San El Zorro's downtown.
Heat pressed against their backs as Lucas and Dré walked side by side, heading for Toco's food truck on Darlene Road - a local favorite known for its late-afternoon rush.
"So... what was all that with Miss Big Thighs at the skate park, huh? You Tryn'na make moves or what?", Dré said jokingly.
"Y-Yeah... I did. But trust me, it's not what you think.", Lucas said, voice low but steady.
"[scuffs]...Then what is it?", Dré asked curiously.
"She hit me up for help-tonight, yeah. But that's all it was.", Lucas replied, a bit flustered.
"BRO TONIGHT!?", Dré hollered shockingly.
"Shh!, Bro, calm down...look I'm only going to help her study, nothing else.", Lucas stated confidently.
"Bro, you're trippin'. Think about it - she had options, but she picked you. That means something.", Dré argued.
"What... what does that even mean?", Lucas murmured, genuinely thrown.
"Out of all her friends, she chose the one guy she already rejected... on New Year's Eve, no less.", Dré stated boldly.
"Yo, first off-what the fuck, bro? And second, you still haven't answered my damn question.", Lucas said, his eyes locked in.
"For real?, [clears throat], but you understand what I'm trying to say, right?", Dré asked.
"Yea I get it, but like I said...I'm only going to help her study.", Lucas replied as they both walked towards Toco's food truck,
They joined the line and waited their turn to order. After about three minutes, it was finally theirs.
"NEXT UP!" Toco shouted.
Lucas and Dré stepped up to the wide-open window on the side of the food truck,
"Hey, LJ! What's up, man?", Toco greeted with a cheerful grin.
"Afternoon Toco, I'm good and how about you?", Lucas asked.
"[Chuckles] I'm feeling great, camarada. Dré, ¿cómo va todo, amigo?", Toco said with a nod.
"Estoy bien. How's Tío been? It's been a minute since we spoke.", Dré asked with interest.
"Well, you know Tio... same old, same old. No changes there.", Toco said.
"[Chuckles] That clown...", Dré stated. Eventually, they placed their orders and left Toco's Loco Tacos, heading off toward ZUT - El Zorro University of Technology.
On the way, they took a shortcut through Point Block - the most dangerous section in all of San El Zorro. Even the cops avoided it.
The streets were covered in dirt and human waste. Prostitutes lined the sidewalks. Rusted, broken-down cars sat where they'd died decades ago. Homeless people lay across the pavement, some curled up in corners. Toddlers smoked cigarettes, laughing as they played with toy guns and plastic knives.
But none of it fazed Lucas or Dré. They'd seen it all before.
As they walked deeper into Point Block, they spotted Joshua talking to Megan - one of the best-known prostitutes in the area. Without hesitation, they headed over to holler at him.
"YO Josh!", Dré shouted. Joshua turned his head in curiosity, trying to see who called his name.
"Oops-sorry, Megan. Looks like I've got company.", Joshua chuckled, eyes shifting to Dré and Lucas.
"I-Is that really Lucas?", Megan asked, eyes darting toward him.
"How the hell do you know him?", Joshua asked curiously.
"It's... complicated. Another time, baby.", Megan murmured.
"Hey, what's up Josh, what are you doing here?", Lucas asked.
"Just messing around with Megs here.", Joshua said with a grin.
"[giggle] OK Casanova, what are you really doing here-?", Dré asked humorously.
"Hey Lucas.", Megan greeted.
"Hey Megs, how are you?", Lucas responded gracefully.
"I'm great, how about you?", Megan asked sassily.
"I'm alright.", Lucas said confidently.
"Anyway, we got places to be. Y'all do your thing - we out.", Dré said, tugging Lucas by the arm as they walked off.
"What's his deal?", Joshua muttered, clearly confused.
"I don't know...Anyways I've got to get back to work.", Megan said as she was leaving.
"Wait! Let me be your next client?", Joshua suggested smoothly as he chased after her.
Lucas and Dré made their way toward ZUT. The walk from Point Block took about fifteen minutes, and soon they arrived at the campus gates.
They both flashed their student IDs to the security guard before heading inside. Deciding to chill for a bit, they made their way to Dré's dorm room.
Once inside, Lucas dropped into a chair while Dré threw himself onto the bed with a loud sigh,
"Alright so...you're gonna meet up with Ashley in five hours.", Dré stated.
"Four and a half, to be exact.", Lucas replied swiftly.
"Ready for your study session tonight, champ?", Dré said, confident and calm.
"Bro...why are you so obsessed about me helping Ashley study?", Lucas asked curiously.
"I'm just excited for you bro...and as your friend I'm just trying to help.", Dré said earnestly.
