"What the he'll are you doing here?" Jamal yells .
He watches as his cousin Melani dumps her luggage on the guest bed.
"Long time no see pipsqueak." She pats Jamal on the head. Jamal immediately slaps her hand away. "I'm not a little kid anymore."
"Yeah Yeah yeah," Melani says rolling her eyes.
"So," Jamal asks nervously. "How long are you staying? A day an hour, Five minutes?"
Melanie shrugs "I don't know."
"You don't know?" Jamal yells. "How can you not know ? Do you just go through life not knowing things. "
Melani smiles and pinches Jamal's cheeks. "Life is so much funner when it unexpected, don't you agree little cuz?"
Jamal frowns. "No, no I don't agree. In fact life is better when it's completely not adventurous,and expectant" He argues crossing his arms.
Melanie sits next to Jamal, who eyes her warily. Mostly because he's eyeing the hundred dollar bill that must have fallen from the duffel of roller world money he found last month.
"I know we ended on bad terms Jamal"
"Bad terms," Melanie, you ran away.
I had to to. She says Her long brown braids fall in her face. She elegantly twist them into a bun on top of her head.
"Why."
She sighs.
'Melani you can tell me. Your like the big sister I've always had, but never really wanted." Jamal states.
"How kind of you," she says sarcastically.
Jamal shrugs
"How's the core four", Malani says changing the subject. God you guys remind me of when I was younger.
Not good. Jamal answers.
What do you mean not good.
Ruby was shot last month. He's fine Jamal continues quickly. But our other friend didn't make it.
"I'm sorry." Malani whispers.
"Is that why you left town," Jamal ask?
"No, she frowns. I left town cause I needed out. This place is too small, if you let it, it'll suffocate you. You'll think the whole world is made of just this place."
"Then why come back" Jamal asks?
"Cause it's home pip squeak. I love the people and Its always going to be a part of me. Your parents adopted me when I was twelve after my parents died. There's no other place in the world that makes me feel the way this place makes me feel."
"Speaking of which," Jamal starts.
"Does Spooky know your back?"
She stands up not looking at Jamal and heads towards the kitchen.
Jamal follows "I'm guessing that's a no."
Melani grabs a package of ham and slams it on the table.
"I mean it's probably fine if he doesn't. You know maybe we should just keep it that way. Lay low. Pack your things back up." Jamal says warily.
"Your mom said, I can stay as long as I like," Malani says.
"My mom says things she doesn't mean all the time." Jamal defends.
Melani stares at Jamal with confusion. "Besides, isn't Oscar locked up?"
"He got out a few months ago. Is that sandwich by any chance for me," Jamal interrupts.
Malani rolls her eyes and takes a giant bite, and sighs.
Jamal gasp playfully in horror.
"Tell auntie I'll be back soon ."
"Exactly how soon", Jamal questions?
Malanie shrugs " be creative."
Jamal snatches the sandwich from her hand before she makes it out the door. Then smiles evily.
"Stay away from Spooky, he yells back at her. " "Please," he adds.
Stay away from spooky. She says the words in her head silently. Thinking maybe if she repeats it over and over again. She might actually listen to herself for once. She knows better though. She never listens to herself.
The truth of the matter is, she shouldn't have come back to free ridge in the first place. She'd had a comfy condo in the hills. She was making it just fine as sue chef at Madame Alexanders, but she'd been stupid. She'd messed with the wrong guy. And the wrong guy had happened to be madame Alexander's nephew who'd left her with a swollen lip and promises of more.
She'd been stupid. She'd thought she'd get an easy in sleeping with the bosses nephew. She hadn't known that the bosses nephew was going to turn out to be a psychotic brat. If that wasn't bad enough Tyler still thought she was his. He was still waiting for her to come running back.
So here she was, the only place she knew Tyler couldn't find her. Free Ridge was safe in its unsafety. Her pass was hidden so well, she'd almost forgotten it herself. But here she was winter coat rapped tight in this stupid cold wind. Like she was sixteen again. Damn life was easy then. Even when it wasn't.
