𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 ( 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 )

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍

THE SUN BEAMED DOWN ON THE PARK, in Crenshaw, making it a scorching day as Emberly lounged on the bench, observing the basketball court where Spencer and Dillion were goofing around. Spending time with Spencer had become a regular occurrence since they became official, and today was no exception, especially with Dillion joining them, which Emberly didn't have a problem with at all.

"Dillion's got some game." Emberly says as she watched Dillion throw the ball in the air making it through the hoop.

"Hey, don't encourage him." Spencer tells her.

"You scared I'm gonna beat you in front of your girl?" Dillion asks as Spencer threw him the ball.

"See?" Spencer turns around heading to her as Emberly laughed.

"Just like his brother. I do like him calling me your girl, though." Emberly says.

Hearing someone out loud refer to her as his girl, sounded great. It was a nice change from being just his best friend.

"You are my girl." Spencer says as he leans in to give her a brief peck on the lips.

"Just sounds nice hearing it out loud." Emberly says. "Don't get me wrong I love how we've been staying inside our little secret romance bubble, but eventually we're gonna have to-"

"Let the rest of the world know?" Spencer asks and she nodded her head. "You're right. It's time."

They had been keeping their relationship on the low for a while now. It wasn't that they were intentionally keeping it a secret, it's just it was their business. But Emberly felt it was time to let it be known.

"Time for you check the ball." Dillion says.

"Keep running your mouth, I'm gonna start playing real defense." Spencer says then turning back to Emberly. "What's our plan?"

"We don't have to make a big deal out of it. Olivia already knows. I'll tell Evelyn and Layla. You can tell Jordan and Coop. And then everybody else will just figure it out on their own I guess." Emberly explains.

"We gonna finish this game or not?" Dillion asks causing Spencer and Emberly to laugh.

Spencer quickly looked past Emberly, causing her to turn her head in the same direction. She spotted Coop walking with a crowd of individuals. It was clear to Emberly that those were not the kind of people one should associate with.

Emberly glanced at Spencer, looking concerned. She didn't like being around gang members. You never knew what might happen when they were nearby, so it was best to keep your distance.

Spencer knew it was time for them to leave when he saw the worry on her face. "We should probably go home." Spencer informs Dillon.

"Dude we always have to go home early." Dillion complained.

Emberly glanced over her shoulder and caught Coop staring at her and Spencer. This time, she could make out the dark bruises on Coop's face as she attempted to hide them with her hat, but it was too late - they had already noticed.

"Will you get Dillion to the car?" Spencer asked, Emberly nodded as she stood up from the bench. "I'll be right behind you."

Emberly walked to Dillion wrapped her arm around his shoulder as they walked to the car.

"Since you beat Spencer we can stop and get you a new comic book." Emberly says trying to make Dillion happy since they were leaving as she lead them to her car.

Emberly's gaze shifted towards Spencer, who was attentively watching her and Dillion as they walked towards her car. The recurring scenario was not a new one, but it still unsettled Emberly. The inability to enjoy a peaceful time at the park without the looming threat of a possible altercation was disheartening. The injustice of the situation lingered in her thoughts.