Diego is confused and calls his elder sister, Lucia, who's at university.

Lucia let her soft brown eyes linger on the quarterback. From the back of the bleachers she could take in his whole frame without appearing to stare.

"You're starring," Astrid giggled.

Lucia blushed. How did Astrid always know what was on her mind - especially when it involved Jack Henshaw!

"So would you be if you weren't such a lesbian," Lucia shot back playfully.

"Am not!"

"Who doesn't have a date for the end of year prom?" Lucia pointed out in a sing-a-long voice.

Astrid tossed her long blonde hair out of her face and scowled at her best friend.

"Well neither do you too."

Lucia let a wicked grim spread across her face, "Oh yes I do." Her eyes purposefully went back to Jack Henshaw. "He just doesn't know it yet."

Astrid put the art book she'd not really been studying on the seat beside her and turned more to face Lucia. She took Lucia's hands in hers.

"So what can Aunty Astrid do to help you win your man?"

Lucia giggled. "With your legs and blonde hair? Just go into hiding for a month, okay?"

"What are you worried about? Look at you: a South American supermodel in the making."

"Central American," Lucia corrected softly, "but thanks for the boost."

"I'm serious. i saw how the boys all looked at your mom last visitors day and you're just like her."

"Like I'm hitting forty. Jeez, Astrid, whose friend are you?"

"Yours and your lucky to have me, they way you dress. On the other hand, if you ever found the nerve to dress sexy, I might never see you again."

Lucia looked down at herself, "What's wrong with my blouse?"

"Nothing, if you like the spinster look."

A loud buzzing interrupted them.

"It's mine," Lucia said routing through her shoulder bag.

The buzzing continued as Lucia's efforts to find her phone grew more frantic.

The buzzing stopped.

"Gah! and I just found it." Lucia cried out in frustration.

"Leave it. We've more important things to talk about. Like You and 'two interceptions' Jack."

Lucia turned from her phone to her friend fiercely.

"Are you still bringing that up! He couldn't help the second one and it was his first try out..."

Astrid held up her hands.

"Teasing. Teasing. You're so defensive. Oh, girl, you've got it bad. What are you doing?"

"Calling back. It's my little brother."

"Can't he wait. We're discussing your future husband."

Lucia waved for silence and whispered as her phone rang, "He wouldn't call it it wasn't important."

The phone stopped ringing and Lucia focussed on hearing the little voice on the other end.

"Yes... Yes of course I'm here. I'm calling you. Diego, what's wrong."

Astrid saw Lucia's lips tighten and feared the worst.

"Mom did what?"

Lucia flexed the fingers of her right hand into a ball then out straight then back into a ball.

"Why?"

"What's happened?" Astrid asked but was silenced by the glance Lucia shot her.

"She said you were weak... spoiled... to shut up... calm down. I'm not hearing you well. can you stop crying and repeat that?"

"What's happening?" Astrid hissed.

"Sure. Yes. I'll come home as soon as I can."

"What's happening?" Astrid hissed.

"Bye for now. Don't worry. I'll be home soon."

Lucia ended the call and drew a deep breath.

"Mom's acting strange. She slapped Diego. Called him names. That's so not mom."

"Did Diego say why? Had he been bad?"

Lucia shrugged, "It was hard to make out. He was very upset. Something about bullying and someone called Chase, but I can't believe Diego would bully anyone."

Lucia looked into space as if she had some mystic power that could overcome the distance to her home. "I've got to go home."

"You've got an essay for Dr. Harlow for tomorrow, remember?"

Lucia shook her chestnut brown locks, "Done yesterday. Could you hand it in for me?"

"I could if I wasn't coming with you. I'll ask Jack."

"What do you mean you're coming with me... wait... you know Jack? Since when did you know Jack?"

"You might need some support if there's a domestic at home and I'll tell you on the coach-ride there."