Chapter Three: Did I Grow Up According To Plan?
Back at school Monday, Rico had a new mess of bruises and scars and cuts. He was weaker and more tired all the time.
"Hey shrimp." a jock said to Rico shoving him into a locker.
Rico glared at him, but his glare softened when Miley put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't listen to them Rico." she said.
"Yeah." Lilly added. "They're just teasing you because their life is so pathetic."
"Besides you're an easy target." Oliver added. Miley and Lilly shot him a look and Rico walked away.
-
"C'mere little boy. I'll help you into your locker." the same jock said. Rico growled and punched him in the gut. His eyes widened at what he just did and he started to back away.
Soon enough the two of them were fighting in the middle of the hallway…
-
"Hello Lillian." Rico's dad said to her in the parking lot. He's the only adult who called Lilly by her full name.
"Hello Mr. Suarez." Lilly said.
"Have you seen my son?"
"Um, he's fighting in the school." Lilly said quietly.
Mr. Suarez growled angrily and went in the school, Lilly following.
-
Lilly and Rico's dad went into the school and Lilly froze at the sight.
Rico was rolling on the ground with some jock three times his size! They were punching and kicking each other. Miley and Oliver were standing at the side, screaming for Rico to stop. Many other onlookers were watching
"Rico!" his father called and bounded down the steps. He ignored him. Mr. Suarez reached over and lifted his son by his shirt collar. He was still trashing around.
"Rico."
He immediately froze. He recognized that voice too well.
"I'm sorry about this, I'll make it up to you." Mr. Suarez said. "Come on mijo." he said to Rico through clenched teeth. Rico picked up his bag and raced into his dad's car.
"Da-" Rico started
"Shut up!" Mr. Suarez snapped.. The rest of the ride home was in silence.
-
"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry. I won't do it again...I'll try harder, I swear...please, just stop…I'm sorry." Rico sobbed, holding his head in pain.
"Shut up! I'm tired of your excuses!" Mr. Suarez spat.
Rico spit blood out of his mouth.
Why was his life this screwed up?
He moaned as he stood up. The room was spinning. Mr. Suarez grabbed him by his shirt collar and threw him to the stairs. Rico landed hard on the steps. Blood stained the carpet. He coughed and pushed hair out of his face.
"I'm…sorry." Rico whispered.
"What did I tell you?" Mr. Suarez asked. He started towards his son and raised a beer bottle. He smashed it over Rico's head. Rico moaned in pain. Mr. Suarez smirked and walked into his room, leaving Rico there.