4. Let's Play

Logan

Remorse? No.

I don't regret blackmailing Daniel. I am not the one who uses his looks to create terror in people's hearts. Why does he have to scowl all the time? Couldn't he be nice and smile for once?

And he isn't nice to me at all. He never was. Come to think of it, when we were in middle school, Daniel pushed me because I was in his way instead of asking me to move. He stomps around the hallways like he is some kind of a monster.

If Daniel had been nice to me from the beginning and not given me the cold shoulder, I would've taken it easy on him. His grumpiness was cute at first, but now, it's starting to bother me. 

Besides, I've been wanting to take revenge on Francis Walter for a while now. So now that I met someone stronger than him, it is time to use him against that asshole. 

Sure, I could've told either of my grandfathers and taken care of him, but...

I am not that heartless.

Francis acts tough, but he is much smaller and wimpier than Daniel. I know for a fact that he wouldn't dare stand up against Daniel. He would probably piss his pants as soon as Danny puts his hands on him.

After meeting Daniel at the cafeteria and telling him my plans about Francis, I went straight to the senior center. I wonder if he is going too. I wouldn't mind teasing him some more in front of his grandma. I smile as I remember his face when he saw me getting along with abuela Camilla. It's still hard to accept that a sweet old lady is related to the brutish Daniel.

"Mr. Smith. Good to see you back," Mindy greets me with a warm smile, so I smile back.

"Yes, are you surprised?" I joke.

"A lot of the times, young men such yourself do not come back after spending time with one of our residents." Mindy frowns.

"Really? They just stop coming?" I tilt my head.

"Oh, yes. They realize that they'd rather spend their free time on outdoor activities than listen to us oldies talk."

"That's awful. They should all be punished!" I exclaim.

Mindy laughs then motion me to sign in so I can start my day with Camilla. I am oddly excited to spend time with her as she seems like an interesting old lady. Also, I am excited to learn more about Daniel.

"So...is Danny here today?" I ask Mindy.

Mindy crinkled her eyes. "Danny?"

"Camilla's grandson?" I remind her.

"Oh! You know Daniel? He is not here today. He is only here Thursdays and Fridays."

Ah, what a bummer.

"I wish he visited more often. He is such a lovely young man." Mindy says.

Daniel Ortega is a lovely young man? In what planet?

"Yeah, I was hoping he was here too. We go to the same school, you know." I smirk.

"I see. Daniel doesn't talk about his friends much, but I'm glad he has them. Camilla finished her lunch already, so you can go right in."

I nod and walk to her room.

Camilla looks up and smiles when she sees me walking in. "Hey there, I see you came back."

I chuckle. "Why do you ask? Did you think I was not going to come back?"

Camilla shrugs. "Who would willingly come over and listen to me yap? Other than Daniel, of course. But the poor thing has no choice since I am all he's got." she laughs heartily.

"Is that right? How are his parents?" I ask. I am curious to know more about Daniel since he is so aloof at school.

"His parents passed away when he was 12 years old," Camila said.

I am taken aback by that. Is that why Daniel acts angry all the time? I wondered.

"That...that's awful. I had no idea..." I stumble as I am at a loss for words.

"Don't feel bad, hijo. You wouldn't have known. Daniel does not like to talk about it. He had always been a very quiet boy. He has been living with me since his parents passed, so as I said, I am all he's got. Anyway, enough about the depressing stuff. How about a game of chess with me?" Camilla raises an eyebrow.

"Chess?" I ask.

"Why, you don't know how to play chess? Young people these days. All they care about is video games and fooling around, don't they? What a shame." Camilla shook her head.

I laughed. "Whoa there, grandma. You can't just judge me without getting to know me first. For your information, I do know how to play chess, and I am very good at it," I say proudly.

"Oh, is that right? Well, prove it then. Go on, get the chessboard from that cupboard and set it up. Let's see who wins."

"Gladly." I smirk playfully, then go to the cupboard to grab the chessboard. I was not lying. I am pretty good at playing chess because my grandfather taught me. When I was little, he told me I should learn strategies and keep my brain active. Chess is a good way to do that. He wanted me to stay sharp in case, one day, I wanted to take his position.

My mom told me that there was no way she would let me go anywhere near my grandpa's business and that I should find my own career path.

But you never know, maybe she will change my mind because I wouldn't mind taking over my grandfather's empire.

He is a powerful man, so why shouldn't I look forward to being one too?

"Let's see how good you are, Logan."

I smile. Maybe I will let Camilla win since she is a sweet old lady.

I played chess with Camila for an hour, and I have to admit she is pretty good. I won the first round, but then she beat me in the second.

"You are not bad," young man, I am impressed. You know I used to be in the chess club when I was in school. I was sure you couldn't beat me." Camilla laughed.

"Guess I proved you wrong. Well, I'm afraid it's time for me to go. Be good, abuela. Say hi to Danny for me." I wink and then hug her goodbye.

Another day well spent, I think to myself as I whistle my way out of the building.

I have nothing else to do today except wait for Danny to text me about Francis. He was supposed to take care of business for me today. I wonder if he made any progress.

I nearly jump as I hear my phone ring.

I snatch the phone out of my pocket and answer when I see Danny's name on the screen.

"Did you make contact?" I snarled.

"We need to talk, Logan."

"Talk about what? Did you do it or not?" I say irritably.

"I can't do it. Francis is not a bad guy."

"The fuck he isn't! You know nothing about him, Danny. He is a shithead, and you are supposed to be helping me punish him. Do you want me to leak the damn video?" I threatened him, hoping that would scare him a little.

"I won't beat him up. Maybe I can do something else for you? I can clean your house or somethin'," Daniel grumbles on the other line.

I sigh. "I don't need my house cleaned. Alright, Danny. How about you come over to my house, and I give you a little pep talk? You just need a bit of encouragement, that's all."

"Your house? You are inviting me into your house?" Daniel sounds surprised.

"Yeah. Is that a problem?" I ask.

"No..." Daniel's voice is quiet.

"Great, see you there," I hang up on him and then wrinkle my forehead. Hmm...I made an impulsive decision by inviting him over, but I wonder if it was the wrong decision.