Unexpected 2: Junior S.W.A.T.

Chapter 5: Mirror Image

"Ok, ok" interrupted Miss Rita, as she took a couple of steps towards the officers in the front, "Now, Rubio, is your question really important, child? Hm?" she quizzed him jokingly.

"Of course, 'Missi' Rita." he said with the most obvious sarcastic tone

((Cultural Note: 'Missi' is an expression used by Puerto Ricans to refer to female teachers, adult females or guides. Comes from the English word 'Miss'.))

She frowned at him, while the others giggled softly.

"Officer Street, can I ask you a serious question? Because... this is importan. More than the guns, or the killers, or the crime...no! no! This is more importan." said the kid, dead serious.

The room had grown quiet as now even the adults were intrigued. Street just nodded.

"Is expensive to date a cop lady?" the room erupted in laughter as the officers just stood in awe at the teenager's questions. They joined the others with a big smile each.

"Really? Really, Rubio?" complained Leyla, as she also was overpowered by laughter

Miss Rita joined the laughter, then quickly returned her face into a frowned. She was about to say something, when Street put his hand to her shoulder to stop her. Chris could only smile and shook her head.

"Actually"- he started, the kids slowly became quiet and Rubio became still -"I wouldn't know because you can't date anyone from your department."

"WHAT?" yelled the startled teen. Everybody erupted in laughter yet again. The kid turned to the girl in the front "Esteeeee (um....) Leyla? Do you like San Diego?"

((Cultural Note: 'este' is used as filler word or catchphrase used by Puerto Ricans in a conversation as they think of something to say.))

"Wait! Hold up! I gotta move?" Answered Leyla pissed. Another round of laughter, but this time even the officers were giggling and enjoying the moment.

As the officers finished with the round of questions, the pizza arrived. The delicious aroma of melted cheese with lots of meat and pepperoni filled up the air. Impatient as they were, Miss Rita insisted everyone had to wash their hands. Meanwhile, Nichelle and the officers helped set up the pizza and sodas in the two tables, along with plates and napkins. As each kid made their way back to the room, they took a plate of three slices and a bottle of soda, and headed for the chairs.

When all of the kids were served, Miss Rita insisted on serving the officers. Chris and Street didn't mind at all, as they gathered the plates with the slices of pie and sat to the side. Truth is both officers were starving and the smells were driving them crazy by now. None were able to have an actual breakfast, and all there was left from the breakfast bags were a couple of granola bars. Rubio noticed them, and almost immediately approached.

"Officer Street, can I talk to you?" Street was surprised the kid actually looked serious. He hadn't had that face all morning!

"Sure!" Street started to get up, but Nichelle interrupted. She rushed in, placing both arms on Rubio's shoulder and speaking softly.

"Honey, why don't you finish your pizza and talk with officer later? I promise we'll give you enough time for lunch, okay?..." she gently turned the boy and continued to talking out of Street's hearing range. Street stopped his movement, and grabbed the pizza for another big bite.

She guided Rubio back to the chairs, and then stepped in front of the gathered teenagers. "Guys, we have more in store for you. Lots of action and interesting stuff for the afternoon session, but for now we just want you to enjoy your lunch. We'll give you enough time for you process everything, and relax for a bit. Okay?"- she paused as the kids munched away -"Miss Rita and I are so proud of you. We wanted this day to be unforgettable...and productive! You have all been at your best behavior!" They cheered and some applauded, as Nichelle stepped back and went to Miss Rita.