Chapter 56 - going back to the hood (Part 10) - being part of the city

The next day, we having problems in how to approach the latino clans in the other parts of the neighbourhood since Xavier does not want to be involved with them. Although his grandma is visiting them this week meeting with Kyo. Mika is not going to help us this time though with Naomi is forcing her to help with the preparation in that house though.

Mariam asked me to follow her and Amin to the studio and we went there. While Hardware is heading back to his warehouse. I’m still thinking in how do I approach them. They basically alien towards me, and if they find out I’m there one of them will definitely called the De Santo Don to attack me.

Seeing Mariam and Amin working hard in the audition, Lil Lim suddenly called me

“Hey there handsome!!”

“What’s up!!”

“Seems like Mar had a lots of ideas recently with new faces and all, anything that came up?”

“Nothing particular though…”

“Really because there is news that the Jade Lotus family suddenly come out from the news that they are confess everything crime that have happen…” shit is that what Mika negotiation, at least when this happen at least Damien will have less target and will be focus on the De Santo gang.

“Well then I’ve got someone that I need help though she lived in Santa Monica, see she wanted help in with muscle…” well since I had time to do other things maybe I could have some free time from here since its been a while I haven’t visit LA for once. I took my bike out and head towards Santa Monica.

Wow, I never knew this pier, I did visit here before but it was only with Damien doing our rounding. The beach is filled with people and beaches itself filled with sexy babes and buff guys. Kinda missed this vibe, I remember Lil Lim told me that there is a little cafe that needed help. Once I reach there, its called ‘belleza de playa’ kinda remember its translate Beach beauty?

Inside the restaurant its like a retro 50’s or 60’s vibes like those back to the future part where the main character stuck in the past. With chess board tiles black and white its really retro but I realise that there is no customer here, a bustling place but there isn’t any people coming here.

Suddenly someone from the kitchen greets me

“Hola!! Welcome!!” Its a girl, she look young but she is damn familiar though..

“So what would you like?” Umm I’m kinda hungry though but I wonder if they have it

“Shrimp tacos with fries and a coke…”

“Got it!! Give me a sec…please have a seat then” the place looks really clean as if its maintain well but I could not help to bother myself why there isn’t anyone coming here.

Once the girl serve the food

“Here goes shrimp taco and fries and coke. The fries is a special south american touch! Enjoy!!” She wink at me, damn man she is really familiar but when?

I take a bite from the taco, chew it slowly, damn its really good!! The crunchy taco and the freshness of the veggie and guacamole its really balance it, plus jalapeño as well. The fries is really tasty damn man I could not stop eating man. This is really good plus I haven’t eaten a decent meal for a while.

“Sorry ma’am, could I have the same again!!”

“Sure!!” While waiting though, taking a sip of the coke, damn man that is really good!! While waiting someone entered the place and it's a latino thug.

“Nice food eh, ese!!” Seems like they suddenly sit at the table.

I could hear they said to the girl in Spanish “Oye perra, tráenos algo de comida aquí.”

Must be they are really hungry eh.

“Thank you for waiting” I instantly give her the money and said to her “take it, keep the change $50 note for her since her food is really damn good. Talk about being load since Darrel told me to use the money for good. At least this could cheer her up.

“But this is a lot we only sell it all for $12…”

“nah its all yours” I push the change back to her.

“Hey ese…you loaded eh?” Huh what the hell is that hombre is thinking

“Maybe you could buy food for us eh Ese?” Why the hell this situation is really familiar? Just like when Hiew tried to forced me, but shit, Nat was the one that asked me to be passive

“Hey!! I’m sorry about it just leave okay sir?” The girl is protecting me

“Hey Ese…why not just give all your money then and we leave it as it is” this fucker is really testing my patient.

“Hey….just order 2 set of tacos and a coke for this gentleman here please…”

“But sir…”

“Just do it please…” I crack my neck and crack fist looking to see this guys here need some education.

“Hey Ese…Oye idiota, por qué no te jodes? This asshole may need another asshole

“Hey how about you take a seat” I hold his shoulder really hard to the point I could hear something broken. And in an instant elbow the other guy. I hold his head, but I realise they all are shorter than me. Look like all thanks to Mr Marcus and his spartan regime of his. I lifted the guy and the guy who have broken nose tried to run but I asked him to seat down.

