The Block Is Hot | Oscar Diaz

31

So many shoes tied onto the street lights, poles, whatever else you can tie them onto. There were murders happening. Duh. But, it was never this bad. Did Cesar kill these people? Some of these people?

Nah, he couldn't kill a fly. Right?

Right?

I don't know who any of these people, my friends... are anymore. It's terrifying. Yet, at the same time, I don't even know who I am anymore. I thought I made a change, for my little brother. At the end of the day I'm still that girl that killed the heir to the Santos.

I took a breath, then exhaled. "Shit."

I'm going to prison for the rest of my life. All those Facebook B.S talkers that always say "Throw them UNDER the jail."? The next one is going to be about me.

Then I took another breath and slowly exhaled. Or maybe not, since nobody really cared about gang leaders or members dying. Surprisingly enough, I didn't see any "Get these hooligans off of our streets." comments when all the Prophets got locked up. The one time old white people had the opportunity to say something, with me agreeing with them, and nothing happened.

I laughed. "I'm going to be fine. It's all going to be fine, med."

Then I looked up again at one of the street lights. Why are there heels here? And how did they even tie them onto the wires? I sighed. I don't even want to know. I don't even know why I'm still here. I should be running for my life. Move to London, Bosnia... Florida. Change my name to Nicole. Cut two of my toes off and make it look like I'm dead.

I watch too many Netflix shows...
It's funny how I watch all of these shows and documentaries about murder, and how to get away with it. But here I am, about to get caught, exposed. I did it because I was scared for everyone, including myself. Including him. I'm going to see my brother behind a screen of glass for the rest of my life.

I never really changed. I used to be an addict. I wasn't in my right mind to take care of a child. Maybe he would have been better off-

The sound of my phone going off in my headphones shook me out of my thoughts. It was Ruby. "Come over for dinner."

"No." I replied.

"Please? Abuelita and my mom made this big dinner and we don't want leftovers."

Me: Just make me a plate and I'll get it later. I have a lot on my mind.

Plus, I don't want to possibly sit next to Ruby and Jasmine. If Jasmine's even invited.

"Tonight" by Celeste continued playing in my headphones. I'm beat. Sitting in my car, waiting to get a voicemail from my aunt and Mason wishing me a Merry Christmas. But it's late, she's old, he's young. They're both probably asleep.

A black car pulled up close to me and I gasped and lowered my seat. Is it them?

The feds? Santos? Prophet$?

I looked over, I couldn't recognize the person until they looked around. Browns heels and matching coat. Red lipstick. The only thing that wasn't different was that hairstyle. But her hair is longer.

"Monse?"

She's all grown up.

My phone rang once again.

Abuelita: I have a downer this time 🍁

"You didn't even use the right leaf. Is there even a right leaf?" I started talking to myself. I raised my seat back up to normal.

Look at me, getting all scared for nothing. What is wrong with me. No thank you, ma'am. At least not right now.

At this point, I'm going to break my phone. Ruby: We know you're sitting in your car right now. Starving but hard headed. Come over. And take a few hits. Trust me. You'll need it.