"[Sighs] Dré, let's not do this, man. Forget me and Ashley - let's just chill.", Lucas muttered, annoyance in his voice.
"Damn... you're right.", Dré said, his voice calm for once.
"All I'm gonna say is - follow your heart's logical desires. Not just what it wants... but what makes sense in the long run.", Dré said with genuine honesty.
September Park, nestled in downtown San El Zorro, stretched peacefully along the riverbank. Tokyo walked beside Abigail, their conversation drifting through memories - the kind of nostalgic moments that refused to fade with time.
Then, out of nowhere, Kyle made his presence known.
With a sudden shout of joy, he came charging from a distance and leapt into the river, splashing down with reckless excitement.
"Kyle! Seriously, what are you doing?", Tokyo asked, confused and concerned.
"I wish I had your willpower.", Abigail praised softly.
Kyle reached out of the water Gasping for air, "[Chuckles] Refreshing.", Kyle said.
"Yo Kyle! What the fuck you doing?", Marcel said.
"Yeah, stop fucking around.", Michael said, his voice heavy with pity.
"Come on guys, it's just a little water, it won't kill you.", Kyle said humorously.
"You honestly believe water can't kill you?", Marcel said, raising an eyebrow.
"Besides, you're just embarrassing yourself.", Michael said, shrugging casually.
Tokyo and Abigail walked towards Marcel and Michael,
"Hey guys, how y'all doing?", Tokyo greeted.
"Hey Tokyo, we good...how about y'all?", Marcel asked kindly.
"We're great, what are you guys doing here?", Abigail asked curiously.
"We came for the Bob Marley festival, and you ladies?", Kyle said as he removed his wet t-shirt and slowly walked towards Marcel and Michael.
"Yep. Festival. That's definitely why we're here.", Abigail said with a tight smile.
"Uh... we did?", Tokyo asked, she was genuinely puzzled.
"Don't you remember? We were at Nolly coffee shop, I swear I told you.", Abigail said, grinning.
"No...No I don't...", Tokyo said.
"Anyways, we're already here...might as well join in on the fun.", Abigail said hastily.
"Yeah!, that's the spirit Abigail.", Kyle praised.
Tokyo froze - a strange mix of fear and excitement rushing through her.
A flashback flickered in her mind: her father's voice, stern yet caring, echoing from earlier that day. "Just Don't do anything illegal, Capiche?".
Now, standing at the riverbank with Kyle and others, she didn't know what to do. Her thoughts swirled in all directions, clouding her judgment, pulling her between caution and curiosity.
"Tokyo? Hey, you okay? You still with us?", Michael asked gently.
"[Sniffs] Yeah...Yeah, was just lost in my thoughts.", Tokyo responded quietly.
"Poor Tokyo already wants to bail out.", Abigail stated jokingly.
"You don't have to smoke if you don't want to, we're not forcing you to do anything.", Michael said casually.
"Yeah I know, but I always wanted to smoke Marijuana.", Tokyo stated.
"[Ugh] Seriously? Don't say it like that.", Kyle snapped.
"Like what?", Tokyo asked.
"[Jamaican accent] callin' the herb by its formal name man.", Kyle said smoothly. Abigail giggled,
"You sure you want to try it?", Marcel asked calmly.
"[Exhale] Yea, why not... You only live once.", Tokyo stated confidently.
"OK Tokyo! YOLO! YOLO!-", Kyle shouted wildly.
"Oh my GOD! Just shut the fuck up for once bro.", Michael yelled undertone.
"Damn Mike, what's up with the temper?", Marcel asked.
"Yeah bro...you got a problem with me?", Kyle argued curiously.
"Yeah and what about it?", Michael replied with a dull face.
Kyle rushed furiously towards Michael, but Marcel stepped between them while pushing both of them away,
"Guys... calm down!", Marcel said, raising his voice but keeping his tone steady.
"Please guys...the festival is about to start, let's calm down and grab a chill pill.", Abigail said.
"Yeah, yeah... just smoke until one of you taps out. That'll solve everything.", Marcel said, grinning.
Tokyo watched as a stream of caravans and minibusses rolled into September Park. One by one, they parked, and people began hopping out - each heading to their own serving tables.
Shortly after, a musical band arrived, bringing energy with them. Small tables and gazebos were set up beside the vehicles, some groups even decorating their spaces to make them feel more festive and inviting.
By 5:43 p.m., dusk had settled in. The sky grew darker, and the city lights - including the streetlamps lining September Park - flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the gathering scene.
"[Gasp] Wow!, the place looks so beautiful.", Tokyo stated joyfully.
"Wanna' go check the tables out?", Michael asked gracefully.
