Chapter 16: We're Gonna Rock It Tonight Pt. 1 (Chino POV)

Chino had always been a hard worker. His father always said a man is only useful if he could provide. Once arriving in America, he did everything he could to succeed. He was studying to work as an accountant and currently worked in a store keeping track of the comings and goings of their products. He was on the fast track to becoming a proper assistant manager. Once that happened, he could take the next step as a man and take a wife. Luckily, he already had one in mind.

Bernardo had been his friend since day one. Bernardo was a hero to all in their neighborhood, and especially to Chino. Bernardo was brave and strong and always stood up to those trouble-making gringos. Chino desperately wished to be one of the Sharks. He wanted to be a hero and stand up for their people. But Bernardo always said he had a more important job; being the man his sister deserved. He had met Maria when she arrived in America. She was beautiful and would be a good mother to their future children. Bernardo's approval of him for his sister meant the world to Chino, and he would do anything to make the future bright.

Chino was walking down the street after another late shift. He always volunteered, hoping to make a good impression on his boss. He decided to make a detour, hoping to see Maria on her way home from work. Their conversations had been brief and he wanted to talk to her more. As he rounded the corner towards Doc's Drugstore, he caught a glimpse of Maria heading towards the back entrance. Curiously, went closer to see what she was doing there so late in the evening. What he saw next shook him deep to the bone.

Maria stood in the doorway cuddled up to the gringo that worked there. Chino recognized him from the dance. He was friends with one of those godforsaken Jets. Maria was deeply kissing him as he pulled her in and closed the door behind him. Chino stood frozen for a few minutes unsure of what he had just seen. Was Maria insane! How dare she even go near that gringo. He was dangerous! She was supposed to be kissing him like that. Why wouldn't she want me? I can give her more than that gringo ever would. He's tricked her, telling her lies just to get her to go to bed with him. I had to save her from him!

Chino knew better than to face him alone. He ran as fast as he could to their neighborhood. He knew Bernardo and the Sharks would be at the ring. When he stepped inside and approached Bernardo, he had no clue what to say.

"Amigo, good to see you. Just finished work? … my sister will have a good husband in you. Come, we're just going to have drink…", said Bernardo.

"Bernardo, I must tell you something… something… upsetting.", Chino said as his voice quivered.

Bernardo looked at him concerned. "What is it, Amigo? Tell me, is someone in trouble?" Chino nodded. "Who? If one of ours in trouble, we'll do what we can."

Chino shook with unease. "It's Maria. She's in trouble."

"No… not my Maria? What's happened?! Is she hurt? Did someone hurt her? Tell me what happened!"

"I saw her going into Doc's. She was… she…. She was…"

Bernardo grabbed him and shouted, "Spit it out, what happened?!"

"SHE WAS KISSING A GRINGO!"

"What?!", Bernardo said baffled.

"I saw Maria kissing that gringo that pulled that Jet back at the dance. I think he's friends with them. He was kissing Maria, he pulled her into the store.". Chino took a breath.

Loco interrupted, "That gringo ain't just a friend, amigo. He used to be their jefe till the policías took him away. I heard he's been in prison for the last year."

Bernardo paced the floor like a lethal predator. No one made a move or a breath while Bernardo towards the table. Anger burst from Bernardo as he flipped the table and screamed out. "That lambón is going to pay! Vamos camaradas! We're going to pay a visit to Doc's."

Chino stood as the Sharks rallied together. They left Chino standing there as they headed for Doc's. Though he knew Maria needed to be rid of that gringo, something didn't feel right. What have I done? Chino knew that tonight was going to be filled with danger.

Safe to say things just got complicated! Thanks again for the reviews!