Malani doesn't mean to make it all the way to Mario's house, but that's where she ends up. She hasn't even gotten to knock on the door before it opens Her fist still stuck in mid air.
Ruby, stars back at her. God, he's gotten so big since the last time she's seen him. Has it really been that long.
Malani, he ask? "What what are you doing here."? She notices a pregnant white women standing behind him.
"Um, Your mom and dad are ... fine right" She questions hesitantly?
Ruby just stares at her, his arm in a sling.
"Uh yeah yeah, this is Mario's girlfriend. She's pregnant Ruby says nervously. Mario forgot to use a condom. Mom's not happy about that. I always kind of wondered what happened to you day you were here and then you just kind of disappeared. "
Malani nods. Feeling like she doesn't belong and like this is the absolute worst timing.
"Heard you got shot," she says.
"Uh yeah" Ruby answers. "Word travels fast, even to you."
"Jamal told me this morning. How are you feeling"
"Alive" Ruby says. Pissed.
"Hi,"the pregnant woman says coming from behind Ruby.
"I'm helping him work on his feelings. I know how inner city life can be. I mean Ruby's the first person I know who's been shot, but change starts from within the community. We can all make a difference."
"This is Amber, "Ruby says rolling his eyes.
"Amber this is Malani."
"So how do you know Mario", Amber asks. "Is he like an old flame. Because he's mine now she says viciously, then she smiles kindly."
Malanie pulls Ruby closer. 'Your mom is actually letting this crazy ass white women stay here."
Ruby shrugs. "Shes having a hard time with it, but technically Amber is family now."
"Oh I've come back just in time this is going to be so entertaining."
Ruby gives her a look. "Drama Queen is not a good look on your Malani. I would think you would have matured into a respectable woman."
"Why on earth would you think that."
Amber looks at Malani, "so do I have to worry about you."
Malani shrugs." I mean being that I was Mario's first everything. You'll probably have to ask him. You know what they say about first."
Ruby scolds her, "she's pregnant. Don't entice her. Besides aren't you the little liar. Wasn't that Angelica."
"She came at me first." Malanie whines.
Mrs. Martinez comes from behind Ruby.
"Malanie"?
"His Mrs. Martinez."
"Your back. Jamal didn't say..."
"I just arrived last night" she interrupts.
Mrs Martinez gives her a big hug. "How's the restaurant. Omg, I have to tell Mario. He's going to flip when he see's you."
Aubelita comes from a back room and centers a stare on her. "What is it you've come back for, She asks."
"Maybe I'm homesick," Malanie says.
"I call bullshit," Abuelita snaps. "You know better than anyone secrets don't last here. Might as well spill it."
Amber sits on a chair side eyeing. She's been here for weeks now, and can't get Mrs Martinez to even look in her direction most of the time.
Ruby shrugs looking at her. "Don't worry, Mario and Malanie were never a thing. She was always Spooky's girl. He's the lead of the Saints. Not that football team from Louisiana, but a gang from up the street. But I guess you know that already. Don't let her get under her skin. She's not nearly as tough as she seems, neither is my mother. Besides if there was anyone you'd have to worry about it would be Angelica. Mario's ex and..."
Mario runs into the room then, interrupting Ruby. He looks at Malani like he's seen a ghost. His words are stuck in his mouth. " Your back" He asks shocked?
"No Mario, I'm a figment of your imagination." Malani says excitedly. "But thanks for being so ecstatic to see me."
Mario laughs and give her a big hug, "I'm sorry I'm just shocked that's all."
Mrs Martinez looks at Mario. " maybe you should take notes from Malanie. She's used her degree for opening up a fancy restaurant, instead of making babies and becoming a statistic."
"Mom I have a job!"
"Mario you need a real job. Looking for a job is not a job. Mrs. Martinez yells before walking out. Who do you think is going to provide for that baby?"
Malani smiles playfully.
Ruby shoves past all of them making his way to his bedroom.
"So what brings you all the way back here." Mario asks.
Malani squints at him. Mario knows her better than anyone. Except maybe Spooky.
She doesn't say anything.
"Maybe I just miss my boys."
