Whispers in the wind: Part 2

Whispers in the Wind: Part 2

(The year was 1987, it was a hot sunny day in Compton.)

Matt: Ha! Look at that fatty! Run!

Jacob: Fat Boy! Fat boy!

(3 kids surrounded Fernando laughing and pointing at him. His clothes were covered in dirt and he had blood pouring down his nose, tears streamed down his face.)

Fernando: Come on guys, you are supposed to be my friends, why are you doing this?

Jacob: Why would we want you to be our friend fat boy?

Matty: Fat up fatty!

Jacob: Where is the rest of that lunch money?

Fernando: I gave it to you already.

Matt: Well we kinda spent it already, we need more (Shrugs.)

(Matt kicked Fernando in the stomach. Fernando squealed and fell on the floor.)

Fernando: Please! You guys I need to go home-

Matt: You crying for your mama?

Miquel: Ha! Next time you better bring more-

(Pedro and Jese appeared from the edge of the park. Pedro ran towards them dragging his baseball gear. He had just finished practice. His face was pale, he wore a look of distress. Jese struggled to keep up with him.)

Pedro: Hey! Hey! That's my brother! Leave him alone!

(He dived on the floor beside Fernando and held him. Pedro shook with rage.)

Pedro: Hey man! Why did you do this?

Matt: Shut up man, you don't ask questions here!

Miquel: Fat boy got your big brother? Awwww now he is gonna tell on us. Now not only are you a loser, but you a rat too.

Pedro: Say sorry! Just say sorry and promise you will never touch him again!

Matt: Why would I do that-

Fernando: (Splutters) Let's go home-

Matt- Aww he still wants his mama-

(In one swift movement Pedro got up and moved towards Matt and snuffed him in the face. Matt fell backwards in shock.)

Miquel: You think you are tough?

(Miquel moved towards Pedro. Pedro stamped on his foot and smacked him in his face. Matt pulled back Miquel and they both ran towards the exit. Pedro was shaking, he turned behind and Jese sat there with Fernando. He had his arm around him reassuringly, Jese wore a blank expression.)

Pedro: You ok?

Fernando: Yes, sorry, I shouldn't have been hanging around those guys. I though they were my friends.

Pedro: They are suckers.

Fernando: Oww! My nose hurts.

Pedro: We will get you home and mama will clean you up 

(He put his arm around Fernando and wiped his face.)

Pedro: I will always protect you brother.

Fernando: I love you big brother.

Pedro: ( Smiled) ewww, shut up, lets go home and clean you up.

(Jese stared at the boys as they ran out of the park. He stood up and picked up Pedro's baseball bat whilst he continued to wipe Fernando's face. He ran for the exit, he chased them down with the baseball bat. Pedro turned around and saw his bat and Jese were gone. He could see Jese perusing the bullies.)

Pedro: Jese! What are you doing?? COME BACK!!

(But it was too late. Jese swept Matt's leg and he stumbled on the floor. Jese swung the bat at his jaw. Blood poured out of his mouth immediately. Jacob and Miguel were shocked and confused. They called out "Please stop". They raised their hands up in protest. Jese raised the bat above his head. At the last moment Pedro jumped from behind and snatched the bat from him.)

Pedro: Are you crazy Jese!? Look what you done!

(Jese's face was still blank, he shrugged his shoulders and turned his back on Pedro.)

End Scene

Chapter 2

Long Island, 2001....

(Pedro sat opposite Fernando. He starred at his little brother with a stern look. Fernando could not bring himself to keep eye contact with Pedro, he looked around the room every few seconds, then he looked down on the floor. He had a cast on his arm. He had almost fully recovered but still moved gingerly.

Fernando: So umm, where is the angel? I miss her.

Pedro: She is with her grandma, but she is none of your concern now, I don't want her to see your stupid ass before you are fully better. She won't be ok with seeing you like this, I don't want her to be asking me questions I can't answer, because I'm not lying to my baby again. You look like shit. She doesn't need to know that her favourite uncle is a dumbass who doesn't know what he wants in his life.

Fernando: Brother, I know what I want, I just got caught up in-

Pedro: (Jumps up enraged.) Are you crazy? Do you not have your own voice? Do you not have your own mind? Why are you still following Jese? You waiting till you follow him to the jail house or the grave.

Fernando: Bro, its about the money!

Pedro: No! It's not. it never was! You forget I was knee deep in the streets. I had the money, I had all the dope. After a while, ego and jelousy gets into the business and it becomes about keeping up appearances. Repping your set, it's all stupid! Jese is feared in the streets, he has a reputation and he wants to keep that intact, that is what is important to him. 

Fernando: I can't get up and leave him-

Pedro: Why? People gonna call you a pussy?

(Fernando sighs and puts his hands in his head.)

Pedro: If you are a real jefe you would know when to walk away from something that isn't helping you. You shouldn't care about people's opinions, I know you know I'm making sense. Could you have a child or a marriage and still be in the streets? I put in work just like you but I lost too much, if I was wise enough I would have left much earlier than I did.

Fernando: I know you are right.

Pedro: There comes a time where a man has to choose between what is right or wrong. There is no half stepping. It is either you in or you out. I know you ain't no punk so it's not a cop out., it's about making the right decision.

Fernando- Pedro, Jese won't be happy amigo.

Pedro- Look just hang out here for a few weeks, just see how it is, you don't have to stay, you are your own boss but just see the difference and maybe you may change your mind.

Fernando: Ok, just a few weeks.

Pedro: Thank you brother! You won't regret this.

Fernando: I love you brother.

Pedro: You still a fruit pop huh? HAHAHA

Fernando: Ha!

