Streetlight Serenade

Back in the day

Everybody knew Rico. Hell, I've known him my whole life. Grew up with him right on this same block. He always had that fire in him, like he was built for more than just these streets,something better. But lookin' around now, it seems like the streets got him, just like they get everybody else eventually.

Me? I'm a little different. That's what folks say, at least. "Laila gon' make it out," they always whisper. And I believe it too, 'cause I can't let these streets claim me. I stay focused, and do what I gotta do with my dance. No time for nothin' else.

I clutch my books tight as I head toward the corner. Rico standin' there, leanin' up against the fence like he own the whole block. Tall, broad, and lookin' like trouble—just like always.

"Yo, Lai, you hittin' the court after school or what?" His voice is easy, familiar. Takes me back to when things was simpler, before all this mess.

"Nah, I got dance ," I say, keepin' it movin'. I don't need to be out here hangin' no more. Mama said I gotta focus. I can't get caught up in the same mess that keep everybody else here.

He laughs, that same damn laugh that used to make me smile. "You still doin' that ballet shit? You think you really gon' make it or somethin'?"

I stop and look at him, feelin' a little heat rise in my chest. "Why not? You actin' like I ain't good."

"Nah, you good, Lai. Real good. Just don't forget where you from, aight? All that dancin' don't mean these streets ain't still watchin'. Block don't care 'bout no pirouettes."

His words hit me harder than I let on. I know Rico means well, but he don't get it. He's stuck here, but I'm not tryna be. I got dreams—big ones. Ones that don't leave room for the life he's livin'.

"Rico, I can't get stuck here. I ain't you. I don't want the same things." I start walkin' away, my heart beatin' a little faster than before.

"Nobody said you gotta be me," he calls after me. "But that don't mean I'm lettin' you out my sight."