The Supermarket Teens

Six

I was awoken by the screaming of Abuela.

Slowly sitting up, I looked beside me, where Angelica slept peacefully. Her hair was puffed and frizzy, putting all of the Afros in the world to shame.

The night was great, expect for a few kicks in the gut from Angelica.

I guess I would need to get use to Abuela's screaming. Along with that, I needed to learn Spanish so I could at least follow along in basic conversations.

After getting dressed, I opened the door quietly. 

Even though her show was still on, Abeula's head whipped to see who was awake.

"I'm going on a run" I said, before making a motion with my hands.

Nodding, she gave a toothy grin before saying "Careful".

I gave a returning nod before walking out of the apartment and running down the stairs.

---------------------------------------------

Once I was outside, I took in a breath of the cool morning air.

Since it was Sunday, most people slept in, or went to church. So, the streets were empty, no children danced in the streets, and couples didn't walk hand in hand.

Looking around, I raised my hair into a ponytail before plugging earbuds into my ears.

After selecting "A Logical Song" to blast into my ears, I began my run. My breathing stayed in controlled breaths as my feet slammed into the ground. With each step, brought my body more energy.

  When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful,
A miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical.
And all the birds in the trees, well they'd be singing so happily,
Joyfully, playfully watching me.
But then they sent me away to teach me how to be sensible,
Logical, responsible, practical.
And they showed me a world where I could be so dependable,
Clinical, intellectual, cynical.

There are times when all the world's asleep,
The questions run too deep
For such a simple man.
Won't you please, please tell me what we've learned
I know it sounds absurd
But please tell me who I am.

Now watch what you say or they'll be calling you a radical,
Liberal, fanatical, criminal.
Won't you sign up your name, we'd like to feel you're
Acceptable, respectable, presentable, a vegetable!

At night, when all the world's asleep,
The questions run so deep
For such a simple man.
Won't you please, please tell me what we've learned
I know it sounds absurd
But please tell me wh-

The music stopped as the earbud was ripped from my ear.

Turning around, I glared at a group of three people. In the middle stood what some would consider to be the 'badboy'. In his ears were golden earrings, and a matching golden tooth in his mouth. Along with looking like a badboy, he sported the baggy pants of a gangster.

Next to him were two girls, who clearly were twins. Both were clearly Latina, but  unlike the guy, sported skinny jeans and a crop top.

"Hello Miss Dancer, I'm Fernando, and these two" the boy spoke before pointing to the two girls "Are Lita and Maria".

I looked at his hand, where my earbuds were.

"Can I have my earbuds back?" I ask bluntly, just wanted to continue my run.

"Now why do you want to cut our conversation short? You're really hurtin me" Fernando spoke before putting a hand to his chest in pain.

Taking in a breath, I did something I would have never done before: I reached for the earbuds. 

Clearly not expecting it, Fernando's grip on the earbuds were weak, allowing me to get them. "Hey! You little bitch!" Lita or Maria growled as they moved forward.

"It was really nice meeting you, but I should really get going" I smiled weakly before turning around, and sprinting down the street. Hopefully, Fernando, Lita and Maria would trip over the bagginess or skinniness of their pants.

As I turned the corner to get back to the apartment, I ran into a tall frame.

Before I could fall, hands grabbed my shoulders. "Hey. Why are you running so fast?" Jeffery asks as I balance myself. His eyes were wide, worry and a hint of rage swimming in them.

"Oh, you know, just a little morning run" I lie, hoping he wouldn't catch it. With everything that's happened, I would really like to be out of the limelight.

"Uh..Alright, were you up for a walk? Get to know the city?" Jeffery asks, making me nod my head.

Smiling, he reached forward, and grabbed the earbuds from my ear. His hand brushed my cheek, making me shiver.

He smiled before leading the way down the street.

"Now, this little area right here" Jeffery motioned with his hands quickly "Is the shopping and food area. We even have a small mechanic shop, Lui's." Jeffery spoke as the man walked outside. Even early in the morning, oil decorated his dark face.

"Hola Jeffy! Talking a walk with the Mrs I see" the man chuckles, a deep Spanish accent making his words almost impossible to understand.

But I understood.

Jeffery's face caught on fire, looking at me. "I'm sorry, ever since the dance off, everyone thinks we're dating" he sighs.

A small laugh comes out from my mouth, higher than usual "No problem, really" I say before a figure walks down the sidewalk.

My laugh dies down as Fernando walks past Jeffery and I. He glared at Jeffery, but with his height, Jeffery looked down on Fernando is angst.

"So, ever had Cuban Coffee?" Jeffery asks, which quickly sends a smile back onto my face.