End Scene

Chapter 3

(Almost a year had passed and Fernando was living in Long Island with Pedro. He lived with him and Eliza. Fernandos had did some short courses in business and construction. At first he hated it, but after a while he gradually got used to it. Pedro knew that Fernando was a whiz with numbers and encouraged him to put that skill in a productive way. A year ago Jese had Fernando managing his accounts which held his dirty money. Jese was still in contact with both of his brothers and had tried a few times to lure Fernando back to the streets.  At some points Fernando was close to dropping out and going back to Compton but Pedro had managed to convince him otherwise. Working on the site made Fernando lose a lot of weight. He had shifted at least 40 pounds. He was content with life in Long Island.

Pedro: That's it buddy, it's getting easy!

Fernando: Man!

(Fernando sat on the curb and wiped his brow.)

Fernando: I can't believe this weight loss has happened. All I did was make calls, drive around town and eat at the steak joints.

Pedro: Living reckless.

Fernando: Dr said my blood pressure has lowered so I'm happy. 

(They both sat and looked across the street. A few kids played hop scotch, some played soccer, whilst some just ran around. The ice cream van pulled up.)

Pedro: Remember you used to save 2 dollars just to get your double cone special?

Fernando: Man I was a fiend for those things!

Pedro: Mama would laugh at you because you were embarrassed but you always tainted your shirt or jeans. She would see the stains when she was doing the laundry.

Fernando: I know crazy right.

Pedro: I wonder what life would have been like for us if we lived out here when we were kids. I wonder where we would be right now in life.

Fernando: I know, living out here isn't so bad. Maybe you would be playing baseball in the major leagues.

Pedro: Getting that real money huh. I wonder if we lived out in this area mama would have received proper healthcare, maybe she would still be here today.

Fernando: It sucks.

Pedro: Look at those teenagers, they have peace of mind, not thinking about getting robbed or robbing people. But I can't complain. I wouldn't have Eliza today and I wouldn't have learnt the valuable lessons of life. 

Fernando: Yeah bro, I think I want to settle down and have kids as well bro.

Pedro: Really? 

Fernando: I've always wanted to be with somebody and settle but I was too focused on the money. And you are right, you can't raise a family in the hood.

(Pedro smiled at him and picked up his phone and dialed.)

Pedro: Hey Stacy!

Stacy: Hey baby!

Pedro: You want sangrias and tacos tonight?

Stacy: Haha...hmmm so where are we going?

Pedro: Na tonight you come over ma, and bring your sister Sara. Would be nice if she meets Fernando.

(Fernando shook his head violently, his throat dried up.)

 Pedro: You know my brother hasn't made a lot of friends and he makes some mean tacos.

Stacy: Well I hope he is a better chef than you.

Pedro: Wow! We got jokes huh? I taught him everything he knows.

Stacy: Ha! I'm just kidding. Ok sure we will come over. You want me to bring anything?

Pedro: Na, just bring your fine ass over ma.

Stacy: Pedro you are so crazy! I will be there at 7.

(Pedro put the phone down and winked at Fernando.)

Fernando: Pedro!

Pedro: Shut up, you need a lady in your life man. These ain't no hoochie mamas as well, these are good women out here bro, you have to level up.

Fernando: By cooking them tacos??

Pedro: Yes, you will wear Eliza's pink apron too.

Fernando: mannnnn! Alright, I will give her a chance.

Pedro: You don't have a choice.

Fernando: Is she hot?

Pedro: She's hot enough. Just focus on the ingredients.

End Scene.

Chapter 4

Sara: MMMMM. These taste so gooodddd.

Fernando: Ha! Thank you, this was a recipe from my grandma.

Sara: You will have to share your recipe with me one day.

Fernando: Sure thing ma'am.

(Sara was blonde just like her sister. she was a bit bigger, a bit chubby, she had a very pretty face and wore her hair in a bun. Her and Stacy had different styles. Stacy wore a maxi dress and sandals whilst Sara wore a baggy T-Shirt and ripped jeans with converses. She worked as a mechanic near the city.)

Fernando: So uh, what do you do you guys do for fun out here?

Sara: I play pool, sometimes basketball, sometimes gun range.

Stacy: Sara is crazy she does everything.

Sara: You mean you are boring.

Stacy: Whatever!

Pedro: Haha

Fernando: Basketball huh?

Sara: Yeah...

Fernando: Who is your team and before you answer, understand that whoever you tell me i will judge you.

Sara: I support the Bulls sucker! You?

Fernando: The Bulls SUCK! I'm with the Lakers b!

Sara: URGHHHHHH! Pedro you brother is a loser!

Fernando: You mean I'm a winner, the Lakers are the best!

Sara: You probably suck on the court too.

Fernando: Is that challenge?

Sara: Yeah punk, you ready to try me?

Stacy: (Covers her face.) You got her all fired up now.

(Pedro was swaying and giggling. He was tipsy, Fernando made some strong cocktails.)

Pedro: Mami got some fire in her belly, you gotta show her in actions rather than words my bro. You gonna take her to the edge?

Sara: He ain't got the guts!

Fernando: Ok, next week we gonna see for real. deal?

Sara: Deal...sucker.

(They shook hands.)

Fernando: So what type of cars you work on?

Sara: Everything, Ranges, jaguars, everything!

Fernando: Jaguars are sweet.

Sara: You had a jag?

(Fernando shuffled. He had 3 cars in his drug dealing days but he got rid of it when he made the move.)

Fernando: Yeah, I rented when out for the week-end.

Sara: Sweet engine. You should come over one day, you would love it there!

Fernando: You better believe it.

Sara: So I hear you guys are into construction? 

Fernando: Yeah, we are about to launch our business. Everything is in order, in a few weeks it will start. I'm excited for this actually, should be cool.

Sara: I admire anybody that is able to commit to starting a business its not easy at all. 

Fernando: I know but Pedro is pretty determined to start doing it. He's ambitious, usually the responsible brother but tonight-

(Pedro stumbled to the speakers and pressed play. Marvin's Gaye's lets get it on played. He pulled Stacy close to him and began swaying her from side to side. Stacy giggled like a school girl.)

