The Life

Ray

             The man walked across the street, "I'm Ray," he said. 

                         "What do you want?" Oscar asked. 

              Ray looked at Oscar, then Cesar, then me, "to see my boys."

                            "Let's take this inside," I said. Oscar looked over at me, then we went inside. 

                 Cesar and Oscar both sat down on the couch. Ray pulled up the kitchen chair, and I sat on the arm of the couch. Oscar started to get a little mean with Ray. 

                        "Do you maybe wanna hang out?" Cesar asked Ray. 

                         "Mijo, why don't you go to school so you're not late," I said. 

                        "After school?" Cesar asked. 

                      "I'd love that," Ray smiled. 

                      "Cool," Cesar smiled and walked out the door, then came right back inside, "almost forgot," he laughed then walked over to me and kissed my cheek, "bye, love you. Later mano."

                 "Have a good day, mano," Oscar said. Once Cesar was gone Oscar asked Ray, "where do you plan on going?"

                  "Bakersfield," Ray answered. 

                  "Where do you plan on staying until then?" Oscar asked. 

                 "Here at the house," he answered. 

                "You'll have to sleep on the couch unless Cesar gives up his bed," I said. 

                 "Excuse me, who are you?" Ray asked. 

                 "She's my girl. I claimed her," Oscar said putting his hand on my thigh. 

                                  Ray looked me up and down, his gaze falling to my cross, "she's beautiful, mijo," he smiled causing me to get chills. 

                                      Oscar looked up at me. I smiled, leaned down, and kissed him, then Oscar smiled. I stood up, picked up Oscar's coffee cup, and went to get me some too, "I'm going outside, mami," Oscar said and kissed my neck. 

                        "Okay," I smiled. 

                                        Once Oscar walked outside Ray walked into the kitchen, "are you really in it for Spooky, or just the protection?" 

                       "Obviously Oscar."

                       "How'd you 2 meet?"

                     "Uno is my big brother. We met through him when I moved down here."

                     "Where is Uno?"

                     "Dead. Oscar and the rest of the guys pushed me through school and helped me get back on my feet."

                     "You planning a future with him?"

                     "Yes, I love him. I don't just wear this cross for show."

                        "Any kids?"

                     "No, not yet anyway."

                    "You think you're really cut out for this life?"