Carlos' POV

The summer went by fast, too fast, if you ask me. I was annoyed when I first heard that Stephanie was coming here. I thought that she would ruin my rep. But instead, she became my world. She's everything I want in a girlfriend; funny, athletic, sassy, sexy, beautiful, and loving. She knew about my past, about what I did, but it didn't faze her one bit. Instead, she accepted me, warts and all. When I heard what that, that fuckwit did to her, well, Lester's not the only one who wants to beat the shit out of him.

Steph's birthday is in two days. Last week, when Steph spoke with her parents, they told her that they didn't have the time nor the money to see her for her birthday, nor were they going to give her a gift, as she wasn't living with them. They were leaving for Europe in a few days, and when they return mid-January, they're planning on traveling with Val to California to help her look for a house since Steve was offered a job out there. Val's fiancé, Steve, will be moving to California in a month and will be living in a company apartment until he and Val get married, or until their home is ready. Stephanie would not be spending the holidays with them either. She was told that she will be Val's Maid of Honor because that is what was proper, but that everything will be done. Her dress was already purchased. Val was getting married on June 2nd, which is the day of our senior prom. I know Steph is bummed, but if I can, I'll go with her to Val's wedding. When she hung up, her eyes were full of unshed tears, and she ran to her room, slamming the door. My heart ached for her when she told me what they said.

Lester assured me that his parents will be invited, and most likely, him by extension since Val is going to have a Burg traditional wedding, whatever that means. He will probably be allowed a plus one, and he'll invite me as his plus one if Steph can't invite me. Steph was told that her dress is Pepto pink with lots of lace. I'm cringing at the description.

For Steph's birthday, I purchased her a year of classes at the dojo I go to. She wants to learn karate, and the best way is for her to be formally trained. She's been to a few classes as my guest and loves it. I like it because it is another opportunity for us to spend time together.

Lester is only home to sleep, as he is attending school full time, playing on the soccer team, and working. I know that Steph misses Lester's presence, but we've grown even closer. We walk to and from school together, as both the boys and girls Varsity soccer teams' practice at the same time. We even have almost all our classes together. The only difference is that I'm taking Italian and French, while Steph is taking Spanish and dance. I've been helping her with her Spanish, in between kisses.

We are sort of dating. We go to the movies together, hang out together, and make out, but we haven't given our relationship a formal title. I guess it's hard to say that you are dating someone who you are living with, especially when you are living as brother and sister. Either way, the guys know she's mine, and the girls have now learned that I'm hers. We'll be going to the homecoming dance together, and I can't wait. While we do kiss often, we haven't taken it any further. I know she's still working through her issues as a result of what that prick Joe did to her, and I won't push her. I allow her to make the moves, and when she's ready for more than just kissing, she'll let me know. I'll wait forever for her if I must, though my showers are often cold, and a little longer than normal.

Today is a rare day that Steph has a game while I don't. I plan on being in the stands, rooting her on. Abuela goes to every home game for each of us. Usually, our games are at the same time, but one of us is home while the other is away. The boy's team is doing well, we are 5-2-1. We probably won't make the playoffs this year, but we lost three key players. However, the girl's team is phenomenal, mostly thanks to Steph. She is their number one scorer. Their record is 8-0-0. They are perfect. Steph is on her way to being named to the All-County team. We have five more games to go.

Class ended, and as a way to show support for the girls, our coach gave us the afternoon off. However, the entire team was ordered to sit in the stands. For me, it wasn't a hardship. For most of us, it was a great idea. Several of the girls on the team were very attractive, so there was no shortage of eye candy.

I immediately saw Stephanie on the field, wearing her orange, black, and white uniform, with the number 23 on her jersey. She's doing her warm-up drills, with her hair in a French braid. Her footwork is impressive and has gotten better since I first saw her play this summer. She has learned a lot from all of us during our impromptu beach matches. I watch her play, and I'm so proud of her. She is clearly the best player on the field. The team they are playing is great. So far, 60 minutes into the game, there is no score. And it's not for lack of attempts. Steph has had five attempts on goal, and their goalkeeper has blocked every shot. I can see the frustration creeping up on Steph. Fortunately, the girls play four quarters, so I'm able to talk to her briefly between the third and fourth quarters.

"Babe, the goalie's weakness is high to her right. If you keep your attempts there, you should be able to score."

"Are you sure? She's phenomenal."

"I'm sure, Babe."

"Thanks, Carlos."

I watch as Steph goes back to her position, getting ready to continue the match. It takes another ten minutes before she has a shot at goal, which she aims to the upper left corner of the net. As I predicted, Steph scored. The team crowds around Steph as those of us in the stands cheer. With just shy of ten minutes left, it looks like we will win this game. The other team makes two attempts, which are blocked by the goalie. There are two minutes left, and Steph is bringing the ball down the field. She aims and shoots, scoring the second goal of the game. A minute and a half later, the game is over, and we win. I can't wait to congratulate Steph on a game well played.

I briefly congratulate Steph before she follows her team into the girl's locker room. Fifteen minutes later, she emerges, freshly showered, and changed. Abuela Rosa knew that I would be here, so she didn't come. Instead, she's making us dinner. I meet Steph by the stands, and together, we walk home.

"You played a solid game, Steph. You've come a long way since July."

"Thanks. I can't thank you and the rest of the guys for teaching me everything you have. It has made me a better player."

"Babe, you were a damn good player already. We just helped to sure up your moves."

We continued talking soccer all the way home. When we arrived, we were in for a shock.