“Hey hombre…don’t run, that girl is making your food here please have a SEAT!!” I I kick him leg until he could not run.

“Puto!!” Instantly i punch him to his face, he is still conscious though because I wanted them to appreciate the food, which I could assume is because of them that is why the restaurant has no customer.

Trying to avoid any damages on the property of the restaurant but themselves. While I beating them senseless without her notice.

“Hey ese….don’t run…” I took their weapons and dismantling it into pieces.

“yes…sir” finally both of them are now obedient

“After the food if you still hunger bro, just make the call I’ll order again for you two until you full”

After a while while I hold the two while chatting with them

“Tell me homie…you always come to this restaurant?” One of them nod and the other tried to explain

“This restaurant is under our gang protection since our boss wanted her to pay the protection fee but she decline…” seems like she is strong facing that kind of situation.

“So…homie who is your boss then?” Since they are part of the latino gangs might as well asked them.

“His name is Samuel….” So now I tried to change the mood

“Your name?”

“Lucas…”

“And you?”

“Javier….”

“How old are you guys?”

“15….” They are the same age as me

“Uh huh….where you lived homie?”

“Uh…a quarter mile from here…”

“Uh huh….so by bike or walk homie?”

“A car…”

“What kind of a car…?”

“A lowrider…”

“Interesting…is it an Impala?”

“Yeah…”

“Kinda wanted to see that car though…”

“That’s the boss car…”

“Uh huh…”

While having that demeanour chats, the food arrive although the girl was surprised to see this and suddenly tried to lecture me.

“This is are just kids, don’t bother about them, because….”

“They had nothing to do isn’t it?” Kinda feel them though but I do wonder if they have gone to school or not

“Hey, since you’re 15, going to high school?” One of the kid suddenly tried to avoid looking at me as if they are embarrassed and one of them suddenly respond to me

“We got kick out from school…”

“Uh huh….then?”

“We’ve got no other place to go…”

“Then how about other school?” Suddenly the restaurant chef respond back

“Its because he can’t be far…” doesn’t make sense there is plenty of school there must be a reason

“Uh huh…” maybe I could suggest something to them, I look at her

“Hey..do you need someone to help you in this restaurant?” The two boys were surprised and she respond back

“They….” I hold her shoulder

“There this guys will help you making a lot more money then…” she was scratching her head.

“Fine!! Hey come’re you kids, until you find a school, work with me got it!! They pay is not much at least you learn something from here”

“Gracia’s!!” The two boys suddenly change their clothing and started to work. Talk about a quick change. While the two boys started cleaning the dusty place of the restaurant, suddenly the girl give me a mojito

“Hey…I don’t drink…”

“This doesn’t have tequila inside, go ahead” I took a sip, a real thirst quencher

“This is sick…thanks”

“On the house…at least let me introduce each other” she offer her hand to signal handshake

“Alex…and you?” I didn’t realise that she is a looker despite her appearance of a cook with oily face, and dirty apron.

“Isabella…” eh!? Is Lil Lim knows her? Or is it a different Isabella

“uh….don’t tell me…” she smile at me

“You pass homie…this two kids is my own little nephew but they kinda a bit lost with being involved with the hood” uh huh, Lil Lim she got me good.

“damn…but how about their school then?”

“You know homie, you look kinda a bit mature for a 15 year old”

“Maybe I could ask someone to arrange for this…” Isabella smile at me and kiss my cheek

“me gustas un poco chico” i look at her, with a mature look, her curly black hair just like Nat. Although she is slight muscular for a girl, she look at me with a smile and said to me

“This is an interesting guy that Lil Lim gave me, though. Well then." She rested her hand beneath her chin, her fingers drumming a slow rhythm against her skin as she waited for a response. She is smiling at me, and she asked me to sit next to her.

I sat down and wondered why, and she suddenly got really close to me. “Teves muy lindo." I know what she means. Lil Lim, what the hell are you planning here? Are you going to get myself killed here? Shit, I really had no idea what to say to her. As she leaned in closer, I could feel my heart racing. Lil Lim's mysterious intentions left me feeling both intrigued and nervous. I knew I had to tread carefully in this unexpected situation.

