerd finally arrived.” Duncan surprisingly did not say anything about her appearance.
“Yeah yeah, hold your applause. How far did you get along without me?”
Alejandro internally panicked at the reminder. “Well of course w-”
“We haven’t even started yet!” Tyller cheered, ruining Alejandro’s plan to lie.
He could tell she was holding back an annoyed groan, of which he could relate to, as she released a world heavy sigh instead. “Right. Of course. Well, we might as well make a start now.”
“To that senorita, I wholeheartedly agree.”
With that, they got to work.
~~~
Neha couldn’t hold back her grin for much longer. At the rate this was going, she would just get her way while barely lifting a finger. Then they’d have no other choice but to accept it since the rest wouldn’t have even made a start yet and they’d fail otherwise. Plus watching Izzy get distracted once again, causing the rest of them to diverge from their work like some sort of domino set up, was entertaining. Then there was the fact that Alejandro was very much beginning to get irritated. His faux pleasant demeanour and over all fakeness finally melting off with every twitch of the eye and downturn of his lips.
Neha lived for it. To see his stupidly handsome face slowly be marred by his growing annoyance and resentment. God it was attractive. The stupid stupid attractive asshole. Yes, she had long made peace with her unfortunate attraction last week. No, she did not plan to do anything about it.
And to think he thought he had the upper hand on his home ground, not knowing that not only Neha had a plan to win over his fucking family so she can pressure him into agreeing with her, but she also knew how annoying their group is and how close he comes to breaking around Owen at school. So, giving them one on one time for Alejandro to realise just how much their group was going to get in their way while hoping he could get ahead without her? It was just far too precious to miss. She watched from the corner of her eye as Alejandro explained to Tyler for the (as far as she had actually counted since she got there at least) 18th time who Shakespeare was. He was reaching his wits end now and Neha could practically feel the tension rising around them all- taste the spicy crackle in the air that practically painted the picture that Alejandro was going to snap and it was going to be soon and-
“Hey Al.” He flinched. Alejandro Burromuerto fucking flinched and Neha couldn’t stop the furrowing of her eyebrow at the action, nor could she stop her head from turning to look at the intruder. That wasn’t the type of break she was looking for from him. In fact, the weirdo might have ruined that mounting pressure based on the way Alejandro completely froze up, mask right back on like it wasn’t moments away from disintegrating.
Call her petty, but Neha decided right then and there that she despised their little intruder. How dare he ruin all of her hard work like that.
Dickhead.
He looked like one too. Well, He looked an awful lot like Alejandro. But sharper. And a different hair style that looked like it was glued to face the ceiling (was he overcompensating for something? Trying to look bigger? Neha was calling it right now-he had tiny dick syndrome) and different eyes too now that she was looking. A boring blue…how common. Also the outfits- they were wearing similar outfits with just different colours. It was weird. Really weird.
And yet, despite all of that, there was something about him that seemed strangely familiar for whatever reason.
Eh, it was probably just because he was Alejandro’s brother. A worse, presumably older, copy of Alejandro. If Alejandro was slippery, then this guy would be sticky, Neha decided as she watched him flash his teeth (if he was in the animal kingdom that would be taken as a threat, Neha felt like it was a threat) to them all. Cloying even. The gross tacky feeling where whenever you tried to wash it off it all it did was add to the uncomfortable feeling and never fully came off.
“José,” oh right, that was his name wasn’t it- she couldn’t believe she had forgotten it when she was told about him only the day prior. She might have remembered it if Alejandro had been the one to mention it- he did have a flair about revealing information. “I’m charmed to meet you all. I just wish it could have lasted longer.” Their speech patterns were similar too.
“The apple doesn’t fall far then.” Duncan snorted and Neha couldn’t help but agree. First his mother, then his brother, and of course Alejandro himself. it was like this entire family was wrapped up in falsities and masks. How boring. And depressing. Were they like that when they’re only around each other? Still though, Neha held her tongue, forcibly biting down to stop herself from speaking up and telling this joy-sucking worm to get lost.
