My Spooky // On My Block

I got up early on the morning my best friend was leaving me for college. My four year old, Princess was already up and getting into stuff. I got her cleaned up and dressed before showering and getting dressed myself. The house was empty as usual. Meaning my dad and my brother were out and up to no good.

"Come on baby." I smiled once we were both ready. We headed out and made the walk to the Martinez household. I knocked before walking in. Imani instantly ran to find the twins. I smiled going to greet Mario's mother. She always treated me like family and helped me through my pregnancy. Being 15 and pregnant without a mom wasn't easy at all.

"Are you excited to be going back to school?" She asked.

"Not really. School means less time working. Less money. I really need to get a place for Princess and I." Living in a neighborhood full of Prophets and an abusive dad is not how I want to raise my daughter. But of course I never told anyone that.

"I told you you're free to stay here until you get on your feet." She said looking at me.

"I don't want to intrude."

"Well think about it." She told me softly. I nodded and gave her a hug.

Then I went and found Ruby and Jamal in what use to be part of Mario's room. They were both jumping on the bed causing me to shake my head.

"Look who's finally getting their own room." They jumped down and looked at me.

"Yeah it's about time." Ruby said. They both gave me a hug.

"What're you two up to today?" I asked.

"Today is orientation for freshmen." Jamal said.

"Oh yeah. I remember freshmen orientation. It was the worse."

"Well you're graduating this year, so you'll have freshmen orientation when you get to college." Ruby shrugged.

"I'm not going to college. After I graduate I'm getting another job so I can save up and get out of this neighborhood." They both nodded understanding. The conversation ended when my phone started ringing. Mario was calling to tell me he was out front.

"Alright, I'll walk with you guys because I have to drop Princess off at preschool." I told the two. They nodded then I headed outside. Mario was leaning against his car. I smiled softly and ran over to hug him.

"You're an asshole for leaving me." I told him as he hugged me tight.

"Well when you graduate you can join me and we finally act out that whole "best friends getting together." scenario." He chuckled. I playfully rolled my eyes.

"You wish." We pulled away from the hug and looked at each other.

"You gonna be alright without me?"

"No I don't know how I'll survive without you Mario." I sighed dramatically. He rolled his eyes.

"Yeah Yeah Whatever. Just know if you need me I'm only a phone call away. Stay out of trouble." He told me. I nodded softly.

"I will. Make good choices at college." I told him. He smiled.

"No promises."

"Did you already say goodbye to your family?"

"Yeah. I tried to say bye to Angelica but she was either ignoring me or she wasn't home." I chuckled softly and was about to respond until Princess came running out the house, screaming for Mario. He smiled and picked her up, embracing her.

"Why you leaving?" She pouted.

"I have to go to school baby, but I'll be back. Until then, you have to take care of mommy okay? Can you do that for me?" He asked her. She smiled and nodded.