a/n: sorry I haven't updated in like forever. I was grounded and I couldn't go on my computer. But don't worry- I'll update quickly. oh, and sorry this chapter is so short.

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Chapter Eight: And Now I Try Hard To Make It

Several days later, Rico was released from the hospital. He had a few broken ribs, but nothing life-threatening. He would be able to go back to school too.

-at Rico's house-

Mr. Suarez brought down his belt, slamming it against Rico's tender flesh. Rico screamed in pain as the belt ripped through his shirt and hit the skin on his back repeatedly. He harshly pulled Rico up from the floor and held him by his shoulders.

"Don't you be go landing' your ass in any more trouble, got that?" he asked. Rico was too afraid to reply. "Do you hear me? DO YOU HEAR ME RICO?"

"I HEAR YA!" Rico yelled back, tears streaming down his face. Mr. Suarez threw Rico down to the floor. He hit the hard wooden floor and began sobbing.

"I'm…sorry." he sobbed. "I'm sorry. Why do you hate me? I'm sorry!"

Mr. Suarez spat on his son and walked away.

-

The next day, Rico woke up in his bed. Rico got up and walked into the bathroom. He slammed his fist on the door and tried to stop the tears that wanted to fall out of his eyes.

"Rico? Are you OK?" his father asked in a calm, normal-sounding voice.

"I'm fine." Rico choked out. He opened the door and was face-to-face with his dad. "M-morning f-f-father." Rico stuttered nervously.

"Good morning mijo." Mr. Suarez said. He ruffled Rico's hair and walked downstairs. Rico cocked his eyebrows. His dad looked…different. He was acting like a normal dad. He was…sober? Rico didn't know and he didn't press the subject. As long as he wasn't getting beat.

Rico went back into the bathroom and grabbed a razor. 'Is it worth it?' he thought. Sighing, he stuck it in his book bag and ran downstairs.

-

"I'm leaving." Rico said and slid by his dad.

"Rico! Wait!" his dad called. Rico backed up against the wall, breathing heavy.

"Have a great day son." he said.

-

At school, Rico noticed everyone was staring at him. Probably because a white boy was decked out in black . He shrugged it off and walked to his locker.

Miley walked over to him, her eyes wide.

"Rico…new look?" she asked.

"Kinda." Rico said. He struggled to pull his backpack out of his locker; it was stuck.

"Here, lemme help." Miley said. She and Rico gave one more tug and the bag popped out with a pop.

Something fell out of his backpack. Miley picked it up. It was a razor. Rico's eyes widened as he snatched it away and shoved it in his book bag.

"Rose, what happened to you?" Miley asked. he shrugged.

"Nothing. I've just changed." he muttered and walked away.