The Block Is Hot | Oscar Diaz

30

"Because you know who doesn't vote? Bitches."

I exited out and checked my messages. Mason's aunt has him for now while I figure everything out. Yeah, for some reason she wanted to move closer to Freeridge even though I told her I was leaving. But this works out perfectly. Because if I had my little brother to mother and take care of the whole time while I'm trying to focus on not screwing my life up and receiving a life sentence. Or ten because I'm black, and six more because America hates Russians too, I'd screw up this plan we're all gonna come up with.

So here is what I'm getting so far. Jamal has turned into the high school star fuckboy, and Ruby is competing against him for something. I didn't even pay attention to what. Cesar is trying to be Don Corleone and Bishop from Juice mixed together, and Monse-... nobody knows. And honestly? I don't have the time or energy to call her to TRY to and talk about this knowing damn well I'm going to get cussed out for no reason. She just does and says shit because she can.

Maybe if she comes down here, I'll give her another nice good slap. Because apparently everyone else down here needs it.

And you.

I'm sitting right in front of your house. I've been sitting out here for about an hour. I'm too much of a pussy to see you in person. Knowing that it'll bring me back to those days. It won't be the same for you, of course but-

... screw this.

I walked out of my car and closed the door. Taking those small steps towards your front door felt like years away. But then I blinked, and I was right there.

"Coming!" I heard from the other side of the door in response to my knock. "Hi. How can I help-".

Damn.

She's beautiful.

But her whole demeanor changed as soon as she seen me. Meaning she must know who I am.

"You must be Mia. Cesar said you were coming. Isabel." She introduced, offering a hand. You're beautiful. That ring is beautiful. That dress you're wearing that's fully covering your giant stomach is beautiful.

"Umm, yeah." I said, shaking my head to get out of my thoughts. "Yeah. Is he here?"

Isabel shook her head. "He's in the neighborhood somewhere. Haciendo cosas locas. He shouldn't be far."

I nodded. "Thank you." I said as I turned and walked away.

"W-Wait!" She shouted. "Why would he call you and tell you to come here?" She asked.

To piss you off, or make you paranoid, or maybe he thought Oscar would be here to answer the door. Regardless, to start drama.

I shrugged my shoulders. "You have a good rest of your night." I said with a sigh, walking back to my car and closing the door.

I need to get high. Holy shit.

~~~~~~

Abuelita and Jamal each blew smoke in my face, I sat in between them. On this uncomfortable couch. This place hasn't changed much.

"It is always so good to see you, my dear." Abuelita said while cackling. "Tell me, how is the little prince of yours doing?"

"Abuelita, how many times do I have to tell you? Mason is not my son."

"Might as well be." Jamal said. "Surprised you didn't pop out any with-".

I punched Jamal in the stomach before he could finish his sentence. "Really?" I asked.

An awkward silence, before the door opened in front of us and Ruby came out. Why is everyone around here cutting their good hair?

"Mia?" Ruby asked.

I stood up. "Uh, duh. Who else?"

"Any other tall Slav women you know with an ass like that?" Abuelita asked. Causing another awkward silence.

"What are you doing here?" Ruby asked.

"Why else would I be here?" I asked. "You tell me."

Ruby sighed. "Both of you." He said, pointing at me and Jamal. "In here."

We followed him into his room, and he shut the door behind himself and locked it.

"How have you been?" Ruby asked.

"Alive. Can we cut the small talk bullshit please? Did they finally ID her or not?" I asked.

"They just found her remains, Mia."

"Not answering my question."

Jamal jumped up. "Okay, okay. Let's not sucker punch anyone, please? That would greatly be appreciated. This is a reunion. Shouldn't we be more happy to see each other?" Jamal questioned.

I scoffed. "Neither of y'all have contacted me in the past two years. Couldn't even like a fucking Facebook photo. The only way I knew that you guys were all still alive, and how I knew how y'all were now, was because Jasmine kept sending me voice mails every other week. Which by the way, Ruby, if you two are going to have sex afterwards, make sure she hangs up first."

Ruby shrugged. "We're a very open couple."

I rolled my eyes. "Should I be worried or not?"

Jamal put his hands on my shoulders and sighed. "Oscar told us that we all need to lay low for a while. Especially you and Cesar."

I laughed and plopped on Ruby's bed. His creaky, Forever Red from Bath And Body Works smelling bed. I'm no longer using that perfume anymore...

"Does Cesar even know what "lay low" means anymore? From what I've heard thus far all he knows is starting shit and him trying to sound like his balls dropped."

"Well, if he doesn't know, he better learn soon. All of our lives are at stake." Ruby announced.

"All of your lives. Excuse me?" I asked.

"We're just as involved in this as you are." Jamal replied.

"Really?" I laughed. "Tell me, Jamal, how did it feel when you helped me kill her? Or you Ruby? I've got all night."

Both were silent. "Exactly. This is a me problem. You're the ones who just gave me the info. If y'all were really so involved, why isn't Monse here?"

"She won't talk to any of us-"

"Because she doesn't care." I interrupted Ruby. "She's not worried about it, because it has nothing to do with her. She's leaving all of us on read, not answering any of our calls, because this is not a Monse problem."

"And this is not a Ruby problem. And this is not a Jamal problem. And it sure as hell isn't a Cesar or Oscar problem. I came here, because it's all me." I explained. "So why don't y'all worry about your little prom king plans or... whatever."

"Class president." Ruby and Jamal said together.

I flipped both of them off and closed Ruby's door as I walked out. They haven't changed at all.