"Yeah sure, let's go!", Tokyo responded as she grabbed Michael's forearm and ran toward the lively area with him. Marcel and Kyle stood frozen, shock written across their faces.
"Come Kyle, let's catch up with them.", Abigail said, grabbing Kyle's hand and pulling him away from Marcel.
"Damn...", Marcel muttered, watching as they all scattered in different directions.
153. Pine Street.
Antonio sat on a bar stool inside Jack's Liquor, using his left elbow to support his head. His left hand gripped his forehead as he brooded, furious and distraught.
("What does she see in a guy like him?"), he thought bitterly.
He took a slow sip of whiskey. Just then, his cellphone rang. He glanced at the screen - Max was calling. Without hesitation, Antonio ignored the call and swallowed the whiskey in his right hand in one gulp.
"Amanda!...Give me another!", Antonio demanded drunkenly.
"My God Antonio, you're getting drunk pretty fast.", Amanda said.
"Just give me the damn drink.", Antonio said, voice tight with annoyance.
"Oh. A girl you liked broke your heart?", Amanda stated confidently.
"[scuffs] And what would you know, you old rag?", Antonio responded angrily.
Amanda slammed her hands on the bar counter.
"Listen here you scoundrel! I'll allow you to drink, but I will not tolerate disrespect.", Amanda stated furiously.
"Wow, I was just playing Amanda, you don't have to get so angry.", Antonio said lowly.
"And you don't have to be such an asshole.", Amanda replied swiftly.
She gave Antonio another glass of whiskey.
CRYSTAL AVENUE.
Stephen's eyes fluttered open, and he noticed Akira sleeping peacefully on his torso.
Slowly, Stephen stood up from the one-seater, carefully holding Akira in his arms. As he made his way toward the staircase, he glanced at the clock on the kitchen wall - 6:00 p.m.
A wave of anxiety washed over him. Thoughts flustered his mind as he wondered where his wife could be.
"Jesus, Katherine. How long are you going to take?", he worried silently.
Shaking off the thought, he continued carrying Akira toward his bedroom.
Just then, from the hallway on the second floor, Stephen heard the familiar sound of Katherine's car pulling up and parking at the main gate.
Stephen gently laid Akira down in his bedroom. Meanwhile, Katherine drove through the gate and parked in the driveway. She turned off the engine and stepped out, Mila was sleeping on her chest.
Katherine walked to the entrance of the mansion and stepped inside. She scanned the living room, and a sigh of relief escaped her lips before she headed toward the staircase.
Before she could ascend, Stephen appeared at the stair rail on the second floor, gazing intently at her.
"Hey honey, did you get lost on your way back home?", Stephen asked.
"Baby. No, just the traffic was packed on the highway.", Katherine stated confidently as she marched up the stairs.
"Oh. How was the market?", Stephen asked.
"Ah- you know, always loud and busy, lemme go lay Mila on her cradle.", Katherine replied swiftly, already heading toward her bedroom.
"OK.", Stephen said. Katherine walked into the bedroom and gently laid Mila down on the bed. Without wasting a moment, she rushed into the bathroom.
She peeled off her clothes and stood naked in front of the large mirror, staring at her reflection in silence for a beat. Then, without hesitation, she stepped into the shower, letting the water drown out the noise in her head.
Meanwhile, Stephen had settled onto the living room couch. He picked up the remote, flipped through the channels, and stopped at the sports network - trying to distract himself from everything else.
Meanwhile back at Jack's Liquor.
"Sometimes I feel like women are blind to their own choices... but who am I to judge? I'm only human.", Antonio stated.
"Wow, this lady really did break your heart.", Amanda said shockingly.
"Yea- not really, since she is already married.", Antonio responded.
"Well I can't blame you, I fell in love with a married man once.", Amanda said happily.
"Whoa really? How did it go for you?", Antonio asked curiously.
"Let's just say... I fucked up their relationship pretty badly.", Amanda said, laughing.
"How'd you do it?", Antonio asked.
"Oh. So you can fuck Mrs. Whoever's life up?", Amanda stated.
"Not necessarily...but maybe I could get an idea on how to win her heart over.", Antonio replied confidently.
"[Chuckles] You naughty little dog, OK I'll tell you how I did it, but promise you won't go and try this by Mrs. Whoever.", Amanda said earnestly.
"Yeah yeah whatever.", Antonio said hastily.
"Promise?", Amanda stated seriously.
"OK OK, I promise.", Antonio responded grievously. Amanda then proceeded to tell him about her method.
Antonio's mind raced, the weight of his choice settling like a stone in his chest. But there was no turning back now-he was already in full motion, ready to make a move that would either mend the cracks or shatter everything beyond repair.