On My Block Fanfic: Oceans for miles

Just a little spooked

They were all gone. Candice slung her backpack on the steps and danced into the kitchen. Back & Forth by Aaliyah played on her phone in her back pocket.
"So wave ya hands in the air," Candice sung two stepping in front of the refrigerator. There was nothing in there but a loaf of bread and milk. She grabbed the bread then searched the cabinets for syrup. Syrup sandwiches were a norm. Their mother hadn't gone to the market in weeks. Candice drizzled the syrup on the bread and smushed the two pieces together.
"Back back, forth and forth," Candice wined while balancing her plate in one hand. Just the thought of food was making her happy. She danced her way back into the living room and turned on the T.V. A blank error screen popped up. No one paid the cable bill. She chucked the remote and continued eating her sandwich. They can't do nothin' right, Candice thought. Her cell phone buzzed in her backpack. It was a text from Monse.

Monse: Hey Candice, I know you mentioned that you don't live far. Wanna come over and read some of my pieces?

Candice looked around. The house needed to be cleaned and normally that would be her job. Not today. Candice quickly washed her plate, grabbed her backpack, and rushed out the door.
Monse's house was cozy with its small furniture and bright walls. Candice sat on the couch. Monse walked back out with her binder of ideas and handed it over to Candice.
"You steal my idea and I'll fight you," Monse said. Both girls stared at each other before breaking out into laughter. Candice flipped through the nicely written pages. She lingered over a story title "Ghost Woman".
"You have really nice handwriting," Candice said tracing a short tailed "P" with her finger.
"Thanks...want anything to drink?" Monse asked getting up.
"No, I'm fine," Candice kept flipping through until her phone began buzzing.
Mom: why is my house a mess and where are you? I'm not making dinner you'll have to make it yourself.
You never do. Candice shook her head and closed the binder. Monse looked at her confused.
"I'm sorry Monse...I have to head home," Candice said slipping her shoes back on.
"Aw man, well, my dad could drive you home?"
"No!" Candice shouted making Monse jump.
"I'm sorry," Candice stood, "I'll walk, thanks for the offer." Candice tied her shoes, grabbed her backpack, and ran out. It was dark outside and she was not in the right part of freeridge. She sped walked up the street. Walking pass a crowded porch front Candice shivered. She recognized their looks immediately. Buzzed cut hair, wife beaters, shorts, tear drop tattoos. Santos.
"Ay, mami you lookin' a little lost," one of the guys laughed. Candice kept walking.
"She think she too good for us aye Spooky?" another one yelled. Candice froze for a second but hurried and turned the corner and to jog home. That was way too close. When she got home the front steps were littered with Prophets.
"What up Candice?" A guy said. Her heart pounded in her chest. She squeezed through them and to the door. Her wrist was snatched and she was pulled into a tall guy with locs. His shirt smelled of mildew and beer. Candice tugged to get away but his grip was tight around her waist. He pulled her closer and she felt his wood poking her. The guy gave out a loud laugh. Candice brought her knee up to his crotch and sent him bending over releasing her.
"Don't you ever do that again," she said. He looked up at her and cursed.
"Yeah man don't be messing with little Candice like that...she Craig's step daughter!" Candice raced upstairs and to her room. Her room was simple: White walls, twin bed, bars on her window, a small desk she made. On her desk was her diary and a vase she made in Sophomore years art class. She locked her door. Shouts and curses floated up to her bedroom window. They were jumping the guy.

When she woke up the next morning, looking in the mirror, she noticed swelling on the right side of her face. There was a faint hand outline that was almost bigger than her head. I can't wait to leave this place. She got up, showered, made a syrup sandwich, and started her walk to school. There was no drama from the Terrell's this morning. Candice stretched and yawned. It was nice out today. A small breeze blessed her face. Today she wanted to work on her short story more to flesh out a back story for her characters. Ahead of her she recognized a familiar curly bush of Hair.
"Monse!" Candice yelled. Monse turned around squinting her eyes then waved. The three guys that were with Monse seemed stunned.  Candice gave Monse a hug and began walking with them.
"I'm Jamal," the thin black guy said extending his hand. Candice shook it.
"And I'm Ruby." The small middle school looking kid said.
"This is Cesar," Monse said pointing to the light skin guy walking beside her. He looks familiar. Candice stared into his face for a second and then recoiled turning her head away when she noticed a red car pulling up beside them.
"Cesar," the man said. Cesar instantly walked over and hopped into the car. Candice kept walking not noticing that the rest of the three friends had slowed down. She kept walking until she was sitting in Mrs. Tina's class. 

After her third period Candice had lunch. She carried her tray over to a table and sat alone. She pulled out her notebook and carefully watched people walk by her. Soon she found herself with a list of different characters, their background, and dilemmas. Her mind drifted back to the guy in the red car from earlier.
"No that couldn't be," she murmured to herself. Her phone buzzed in her pocket. It wasn't a text but a phone call from her mother.
"H-hello?" She said nervously. There was nothing but the sound of shuffling.
"Candice?" Her mother said softly.
"It's me."
"I went to the market today, Craig got paid today so I brought some food to the house. I also went shopping and bought you a dress. I think you'll like it," her mom said cheerfully. Candice's heart gave way and softened. It was every blue moon that her mom would call her and surprise her like this.
"That's good Momma!" Candice smiled.
"Tomorrow, we will have a girls day just you and me. We'll make a day out of it. We can even go to your favorite restaurant." Candice was almost near tears.
"Yeah that would be great! Love you momma," Candice said happily.
"Love you too baby, talk to you later," with that she hung up. Tears had plopped on Candice's notebook and smeared the ink.  She didn't care though she was too happy to be sad.