"Hey…Isabella?" I really need to settle this.

"yes…?" Isabella has a seductive smile, even with her slightly messy look. I started to get serious with her.

I explain the situation surrounding LA; she looks down as if thinking about how she wants to respond to me.

"This is a really interesting proposal, but sorry, kid... It's impossible because... I know what she means by this because I remember Darrel explaining to me this kind of group of people. I respond to her and explain again.

"It's because I don't want this cycle of violence to drag me and my family, especially my family. And now, if Damien starts this violence again, I don't want to see that past again. I'm just tired of it. I had enough of someone that I cared about crying to me again."

Isabella suddenly looked at the beach and had this sort of sad smile on her face. It looks like I may need to come to her again once I head back to the studio, as Isabella said to me.

"Come back again..." Alex… please… at 12 p.m. in this cafe." I raise my hand with my thumbs up as a signal of agreement.

I raise my hand with my thumbs up as a signal of agreement. I head back with my bike to MTV Studio; it seems like Mariam and the others are still doing their recording sessions. I sat on the sofa, tired from all this, as I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep. A voice that I'm familiar with is Frederica. "Alex, wow, I never knew that you lived in America," she said with a surprised tone. I saw her again, and at the same time, I could not respond to her by only looking at her. She suddenly held my arm and smiled at me. "You know what, Alex? Being goofy is not that bad." I realise something: I lost that cheerfulness within me. After Frederica's passing, I could not smile or even cheer, and I looked at her with longing, wishing I could find that joy again. I showed her my cheerful smile, something that I never once again showed, showing that joy was still alive within me. "See, I told you..." She suddenly pointed at my chest.

"This part is what I give you; cherish it." Tears are flowing down to me. I tried to said to her.

"Frederica…i'm…." I woke up and said out loud "SORRY!!" Mika was surprised by this

"Yo, ain't you good?! You look like you're straight up strugglin'! You aight, Babe?"

Damn, that was just a dream - a reflection of my deepest desire to express my true feelings to Darrel and Frederica. I long to turn back the clock and make amends, to finally apologize and set things right. Mika suddenly hold my eyes.

"Yo, Babe...you been cryin'? I could hear you talkin' in your sleep, Babe..."

That is a really strange dream, this thing is getting frequent as usually I wonder why but Mika is not someone that knows me really well, I'm pretty sure she will not understand my past. But damn, I never realised Mika and Naomi had really beautiful turquoise-coloured eyes . It was like looking into the ocean on a sunny day.

"its nothing… just a dream..." Mika sat next to me and explained that she had been with me for quite a while.

"Who's this Frederica chick?" seems like she hear my conversation with Frederica.

"just a childhood friend…." Mika looking sad and said to me

"Is she bae?" meaning before anyone else in the streets I just replied with a nod

"Oh, okay then...sorry 'bout that, didn't mean to step on your toes, homie..." damn man why the hell i'm just felt guilty for not telling explain more about this. As Mika started to walk out. I suddenly blurted out from my mouth

"She been gone for a minute, Mika...yeah, she passed on..." I look down and that is the first time I seen Mika like this. Something really pure from her, dammit!! Why the hell my heart started racing…? Mika said to me "Sorry 'bout that, Alex, I didn't know the deal, my bad, for sho'..." I realized that she was genuinely apologetic. She was always so confident and strong, but in that moment, she seemed vulnerable and sincere. Shit… first Nat who open up to me, Sylvia who accepted who I am…, Priscilla who stand by me sincerely like a siblings… , and now Mika. Suddenly Mika stand-up and started to sing, a melody that I never heard before. Her voice is just like Slyvia. Save the best for last by Vanessa Williams, Damn man, she is really like Sylvia, and funny is that I've got a feeling that she is just like me, including Sylvia.

Mika then stop singing and look at me "They aight, homie?" before I started to talk suddenly Mariam interrupt and said to me in a comical way

"kukuku… looks like you blushing, eh, homie ?" fuck!! I tried to hide it, and she looked at me and whispered to me, "You know what... I like her, you know." What are you trying to prove here?