Pedro: LETS GET IT ONNN!

Fernando: Haha!

Pedro: LETS GET IT ONNNNN BABBYYY!

Stacey: You are crazy Mr.

(Pedro held her close. He hardly drank so whenever he drank the liquor always touched him quickly. Fernando and Sara went outside to continue their conversation.)

Pedro: I love you mami.

Stacy: Shut up

Pedro: I do, I love you boo.

Stacy: You are playing, this is the alcohol talking so I'm not paying any attention.

Pedro: A drunk mans words are a sober mans thoughts.

Stacy: Hmmm.

Pedro: The truth is I haven't been with a woman properly since Eliza lost her mother. And the truth is I didn't anticipate or want to get close to you because that is how I've been, you don't stress me out and you motivate me to keep focused. 

Stacy: I don't know what to say...

Pedro: Just kiss me.

(They kissed slowly and softly.)

Stacy: I love you too.

End Scene 

Chapter 5

(6 months passed and Fernando's and Pedro's business was booming. It started off rocky but after taking some legal advice they steadied the shop. They were making more money than their target they had set. Pedro was eager for it to do well as he quit his job to do it. He wanted to prove his manager wrong.)

Eliza: Daddy I've finished!

Pedro: Show me then baby.

Eliza: Look!

(Pedro scanned over the homework. She was ridiculously bright, it was confusing to him. He wasn't that bright in school. Eliza was ridiculously intelligent. All her subject teachers told him this, at first he didn't believe it but she proved it almost daily at home. She was so assured with her work. He was proud.)

Pedro: All of them right baby! My A grade girl. Come here.

(He held her and kissed her on the cheek. He appreciated these moments so much. She was getting bigger too, at times he would think what it would be like when she grew up and moved out or went to college.)

Fernando: She can take care of our financial statements no problem. 

Pedro: Haha! Soon!

Eliza: Daddy can I play with the cars please?

Pedro: Of course!

( They all went to the garage and took out the remote control cars and played them on the street. She was going through a phase where she liked cars. A few months ago it was experiments. Putting random liquids together and mixing them and seeing what happens. She was a fascinating child to say the least. After a while they went back inside. They all watched a movie together. As usual Eliza crashed within 15 minutes falling asleep on Pedro.)

Fernando: You know Jese was like that. 

Pedro: How you remember?

Fernando: I have a good memory.

Pedro: This little lady ain't moving nowhere, last few nights she been sleeping in my room, I'm too soft I keep giving in, but I don't want it to be a habit. 

Fernando: Haha.

Pedro: Speaking of Jese have you heard from him. He was mean't to be here today but I was busy. So I didn't call him.

Fernando: Hmm, that's strange. I haven't heard from him for almost a week.

Pedro: Call him.

Fernando: Oh I'm expecting a call...

Pedro: From Sara? So you can't call him first?

Fernando: Well she's been having some trouble so I said I would speak to her.

Pedro: Nando you never fail to surprise me.

Fernando: Jese probably with two girls right now, he won't mind.

Pedro: Something doesn't smell right.

(Pedro calls him. No answer, he calls again and no answer, he texts him and waits.)

Fernando: Uh huh baby, man those dudes just don't understand what you are trying to do-

(Pedro rolled his eyes and smirked at Fernando, he was smitten with Sara totally. He was happy for him. Every 5 minutes he looked at his phone checking for replies. After 30 minutes his phone vibrated. It was Jese.)

Jese; Hello brother.

Pedro: Where were you today? 

Jese: I've been busy, I've had a lot of business. I'm just out of town now, making my way back to Compton. How's Eliza?

Pedro: She was asking about you, she is fine, when is she seeing you?

Jese: Friday I will come down. I got her something.

Pedro: Hmmm ok bro. Is everything ok out of town? No drama?

Jese: Nah no drama. We just putting in work. A few of the plugs got locked up so we have to get work out of town. But ayy I can't talk about this over the phone. We will talk on Friday.

Pedro: Friday.

(Phone cuts.)

End Scene

Chapter 6

Friday...

(On Fridays the school usually closed early, sometimes Stacy or Pedro's grandma would collect Eliza. But because Jese was coming to town Pedro decided to pick up Eliza who was excited to see him and Fernando. They drove down to the park where they usually met Jese. They waited 15 minutes, he hadn't turned up yet. 30 minutes had passed and he wasn't there.)

Eliza: Daddy where is Uncle Jese?

Pedro: Maybe he got stuck in traffic hunny. Don't worry maybe he will come later. He lifted her up and shot a stinging look at Fernando.

Fernando: Hey don't look at me.

 

(Eliza began to sob. "But he promiseddd"! He texted Jese "You are an asshole. You make me sick.")

(Later that evening Fernando and Pedro went to one of their steak joints in the town. Pedro wasn't in the mood because Jese was not there. The plan was to eat and hit one of the bars in town. He also planned to discuss the business with him so he may think about coming out there. He sat by Fernando, barely speaking. Fernando kept the conversation going, he mainly droned on about Sara which he didn't mind but tonight he wasn't in the mood.)

Fernando: I'm telling you man she is the one.

Pedro: That's good for you bro.

Fernando: Ha, I will give it a few years I might propose and we will get a little house in the country. You know the gringos that live near the sea.

Pedro: Do what makes you happy.

Fernando: This is the happiest I've been in years-

Pedro: Yeah-

Fernando: I guess that-

Pedro: Yeah, go for it?

Fernando: Huh? Are you listening to me-

Pedro: Phone him, phone that asshole.

Fernando: Man leave Jese man, it's cool. When he is ready he will come around. This is not the first time he has done that.

Pedro: I don't care-

(Pedro dialed his number three times with no reply.)

Pedro: Call him.

Fernando: If he didn't answer, why would i call again-

(Pedro called over the waiter to pay the bill. Her paid it and stormed out. They jumped in his car. Before he stuck his key in the ignition his phone rang. He picked up up and it was Jese calling.)

