Chapter Fifteen
Jude
I slowly turned around to face Mrs. Ortega. Her question was like a punch in the gut, and I didn’t know how to respond.
“Ma, we need to go.” Max softly replied, and I felt his hand on the small of my back.
“Mrs. Ortega,” I breathed, “I don’t know how to answer your question. My parents and I, well, we don’t get along very well, and…”
“Jude, come on. You don’t want to miss your bus.” Max said, then his hand was on my elbow, leading me through the kitchen and out the back door. Halfway down the driveway, I looked back toward the house. Through a window, I could see Mrs. Ortega staring at us as we walked toward the street.
“Sorry about my mother. She’s been under a lot of stress. Her and Aunt Regina get along, but it can be strained. Watching Ramon and Paula kick he