“Well, it may not but I can assure you I am the better brother- Al does not share the same number of experiences as I after all. A thing that comes with age I suppose.” He winked at her and Izzy. Neha shuddered in disgust at the action, taking note of José’s smug reaction and Alejandro’s dejected one. They were both weirdos then. “Why don’t you escort your friends out Al, while I keep this lovely lady company.” He had wrapped his arm over Alejandro’s shoulder in a way that should seem totally normal. But not to Neha. No, not when Alejandro’s uncomfortableness with the action was palpable. Not when José was grabbing on a little bit too tight to be comfortable. Not when he was obviously so tense when he spoke. It wasn’t like him. and it wasn’t the normal reaction between brothers and physical contact. Neha would know, she has eight of them and had spent her entire life studying their behaviour.
“Ah, Sí, right. If you would not mind fetching your stuff and I shall escort you all out?” He slipped out of his brother’s grasp and practically fled the room as soon as the others looked ready, leaving her alone with that worm. Great.
He was smirking at Alejandro’s retreating form, and then unfortunately turned his attention onto Neha.
“I hear we will be having you as a dinner guest tonight, I must say that I am looking forward to getting to know you more.”
“Okay.” Neha stated, hoping he’d get the hint and go away. He didn’t.
“Say, how has my little brother been treating you. Well? I hope he hasn’t been too rude. Unfortunately little Al holds quite a temper, I fear for the day you get… caught up in it.” Was that supposed to be a threat? Or was he trying to put Alejandro down while he wasn’t there? It was kind of funny though, seeing as he was warnng her about Alejandro losing it like it was some forbidden secret when that’s what Neha had been trying to achieve since after the day the project started.
“I know how to handle myself.”
“I am sure you do, but just in case let me give you my number. If something does happen, you can give me a call, yes? Even if it is something not Al related, I would not mind.” He reached for her phone and she tightened her grip on it. There was a tense moment when they were at a standstill before Neha decided to make the smart decision and let him have it. He put his number in sending her a wink and Neha held back a gag. She was certain her face was going red- or purple- from the effort. Jokes on him though, she’ll just block his number when she leaves. And if he tries to reach her in other ways then she’ll have no choice but to access his social media accounts.
“Nervous? There is no need.” He fucking pet her arm and Neha almost let her impulsive thoughts that sounded an awful lot like Izzy win. But no, she was not going to bite the douchebag. He probably was riddled with some kind of disease. “I know how surreal it must be for a young woman like you to be alone in a room with an older, accomplished man such as myself, but I assure you I do not bite.” Yeah? Well Neha did. And the urge was getting stronger every second. “In fact, I can be very attentive once you get to know me.”
Yeahhh, good thing she didn’t want to get to know him then, wasn’t it? Otherwise, she might have to sic Eva on him. Her pretty boy desensitisation training had been going pretty well.
“I’m sure you are.” She responded curtly.
“I am glad we are in agreement. Now then, may I have the honour of escorting you into the dining room? If we wait any longer for Al then I fear we may be late.” Neha shuddered and took his offered arm- she was supposed to be trying to play nice tonight after all to get one over on Alejandro. So while the worm was annoying her, if she could pretend to tolerate in front of his parents then hopefully it would win her points.
The time it took for Alejandro to get to the dining room was likely less than five minutes, however it felt like forever. Especially with the worm chatting her ear off.
When he did walk in though, he looked surprised to see the man at the head of the table.
“Father!” he exclaimed, almost nervously, “I did not know you would be joining us tonight.”
“Work had finished early and I thought I might surprise you all. I see we have a guest.” He smiled at her and Neha had to stop herself from fidgeting as she smiled back. So all of his family was like that then, pretending to be nicer than they really were. Unfortunately for them, the eyes don’t lie and Neha could see him sizing her up.
Alejandro then opened his mouth; however the worm beat him to it. “This is Neha, she is a friend of Alejandro’s who kindly agreed to staying for dinner.”
“I see, well it is a pleasure to meet you miss Neha, I do hope my sons have been hospitable.”
“Alejandro welcomed me quite warmly, he acted as a good host for our group while we were all here.” Ugh. They were all so stiff which meant that she had to talk all stiff. Neha didn’t miss the way Alejandro stared at her like she had grown a second head. The reaction almost made this whole thing bearable. She also noticed José tense when she specified Alejandro and all she could think of was good. He was acting like they were good friends or something when she barely knew him for more than half an hour- that was far too short in Neha’s opinion.
Mr Burromuerto sent him a warm nod and Alejandro practically puffed up his chest. Well, he didn’t but he did have a small slightly crooked smile on his face and that was basically the same thing. It was kind of cute.