"I saw the whole thing; you know what she does reminds me of someone I know, or maybe Nat or Sil?" I could see her grinning smile on her face, which really annoys me. Mariam suddenly asked me again.

"Any luck with the Latino gang?"

"Yep, I've got leads, but I will see about it."

“Amin, then approach us both.

"Yo, bro! Finally, you're back!! Honey… Lil Lim asked us for the choreography for the next music video.

"got it, honey! Will discuss back again, see you, bro!!" Mariam waved goodbye while Amin smiled at me and said, "See you, bro!!” I stand up, and Mika looks at me.

So what's the play, Homie? You ain't just going to sit there, are you? It seems like I had a plan before meeting with Isabella again.

Mika, what's the haps tonight, cuz? This energy is too real; do you feel me? Mika suddenly smiled wide at me.

“Gee didn't mention you had a thing poppin' tonight, cuz!” Suddenly, Mariam called her.

"Hey, Mika! Get a move on, homie! We ain't got time for no chill!”

Aight, let's get it; hold up a hot sec!” Mika, look at me.

Word, it's locked in, cuz! We got a date, Babe.” I could even see a flower symbol coming out of her head. Yeah, it's not going to be a typical date, though, because it's something that I always wanted to test, and this time I've got to start that car. I head out of the studio and towards Hardware’s shop.

Damn, man, this car has a lot of memories. The Buick GNX—this car has been our getaway vehicle since the start of the gang. I check the engine; a bit of knowledge from Arie fixing the bike. I know the basic foundation of car maintenance, but I need someone to tune it. I hope that guy is still alive, though.

I start the car, and the roar of the V8 engine is still purring like a kitten. I slowly move the car, still in daylight, slowly reaching a place that I vividly remember: a really old, crumbly garage. The original owner of this car was one of the founding members of 102, who left the gang earlier.

216 An E. Leadora Ave. Glendora—that is the place. I slowly cruise along the road to LA, remembering something from the past. Hopefully, this car is not taking attention like a sore thumb.

Damn man, still the same. I park the car on the side next to the old house, but the garage is still the same as before. I headed towards the garage, and suddenly someone was calling me.

"hey!! This is not a place for kids!" that voice...damn man, the guy that has been a father figure when I was in a gang. Luis "The Ghost" Garcia is the only Latino member in the gang other than me, an Asian in a gang. Luis and I had a complicated relationship, but he always looked out for me. I couldn't believe he was still living in the same place after all these years.

"Hey Luis..." I say, approaching him with a hint of nostalgia.

Luis looks up, his eyes squinting slightly as if trying to place me. "Who are you?" he asks, his voice firm but curious.

"I'm an old friend, Luis. We used to run together, remember?" I say, gesturing to the car beside me. "I need your expertise to tune this beauty for my next project."

Luis's gaze shifts to the car, and his expression changes. "That car... damn... it's still the same as it was before." He walks closer, his eyes scanning the sleek lines and muscular curves.

"Yeah, still runs like a dream," I say with a smile.

Luis chuckles, a faraway look in his eyes. "This ride's a sleeper car, man. It could outrun a damn Mustang and Ferrari..."

I nod, grinning. "Yeah, I remember that time you took down a Ferrari Testarossa. That guy was livid!"

Luis lets out a hearty laugh. "Yeah, I told him to take his fancy car back to Miami where it belonged. He wasn't happy about it, but..." He shrugs, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Luis suddenly hugged me

"its been a while…bienvenido de nuevo mi hermanito"

We started to talking back about the past. Explain what really happen to me and Damien what surprising to me is that what he is trying to explain to me.

"you know what kid…i did warn Darrel about this…because of his deep involvement with the De Santo Gang, I warn him the risk. But damn…you both had to go through all of this.

I looked back again. I know that Luis is not at fault; it is somewhat bigger than what it really is, but I've got a feeling that Luis is not telling me something.

“Hey Luis I gotta do something about this car and you’re the only one that could tune this car…..”

“Going racing eh…you think those latino’s are going to listen to your demand just to race?” Its one of the possibility that they will listen.

