Falling Too Fast by Malín Alegría Page A

dance in place. The boys on the car hood started to clap along with the beat. She was putting herself out there and Christian could totally reject her, but like Justin had said, mariachi made you feel bold and courageous. She knew she wouldn’t regret doing this, no matter what the outcome was.
    Lights started to flick on throughout the apartment complex. It reminded her of a big Christmas tree. Each apartment was lit except for his. Was he asleep? Alexis shook her worries off and continued to sing. Then the song came to an end. Her friends looked at her, wondering what to do next. His neighbors had come out to oooh and aaah at their outfits, but there was no sign of Christian. No , she thought, as her cheeks flared hot. It can’t end like this . Alexis motioned to Santiago to replay the song. Maybe Christian hadn’t heard them the first time?
    Alexis got ready to sing as the music started again. She tried to calm her raging nerves. All of a sudden there was a hiccup and the song skipped, repeating the first notes over and over again. Alexis signaled for Santiago to turn it off, waving her arms frantically in the air. She glanced over her shoulder, praying that Christian wouldn’t choose this moment to appear. This was more embarrassing than if she’d sung off-key. The music finally cut off. The deafening silence that followed created a huge lump of emotions at the back of her throat. Then the quiet night air was filled with howls of laughter. Alexis glared at the neighbors who’d come out to watch.
    Alexis sighed. This was a huge mistake . Tears blurred her vision. She turned to march back to the car, but Nikki grabbed her arm. Alexis tried to shake her off, but Nikki swung her around and pointed up toward the apartments. Alexis didn’t know what she was looking at until she heard the plucking of guitar chords. The tones wove together, producing a heart-melting melody.
    Then a figure came out onto Christian’s balcony, singing and playing a guitar. Alexis felt her knees go weak. She didn’t recognize the song, but it was lovely.
    Suddenly, Christian disappeared from the balcony. Was he coming downstairs? Her heart leapt. This was actually happening! What would she say? She should have asked her grandmothers what to do after the serenata .
    Alexis’s train of thought died abruptly as Christian appeared in the driveway. He was repeating the chorus. She tried to look calm and collected — like she serenaded guys all the time. But Christian’s presence scrambled her brain. He was now just a couple of feet away from her. He smiled as he lingered on the last note. It soared high above them like a dove flying in the sky. Aaah! Now what? The hairs on the back of Alexis’s neck were standing on end. She wanted to say something, but her mouth didn’t seem to work anymore. Christian looked at her expectantly.
    â€œThat was great,” she finally said, in a breathless voice.
    He smiled. “You weren’t so bad yourself.” He began to chuckle. “I especially like the guy who played the truck CD player. He’s going places.”
    Alexis blushed.
    Suddenly, a woman started yelling in Spanish really loudly. She called for Christian to come back inside. Alexis wondered who it was, but before she could ask, Christian pulled her away from the angry voice and down the street.

A lexis’s mind whirled. A moment ago, she was serenading Christian. Now she was running behind him down the darkened streets of Mission. Christian glanced back at her and smiled. The gleam in his eye made her want to melt. He hadn’t let go of her hand.
    â€œWhere are we going?” she stammered.
    Christian laughed. “Not far, don’t worry. I just wanted to talk to you away from our audience.”
    Alexis was thankful for the cover of darkness that concealed her hot cheeks.
    â€œHungry?” he asked, stopping in front of a pizza shop.
    The bright, noisy fast-food