Then Alejandro’s mother started launching into a one-sided conversation about some woman and her children that somehow only seemed to emphasis the stillness and lack of noise in the room- in the house even. However, to be completely honest Neha didn’t really care about any of it, so she kept her mouth shut and focused on eating her food (gods it was so fucking bland) and watching the family in front of her.
They all looked perfect. Too perfect. Like a catalogue photo type perfect. Fake. Impersonal. Just for show. Etc etc.
At some point the conversation drifted to the worm and that’s when Neha completely tuned them out. Instead she was intent on looking at Alejandro and cataloguing his reactions. Like how every now and again he’d grip his fork tighter, or how he avoided eye contact with the worm completely, or how he kept sneaking glances towards Neha like he thought she wasn’t looking.
“Say, Neha,” Mrs Burromuerto’s declaration made her zone in again on the conversation, “what do you think about it?”
Uhhhhh, fuck. She had no idea what was said.
“I mean, it’s certainly interesting, but I don’t like to form an opinion with out having a clear layout on all of the facts.” It was bullshit and based on how Alejandro was staring at her in disbelief, he knew it too. However thankfully, the rest of his family seemed to buy it. His father nodded thoughtfully, his mother looked at her calculatingly and fuckass José was smiling at her.
“That is an incredibly intelligent outlook to have on life. They do say it is important to have an open mind.” Mr Burromuerto told her appraisingly.
Mrs Burromuerto then took over the conversation flow. Again. “Speaking of intelligence, how are you finding school Neha? Have you been struggling with any of the subjects?”
“Honestly it’s been pretty boring.” She admitted freely and Mrs Burromuerto smiled like she had found something to jump on.
“I see, I take it you do not prioritise your education then. I suppose you must think it rather lucky to have been partnered with my son then. So he can help you of course.”
“Ah- mother.” Alejandro corrected. “Neha actually holds the highest grade in our year.” They all turned towards her, like sharks sensing blood in the water. It was like they thought she was undeserving or cheated her way there or something. Which, rude.
“She does now? Have you been struggling with your subjects Alejandro? It is rather concerning that you have fallen behind.” The faux concern was sickening.
“Don’t be so harsh mamá, Al has probably gotten used to being second place in everything and has found himself stuck there. It’s my fault really. Well, that is assuming he took second place and did not drop by a large margin.”
“I suppose I could do more work on my history.” Alejandro admitted and Neha frowned. She didn’t even ask what score he got, or his average. Which even she could admit was impressive through the eyes of a normal high schooler.
“Make sure that you do. Now then José darling, how has university been going? Have you gotten your results back on that assignment yet? I remember you mentioning working hard to have it submitted ahead of notice, truly excellent time management skills.”
“Sí, my professor had even arranged a meeting between me and a friend of his, but apparently, they are in such a high demand that the original one was cancelled! It would be next Tuesday instead.” Huh. That sounded familiar.
“A high honour then.” Mr Burromuerto nodded with approval and Neha did not miss the way that José glanced at Alejandro for a split second before smirking and replying to his father. The very same Alejandro who despite his perfect posture and typical pleasant smile on his face looked smaller than he usually did. Not in the ‘oh his brother is so cool and Alejandro seems smaller in comparison’ kind of thing. No. It was like he was sitting in the shadows of his brother’s display, being visually and audibly neglected the more the worm dominated the conversation. He looked subdued.
Neha really wanted the worm to shut up.
Someone as universally blessed at Alejandro shouldn’t be fading in the presence of such a low life, she thought with disdain. Was she being petty perhaps? Of fucking course she was. There was a normalcy she desired, a status quo she happily abided by. One where she stayed in the shadows and out of everyone’s minds until she says something cruel that captures their attention for a brief period of time before one of the main characters in the class undoubtedly had some drama. One where Alejandro shone in the spotlight surrounded by fawning women and men alike despite his oh so obvious manipulative tendencies. He flourished there.
So this worm forcing a deviation and those pathetic excuses of adults encouraging it? Neha despised it. She needed to see their egos shatter. For them to understand that they’re not the big fish here, not the main characters. No, they were just side characters like her, unfortunately however they had not learned their place yet. Luckily Neha was a pretty good teacher when she had the patience. And oh did she have the patience.
What else could have caused her to hold her tongue and refrain from decimating them where they sat? No, that wasn’t her plan. Hell, her previous plan was thrown out of the window the moment those dickheads starting affecting her star’s shine.
