Disclaimer: Calypso and Leo are by Rick Riordan
Author's Note: I am blushing because this brings good memories.
10. So We are Definitely an Item
For the next week, Leo and I saw each other any free moment available at the University. He would come between my classes to chat and share some laughs. My college friends were happy that I was dating, but I wasn't sure if we were dating or not. I hadn't dated since Odie that was 4 years ago. Even the word felt weird in my tongue. I wasn't a dater kind of girl. I was the friend with benefits, the occasional tension release, even the gay cover (don't ask when and who), but a girlfriend? Was I ready for that kind of commitment? Valentine's and anniversary's gifts? Meeting the parents? Hoping for a ring on my finger?
On Thursday, Leo came at the end of my classes to walk me to the bus stop like usual lately. These were the few moments we had together on my crazy oversaturated schedule.
"Ready to go?" said Leo and kissed me chastely on the lips.
"Sure" I said as I closed my backpack.
"Let me take that for you" said Leo taking my backpack.
"My hero. Please, help me" I mocked him making him smile.
"Shut up" said Leo and I leaned to kiss him softly.
"You know. Tomorrow, I'm taking you to the barrio"
"Why?"
"It's Mexican Independence Day. The biggest party of the year, that's why"
"I thought it was 5 de Mayo"
"Typical gringo thinking. Don't worry. I'm here to answer all your questions tomorrow"
"Sure. It sounds nice. Do I have to dress up like in Halloween or St. Patrick's Day?"
"Maybe two braids and a long floral skirt will do"
"Ok"
The next day, I asked to a teacher friend at work to braid my hair with green, white and red ribbons. I looked so damn cute and I was feeling really happy with my hair until Luke made a nasty comment of plagiarizing the holiday right in the middle of class. Some students sneered and giggled at the comment while other looked sadly at me. They pitied me since everybody, even the teachers, knew how Luke mistreated me sometimes.
After work and University, Leo picked me at night like usual. We took the bus all the way to the Mexican neighborhood. I had never been in that part of the city. I was too 'gringa' sometimes.
The place mesmerized me. In general, the people around them were happy and cheerful. The place was colorful with green, white and red decorations as well as eagles which was the national animal. In every corner, there was a mariachi or other Mexican music band playing their traditional songs. There were several stages where people sang or danced Mexican songs. I could hear people talking in fast Spanish as they went back and forth to the food and novelty stands.
"I have never been in something like this before, not even the county fairs" I said as we stopped in a corner so I could appreciate everything.
"Well, this is your opportunity. What do you want to do first?"
"Eat?" I said as my stomach started to rumble and complain. I hadn't eaten in the whole day.
"What do you want to eat?"
"I don't really know, tacos? Are they like in Taco Bell, right?" I said looking to a whole line of food stands with colorful signs announcing different kinds of food like tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, tortas and so on.
"Nothing at all, but you will love them" said Leo pulling me to the nicest food stand at the end of the line.
"2 orders of tacos" said Leo to a food stand worker as we were standing on line.
"What's this?" I said pointing to a table full of different liquids in containers.
"Salsas. Be careful. They are really hot. I would stay away if I was you. There are not a sweet gringa like you" said Leo and one guy gave him the food. I took my plate and I looked at the salsas.
"I think. I can handle it" I said to myself before pouring a spoonful of a green one to my tacos.
Leo and I sat on a bench next to a lot of people all eating. I took a bite and I felt my tongue on fire as the salsa burned my insides.
"Oh Gods!" I said panting with my tongue out hoping that the cold night air will cool it off.
"Is the gringa enchilada?" said someone behind us. We nodded. "Jose, bring a mango for the pretty lady"
Before I notice, a guy from the food stand appeared in front of us with a raw skinless yellow mango. Leo took with a thankful smile.
"Eat it" said Leo.
"I don't think I can" I said as my eyes cried. I felt my throat swollen as the heat was the only thing on my mind.
"You will feel better" said Leo and I took a bite.
Immediately, the sweet cool mango cooled off my burning mouth. I sighed of relief and some people applauded at me. I never felt more embarrassed like in this moment. Leo smiled at them and stood up bowing to the audience making everybody and myself laughed. I ate the whole mango and I left my really hot tacos to the side.
After eating, Leo took my hand making me blush. I was always the one to take his hand first. I loved when he took some initiative. We walked around the alleys and plazas enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of the party.
We stopped in the entrance of an ally and kissed me sweetly. He stared at me with tender eyes and kissed me again.
"So, do you want to be my girlfriend?" said Leo making blush and my heart beat like a hummingbird.
"Wait, I wasn't?" I said joking. He looked at me seriously.
"Well, do you or not?" said Leo almost scolding me. I cupped his face and kissed him.
"Yes, I want to be your girlfriend" I said.
Then we went to the novelty stands to get some matracas, which are sticks that you swing to make a hell of noise. Midnight was getting near and the main event where people made noise by shouting, popping fireworks and with the matracas in celebration of Miguel Hidalgo, a priest who made everybody rise against the Spaniards on early morning of September 16th.
It was almost time for the Grito as Leo said. The weather felt cold so I leaned closer to him. His lips touched my forehead in a sweet kiss.
"You are burning down" said Leo worried. For over one hour, I was starting to feel sick but I didn't want to leave just yet. I was having so much fun.
"I feel sleepy" I said once I was caught.
"Let's take a cab to get quicker to my apartment" said Leo pulling me quick between the crowd. I just nodded as we exited the celebration. On the taxi ride, he stayed close to me checking my temperature making happy inside. He really cared about me.
Once in his apartment, I changed into his clothes again before he took me to bed again. I was feverish sick but I pulled him to me. I kissed him with hotly passion, or was it the fever talking?
"Sleep, you are sick. We don't have to do anything" said Leo as he pulled again.
"But, I want to" I said but my eyes were betraying me.
"No, sleep now" said Leo and kissed my forehead checking my temperature once again. I shrugged.
"It sounded so Lolita's in my head" I said.
"What?"
"You have to read the book to get it" I rolled my eyes.
"Sounds kinky" said Leo with grin.
"We will have to try once to find out, feverish sex" I said with a seductive smile.
"You are taking nonsense. Just sleep" said Leo and kissed me in the lips chastely slow.
"Will you be there in the morning?"
"Well, it's my apartment. So, I think I will"
"Dummy. You know what I mean" I said rolling my eyes.
"Sure" said Leo as he spooned his body next to me. I slept like a rock.