Gangbanger Study-Buddy

Introductions and Encounters

Meeting new people has never really been a favorite activity of mine, but meeting members of a gang takes it to another level.  In the past I could just smile at the new neighbors and let my parents do the majority of the introduction in order to edit out my less 'appealing' characteristics.  My parents would describe me in percentages and test scores.  Often they would bring up how my perfect GPA would land me in a prestigious college like Harvard, yes, maybe even Oxford!  The neighbors would nod in approval, as if these numbers were the only things that made me who I am.  Never mind that I enjoy music or like to doodle occasionally in the margins of my notebook.  Forget that I have an interest in literature and a love for composition.  Every introduction contained only the essentials: my academic achievements. 

However, as I stand in the secret meadow facing a rambunctious band of gang members, I know that my standard introduction won't cut it.  For me to make an impression on them I'll actually have be the one talking.  But how can you be interesting to a gang when all you've ever done is sit in your room and study?

This is gonna be difficult.

Before I can grasp an outline of what to say, I'm guided closer to the group by Dante.  Unconsciously, my heels dig into the soft dirt beneath me as I desperately try to think of what to say.  Hi, my name is Paz.  Too generic.  What's up? I'm Paz, rhymes with jazz.  Definitely not.

Dante continues to guide me towards his entourage and as we get closer they stop their private conversations to stare. The muscles in my shoulders are tense as I try my best to discretely wipe the perspiration appearing above my brow. My brain continues to scramble for sentences but before I know it I'm among the group. The feeling of Dante's hand on the small of my back feels like a distant memory as I gaze into the eyes of his gang. The majority of the boys seem to be around my age or a little older. There's a few that look as if they're in their early twenties and all of them are stunningly attractive in some way. Many have strong bone structure and dark hair like Dante. Must be an Italian thing. The rest of them have softer variations of the strong features present in the rest of the group. All of them definitely look like they can do some major damage.

"Devils," Dante shouts in an authoritative tone. "I want you to meet the new addition to our ranks." He pauses to spare a glance at me before continuing. "This is Paz. All of you already know the circumstances as to why she knows of us but due to recent activity it is proactive to have her join our ranks."

The gang glance at one another in a mix of confusion and disbelief. I'm not doing myself any favors by twirling my thumbs nervously as they all pin me under their gaze. Suddenly, I feel Dante's fingers tighten around my waist as he gently pulls me closer into his side. My heart races at his attempt to calm me down but, surprisingly, the minty aroma laced with cigarette smoke on his jacket helps to ease the nerves.

Dante sternly clears his throat to regain their attention. "I'll inform you of the full story soon but for now I'd like you all to get to know some more about Paz," he concludes. I hardly feel the soft brush of his fingers on my waist before he takes a small step to the side, giving the floor to me.

It's silent for a while before I realize that Dante is staring at me expectantly along with everyone else. Crap. I scan my brain quickly in the hopes of finding something decent to say but I come up empty handed. Taking a deep breath, I try to muster up the same confidence Dante had while addressing the group.

"Hi," I begin nervously, glancing around the cluster of boys. Well so much for that. "I realize that this is probably extremely weird for you all." A few of the members scoff. "I know that I don't look tough and that I'm not street smart or cunning...but I am loyal. I'm sure that's a virtue each of you take extremely seriously."