Instead, she was going to wait.
It’s the same routine as ever she found.
“Indeed.” Jose smiled.
In fact, it’s the same song and dance she’s performed numerous times. Nothing less than a simple, common routine.
“why of course it is!” his mother clasps her hands with pride.
Neha prefers to stalk her prey before she pounces. Find out everything she can, catalogues every weakness, every tell, every little nugget of information. As much as she can that can be used against her prey through whatever means necessary. Then she waits for the perfect opportunity to strike.
The moment when the prey is most comfortable and relaxed, she uses her observations and pounces. Then she delivers them back into the safety of their home and retreats, waiting for them to get comfortable again until she strikes again. Then she’ll repeat her little game over and over again, until the prey reeks of paranoia and has stopped becoming fun.
When it finally acknowledges her looming presence. That’s when she delivers the final blow: once the prey has finally given upon even trying anymore, when they finally realise that that they are nothing more than a meagre rodent who’s been toyed with by someone far above them. They realise the desolation of their situation and Neha finally devours them, a gracious reprieve from the empty husk they have become.
….Neha never once said that she was a nice or good person. She prefers playing with her food too much for that.
“Apparently this friend is in such high regards that they even tutor his son and helped them rekindle their bond! And he is letting me meet such a trusted friend.” He boasted.
That’s when the realization finally hits her like Owen and his concerning habit of using her as a crashmat. “Wait. José… José… oh fuck- you’re in Dwayne’s class aren’t you! Shared with the law students. You’re the one who did the essay on comparing the feudal system to the capitalistic one in regards to human rights.” Let him get comfortable in what’s clearly in his territory. She ignored Alejandro’s defeatist expression like it was the outcome he was expecting. How rude of him to assume she’d be like that. Something bitter swirled in Neha’s gut and she lets her growing resentment feed off of it.
“Sí! I see you have heard of me and my accomplishments. I am in fact one of Professor Dwayne’s favourite students, he has even called for a meeting between us two next week to discuss it. Apparently, he wants me to meet someone he sees in high regards.” He repeated for the literal third time. Neha’s grin sharpened at José’s admittance- he could not back down from it now.
“Of course I have! Dwayne told me about you last week! I can’t believe you’re supposed to be my new tutee.” He faltered slightly. The air seemed to pause. Neha ploughed on and didn’t let her expression give her away, she lived for it.
“Ah, pardon?”
“Yeah, Dwayne was going on about some guy in his class who’s severely misunderstanding the content and materials and wanted to know if I’d be up to acting as a tutor again, and after reading the essay I couldn’t help but agree. Well, agree about the misunderstanding bit, I wanted to decline the whole being tutor thing because the person seemed utterly helpless, but Dwayne convinced me to at the very least meet them face to face and decide then. I didn’t know that was you. How…fortuitous.” She smiled at him pleasantly.
“Ah- I’m afraid you must have misunderstood him then. For you see, my assignment partner was the one who-”
“Emma? I know, apparently, she had really struggled with the assignment.” Neha nodded sympathetically. “Especially the grading conditions.”
“ah sí, she is not the brightest girl, and alas there was only so much I could do for our grade.”
“I can only imagine how rough it was.”
“I am glad you understand-”
“For Emma, I mean she was the highest grade in your class consistently for every assignment. So for this one to be so hard on her…. you just know it was a tough assignment. Especially since the grade is shared between two people. I’m sure you must be incredibly grateful that Emma’s understanding on what is literally the fundamental concepts made up for the grade difference and allowed you to pass.”
“I am not sure what you are talking abou-”
At that, Neha gave up on the sickly-sweet pretences. That was Alejandro’s thing, not hers. “Yeah, no. Don’t even try it. Theres a reason she’s got the highest grade in your class, and why you passed your paper. Though according to her you did try and worm your way out of writing your own portion and ended up doing it last minute. She wouldn’t stop complaining about it.”
She was met with a sharp cough and Mrs Burromuerto glaring at her. Whoops. “Who are you to come into my house and claim my son is lying. Just because you are jealous of his accom-”
“Oh honey, I have more accomplishments in my 17 years of life than you can even dream of. Try again.”
Mr Burromuerto raised his eyebrow at her. “You boast this intelligence and yet you do not attend university yourself. Forgive us if your tales seem… well, unfavourable.”