Pedro: You asshole!

(No reply...)

Pedro: Look you need to explain to my girl why you didn't show up.

(Heavy breathing on the other line.)

Pedro: Look-

(Fernando sat confused.)

Voice: Is that Pedro?

Pedro: Hello, who is this?

Voice: Listen, to me and listen to me carefully, your brother is fine...for now...he will live if you follow my instructions.

Pedrro: What are you doing with my brother? Where is he?

Voice: Listen

(Screams could be heard in the background

Pedro: Listen, don't hurt him, please, what do you want?

Voice: I want 50 stacks in cash. Come in 3 days if not your brother dies.

Pedro: 50 stacks? You son of a bitch, I will kill you!

Voice: Ha! You won't! I will text you the address and you will bring the money. I already know where you live so don't do anything stupid. We don't want this to get messy. Eliza has a bright future ahead of her.

Pedro: Coward, who is this?

(Phone cuts. Pedro yells and bangs his hand on the steering wheel. Fernando puts his head in his hands.)

Fernando: So what are we going to do?

Pedro: We have to go to Compton.

(End Scene)

Whispers in the Wind: Part 1

             Whispers in the Wind

The year was 1997, 26th December...

(It was a cold dark night in Compton. All that could be heard in the night were crack heads marching up and down the block rummaging through trash cans. The block looked reminiscent of the Michael Jackson Thriller music video. On this night there weren't any hustlers on the block, it was eerily quiet. All that could be heard on the wind were broken up words from the crackheads and dogs barking.)

Crackhead 1: Yoo they smoked that nigga over a kilo.

Crackhead 2: Man I want a kilo to myself, serve that shit to me like a birthday cake.

Crackhead 1: Damn, we should put all our money together and get 1 hunnid kilos.

Crackhead 2: Where you getting that cuzzzz??? We need Reagan back, imma vote for that nigga tomorrow.

Crackhead 1: Fo Sho. Man I gotta see my kid tomorrow, They say I gotta visit once a month, but I don't care about her, she always be trying to show me these funny lil dances, I don't care about that shit. Man where's Eddie? That nigga always got some crack on him, I need something.

Crackhead 2: Look what I got fool!

(He pulls out out a needle and wire. They both scream for joy at the sight of the heroine. They run to the curb and sit on the edge and tie the wires around their arms and begin to push the needle in their arm. Both laugh and lay on their backs.)

(A few blocks away Pedro and Jesé stood on the corner. Pedro was tall and had an athletic shape. He wore an black track suit with air maxes with red shoe laces. Jesse was half his size but stocky, he had a tear drop tattoo and two gold teeth. He wore red air forces. They both had green eyes, and olive skin, Pedro was slightly  darker than Jesé)

Pedro: That's them over there amigo, they pulling up. As s↿↶↶↶oon as they pull up on the corner we run up on them, you got that?

Jesé: These bastards, they really came through here so confidently, but we can't run up and blast em, the block is hot, too many undercover Feds. Let's go to plan b, less mess.

Pedro: What you got? Duce Duce? 38?

Jesé: You know I Got my 38 papi!

Pedro: Haha!

(A black hummer turns into the side backstreet slowly. Pedro and Jesé slide behind the garbage cans silently. Rain started to beat down heavily, a dog could be heard barking in the distance. A bottle smashed at the end of the road. A crackhead was just throwing bottles against the walls of somebody's house. Another bottle smashed, neither of them flinched. Rats squeezed through the drain pipes next to them. The car pulled into the back alley where they were hidden. Two men in two black suits hopped out of the car, they were both chinese. One had a machine gun and one had a shotgun. They both exchanged heated words in their native tongues. No doubt they were angry because they couldn't see anybody.  He and Jesé had set up a drug deal with a Chinese crew but it was a set up. They had no intention of buying anything off them.They bothargued at the front of the car. Pedro slid out from behind the trash can and slid underneath the car. Pedro counted down 10 seconds in his head, he took a deep breath and withdrew a big shank from his boxers. He rolled on his stomach and stabbed the two back wheels of the car. The two men shouted in confusion. One moved to the side of the car to see what happened. Pedro took his chance and stabbed his leg from under the car. The man screamed in pain. His partner came towards him to investigate and Pedro stabbed him too. both men were on the floor screaming in pain. Jese came from behind the can irate.)

Jese: Whats up pussy? I though this was a fair deal? Why you got those guns homie?

(Both men were writihing in pain.)

Jese: Ya'll still speak english?

(Pedro rolled from under the car and pulled out his pistol. Him and Jese were heated.)

Li Sung: Look please, the work is in the trunk, don't kill us.

Ho Sun: We always call it down the middle, we've made a lot of money together, why you trying to play us?

Jese: Calling this down the middle? I should smoke you and leave your body in one of these trash cans! See if your homies will come and find you! Imma be waiting here to smoke them if they brave enough to come around this side.

(Cocks gun)

Pedro: Put ya hammer down, relax, lets get this work and bounce.

( He goes to the trunk and pops it open, to his horror there is no coke. He stands back with his hands on his head.)

Pedro: There is no work!

Jese: What?

Pedro: It's a set up, we need to leave now.

(Footsteps could be heard behind Pedro. He looked behind him quickly and to his horror it was Bianca, his girlfriend.)

Bianca: What the hell is wrong with you? You told me you won't be out here doing no dodgy deals and here you are? You are a piece of crap you know that? We have a child at home and this is what you are doing, creeping with that no good Jese.

Pedro: What the hell are you doing here mami?

Bianca: I followed you! I had to see for myself! Now I know the truth I'm leaving you, keep your money coz it is clear as day that it's more important than us. You ain't doing it for your family, you are doing it for you and your rep.

Jese: Dawg, your girl is crazy!

Pedro: GO!

Jese: Crazy ass b-

Pedro: I'm sorry ma!