Amber stands ups then. Her pregnant belly slowing her down.
"Just to be sure. My boys." She air quotes" is a figure of speech right. It's some kind of ghetto slang"
Malani ignore hers and looks at Mario. "Did your girlfriend just call me ghetto?"
"Malanie this is my fiance Amber."
"We've already met," Amber smiles.
Malani laughs, "Relax momma cougar. Noone's out here to steal Mario from you. He's more of a brother to me than anything."
"Well how come you don't feel the same way about Ghost?'
"Ghost," Mario ask confused.
"Yeah you know. Scary gang guy , tats, cocky."
Mario and Malani both burst into laughter. "Babe," Mario corrects. "You mean, Spooky."
"God, I can't keep track of all these nick names, she yells grabbing a newspaper from the table and fanning herself. "Mario can you go by the store real quick."
"What do you need," Mario ask?
"Ice Cream " Amber says pouting. "Babe I just came from the store." Mario wines.
"Pleeeease," she says, Rubbing her belly.
"Fine" Mario says breaking, "What Kind."
"Anything but that Brand that just says Ice Cream"
"Whats wrong with the Brand that Just says Ice Cream?"
"Gosh, don't spoil the girl," Malani says sarcastically.
"Don't worry I got you," she says shoving Mario out.
"So what brings you back to good Ole Free Ridge" Mario ask suspiciously. Once there outside again. The cold air slaps them in the face.
"Your fiance is crazy wanting icecream in this kind of weather." Malani says ignoring his question.
"Your fancy restaurant get to much for you to handle," Mario pushes ?
Malanie doesn't say anything for a while. "I'm taking a break from the restaurant."
"Taking a break, Please Mario says sarcastically, I've known you since you were six."
"Then you should know, I can handle anything. " Malani snaps.
"I also know you don't take breaks," Mario says cockily."
Malani raps her coat tighter. "What about you, Amber Really"?
"What's wrong with Amber," Mario shrugs.
"Nothing, she just. I don't know... different"
"She thinks the world is peaches and cream."
"I like that about her." Mario mumbles.
But she can read between the lines. There's something Mario's hiding. She won't push it though. Its not like she's in the mood to share her own secrets.
"So, how long do you think your going to stay with your mom."
"As long as she let's me, or til I find a job. Maybe you can get me one at your restaurant"
"Mario you can't even boil water. " She laughs
"Your a master chef, can't you teach me." He says.
Malanie laughs .
"Fine," Mario says more seriously. "You don't have to tell me what really going on . I'm bound to find out eventually you know. How long you think you can keep a secret from Spooky."
"Forever, Oscar doesn't even know I'm here."
"Yeah well, mission aborted, " Mario says looking towards the convenience store door.
Malani looks up to see spooky staring right at her. His eyes lock on hers as he moves a cigarette to his mouth. She goes cold for a second her heart stopping.
"Damn it" she should have stayed cooped up at her aunts house. At least there it was he walks toward them, she tries to breathe again. Hoping that the brief note of panic isn't printed on her face.
Spooky walks up to Mario first, "How's Ruby."
Mario shrugs "he doin."
Spooky nods. Then he looks toward Malanie. His eyes rake up and down her body. He smiles before he lands on her eyes.
"Nice to see you too", Malanie says. She intended not to speak first. But staring at him now. Her nerves has gotten the better of her.
Spooky chuckles staring at her. "I'm sorry do i know you?" " The guys behind him laugh along. Its a mean antic that's meant to break her heart.
Dealing with Spooky is like playing with fire. He used to be different, smart , rational. He used to remind her more of Ceasor his little brother. Now he reminds her of the devil. If the devil was a tatted up sexy as hell gang leader. Who knows maybe he his. It would only be fair.
"Still looking at him, " Malani smirks.
"No, I don't believe we've met. I used to have a boyfriend who looked a lot like you though, except he was smarter, he would never have gotten himself locked up behind..."
"Stop!" Spooky screams cutting her off. His face is one of barely contained anger. "I went to prison to save your ass."
"Oh, so you do know me. " Malani sneers.