“I kinda got that vibe too homie…” Luis looking at the car and said to me

“Hey how about a race with me?” Huh? What the hell is he thinking now?

“uh….” Luis look at me

“Your bike against this car…I drive this demon against your favourite bike” is he serious about this? But I got excited about this.

“Tonight kid…we race the Angeles Crest Highway Downhill…” shit that road…I remember it well when Luis brought me there, Luis is the 1st guy who only love Japanese style drifting and touge meaning mountain racing. He hates drag race because he wanted to become a Rally racer if he wasn’t had problem with his past life as a drug trafficker delivering drugs.

“fine…my bike against yours”

“Then let me tune this car while you fix your car kid” Luis then sent me back to Hardware’s store and he followed me to warehouse he asked me about Darrel’s bike.

“I lend it to my friend so they could easily drive to MTV studios…”

“At least its been put to good use, I believed Darrel would have approved it…”

“Yeah…” I took my bike and Luis said to me

“Midnight we race…”

“Got it…” that is one development that I never expected but I accept it.

Once I reach back to the studio, Mika and Mariam was waiting for me.

“Hey!!! What the hell bro!!” Now what the hell is going on now? Lil Lim suddenly said to me

“Looks like Lil Mar here is upset because she had no inspiration” uh huh but maybe this could give her some insight Amin approach me

“Bro…Mar is a personification of a perfectionist, even Mika and the girls is having a hard time to get it right” damn I could see Mariam’s frustrated face, I hold her head and shaken her messy hair like a cat

“Hey what the hell, this is my hair do!!”

“I’ve got an idea…but you need to trust me though…” I could see Mariam’s face turn villainous

“Huh…hukuku looks like you have something happen eh?”

“looks like it…we meet at midnight in Angeles Crest highway”

“Huh!?” Everyone was surprised

Destiny said to me “you know homie…that is in the middle of nowhere what the hell are you trying to do?”

Lil Lim explain to them “know for street racing there, are you telling me?”

“Yep…maybe Mar need a fresh air from this city…”

“in the middle of the night…oh well…at least you there I cool with it…”

Mika look at me curious “what are you planning babe?” I only smile and said to her

“Just wait then” Mariam only smile and explain that she wanted to compile all that she had made and I said to her

“Bring you musical stuff…because maybe this could be something…”

Lil Lim already something is up and Mariam suddenly agree with my idea and drag Mika and others to pickup the stuff.

“Hey Lock!! Help Mar and the kids here”

“Got it!!” Lil Lim approach me

“Yo, you got a wild look in your eye, like you're cookin' up some crazy scheme, ain't ya, Homie?”

I explain to Lil Lim about Luis and she suddenly jumps and said to me and hold my arm

“For real, tho?! That loner dude's actually got a mouth on him and ain't just a mute, word”

“For real…”

“Well then I think I’m joining…” geez maybe this is not a good idea…I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

While I waited for them, I look the bike and seems like they have already done and Hardware is around

“Hey homie…I heard you something for all of us out of nowhere…”

“For real..homie…I’ve got a surprise for you as well”

“Well can’t wait for it homie…”

We went back home at Compton, Naomi is waiting for us for dinner seems like Xavier is making dinner for us.

“Don’t worry about you guys its all seafood…Xavier got a bonus from his job” this is the first time I see in action Xavier is preparing for dinner. A simple boiled seafood and a mixed sauce mixed

Xavier put tabasco, salsa, and black pepper for flavour. Mika suddenly said to Xavier

“Hey…got any veggies?”

“Corn, bell pepper, broccoli, and cauliflower for my own little sister…” Mika jump with joy

“Yay!!! Love it!!!” Naomi seems preparing drinks for us

All of us, Mariam and Amin seems to be drooling from the food

“Damn man, that’s look good…”

Xavier explain to us

“Today its a special day because Alex brought back Mika and Naomi together, plus making Compton a lovely place to hang….” Seems like the other homies were looking and drooling as well

“Shit….that smell really good!” Xavier smile at them

“Plenty food here…come on” its like a feast we enjoying it while Mika is like a child enjoying the food. Kinda remember when I was back in Malaysia.

