Angel and I truly were forbidden from seeing one another now. Mrs. Ramos came to my house the day after the backhoe incident. She stood in my kitchen and spoke to my mother, who twisted a dishtowel in her hand. It was either nerves, or a metaphor for what she wanted to do to my neck.
“I don’t think the boys should hang around each other anymore. I’ve said it before, and things have only gotten worse. I realize Angel is easily influenced, but Noah is…”
What am I? I wondered as I eavesdropped from the hallway.
“Here is twenty dollars. My husband said that should cover Angel’s share of the damage. If it doesn’t, let me know.”
I wondered how Mr. and Mrs. Ramos found out Angel was there.
“I’ll speak to Noah,” my mother said. “And do my best to keep them apart.”
My mom did her best with ev
