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

26

As the crew struggled to make progress on Lil' Ricky's case, I found myself preoccupied with a big decision of my own. My school offered me the chance to graduate early if I enrolled in summer courses. Coming from Germany, I was ahead of most of my classmates, and the idea of being done with school was tempting. But I also wondered if maybe I should just take the summer off and enjoy being a teenager a bit longer. 

My classmate Theresa was offered the same thing, so she came over to help me think it through. She and I sat in the kitchen, going back and forth over the pros and cons. We had stacks of papers, schedules, and course lists spread out on the table.

The idea of finishing high school a year early was tempting, but it was a big decision, and we had a lot to weigh.

Theresa leaned back, playing with the end of her pen. "You know, I feel like we'd have to sacrifice so much. No summer, no hanging out, just...school. Nonstop."

I nodded, chewing over her words. "True, but think about it. We'd be done. Free a whole year earlier. And we'd already be a step ahead with whatever comes next."

Theresa raised an eyebrow. "What comes next, though? Are you even sure what you want to do?"

I smiled, leaning my elbows on the table. "Not exactly. I just know I want to get out there sooner. I mean, sometimes I feel like I'm not really getting anything new from high school. Maybe we'd actually grow more outside of it?"

She sighed, still skeptical but a little convinced. "Alright, fine. Let's do it. Early graduation, here we come."

We both sat back with a mix of excitement and nervousness about the months ahead, but we were committed.

Elly: "I'm glad you're doing this too. I wouldn't want to be the only one."

She grinned, then leaned in, lowering her voice. "Okay, now on to more important topics... How's it going with Spooky? I still can't believe you're actually dating him."

I shushed her quickly, glancing at the living room where my parents were nearby. But my efforts were in vain. The second Theresa left, my parents were waiting for me, looking far too serious.

Dad: "Elly, we need to talk."
Mom: "Kitchen. Now."

I followed them back, my stomach already churning. I could tell by the way they were looking at me that they'd heard more than I wanted.

Mom: "Who's Spooky?"

I let out a sigh. "Mom, you know who he is. I know you heard Theresa saying that I'm dating him."

Mom's face tightened. "We do know who he is. And we've even met him. Your dad and I have heard enough to know he's dangerous."

Dad: "We're worried, Elly. Are you sure he's a good fit for you?"

Mom didn't wait for an answer. "When we met him at New Year's, we saw the people he was with, the environment. And the rumors... I don't think you understand what kind of life he's involved in."

I took a deep breath. "Look, I get it, but he's not what you think. He's been through a lot, and yeah, he made some tough choices. But he's only ever wanted to take care of his brother. Now he's trying to leave that life behind, but it's not that easy."

Mom's tone softened, but only a little. "And you really believe he will change?"

Elly: "Yes, Mom. I do. He's had it rough, but under all that, he's a good person. He's funny, kind, and he makes me feel safe." I hesitated but decided to say it. "I love him. And no matter what you say, that won't change."

There was a heavy pause. I could see my parents exchanging uncertain looks, and I braced myself for whatever they'd say next.

Dad: "It's not that we don't believe he loves you. I saw it on New Year's; I could tell how protective he was of you."