(He embraced her and took her had and they began to run out of the alley. Ho Sun dragged himself to his gun, barely picking it up. He pressed the trigger and began shooting aimlesssly into the dark. A bullet richoeted and hit Bianca.)

Pedro: Noooooo!

End Chapter.

Chapter 2

The year was 2001...

(Pedro's alarm rang out. Pedro woke up in a cold sweat. He would often relieve that treacherous night in his dreams. He could never forget it or forgive himself. It was 7:00am. Eliza ran into his room and jumped on his bed. He kissed her on the cheek and held her close. Almost in an instant he forgot the nightmare. Eliza had her mother's nose and eyes but she had Pedro's big ears and lips.)

Eliza: Daddy! Can I have cereal please?

Pedro: Yes Princess.

(He wipes the sweat off his brows and smiles at her. Her frizzy hair covered half of her face.)

Eliza: Yay!

Pedro: You gon be good at school today? You took Amy's toy from her yesterday and didn't give it back when they told you, I don't want to hear that again, got it?

Eliza: Umm ok, I will be good.

Pedro: Promise?

Eliza: Pinky promise?!

Pedro: Cool, pinky promise. Make sure you have fun on your trip and tell me everything about it, deal?

Eliza: Ok!

(He kissed her on the cheek again.)

Pedro: Ok stinky lets go to the bath you stink!

Eliza: Haha! nooo you stink!

(Pedro gave her a bath and prepared her cereal. It never took him long to get her ready, she was learning quick with getting dressed. This made his life a lot easier. Pedro came down the stairs dressed in a vest baring his many tattoos. He also wore shorts and flip flops, he was ready for the long Island heat. Eliza sat in front of the TV watching her favourite Cartoon, Dexter's Lab.) 

Pedro: Baby Girl lets go!

Eliza: Ok, can you do my laces please?

Pedro: You want to wear sneakers in this heat? Wear sandals.

Eliza: No because I'm going to run!

Pedro: Ok, another race huh?

Eliza: No just chasing.

Pedro: Yes Boss 

(He tied her laces, she slid on her Dexter's Lab bag.)

Pedro: You want to walk or drive?

Eliza: Walk!

Pedro: You not gon get tired and ask me to carry you-

Eliza: Noooo!

Pedro: Ok little lady.

(They held hands and laughed and joked all the way to the school.  As they entered the gates he saw a sea of parents were gathered around the bus. You would have thought the kids were off to war, but it a day trip to an open play centre. As usual the parents fawned over Pedro, he was the only single father so they all had a soft spot for him. They always threw the same comments "Your daughter is adorable", "It must be so hard for you", "awwww". Many of the parents invited him over for dinner and organised play dates but he always made excuses and declined.)

Stacey: Hey P!

Pedro: Hey ma'am, where are the boys?

Stacey: They are at the back of the bus.

(Sure enough he looked up and saw the twin boys standing on the chair making faces through the windows. Eliza ran to the doors but Pedro held her back, he hoisted her up and kissed her goodbye before she ran onto the bus. He turned to Stacey he was staring at him longingly. She had long blonde hair and blue eyes, she was basically the twin of Pamela Anderson. She had gone through a messy divorce with her husband who was a well renowned in the modelling industry. He was one of the CEOs for a magazine. He slept with a few of the up and coming models. Pedro found it difficult to believe that somebody would cheat on somebody as fly as Stacey. She was 38 with the body of a Goddess. She had tried to meet up with him several times but he always had an excuse. But today she looked crazy in her maxi dress.)

Stacy: Ok, no work, no kids, we are going for breakfast, and you can't say no. Deal?

Pedro: Well I got-

Stacy: You can't keep blowing me off Mr, just for breakfast ok?

Pedro: Ok, why not, lets go for it, you lead the way.

End Scene 

Chapter 3

(Stacy took him to a cafe not too far from the school. It had a 70s style. It had a lot of pictures and models from the Grease movie. The stereo was playing some of the grease soundtrack as well. Stereo was playing "Your the one that I want". Pedro felt it was so corny but he secretly didn't mind. He had a fruit salad with some toast and a latte while Stacy had a full english breakfast with pancakes.)

Stacey: Hmm so now I see why you are in such good shape. I need to go back to dieting and training. you gonna help me?

Pedro: I train a lot outside, I hate the gym.

Stacy: Yeah?

Pedro: I prefer doing stuff outdoors, gym is always packed and filled with fake tough guys and people always want to advise you  on what to do, I haven't got the time for that.

Stacey: Hmm interesting, well when I'm ready I'm coming with you. I'm still looking for work right now, once I get into a routine I will be back for help Mr.

Pedro: Sure.

Stacy: So you just popped up in this city huh?

Pedro: Meaning?

Stacy: Meaning I grew up here my whole life and you just came from nowhere...

Pedro: Well I've always liked Long Island, its always appealed to me.

Stacy: Hmm, where were you before?

Pedro: Boston

Stacy: I have family out there, boring city though.

Pedro: I guess so.

Stacy: I know you aren't a boring guy though, I can tell there is something about you. You are an enigma...

Pedro: I'm just an ordinary guy Miss, doing the best for my Princess.

Stacy: It's such a shame about your wife passing from being ill too. You can bring her over to play with the kids, she loves them and they love her. 

Pedro: Sure.

(She went on at length talking about the breakdown of relations between her and her ex husband Donald. She spoke a lot and didn't listen much. But this suited Pedro, in the hood he was taught not to speak. His Grandma was very religous, she always used to say, "be slow to speak and quick to listen. Or something like that," he couldn't remember the exact scripture. She mentioned how she used to teach yoga and wanted to get back into it. Pedro brought up how he used to play baseball, he wasn't lying about this. He played baseball regularly up until he and his brothers got caught up in the street life. After a few hours of listening to Stacy drone on he got the bill and paid for them. It was near 12.45pm. He had to go to see his boss at work over at the construction site. Stacey dropped him a street before his work place.)

