Amor Temible / Oscar Diaz

TRES

     Valeria

     Unlike Pasadena, there were no roosters to wake up the block every morning or dogs barking outside. Instead there were shouting, some gun shots and cars speeding by. It was nothing new but it was so early in the morning. I woke up around my usual time, 9:30 which gave me at least two hours to get ready. I wanted to look presentable because who knows, I might run into someone new. I put on my LA Galaxy jersey with Giovanni written all across the back, black leggings that hugged my legs well if I do say so myself and my black high top vans. I let my hair down because its tiring to put it up and it looks good down. I walked out to the kitchen to see my mom making breakfast. Eggs and bacon for my brothers but just toast for me. I cant eat eggs. I dont know why, but its like I cant drink milk either. But as long as Im alive and healthy then it shouldn't matter. My brothers were still asleep and my dad was out in front gardening. 

     ¨A donde vas?¨ my mom questioned me without keeping her eyes off the pan in front of her. 

     ¨Uhm solo voy a salir con los niños de ayer.¨ I informed her and hoped that she would let me go out. She nodded and turned back to face me. Oh no, shes going to tackle me and say how proud she is of me for making new friends.

     ¨Bueno, qué estás esperando,¨ she told me, ¨go!¨

     I smiled at her and left the house with a smile. I said bye to my father and walked out the gate. I turn to my right and see Ruby and his friends approaching me. I run a little to meet up with them and hug them all good morning. 

     ¨Well lets go to my house to introduce you to my family and then we'll show you around if we have the time.¨ he said turning on his heels and began to walk towards his house. Monse stayed back with me and started small talk with me about the weather and about how happy she was that there was finally going to be a new girl in the group. After a minute or so from walking, we made it to Ruby's house. We all went in and I introduced myself to his family. His grandma was my favorite. We were sitting on the couch talking until Monse spoke up. 

     ¨So how do you like it here in Freeridge?¨ she asked. 

     ¨Actually, its not so different from Pasadena,¨ I told them, ¨the only difference is the house and my friends but thats really it¨

     ¨Wait, theres gangs in Pasadena?¨ Jamal asked.

     ¨Yeah there is, in western Pasadena theres the Pasadena Devil Lanes and they also have another gang in Altadena called Altadena Devil Lanes, and then their rivals, the Altadena Blocc Crips. Those are the two main gangs and they both are very responsible for many murders between the gangs. There other little gangs but they just fall under them you know?¨ I informed them. I saw that they nodded as in understanding. 

     ¨Well we have two gangs here as well, Santos and The Prophets¨ Ruby said. 

     ¨And Cesar is in Santos, which we want to get him out of¨ Monse said. 

     ¨Yeah but thats impossible!¨ exclaimed Jamal, ¨his brother, Oscar aka Spooky, the leader.¨

     After that thy kept asking me questions to try to get to know me better and I did the same. After a an hour Ruby looked at the time and walked to the door. ¨We should take you back before it gets too late and dangerous for you¨ he said. I followed him out while the others stayed back. It was a quiet walk back. The air around us wasnt awkward, it was very comfortable. Before we reached my gate, Ruby pulled my arm back and made me face him. 

     ¨Listen Val, you're new here and I just want to say that you have to be careful around here. I dont know how it was back in Dena but you dont know how it is here,¨ he said, ¨so whatever you need, always be with one of us please.¨

     I smiled at him and tried to hide my blush. ¨Thank you Rubes,¨ I replied, ¨Thank you for being concerned but Im strong. Goodnight and see you tomorrow.¨ With that I walked back into my house and watched him walk back home smiling. 

     What he said was true, I dont know how its like here but whatever happens, Ill make sure Im ready for it. Freeridge will be mine just like how I made Altadena mine. 

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Sorry for the such short chapter!