Oscar comes face to face with her. God damn it, she doesn't need him this close. She can't breathe with him this close and it's not because shes afraid.
"Your dead to me amor, " he says. Only this time it does break her heart because he calls her love and he know that used to make her heart melt.
"I buried you a long time ago. I buried Oscar a long time ago. So if you think your gonna come back and we're going to take off where we left off. Your wrong. You got three days to get the hell out of Freeridge or all hell breaks loose."
Malani stands there fuming. She should be shocked but she not.
Mario is however. "Don't you think your being a little irrational she's just visiting spooky."
"Did I ask you," Spooky says turning on Mario. One of his guys step to Mario daring him to disagree again. "
"Its okay" Malani says. Stepping in front of Mario. Not that he needs her too. He's bigger than her now. Stronger, but old habits don't really die fast.
Spooky leaves. His minions follow behind him,and he does't look back.
That breaks her heart too. Even though it shouldn't. She left Spooky behind a long time ago. She buried him the same way he buried her, alongside blood and guns and dreams that are never ever going to come true. She sprinkled them with secrets she'll never ever tell him, and she laid them to rest.
But her heart, her stupid heart doesn't know the difference between Oscar and Spooky. It doesn't understand that Spooky is a broken figment of Oscar, that there are pieces of him that will never be fixed, and that she can't love him, because spooky will never ever love her back.
"You okay," Mario says with concern.
She nods following him into the store.
"He won't hurt me," she says. Mario says nothing.
He doesn't ask her what happened all those years ago. He's been stop pushing that issue. Instead once inside he throws her a giant bag of hot fries. Remembering how they always used to cheer her up.
"You know these things are terrible for you now," She says smiling.
"So is heartbreak," Mario says winking.
"Damn it, there's no Ben and Jerry's anywhere in this god damn store."
Malanie laughs.
"What," Mario says looking at her oddly.
She shrugs, "Nothing."
"He grabs four jars of a non brand ice cream."
She grabs a Coke from the fridge on the way out. "See why can't I fall in love with a nice guy like you," she mumbles.
They dump all there contents on the counter.
"Malani is that you? " Mr green says with a smile.
Malani nods at the old man. "In the flesh."
"I hear you have big business now. You a mega star."
She should correct the lie, she knows she should but she's been telling it for so long. She doesn't think she can stomach being a disappointment. Besides it's not her fault the rumor spread. Is it?
Instead she smiles. "Its so great to see you again," Mr. Green.
Mario grabs the bag from the counter. Handing her the bag of hot fries and the coke. He glares at her.
"Whats that look for " she asks.
"Nothing."
"Your not giving me that look for nothing," she snaps back.
The cold air hits them again outside.
"I can't believe you still love him."
"Really Mario, How is that so hard to believe ?"
"Because he not the same person," Mario snaps. "And I don't want to see you get hurt. You have it good. This place is bad for you. Why the hell would you come back here Malani.
He means well, God she knows he means well. She spent her childhood having Mario's back and even when everyone betrayed her. Mario still had her back.
"You came back" She says.
"I came back for the same reason you came back. My family is here."
"And Spooky who wants you dead," he adds
"He doesn't want me dead," she snaps
"You betrayed him." Mario snaps. "You betrayed him and he
"You know I didn't Mario, You know I never...
"I don't know what to believe Malani. " "Hell, I don't even know you" "You keep secrets and
"We all have secrets Mario,"
Mario nods, "Yeah true. But my secrets aren't hurting anyone ."
He storms off then, and she watches him leave. Left alone on the sidewalk in the stupid cold running away from rich boys and hiding away from a gangleader she used to love. She falls apart for a split second. Then she sucks the tears back in . She walks forward knowing she not going to leave in three days. She doesn't have anywhere else to go, no one else to turn to.
If Spooky finds her fine. If he's pissed fine, but she not letting him chase her away this time. He'll have to put a gun to her head, and if he does that again. This time, he better shoot.
Thank you all for reading. I do not in any way affiliate or have any right to On My Block. This is strictly for fun! Please comment if you enjoy and would like another chapter. HAPPY READING.
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