Pedro: You didn't have to but thanks anyway.

Stacy: It's no problem, I'm just a house wife with no husband. Haha

(She lean't in and kissed him, she did it so quickly, he didn't see it coming but he couldn't resist it. He was tired of resisting, he gave in.)

Pedro: Ok I'm going to have to love you and leave you I need to get in to speak to my boss. I will see you back at the school later anyway.

Stacey: Mmm ok bye handsome. 

(He hopped out the car and walked down the street to his work place. As he turned the corner a police car slowed down next to him, the driver rolled down the window and looked at him though his dar sunglasses. He tipped his hat and sped off. Pedro grinned " Wherever I go these cops will never change". He slowly approached Barry's office. It was on the edge of the construction site. It was a little hut, it could barely fit more than 5 people. It stank of coffee, the windows and walls were sweating. The door was wide open so he just walked in. Barry sat at his desk with stacks of paper work, he looked like a carbon copy of Danny Devito, short, hardly any hair and fat. He also had a nasty temper.)

Barry: Take a seat.

Pedro: Thank you sir.

Barry: Look I will get straight to the point, you are a good worker. But I am not happy. 

Pedro: With what-

Barry: You are one of my best guys but your team are slacking. When you started you were smashing targets now its slowing up. The contractors are up my ass like a G-string. You need to understand that its a business, if you slack I get smacked on head. 

Pedro: Sorry Sir-

(Pedro had been working in construction since he came to long Island. He didn't enjoy it as much but he was good at it. He had a good team which helped. He felt grounded being around them, all he knew in Compton were gang bangers and drug dealers. He knew the bloods, the crips, the GDs, and Mexican Mafia. Now he was around regular guys looking after their families and friends. He felt they were corny at first but quickly grew to like them all. They all referred to Barry as 'Mr. Limp' when he wasn't around because he always walked around with a limp.)

Barry: I don't want sorry, I just want results, now get out of my face pretty boy. 

(Pedro left the office with mixed emotions. On one hand he didn't like being spoken to like that, and he used to earn up to almost $10,000 a month from crack deals and scams when he was in Compton. However, on one hand he was thankful he was earning money to look after his daughter and he always had money left over to take her camping and other little trips. It was a humbling experience but he always tried to be thankful. It was 2.30pm so he had a few hours to sort out some errands before Eliza arrived back at the school. He went to the laundry mat and washed his car. As he pulled out of the car wash he saw one of the local kids Oscar, he lived a few streets down. Oscar was 15 years old, he was white and had ginger hair. He was easily one of the smartest in his grammer school and he was also good at baseball. He had one of the richest parents in the neighbourhood.)

Oscar: Mr. Diaz! What's up!?

Pedro: Lil bwoi. Get your ass in school.

Oscar: I did-

Pedro: You think I'm stupid?

Oscar: Ok ok I skipped class, no big deal I'm smarter than everybody.

Pedro: Not so smart that I've seen you, I should tell your mama.

Oscar: Oh come man-

Pedro: I wish my parents got me to stay in school and stay focused, make sure you don't mess it up. 

Oscar: I'm going to play baseball anyway I don't need school.

Pedro: You are as dumb as that school uniform you are wearing. Look bwoi if you get injured what you gonna do? Don't be ignorant, go to school and focus.

Oscar: But- 

Pedro: Naw, no buts, if I see you outside befors scool closes I'm going to drag your ass to your pops. Not only that I will not help with your batting too, so you get your ass to school lil bwoi.

Oscar: Ok Mr. Diaz.

(Oscar grimaced as Pedro sped off.)

(He arrived at the school early as always. He was always there before everybody when he came to pick up Eliza. All the parents joked that he should pick up everybody else's kids. As soon as the bus pulled in he was the first to scoop her from the bus. He saw Stacy pass as he left, he winked at her and carried on towards home. As he pulled up to his drive he saw a red escalade in front of his house. Eliza squeeled with excitement. The red escalade mean't that Uncle Jese and Uncle Fernando were in town.)

Fernando: Uh oh, its the scary monster GRRRRRR!!!

Eliza: Noooo! Help me!

Fernando: I'm coming to get you!

(He chased her around the front of the house. Jese hugged Pedro and laughed.)

Jese: Brother!

Pedro: Jese! (They embraced)

(They went inside, Pedro cracked open some beers and put on some music. He was always happy and at ease when were his brothers were around. He played Harry Belefonte- Shake Senora. Fernando spent most of the time outside playing with Eliza. She had a good relationship with him, he was always spoiling her with gifts. He was always sending money to Pedro for her. Fernando and Jese were still heavy in the drug game, they kept pumping crack throughout Compton. They were seeing a lot of money on a regular basis. As it got later Fernando ordered pizza and they all ate together. Fernando was a fast food junkie unlike his brothers who took care of themselves. As soon as Eliza ate her pizza she fell asleep. Pedro woke her up to bath her and put her to sleep.)

Jese: Eliza gonna get this guy to lose weight huh?

(He slapped Fernando's back.)

Fernando: She got so much energy and she getting bigger eveeryday!

Pedro: You are her favourite uncle! I appreciate you spending time with us, I appreciate both of you.

Jese: So how is it like living out here with these gringos? Haha

Pedro; It's alright, not much excitement. But its peaceful, its good for my daughter. Decent school, decent job. No crack heads, no sirens, no gun play. You should come out here for a bit you might like it.

Jese: Ha! Fernando lives opposite his favourite Italian joint. He will never leave that spot! Haha!

Pedro: Haha!

Fernando: Asshole, I'm still prettier than you. 

Pedro: Hey you watch your language in my house, I don't want my daughter to catch any of that language

Fernando: Sorry big brother.

Pedro: Seriously, you should try and come out here and stay for like a month. You will get used to it!

