>Maria pulls us up into the local burger joint she frequents. You know it's a good place when it's this greasy. Menu looks older than mom or dad. I excitedly lick my chops. Not the biggest fan of ditching class but I will never turn down a burger greasy enough to lube an engine.
>We order, Maria of course grabbing the herbie option. Always wondered how the vegetarian options fare. I could try one but that's chancing a nasty stomach ache. Dad's genes aren't that strong. I glance over to see Amber's order, almost the same as mine but with a big fat shake to go with it. Soft drink is enough for me.
>As we eat in Maria's car, me in the back, she talks about this place.
>"Mama LOVES this place. Said she came here when she was pregnant and it stuck. Can't blame her." She chuckles as Amber and I nod along. Wonder how the other delinquents are faring. I start to move down to grab my phone when I notice the car's gone dead silent.
>I glance up after unlocking the thing to see a ghastly pale Maria looking forward. I follow her gaze and meet her mother's. She's sitting a car away and glaring over at us.
>Maria could just about sink into the floor and Amber isn't faring much better. Rosa pulls her phone out of her pocket and sure enough Maria's starts ringing.
>A conversation involving mostly "Yes, mama." and "Okay, mama." happens quickly and without fuss. As it finishes instead of turning the phone off it's put onto speaker and sat on the center console.
>Her voice comes through clear. "Greene, Amber?" I glance to Amber who answers for us.
>"Yes ma'am?"
>Stern and motherly the phone relays her voice, "You'll be coming over this weekend to help with the gardening, si?" It takes a moment to register. That's no question.
>My voice is the one to answer. "Yes, ma'am."
>Flat and calm the reply. "Good. I was worried I'd have to tell your parents about this. I hope this won't become a habit."
cont. one more.