Mi Amor - Oscar 'Spooky' Diaz/On my block Story

17

We tried to stay calm, thinking through what would be the most rational thing to do. Since my dad was a mechanic, he had shown me how to change a tire before. Feeling hopeful, I rummaged through the trunk, but all I found were empty plastic bottles, an old blanket, a flashlight, and a bunch of other useless stuff.

Elly: "Who doesn't keep a spare tire in their trunk? Seriously, it's the one thing you'll always need when something goes wrong."
Jasmine: "Apparently... me."

I looked at her, trying to figure out what we could do next.
Elly: "Okay, so what now?"

Jasmine, trying to lighten the mood, grinned.
Jasmine: "We could always call your dad. You know, the car mechanic. I'm sure he has a 'tire to spare.'"
Elly: "Did you really just—"

I rolled my eyes, and she shrugged apologetically.
Jasmine: "I make jokes when I'm stressed. Sorry."

But that joke only reminded me why calling my dad wasn't an option.
Elly: "We can't call my dad."
Jasmine: "Why not?"
Elly: "Because I'm grounded, remember? I'm supposed to be at school with you right now, doing a project."

Jasmine's shoulders dropped.
Jasmine: "Well, then we are officially screwed."

I thought for a moment, an idea forming in my mind.
Elly: "Not necessarily. I've got another plan."

I pulled out my phone and dialed a number. As soon as I heard the voice on the other end, I grinned.
Elly: "Hey, Sad Eyes. Guess who? Your favorite German girl."

He sounded amused.
Sad Eyes: "Who said you're my favorite German girl? Maybe I've got a few others lined up."
Elly: "In your dreams."

We both laughed before I got to the point.
Sad Eyes: "What's up, gorgeous?"
Elly: "Listen, Sad Eyes, my favorite of all the Santos. You strong, good-looking, and charming man. I need a favor."

He chuckled knowingly.
Sad Eyes: "I figured as much. What's the problem?"
Elly: "Jasmine and I are stranded. Our tire blew out, and we don't have a spare."

There was a pause.
Sad Eyes: "Send me your location. I'll be there in twenty."
Elly: "Thank you, seriously! You're a lifesaver."

I hung up, sent the address, and we waited for help to arrive.

After a while, a car pulled up next to us. It was Sad Eyes, along with another Santo. Sad Eyes stepped out, flashing a big smile.

Sad Eyes: "Hola, chicas."

Jasmine gave him a nervous smile, and I waved. As Sad Eyes headed to the back of his car, he pulled out a tire. I couldn't help but notice the way his muscles flexed as he lifted it. My thoughts wandered, but the tire bumping against my leg snapped me back to reality.

He leaned through the passenger window to talk to the other Santo, and before I knew it, my eyes drifted down. What is wrong with me today? Maybe it was just the lack of action in my life lately, I reasoned.

Sad Eyes: "You can head out, I've got this. I'll catch a ride with these lovely ladies."

The other Santo nodded and drove off as soon as Sad Eyes pulled his head back. Sad Eyes wasted no time and started changing the tire himself. It was getting dark quickly, so I used the flashlight from the trunk to help him see.

As I stood there, holding the light, I glanced up at the sky. It was nearly black now, with just a few stars peeking through the haze of streetlights and headlights. My parents are going to kill me. There's no way they'd believe this "school project" took this long.