The First

.10.

The next day at school everyone was on edge. Word had gotten out to the rest of the crew and we were all worried for Cesar. 

Lunch was quiet. Which was weird since Ruby always had something to say. 

"So guys. I know this is a really scary situation for everyone but let's not dwell on it. There might be a way to fix things." I said breaking the silence. 

"How Tasha? Latrelle is going to kill Cesar. We cant stop that" Monse said.

"Well maybe I can convince Latrelle to leave Cesar alone" I replied. 

"Nope. No way. Im not letting your near him Tasha. We already lost Olivia. I don't want to lose you too." Jamal said.

" Yeah Tasha, don't jeopardize your safety. I'm sure Spooky has a solution" Monse replied.

"But Tasha might be onto something. She can use her good looks to persuade him" Ruby said.

"Hell no. What's wrong with you. This is my girlfriend you're talking about. She's not persuading anyone. Especially not Latrelle." Jamal yelled.

I reached under the table and rested my hand on his thigh. 

"Baby it'll be alright. Don't worry about it. I'm sure I can get him to drop the beef or to make some deal" I replied. 

"Nope, no way Tasha. You're my first. My first real kiss, my first girlfriend, the first girl I had sex with, and the first girl I'm falling in love with. You think I wanna take a chance in losing that? Just no. I don't want you hanging around a gang member." Jamal said sounding annoyed.  

"Fine. I guess we'll just sit here and pray that Spooky comes up with an idea." I said. 

"Yes that's more like it. We'll visit Cesar after school and see what's the plan." Jamal said. 

School took forever to finish. After last period Jamal, Monse, Ruby and I met up by the football field and walked to Cesar's. 

As we were walking, the green car pulled up. 

"Wuddup Monse. Where your man at I been looking for him" latrelle said while scanning the group.

"Oh look who's here. You still with that clown Jamal? Come roll with a real nigga. I promise you I'll have you iced out and sitting pretty by my side." Latrelle said. 

I looked around to see who latrelle was talking to because I was certain it wasn't me. 

"Yeah I'm talking to you ma. Whats your name" latrelle asked with a smile. 

I looked over at Jamal and he looked furious. 

"Leave her alone alright!" Jamal yelled. 

"Yeah come on guys" monse said while linking arms with ruby and I. I grabbed Jamal's hand and we all walked away. 

"Don't worry ma. You live on our side of the hood. I'll find out eventually. Like I said, I always get what I want" latrelle yelled as the car drove off. 

"Can you believe that jerk" ruby said.

"Yeah he's a piece of shit. But we need to hurry to Cesar and tell him Latrelle is looking for him" i replied. 

Ruby and Jamal walked ahead as Monse pulled me back. 

"Tasha, you need to be careful. Latrelle is dangerous. And it seems like he's not letting up." Monse whispered. 

"I'm not gonna lie. I am scared. I really like Jamal and I wish Latrelle would just leave me alone. But Cesar is more important right now" I replied. 

"You're right. But maybe you should tell Spooky. I hate to tell you this but you may have to pick a side. You either fuck with Cesar and the Santos or you pick Latrelle and the Prophets. But you need protection Tasha. I lost my best friend Olivia and I don't want to lose you too" Monse said. 

"I guess you're right. I guess I'm on whatever side Cesar is on." I replied. 

"Good. So let's make a plan to tell Spooky about Latrelle harassing you" Monse said. 

Once we got to Cesar's we went inside and sat at the dining room table. 

"So Cesar… Latrelle told us he was looking for you. It's no joke now" Ruby said to Cesar. 

Spooky came into the room and I immediately gave up my seat for him to sit and sat on Jamal's lap. 

"You coulda sat on my lap" spooky laughed. 

Jamal rolled his eyes and I couldn't help but giggle. 

"Relax babe" i whispered. 

He put his hand on my thigh and kissed my shoulder. 

"So what's the plan" Jamal asked. 

"Right now Cesar stays low. I'll take care of the rest" Spooky said while opening a beer and taking a sip. 

"Okay well we have another problem" Monse said while looking at me. 

"What's up" Spooky asked. 

"Latrelle has been following Tasha around. He said he always gets what he wants and he wont give up till she's with him" monse said.

Spooky laughed hysterically. 

"So just fuck him and get it over with." Spooky said to me. 

"Really? That's not an option. I'll be fine guys. Don't worry about it" I replied. 

"Well its not alright. If you live on their territory he'll find a way to figure out where you live. What if he rapes you." Ruby said. 

"I'll be fine. Don't worry" i repeated. 

"You know what. He's right. You gotta be careful Tasha. I can't protect you if you live on their side but as long as you on Santo territory, I got your back" Spooky said to me. 

"Thanks I appreciate that" i replied. 

Spooky gave us each a beer and we chilled with Cesar a bit before heading home. 

"So babe, let me walk you home" jamal said. 

"No. I don't want you walking back alone" i replied. 

"Tasha don't worry about me. Ill be fine" Jamal said as he grabbed my hand and walked with me home. 

Once we got to my home, I kissed Jamal goodnight. 

"Please call me when you get home babe." I said.

"I will baby girl. Goodnight." He said while walking away. 

I went inside and took a shower. 

All I could think about was Latrelle. He was so cute but yet super dangerous. I knew somewhere inside he had a sweet side. It just takes the right girl to bring it out of him. 

After my shower I went to my bedroom and laid down. 

My phone rang and it was Jamal

T: hey babe. Home safe? 
J: Yes baby girl. I'm home safe in bed. Wishing I was in yours though. Anyway look. I'm sorry about today. I'm a jealous type of guy I guess. 
T: Its fine. I appreciate that side of you. I haven't been cared for by a guy like that outside of my pops. So I kinda like that you're protective of me
J: Aw I'm sorry Tasha. I'm glad you don't mind though. So babe I'm heading off to bed so I'll pick you up tomorrow so we can walk to school.
T: Goodnight babe