Before The End

Nine

“So how was your date with Martin yesterday?” Symmone smirked standing behind her best friend as she rummaged through her locker.

“It wasn’t a date Sy.” She huffed.

“Yes Symmone, Eloa and I didn’t go on a date.” Martin said popping up next to them and leaning against his locker. “That isn’t until next week.”

“Don’t encourage her.” Kenzie chuckled looking at Symmone’s wide smile.

“Too late. I need to find Harry.” She squealed running down the hall.

“Look what you did.” McKenzie joked lightly hitting his arm. “I shouldn’t have told you my middle name.”

Martin chuckled, his dimples now on full display.

“I was serious you know.” He said looking at her.

“About what?”

“About taking you on a date next week. Or we could just continue hanging out until you’re ready to go on a date with me.” He shrugged.

“Let me think about it.”

“Awesome. See you in class Eloa.” He winked walking away. McKenzie found her self smiling as she watched him walk away.

“I can see what’s happening.” Logan started behind her making her turn and glare at him.

“And they don’t have a clue.” Noah continued.

“Really guys.” She huffed trying to stop their musical number.

“Kenzie and Martín sitting in a tree. K.I.S.S.I.N.G... Ow no need to be violent.” Logan groaned rubbing the spot she had just him him.

“Guys leave Kenzie alone.” Jason appeared wrapping an arm around his sister.

“Thank you.” She smiled shooing the twins away.

“Rumor has it you and the new kid are an item now.” Jason smirked making her face him.

“No we aren’t. Martín's just my friend.” She explained rolling her eyes.

“Cool. He seems like a nice kid. If you want to be more than friends with him just know I approve. As long as it’s nothing that’ll get his ass kicked.”

“Look at you being a caring older brother.” She chuckled.

“Anything for my favourite sister.”

“I’m your only sister Jay.”

“Same thing.” Jason smiled giving her an innocent look.

“I was actually hoping we could talk.” McKenzie whispered looking down.

“What is it?” he asked softly trying to read her expression. Just as she opened her mouth the bell rang signalling the beginning of classes.

“I guess I’ll just tell you at lunch.” She sighed.

“Are you sure? I mean I don’t mind being late of you want I can ...”

“Its okay Jay don’t worry. I’ll talk to you at lunch.” She said walking away. She didn’t know where to start. How to start the conversation.

.............

“What’s wrong?” Màrtin asked McKenzie with a frown.

“Nothing. Just, I’m about to meet Jason in five minutes to talk and I don’t know how to start the conversation.” She mumbled looking at the wall clock above the board.

“Saying hi usually works.” He shrugged earning him a chuckle.

“If only it were that easy.”

“Is it that you’re scared of his reaction?” he asked. Before she could respond the bell rang signalling it was time for lunch.

“Can you come with me? I mean for moral support. Or any kind of support because it’s a touchy subject and I don’t know what he’ll say or do and I need....”

“Hey hey hey. Breathe. I’ll come with you okay.” He said holding her shoulders. She nodded slowly calming her breathing.

Màrtin grabbed her hand and her books and walked with her to the cafeteria. Once inside they spotted Jason on his usual table. Taking another deep breath the two made their way to Jason’s table.

“Hey it’s Kenzie and Màrtin.” Logan smiled waving them over.

“Heys guys. Just need to borrow Jason for a minute.” Màrtin smiled.

“I’ll be right back guys.” Jason said. Màrtin let go of Kenzie’s hand and pushed her towards her brother.

“You said you were going to come with me.” She hissed at him watching him take Jason’s spot on the table.

“I did. Up until this point. Good luck.” He said giving her a thumbs up.

“I hate you.” Kenzie glared before dragging Jason out of the cafeteria.

Màrtin turned to face the guys and placed his hands on the table. His eyes met Zack’s and the two stared at each other for a good 10 seconds before Màrtin smiled at the group.

“I don’t think we’ve met. Màrtin.” He said reaching out his hand for Zack to shake.

“Zack.”

“I know who you are. I’m friends with Joaquin.” Màrtin explained. “Well we’re more family than friends. We were actually supposed to meet yesterday but I got a little caught up.”

“Harry told us about that tour you were being given.” Logan put in noticing Zack’s clenched fist under the table.

“McKenzie offered and who am I to say no.” He shrugged. “Are there any racing tracks here in Miami? I couldn’t ask McKenzie and Quin told me to come to you guys if I needed anything.”

“We’re going to one tonight if you want to come.” Noah offered.

“That would be awesome.” Màrtin smiled.

“Hey. I hope they didn’t bore you.” McKenzie said placing a hand a Màrtin's shoulder. Zack glared at her hand earning him a shove from Logan.

“We are by far the least boring people on the planet.” Noah huffed.

“Sure you are bud.” Jason chuckled taking a seat next to Màrtin.

“Et tou Brutus?” Logan gasped.

“Come on Màrtin. I don’t want them influencing you.” Kenzie laughed.

“I’ll see you guys tonight.” Màrtin laughed putting an arm over Kenzie’s shoulder.

“What’s tonight?” she asked as they walked away.

“Guys night.” The guys heard Màrtin answer as the pair walked away.

“You guys invited him to the tracks?” Jason asked once they were out of ear shot.

“Noah did.” Zack grumbled.

“Don’t start Zack. The guy’s a Cortes. He may be adopted but he’s still Luis' kid.” Logan warned.

“I know. I can’t touch him. And I won’t.” Zack sighed.

“I hope so.” Jason told him.

“What did Macky want?” Zack asked.

“She was just reminding about what tomorrow was.” Jason sighed.

“Oh.” Logan and Noah said in unison.

“Yeah.”