“You’re right, I probably could have already graduated at this point. But I didn’t want to leave my idiots behind so instead Dwayne organised a way for me to attend the lectures his university offers so I didn’t get bored at content I did years ago. A reason why I feel like it’s incredibly unfair for you to compare mine and Alejandro’s grades and placements together. As far as I’m aware Alejandro hasn’t spent the last decade already knowing the content from helping his older brothers out with homework and revision.”
He took a sip of his drink. “I see.”
And Neha? Well Neha was just going to give them all a taste of their own medicine by completely feeding into Alejandro’s ego. “Though he is undoubtedly the closest I’ve come to someone coming anywhere near my grade. I’m sure he would even match eventually it if I didn’t get additional credit. My average percent is over 100. Alejandro’s is in the late 90s. I’m sure if you had even half of your son’s intelligence, you’d be able to see how gifted your son is.”
“Look, this whole thing is cute Neha, but you don’t have to pretend to like my brother just to spend more time with me. It comes across a tad desperate.” José smiled at her in a sickly sweet condescending way. Neha just wanted to grab her fork and make it so he can’t make that expression ever again.
“I’d much rather spend my time hanging around the eel than the anglerfish.” Yeah, he’s a male anglerfish. A parasite to the better women around him. “His actual personality is fairly interesting. Your company however, I find it severely… lacking. Overcompensation at its finest.” Theres no way in hell he doesn’t have a small dick. Everything about him screams tiny dick syndrome. He probably drives a sports car too. “Maybe if you modelled yourself after anything other than carboard or a pickup artist’s how to manual then you might have a chance at being successful. Oh wait. Or are you too stupid?”
“That is it. I want her out of my house. Now. You do not disrespect your hosts like that little lady.”
“If that’s what you want to call it, I was just offering the respect you deserve after being such a bitch all night. You are such a boy’s mom and that’s not a compliment.”
“Get out of my house. Now.” She scowled.
“Fine.” Neha slammed her hands on the table smirking when Mrs Burromuerto jumped at the sudden sound. Gods she was dramatic. As she passed by him, Neha put a hand on Alejandro’s shoulder and spoke to him not too quietly and very much eyeing them up with a smile. “You shouldn’t let them talk to you like that, even if they are your family. You deserve better dude.” She patted his shoulder twice then walked away to get her stuff before he could give a reply.
Neha made sure she had all of her things in her bag and coat ready to leave. She did not want to leave anything anywhere near that fuckass.
On her way out, her pathway was blocked by a figure. Dread filled her stomach as the family she just insulted’s patriarch stood there. But he didn’t do anything or reprimand her. No.
Mr Burromuerto gave her a nod. A stony faced, fake smile nowhere to be seen, solid nod and Neha felt like she passed some kind of test. It was weird.
“We’d love to host you here again, Miss Devi.” Huh. So maybe she hadn’t screwed it up as bad as she thought she had. “Though perhaps while I am here to witness whatever you might have up your sleeve next time, you were quite obviously so thoroughly prepared after all. A true researcher at heart I see..” Neha froze. “I won't tell my wife or sons of course only if you would do me a favour. Tell Carlos that it has been far too long since he last visited and I miss the presence of my son. In fact, if you could aid me with arranging a meeting with him and his boyfriend…”
“Of course. How do you want to…?”
“I will give you my number to pass along to him. please. If you do me this favour, then I will be in your debt.”
“Hey um, it's no sweat duuu- er sir.”
“You have my thanks.” He nodded at her again before walking over to Alejandro, saying something to him that made his annoyingly perfect face look at his father in disbelief. He then took on a slightly red hue that Neha had yet to see of him yet.
How interesting.
~~~
Keep that one around, it is no good for you to remain surrounded by yes men.
Keep that one around.
Keep that one around.
Keep that one around.
His father’s words still rang throughout his head as Alejandro ventured further and further from his house, escorting Neha to her home.
Keep that one around.
It certainly wasn’t what he had expected him to say. Especially not with the verbal lashing Neha had delivered them all at dinner with an obviously unhinged smug smile on her face. She had looked truly demented. Alejandro’s heart still battered in his chest, unnaturally so. That entire evening had been like stepping into an alternate universe. One where for once José was the one being taken down a peg. It was like she was his knight in shining armour. His Kitsune answering his prayers. His fox hunting down and toying with his foes. And she really was just his- in the sense that for the first time in his life José hadn’t taken something from him, that José wasn’t chosen over him, that José was treated as nothing and Alejandro like he mattered.
