Me, You, & The Party Rock Crew

“Christmas without you would just not be Christmas at all.” V of BTS, Snow Flower, 2020.

It was an unseasonably warm day for late December. The sun was out, though the wind howled, and the air had a warmth to it–a mild 60 degrees. It was one of those days Chicagoans never took for granted, especially in late December, when they could easily be covered in feet of snow. 

Izzie’s quinceañera was now a few months away. Since her mom also had winter break, it was the perfect opportunity to do dress and tux fittings, much to Izzie’s dismay. She wanted to hang out with her friends outside of dresses and tuxes and gathering supplies, but she also understood that this was her big day, and it had to be perfect. 

While she sat waiting for some of her cousins to finish their dress fittings, she texted her group of friends on AIM. Their group name was  *~*~t0t4lLy k!cK a$$ sQu4D*~*. 

bulletpr00fiz: This dress fitting is dragging. 

doubledaze: Totally worth it!!

bulletpr00fiz: I wanna lay in traffic

si.man: Let’s not kthnx 

carterpoe: Better than getting married off at 15 tbh. They did that in medieval times you know. 

madhattie10: Nerd.
bulletpr00fiz: he’s not wrong

Before she could send out another text, a separate instant message from Simon popped up: 

Si.man: Hey, can we hang out soon? 

Bulletpr00fiz: what day? 

Si.man: You free tomorrow or Thursday? 

Bulletpr00fiz: Let me ask. 

“Hey, ma?” Izzie called out over the chatter of her cousins. 

“Yes, child?” Odalys’ voice was slightly exasperated after all the mayhem. 

“Can I hang out with Simon either tomorrow or Thursday?” She asked. 

“Hm, Thursday sounds like a better shot. I need you to help your abuelo to clean the garage,” Odalys pointed out. 

Izzie tried not to huff but instead managed a smile. A win was a win. 

Bulletpr00fiz: Mom says thursday, is that okay? 

Si.man: I’m down. I miss you, Iz. 

Bulletpr00fiz: Ewwwww LOL. 

Bulletproofiz: I miss you too, dweeb. 

Si.man: How does Thursday at 12 sound? 

“Ma!” Izzie called out. 

“Izzie!” Odalys echoed back. 

“Can I do Thursday at 12?” 

“Yes, kid.” 

Bulletpr00fiz: Yup, we’re good. 

Si.man: cool! See u then! 

Once Thursday at noon hit, Izzie and Simon’s day was packed with chaos and fun. They played pranks on his sisters, danced to Just Dance on his Nintendo Wii, baked cookies, ordered pizza, and rode their bikes up and down the street as a light mist fell around them. 

The moment they hit the pavement, the neighborhood knew to brace itself. 

“There they go,” Mrs. Mankowski would mutter, shaking her head as Simon and Izzie zoomed by. 

A 7/11 sat just down the street from Simon’s house, their go-to pit stop. Sure enough, it was already packed with classmates, all fueling up on their usual junk food: Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Takis, Arizona Iced Teas, Monsters, and Slurpees. 

Simon knew Izzie well. As she barreled through the crowd in search of her all-time favorite snack–Flamin’ Hot Fries–he went straight for the Slurpees. He grabbed himself a cherry, though on unlucky days he had to settle for blue. For Izzie, it was always Coca-Cola mixed with cherry, no exceptions. He filled her cup accordingly because that’s just what best friends did. 

By the time she returned, she held up two bags of Hot Fries with a triumphant grin. 

“Scoreville,” she waggled her eyebrows. 

“How did you–?” 

“Don’t ask, bro. Let’s just pay before they notice,” she whispered. 

Simon didn’t protest, just fished out his wallet as she did the same. They pooled their money, securing their loot before making their way back. 

The ride home was wonky–balancing Slurpees and snacks while steering their bikes–but they were experts by now. Once back at Simon’s house, they flopped onto the front steps, sipping their drinks and watching the neighborhood come alive–a rare moment for early winter. Occasionally, a classmate would pass by, earning a casual wave or a quick chat about school, whether it was academics, the upcoming dances, or even as far ahead as Prom. Aspen Brook High never gave students much room to breathe. 

As the sun dipped lower, the Christmas lights flickered on in the neighborhood. A beautiful array of twinkling lights made it look like a true winter wonderland. A familiar red 2004 Suzuki XL7 pulled up. Izzie always joked that in their neighborhood, her mom’s car was an eyesore–a lone bright red in a sea of black, silver, and white. But she loved it anyway. 

“Well, that’s my cue,” Izzie gave him a sad smile. She wasn’t ready for the day to end. 

“Yeah…” Simon sighed. “Thanks for coming.” 

“Bro, thanks for having me. Today was dope,” she beamed, walking her bike toward the truck. 

Odalys rolled down the window, smiling. “Hey Si! We made empanadas today, just wanted to give you guys some as a thank you.” She handed him a bag. 

“Woah!!!” Simon grinned. “Thank you!” 

“No, thank you for getting my kid out of my hair sometimes,” Odalys laughed. 

“Mooooom!” Izzie groaned, covering her face. 

Simon chuckled. “I’ll let my mom know, thanks again. You guys drive safe!” 

“Will do,” Odalys grinned. 

Izzie turned to Simon, ready to show off their overly complicated handshake. But today, instead of their usual routine, he pulled her into a hug. She froze for half a second before melting into it, a simple creeping on her face. 

“Aw, you’re getting soft on me?” Simon teased. 

Izzie quickly pulled away, laughing. “Psh, you’re goin’ soft on me, Mankowski!” 

She hopped into the car, waving as he headed back outside. 

As soon as Odalys drove off, she smirked. “Oooh, someone’s got options.” 

“Nuh-uh, mom!” Izzie scoffed. 

“Let’s see–you got Teddy from Florida, Jon–the emo kid with issues that you went to elementary school with, and now Simon? It’s like watching me as a teen all over again.” 

Izzie’s face burned with embarrassment. 

“Mom, it’s so not like that. I-I mean, Jon is dating Maggie, and Simon’s got a crush on Lily, and Teddy’s in Florida.” 

Odalys just hummed knowingly, but let it slide. Izzie sank into her seat, sipping her Slurpee in a desperate attempt to cool down.