Fernando: The hood isn't so bad anymore, we have our same clientele and pump through them. We stopped gang banging, we just weigh the work and count money. I only take my gun when I go outta  town. I haven't had to squeeze off for a long time brother. A lot of people been locked up, a lot snitches mixing with gang banging. We just getting money now.

Pedro: All that money and you still want to stay in the slums?

Jese: Look, we are staying where the money is, you think you're better than us because you out in the hills now? We making mama proud.

Pedro: Mama wouldn't be proud. She didn't raise us like this at all-

Jese: I can't work here and take orders, I'm not a solider, I'm a general, I give orders.

Pedro: General of what?

Jese: Gillopollas! Puta! 

Fernando: Hey!

Jese: I know you haven't forgiven me about Bianca, but I am sorry, I truly am. But this is what we do.

(Awkward silence.)

Fernando: Hey, we are brothers, we are supoosed to hold each other down! Both of you are out of line and you will wake up Ms. Eliza upstairs. Pedro, me and Jese are in the hood, we respect you and your choice, but this is what we are doing to survive.

(Pedro turns to Jese amd extends his hand.)

Pedro: I'm sorry brother, I love you both and want the best for you both I don't want to visit your grave or hospital bed.

Jese: I know brother. 

(They all hug.)

End Scene.

Chapter 4

(2 weeks later...)

(The kids played in the paddling pool in Stacy's back yard. Pedro and Stacy relaxed on the deck chairs and the sun blazed. Pedro had taken Eliza uptown to his cousin Angie's house because he had to do extra hours on the construction site. It was almost as if Stacy had a radar, she showed up at the site after his shift both days and ended up staying at her place. Needless to say they both didn't have much sleep in those 48 hours and become a lot better aquainted...)

Stacy: Timmy stop splashing.

Timmy: Sorry mom!

Terrence: He doesn't listen mommy!

Pedro: Ha Boys will be boys!

Stacy: Mmm, I guess.

(She adjusts her bikini top.)

Pedro: So how old are you really? You can't be 38 I refuse to believe you.

Stacy: Hmm you do flatter me!

Eliza: Daddy look!

(She splashes water on Terrence. Her and Timmy both giggle.)

Pedro: Ok, didn't Ms. Adams tell you to stop splashing? Ok you are in trouble now.

(He reaches under his deck chair and takes out a water gun and unloads it on the kids and Stacy. They all run around the back yard screaming trying to get away from him. After 20 minutes of bedlam He goes inside to use the bathroom. He picks up his phone and sees 3 missed calls from Jese. He remembered that their auntie was ill, he told Jese to keep him updated. He called him back.)

Pedro: Brother! Whats up man, you have to come down, I'm talking to this shorty, she already got kids but hmm-

Jese: Fernando got shot up out of town bro.

(Pedro's heart dropped.)

Jese: He went to do a transaction, he got shot walking into a building just outside Inglewood. I think it was a set up, they followed him and caught him. A few days before he said he was paranoid he was being followed.

Pedro: What?!

Jese: He's alive, hes a fighter, nothing too fatal. He's in hospital now. 

Pedro: Who is with him now?

Jese: Uncle Carlos and Fredico.

Pedro: Where are you?

(Awkward silence.)

Pedro: Jese...

Jese: Look, me and the boys about to handle some business.

Pedro: Jese!!!

(Pedro jogged down the stairs. He kept his face straight and went straight to the garden where the kids were still playing.)

Stacy: Hey trouble.

Pedro: Ha!

Eliza: My daddy is crazy!

Pedro: I think we gotta go now baby gurl!

Eliza: Awwww thats not fair daddy!

Stacy: What's the rush?

Pedro: I just realised that she has a party to go to later on I need to get her ready. A family friend of ours. (He turned to Eliza) Is that ok sweetie? We are going to a party later.

Eliza: But I wanna stay here. (Her eyes well up)

Stacy: Umm...ok.

Pedro: Sorry I will make it up to you dear.

(He gets her ready  quickly and rushes home. Thoughts were rushing through his head. He told them to move from the hood. He knew how reckless Jese was, he knew he didn't gang bang like before but he had a reputation for shooting without thinking. But at the same time reputation won't mean much if a bullet comes in your direction. Eliza sulked all the way home, he hated to see her like this, and even worse that her favourite uncle had just avoided losing his life over a drug deal gone wrong. )

Pedro: Carlos! Hello? Can you hear me? 

Carlos: Ohh Peedy! It's terrible, they said he will be ok, but I don't know where Jese is. Please find him!

Pedro: Uncle I don't know where he is I will keep trying to call him, just stay with Fernando, he will be strong.

Carlos: We are praying for his full recovery.

Pedro: Take care uncle.

(Pedro did not know what to do, he felt responsible. He could have done more to bring him out of the hood. Fernando was the youngest, when they were kids he would follow Pedro everywhere. He always listened. But he had been out the hood almost 5 years and in that time Jese had become Fernando's idol. He looked up to him instead. Eliza fell asleep on the couch. He looked at her as she laid there with her mouth open. She always slept with her mouth open since she was a baby. She looked so peaceful. He never lied to her, he felt terrible lying about the 'party'. He left the hood to avoid drama and deceipt yet here he was lying to a 5 year old. He also felt a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time. He felt pure rage. Had he been around maybe nobody would have hit Fernando, people on that corner knew Pedro was known was stabbing anybody. He always had a knife on him. A part of him wanted to run up there with a few goons and lay people out but he knew he couldn't. It wasn't worth it. Nobody would call him a sucker or sell out. But Fernando was his little brother, he couldn't let a violation like that slide. But he would risk losing Eliza and he wasn't about to lose her after he lost Bianca.)

End Scene

Chapter 5

(3 days later...)

