Cholo

(11) Once

A/N:

AND WE'RE DONE WITH SEASON 1.

I'm trying to keep my chapters as closely related to the show as possible.

I'm also trying to give you a conflicted protagonist. Maria is struggling with her feelings towards Oscar; she fears getting hurt again and often sides with Cesar because of the maternal relationship she plays. She helped Oscar with Cesar and sees him as a little brother. Yet more in motherly perspective if that makes senses. I hope it was all clear of you, and if you have questions don't hesitate to ask!

Thank you and Enjoy.

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I was more secluded than ever. It has been months since his passing but I became immersed in work. My Abuela visited me regularly, and only when she came was I forced to eat and sleep. But others days, I barely did either. Ever since the funeral I segregated myself from people. Jada was the only one that I stayed in connect with. Calling whenever I felt the need for shoulder to cry on. She was there in an instant; making me laugh and forget for  moment that I am an orphan.

I haven't spoken to either Cesar, or Oscar. I blamed them in a way. My father did jump in front of a bullet to save Cesar. Cesar was in this shit because of his 'Culero' [asshole] brother. I breathed harshly, staring at the pizza box miserably.

Today was New Years. I sent Jada a text that I wanted to be alone, after her insisting that I come over to her house. I felt the need to be more alone than anything. Today would be the day I celebrate a new  year without the presence of my father. A new year alone; the only bright side of this is that Cesar is no longer a Santos.

I flicked through Netflix but nothing seemed intriguing. So I clicked on the first thing that came up and had it play as background noise. I looked around the house; it was clattered with pizza boxes, bottles of beer and wine, and clothes. I sighed, getting up and deciding to clean up.

Gathering the dirty dishes, I walked into the kitchen placing them into the sink. I went to grab some trash bags but their weren't any. I groaned in annoyance.

Great, I have to go to the store on new years - looking like a zombie.

I quickly checked the house for any items to buy, jolting down a list of things to get. I left towards the nearest store.

-   C     H    O     L     O   -

I decided to walk to the store; wanting to freshen up and clear my mind a bit. Hence, the bags of groceries I had in my hands. I made my way home, humming to myself a christmas carol. Why? I don't know.

Turning a corner, I heard the faint sounds of chatter and low rap music. The sounds of dogs barking as I passed the houses. I realized that I chose cross in front of Oscars, deciding on taking a longer route home. Maybe I shouldn't sing any Christmas carols while walking.

I huffed. Great. Now I have to face him. My eyes twitched to his house, witnessing Oscar pushing Cesar. "There's nothing I can do for you."  I stopped in my tracks.

"But you have the juice to help me." Cesar's voice cracked.

Oscar pushed him again. "You messed up."