Something pleasant curled in his gut at the thought. An unknown feeling that threatened to envelop him as every moment passed on their walk. He could easily see it becoming his new addiction, a need to seek out that feeling again and again until it never leaves him like everything always did. He prayed out to whatever was listening that she wouldn’t leave him either. That if anything stayed it was Neha and her odd nihilistic contrarian self.
“Thanks for walking me out,” she spoke out, causing Alejandro’s attention to drift back to her, he found that her neutral face didn’t cause him any annoyance, in fact, he could have sworn that she looked more emotive than he had seen her yet, “though I guess I should really let you thank me for letting you do your princely knight schtick and not cringing every second.” Alejandro found himself smiling. Her first sentence was too sincere, so that was more like it. It was odd, hearing her mock José had really put into perspective how different she treated people. Sure she insulted everyone she levelled her gaze on, but she had crossed several lines with José during dinner. And yet, she had never crossed a line with him yet. Not truly at least. She had ever once called him Al even though he knew she knew it would be easy bait for her. The closest they had come was when she had first called him an eel, but they were not close enough at the time for it to have cut deep.
“If that’s what you wish to call it. Though I fear that perhaps you may have more untowardly intentions. Enjoy my company, do you?” he flirted taunted.
“Only when you’re not being as fake as Blaineley’s boob job.” Ah yes, the substitute teacher infamous for her…unusual outlook on education. There was a slight pause where Neha sighed in slight annoyance. “Shame we didn’t get anywhere on the project though. Again. I swear we’re not going to be anywhere near done on the week its due in. Fucking Shakespeare for being too broad of a topic.” She also seemed to be slightly smug now that he was looking for it. As if she knew the outcome of…. Oh that little shit.
Alejandro was impressed. She had totally played him, going along with his plan intending to watch it implode at the hands of the others. It really was a shame she never applied that kind of strategy in any other areas of life. He could picture it now, the king and queen of Wawanaka high. Or even their city. Or the province. Or the entire country. Together they could be unbeatable- not Heather nor José could even measure up to it. He wan- no. he needed her to put it to use, to see her scheme again, preferably by his side so he could see it flourish and come to life in the way he hasn’t seen her do yet. He needs to see her mascaraed of apathy slip up and witness everything underneath it for what it is so that when she next wears it he can truly see every thread and stitch that’s woven in place.
“We can do Macbeth.” Alejandro blurted out, wincing at how uncharacteristically not suave it was.
She looked at him apprehensively. “We can?”
“Ah well, it was like you said, there is a lot to talk about. And I figured I should trust your opinion since you are already ahead.” And not at all Alejandro offering her an olive branch after what had happened. Or because he wanted to pick her brain and it was the perfect excuse.
“Oh. Thanks. But uh, you did have a point on your idea too.” She half muttered out but Alejandro heard it perfectly. He smiled. “How about a compromise?” she looked at him imploringly. Alejandro felt like his body lightened, like a weird soft feeling was clogging the back of his throat. Did she always look so…endearing?
“Oh?” he cleared his throat from the tightness.
“We can do the project more on comparing the two works against each other and how they showcase love, as well as any common messages that can be taken away.” Alejandro tracked as Neha’s eyes flittered away, breaking their orbit. “Bringing the two together instead will make it more interesting. Maybe even bring in a third more positive option too, one that can contrast the two even further. Like Twelfth Night or As You Like It?”
“If we do then that would be an additional workload…and I have a feeling our project mates will not be much help… how say we meet up every day after school?” Alejandro proposed before immediately covering himself. “To get the project done as soon as possible of course.”
She snorted then frowned. “I’ve got work after school most nights, remember?”
“I do.” Alejandro confirmed, of course he did. “Which is why I propose that I come meet you at your work. I will order a couple of drinks of course and can do the work while you make sure I keep on track. Then during your breaks, we can work on it together. If you do not mind the company of course.”
“I’m good with that, are you sure you are? I work at a definitely not normal place, it might be a bit too…weird for your fancy ass.”
“You think my ass is fancy?” She glared at him and Alejandro smirked, winking and taking pleasure in the way her brows furrowed even further. “It is some kind of café, no? there are plenty in the area. Or was it a bar? You had mentioned serving alcohol at points. Though I admittedly cannot recall the name of this establishment.”