(Pedro just left the site. The work was increasing but he stayed on top of it. The shock of what happened to his brother seemed to spur him on. He couldn't start slacking off. He had to go harder, he still had the hustler mentality. If it was one thing he was grateful for from the hood it was his work ethic. He was always the first and last hustler on the block. This was the same for the construction site. He visited Fernando a few times, he was in a much better state. He hadn't spoken to Jese much. He avoided Stacy as he couldn't keep up with all the lies. He had lied to her enough already, he kept her at arms length. He walked down the street. Angie insisted on keeping Eliza an extra day. It was 8pm but it was still hot. He still had his contruction gear on. He drank a cold beer walking down the street. This was his 3rd one he was a bit tipsy as he walked down the street. He wanted to call Stacy to help him relax but he decided against it. As soon as he got home he opened all the windows .An old man was fixing the electric hub opposite his house.His head was spinning. His phone rang.)

Pedro: Whose this?

Jese: Peedy.

Pedro:  Hey! You loco?

Jese: Hey relax! I've been out of town handling business papi. It's sorted, things are straightened out and back to business.

Pedro: What? How are people blasting at him in broad day? Things ain't right down there you have to slow down!

Jese: It goes down like this sometime, we will be fine, you don't need to worry about us big brother.

Pedro: How do you know if you are not still being followed?

Jese: It was some Dominicans, they saw we were pushing a lot of work and wanted in. Fernando rejected an offer from them so they wanted to send a message. But it's been handled.

Pedro: Jese please-

Jese: Big brother, trust me. Give Eliza my love.

(He hung up.Pedro took another swig of the beer. He stood at the window looking outside, the street was quiet. The peace outside magnified his thoughts. His head was still spinning, no doubt Jese had retaliated, and no doubt the Domincians will retaliate. He went downstairs and sat on the porch. The breeze ran across his face. He looked across the street. The old man had left his tool box by the hub. He walked across the street and picked it up, he looked up and down the street and couldn't see any sign of him. He went into the liqour store to hand it in.) 

Pedro: This old man left his tool box on the street, tell your pops I'm handing it in. 

Stevie: We a lost and found now?

Pedro: Shut up kid.

Stevie: What kind of weirdo is doing electrics at this time anyway?

Pedro: Shut up kid. 

Stevie: Ight, I will let him know.  

(Pedro emptied the remainder of the beer and belched. The street was still quiet. Then suddenly it hit him. Where had the man gone to? Why would he be doing work and forget his tool box? Then he remembered about Fernando being followed. He went back into the store.)

Pedro: Yo, let me  buy a kitchen knife.

Stevie: $5 dollars.

(Pedro took the knife and wrapped it in the plastic bag. His hood instincts kicked in. He knew at that point the Dominicans had followed his brothers to Long Island. The old man was a look out or he was a shooter. He walked steathily down a back street. The old man couldn't have gone anywhere far. He climbed on a dumpster and climbed on a shed. He looked around carefully, anybody would have thought he was trying to be spiderman. He saw the old man a block away talking to two men in a black jeep. After a few seconds the old man left them and to his supirse walked in the direction of  the backstreet Pedro was. Pedro took the knife out of the packet and hopped off the shed. He tackled the old man to the ground, the man brought out a small pistol. Pedro hadn't seen a gun in a long time but he didn't flinch. He was angry now. The man looked almost 70 years old. But he didn't care, he pinned him against the wall.)

Pedro: Look at me pussy.

(He punched his stomach several times)

Pedro: Now look old man, you know where I live, you have told your men where I live, I know how it goes down. But I promise you you will not have an easy time. Where are your goons?

(Silence)

Pedro: If you don't talk I will cut it out of you old man. I will cut off your tongue, nobody will hear you scream, then I will cut off your balls. Whats your name?

Simeone: Simeone. Pls senor, I'm just a look out guy. There are no bullets in that gun.

Pedro: Get out your phone and call your boys.

Simeone: What?

Pedro: Are you stupid? Call your boys. You are going to tell them you came to the wrong house, you made a mistake,and you are too old for this. ok?

Simeone: Yes senor.

(Pedro held the knife to his neck whilst Simeone made the call.)

Simeone: Patron, it's the wrong house. I'm sorry I made a mistake, maybe they came to the wrong place, this is a nice neighbourhood why would he come here.

Patron: Are you sure old man? This is the exact place they followed the brother to-

Simeone: Don Patron, I am telling you, they got it wrong I am sure of it. Probably some gringo that lives there-

Pedro: (Whispers) I will cut you old man, tell them to leave, because there are more cops around because a house down the street got burgled last week so cops are doing a lot sweeps in the area.

(Sirens sound and sure enough a cop car on patrol drives through.)

Simeone: Patron, you got guns in the car and I just saw a cop car, I think they are on patrol here. If they see on your liscense plate you are from Compton for sure they will search the car.

Patron: That is true old man. Forget this guy, he is a has been gangster, maybe we should leave him in peace. We don't need more cops on our ass. Old man, we will talk later.

(Phone cuts. Pedro slams him against the wall with a thud.)

Pedro: Listen you son of a bitch, I came here to avoid all that danger, I don't want to get dragged into any bull crap drug deals, or gang banging or anything. You got that? I know you are a look out guy but you almost brought heat to my front door.

Simeone: I'm sorry-

Pedro: Never come back again, leave me in peace or I will come to your block and spray every single one of your crew, you got that? 

Simeone; Yes sir.

Pedro: 5 years ago I would have cut you to pieces. I can't gaurantee that you will not talk to your boss so I should kill you now but I can't do that.

Simeone: And for that I am thankful.

(He started to cry.)

Pedro: Leave. Don't forget your gun.

(The old man whimpered and crept out of the alley. Pedro watched him leave. He turned and walked back to his house and sat on the front porch. His heart was racing. He left to avoid the drama but it seems the drama is following him. Jese's reckless actions could have put others in trouble. He and Eliza could have been attacked. Moving out wuld not be an option becuae he had a secure job and school for Eliza. He knew the old man would never come back he wasn't worried about him. It was Jese that was the problem. He took out a cigarette and lit it up and puffed.)

End Scene