“One thing for sure Mika is not good in making food…” Mika kick Naomi’s butt and said to her

“Hey!!” Mariam heating things up

“Destiny? Do you know how to cook?”

“Huh, damn...that's in my DNA, fam!” I could see something stabbing at Mika’s back and now Latifah is showing off again

“You know making gumbo and salsa is even better!! Its easy!!” Damn that is brutal are they purposely making fun of Mika

“yeah…whatever…” she is cooling down? What the hell is going on? Naomi explain to me

“Ever since you here she is started to tame a bit….”

“SIS!!! Then teach me to cook then!!!” Naomi is smiling and laughing at her

“Kikiki, then I could teach you making salad then…”

Mika is smiling while we enjoy the food. We rested and hang around at my crib, me and Amin prayed Maghreb and isya. Waiting when its almost 11pm.

“Come on, lets go…” we ride together while Hardware drive a van carrying equipment heading towards the Angeles Crest. Mika ride with me slowly heading towards the mountainous road. Just like riding in Kudat with Sil..eh what the hell am I remembering that…shit if Sil know that I’m remembering that she will definitely hook with it.

I arrive and something seems strange. I see someone I know - Isabella. She's wearing a very revealing dress and high heels. I'm surprised to see her here.

Mika is intimidated by her and said to me

“That gal is really something eh babe?”

Isabella look really confident and she is smiling at me but I don’t see Luis though.

We park our vehicle on the side of the road, Isabella approach me

“Heya cutie…” Mika is really eyeballing me wondering what really happen. Mariam is even worst at this

“Kukuku, you know that lady killer stuff is really stuck with you…” suddenly Lil Lim said to her

“Heya Isabella…” Isabella wave at her and hugged her

“He is an interesting guy you know…”

“I didn’t know that you hang around with Luis?”

“Huh don’t you know that is my big brother…” Haah? What the hell is going on here?

“Seems like everyone is here…” I could hear that car, Hardware suddenly interrupt us

“Is that?”

“You hunch is same as mine…homie…”

“Ghost?”

Hardware suddenly hugged him like they hadn't seen each other in years.

"Damn, why didn't you call me, homie?!" Hardware was crying, talking tough.

Then Luis spoke to me. "I'm testing you, kid. I wanted to see how much you've grown."

I thought there were better ways to test me than a race, but I said nothing.

"I'm ready, Luis," I replied.

Mariam said to me

“Is this what you mean an idea eh?” Yeah she is pinching me and Amin said to me

“Well bro be careful this road is really dark..”

Mika suddenly hold my back “you sure about this?”

“Huh yeah…I’ve got to ask him about this but never knew that he is part of that community”

Luis suddenly called Isabella

"Then get ready, Isabella!" Suddenly, a bright light appeared and I couldn't believe my eyes. The whole Latino gang was there! A bunch of cars with a loud engine sound.

The darkness of the Angeles Crest Highway was only illuminated by the stars above and the faint glow of the cars' headlights. The mountains rose up on either side, casting long shadows across the road.

Me and Luis stood beside with the Buick GNX and my bike, the engines purring softly.

Luis sneered at me, his eyes glinting with confidence. "You think you can take me down, kid? On this road, at midnight?”

Alex smiled, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. “you ask for it, Luis. And I'm not leaving until I do.”

Hardware, standing off to the side, spoke up.

"Alright, guys. Let's get this show on the road. Same rules as always - first one to the top of the mountain wins.”

Suddenly Isabella interrupt

“Hey let me do the starting line!!” She suddenly at the front of the starting line.

Luis nodded, a fierce glint in his eye. "Let's do this.”

I just smiled with excitement, my gaze never leaving the road.

The GNX roared to life and my bike started, our engines revving in the stillness of the night. The only sound was the hum of the engines and the distant call of a night bird.

Isabella mini skirt and revealing blouse smiling at us.

“Ready!!” Hardware interrupt

“Play it clean and entertain us!!!”

Mariam shouted at us

“Hey!!! Don’t lose got it or else you going to cook us all the food!!” Shit she is really pushing me suddenly Mika approach me she kiss me, what the hell bitch!!

“For luck babe…” she is smiling at me then she eyeballing at Isabella and she is smiling at her.

This is about time for race.