“That’s cause I’ve never told you. I don’t actually go round advertising it, so I would appreciate a semblance of discreetness.”
“Of course, it can be our little secret.” It was more than fair.
She must have seen something in his posture or expression because she relaxed slightly and nodded at him. “Cool. I work at Chef’s Crossdressing Café.”
He let out a strangled “Ah” before clearing his throat because that was certainly not what he was expecting. “Is this an establishment where the… workers do or the customers?”
She laughed at him. “Just the workers, don’t worry I’m not going to make you cross-dress.” She had elbowed him in the arm with a wink as she had said it. “Though some of the regulars do too on drag night, it’s more of a novelty thing if anything. Chef just wanted a safe space to dress up how he wants and it kind of went from there.” She shrugged, adjusting the grip on her bag. “We’re very popular among the gay and trans community, especially during pride month.” So she dressed as a man then? Alejandro needed to how far she went with it. His gaze subconsciously drifted down as he wondered. Did she also wear a fake di-
No. no. He was not letting his thoughts diverse into such a dark place at a time like this. Maybe later tonight. Or the moment he’s alone after seeing the ou-
He mentally slapped himself.
“I see, well my offer still stands.” He was more than willing to step out of his comfort zone here. He had already had weirdos and freaks in his house today without committing homicide after all, how bad could it be in comparison? Plus it was not like Owen was going to be there.
“Why don’t you come in tomorrow then? We aren’t too busy on Thursdays, so it'll be perfect for you getting used to the atmosphere before you decide if you want to commit to coming there.”
“Sí, that sounds reasonable, I will come round after school, though I will most likely return home to get changed first… so I suppose I will just have to meet you there instead of escorting you.” He wasn’t going to wear his school clothes there, they would have been tainted, and it would also allow him to bring his laptop without having to drag it around school all day. Thankfully he would be able to just search for directions to the place with his phone so he wouldn’t get lost on his own.
“Fair enough.” Neha grinned at him. “It’s a date then.” Alejandro choked. “oh, right, when you get there, they’ll ask if you want anyone in specific to serve you. Tell them you want Noah,” she stressed, “okay?” He nodded, that must have been her stage name while there. “I’ll see you tomorrow then, eel.” She turned around without an ounce of hesitation and began to walk off, Alejandro couldn’t help himself from calling out after her.
“I look forward to it Zorra, see you in school.” She just waved her hand in the air not even looking back and Alejandro huffed out a laugh without meaning to.
Perhaps the project was not going to be that bad after all.
~~~
It was only when Neha got home that she pulled her phone out. First, she made sure to block the newest addition to her contact list. Then, the scrolled through the list of names in the group chat (aptly named the Ridonculous Race after their last out of control D&D campaign) for the games night group that she got roped into every Friday at Chef’s. When she reached the right number, Neha dialled it. It rang three times before he finally picked up.
“Hey~ What are you calling me for?” “WHO IS IT?” “IT’S JUST MISS NOAH-IT-ALL.” “TELL THE BITCH I SAID HI.” “Josee wants to say hi.”
“Hey Jacques-ass, and tell her I said fuck off. I’m still mad.” She was the reason her work trousers got drenched. Another one of Josee and MacArthur’s back and forths that got another customer pissed off and ended up with her in the middle of it. She just wanted them to shut up and start making out already.
“SHE SAID HI BACK.” He called like a traitor, and Neha could hear Josee reply with “GOOD.”
“Is your boyfriend there? I need to thank him for the help today. And uh, tell him that his dad wants to see him.”
“….shit. yeah, give me two minutes. He’s in the shower, soccer ran late and Josee was hogging it when we got back.” Jacques sighed over the line.
“It’s fine. I can wait.” She waited precisely two seconds before remembering something she should probably mention. “Oh, also, are you still planning on bringing him to games night Friday?”
There was another pause. “Yeah? Why?”
“Nothing major. I just might be bringing a guest with me, that’s all.” Depending on how tomorrow goes at least.
Well, Neha thought while she continued chatting with him, Josee interrupting in the background like she didn’t have anything better to do, tomorrow would definitely be pretty interesting one way or another.
She was actually kind of excited to do a school project for the first time in years. And maybe, just maybe, the inevitable surge in attention might be worth it.
Maybe.