The beginning of...

“El B!” his mom yelled. “Be sure to be home by dusk, or I’ll send your Papi after you!”

“Okay! Adios mama!” El B sprinted across the yard and through the gate of their modest home. He ran across the field and down towards the lake. This was his favorite time of day, the sun was warm and his rope-swing was waiting for him. He came to a stop at the base of the old oak tree, resting his foil body against the rough bark. Then he quickly climbed up the old boards his Papi had nailed to the tree and grabbed the rope swing and pushed off yelling with all of his might. He swung over the lake and let go, SPLASH! Swimming back to shore he thought he saw something move in the bushes. He wasn’t exactly in the wilderness but sometimes a wild Jalapeño would stray a little too close to the lake when they got thirsty, and of course they got thirsty, they were hot!

Anticipating an attack he quickly climbed up the tree and stared down, he saw movement again. Impulsively he leaped off the branch and aimed for the bushes BAM he landed on something soft that let out a “oomph”.

“Hey, who are you?” El B asked trying to hold on to the smooth surface of the other person.

The dark little boy stood up and brushed dirt off his clothes glaring at El B “I am El Barbacoa, why did you jump on me?”

El B glared back “You were spying on me!” he snapped.

Barbacoa jutted his chin out “I was not.” He stated defiantly.

“You were! Tell me why right now!” El B demanded.

Barbacoa held his ground a little longer and then exhaled all the fight draining out of him. “I saw how much fun you were having and wanted to try out the rope swing. It looked fun.” He finally admitted.

El B cocked his head and asked “It is fun. How come I’ve never seen you around here before? I was born here and know just about everyone.”

“My family just moved onto the Pepper Farm, demand for our spicy sauce required we have more room.” Barbacoa said and then asked “What’s your name and how old are you? I just turned eight.”

“I’m eight and my name is El Burrito but everyone calls me El B” El B said holding out a foiled hand, Barbacoa reached out a smooth hand to shake it. “Your family is spicy? Who demands the spicy?” El B asked curiously.

“Who else but Chipotle” answered Barbacoa “They only use the best ingredients and my family makes the most flavorful marinade this side of Mexico, we’re a hit everywhere we go”

“CHIPOTLE! No way! My family has supplied the best burritos to them for years, they are the best!” El B said beaming, he had found respect for this new person. “Barbacoa, would you like to take a turn on my rope-swing?”

Barbacoa nodded and smiled “I thought you’d never ask!”

The two became quick friends and spent the entire summer together having many adventures never knowing that one day they’d be enemies of a monumental scale…..until next time…..