~Camara~ [Past]- 3 years ago
"One and two and three" My dance instructor was on my ass today because I have been late the past couple of days. Andrea did not accept excuses either, instead, she worked you out until your legs were like wobbly noodles. That's how I felt right now but I wasn't going to give up. I kept pushing myself, but maybe I went over the edge. Sooner than you know it, I fell to the ground onto my hands and knees.
"Get up Camara!" She demanded me. I struggled to get up but just couldn't. My whole body went numb for a minute or two before I regained some kind of feeling in it. A fellow classmate of mine came over with a bottle of water.
"Here drink this" I took it and drank some of it. I was feeling dizzy a bit. Ms. Andrea was still looking down at me. Hands on her hips and everything. I culdn't stand being looked down upon so I slowly got up.
"Do not let this happen again" I nodded and then began doing the routine from before I fell to the floor. she directed me as usual and everyone went back to what they were doing. When 8:00 came rolling by, everyone began to pack up their stuff. As I was about to leave, Ms. Andrea called me over.
"Camara. I need to speak with you" I sighed, shaking my head and wondering what I did this time. She was always on my tail but it was only because she knows I'm the best dancer here.
"Your bill is two weeks overdue for these classes"
"I know ma'am. Can we just give it a little more time? My mom will be sure to have all the money by the end of this week"
"Camara I can't keep holding back on this. I know your a wonderful dancer and all but others don't get such special privileges like you do. Especially with the payment of classes. You got until tomorrow afternoon. And if I don't see any money then your out of here. Got it?"
"...............Got it" I said before adjusting my bag on my shoulder and heading out the entrance. I was looking down at the ground the whole time I was walking to my boyfriend Dauntrel's car. He noticed there was something wrong and was quick to come over to see what was bothering me.
"Camara? What's wrong babe?"
"Everything!" I began to shout at him out of anger. I always did this whenever I had problems. He was use to it but I hated using him as a way to get my anger out.
"Tell me what's bothering you?"
"My dance teacher told me that if we don't pay for all classes by tomorrow afternoon, then Im kicked out of the studio"
"I thought your mom's boyfriend was taking care of them?"
"I thought so too but his drunk ass most likely forgot and now we owe about $500.00"
"That's a lot for some classes."
"It may be more if she includes tomorrow's class"
"Are you gonna tell your mom?"
"Nah she has to much to deal with already"
"You know I can help"
"No! I don't want you to fix my problems. I got to do that myself"
"I'm just saying....I'm here for you Camara if you need me.."
"Yeah I know and I'm lucky to have you with me" I said with a small smile. He pulled me into a gentle hug and embraced me so close to his body I felt a little better. I had to be home in 30 minutes so I slowly pushed him off and tapped at his watch. He nodded and opened the car door for me. He went over to the drivers side and was about to pull off when a couple of guys keyed his car.
"Hey! What the hell are yall doing to my fucking car?"
"What the fuck do it look like little nigga?" A short guy with hazel eyes and tanned skin said to him. He was wearing the number 13 on his shirt.
"Dauntrel! Get back into the car please" I was worried about what they would do next. This was no ordinary gang. They were the "13 Locos" A mexican gang in the bronx that romaed the streets looking for anybody who was stupid enough to step to them. I was practically pleading for him to get back into the car but he wouldn't
"Nah camara. These guys think they own the street or something"
"It's cause we do. So I suggest you get back into the car like your little bitch is telling you"
"She's not a bitch!" He yelled at them then charged at the short one who talked the most. He took out something shiny and my eyes grew wide.
"Dauntrel! No!" A loud gun shot popped off and rang throughout the empty street. Dauntrel fell to the ground and was bleeding non stop. He was then swimming in his own pool of blood. They all looked at me than walked off like nothing happened. I quickly got out of the car and held him close to me. Calling for help but nobody would come out to answer my cries for help.
I had blood on me everywhere. My hands were practically painted. I couldn't stand to see him like this. He died within seconds from so much blood loss. And it was that day that I will never forget the "13 Locos"
[Present]-3 years later
I woke breathing heavy. I would always have that same dream, over and over again. Every night was a nightmare. It was to a point where I didn't want to go to sleep anymore. I couldn't bare to re watch that tragic night over and over again. I wish we would've left as soon as I came out but Dauntrel would always love to comfort me and talk about my problems. My thoughts were interrupted by mom's voice.
"Camara! Wake your ass up and get down here for breakfast"
"Alright mom! I'm coming! Damn!" I said as I tossed the sheets to the side. I looked through my closet for something to wear. I wasn't ready for my senior year to start but I had to go back to that dreadful school with those drama causing people. I sighed softly before looking over at the picture of me and dauntrel together at Kony Island. He was the only guy who could've ever made me feel wanted and happy. Now he's gone and I have nothing.
