Street Love (An Interracial Love Story)

Chapter 2

Tony’s POV

“Think about it little man. It’s just distribution and you’ll be making thousands a week.” Smiley nods at me as I climb out of the backseat of his Range Rover. He rolls down the window as I walk towards my apartment. “All you need to do is get jumped in and complete one favor. Vamos a estar de vuelta en una semana.”

I nod as the alcohol takes hold of my stomach and try my hardest not to barf in front of the leaders of Pandilla. Quickly, I throw up the gang sign with my hands and head to my front door.

Pandilla is a gang that rules East Side St. Monica. They rep black and white tall tees and are notorious for drug deals and getting rid of others who try to intrude on their territory. Smiley is the leader and is about 25. 

Last week, mi esé Juan hooked our group up with some acid and when I asked him about it, he said he got it from joining Pandilla. Since then, I started asking some questions and was honored when Smiley wanted to meet me today. Not only did he offer me the chance to join the gang, but I’ll also be able to make some side cash to help mi mama y hermanita. I really want to join but Juan said it’s not easy.

“¿Dónde estabas?” mi mama asks as soon as I unlock the front door. I can’t answer her question but instead rush to the restroom right as all my beers and food from the night come rushing up.

When I’m finished puking, my mom is standing over me with her arms crossed.

“Pendejo!” She yells. “What do you think you’re doing?!? Huh?!?” She smacks the back of my head with her hand and my headache gets worse. “Es uno de la mañana! You can’t just walk into my house smelling like beers Antonio!” She smacks me again but I'’m too drunk to fight back.

“Lo siento mama,” I say rubbing the back of my head. “Lo siento.”

My mom smacks me again. “Cabrón,” she says walking out of the room. “Just like your dad.”

I ignore her hurtful words and instead I get up and stumble down the hallway. I peek into Emily’s room and see her sleeping, wrapped up in a blanket and sucking her thumb. I smile then walk to my room and throw myself in bed. 

I try to fall asleep but my throbbing headache isn’t letting me. I roll over a few times and soon my thoughts drift to Evette.

She's kinda cute when she's not preaching to me about school. While I was talking to her tonight I was so distracted by her body. And not only her curves, but her smile and dark brown eyes. I guess I’ve never really taken the time to talk to her but even drunk, I thought she was pretty hot.

I replay our conversation in my head a few times and smile. She’s going to be real successful one day. But that was the first time someone suggested that I might be able to be more than these streets. I would never admit it but I think deep down, I wanna get out of this hood. I just don’t see that happening. And now that I might be joining Pandilla? These streets are becoming more and more real to me.

My mind then wanders and I think about my dad. Him and my mom had one argument too many and he left. 

Then I think about my little sister. I love Emi so much. I've basically been her dad since ours took off a few weeks after Emi was born. Maybe cause she’s so young, but she isn’t one of those annoying little sisters. And she’s smart. She started kindergarten this past month and has already gotten student of the week twice. And she can read. Some nights she even reads to me before bed. I want her to have a better future than mine, but I don't know how I can do that without any money. That's where Pandilla comes in.

I just need a little extra money para mi familia. Then I'll see if I can get out.