Street Soldiers Read Online Free Page A

can I say? I told her it wasn’t a good idea to accept gifts from him, even if it was a generous act. Nigel’s right: Mickey should feel the repercussions of her actions for once in her life. Maybe she’ll learn her lesson this time around.
    I also haven’t heard from Jeremy since our last date ended on a sour note. I know he thinks that I’m overreacting but he needs to chill on drinking and smoking every chance he gets. It’s not sexy at all and I worry about his safety. I feel guilty for kissing Keenan, but honestly he’s becoming the more attractive of the two. Keenan doesn’t drink and rarely smokes weed. And, as far as I know, there’s no crazy white girl looking to become his wife within the next year.
    “What’s up, chica?” Maggie asks as we make our way out of the busy main hall. “It feels like I haven’t seen you in forever.”
    We stop and quickly hug before continuing our trek to first period. Now that I have Mrs. Bennett first thing in the morning there’s no being late—ever. She’ll never get the satisfaction of sending me to detention if I can help it.
    “What’s up, mami?” Maggie asks as we resume our stride. “How are things?”
    “Girl, dramatic as always,” I say, shaking my head at the thought of Pam’s bloody body in the driveway. “But I don’t want to talk about that. How are you doing? Where’s your boy?”
    “Girl, let me tell you,” Maggie says, in her thick, Spanish accent. “Papi and I are just fine, but all couples have their drama. Speaking in which, I heard about you and Jeremy and that puta, Cameron. I got something for that ass if you want, chica. You know you’re my girl,” Maggie says, looping her left arm through mine, making me smile.
    “Nah, I’m good,” I say, grateful for the backup. “Cameron’s just a distraction. Unfortunately, we’ve got bigger issues to deal with.” I hope Jeremy heeds my advice and chills. I don’t care what he says, his daily consumption habits can’t be good for anyone to maintain.
    “I feel you, girl,” Maggie says, waving to her boyfriend, Mario and the rest of their Latino crew, El Barrio. Her little brother, Juan, joined South Bay High this year and she’s very protective of him. Juan’s a cutie, just like Maggie. “I don’t want mi hermanito getting twisted with these brujas up here, especially witches like her,” Maggie says, pointing across the courtyard to Misty who’s walking to class with Emilio.
    I wonder how KJ feels about her newfound BFF?
    “Maggie, Juan’s a freshman. I’m sure he’s trying to stay in his lane and date girls his own age,” I say, laughing at Maggie’s reaction to Misty latest outfit.
    High heels and mini skirts have become a large part of Misty’s senior year trademark look, along with her short haircut and blue contact lenses, courtesy of her godmother. Misty looks like a completely different person, and under Esmeralda’s influence that’s exactly what she’s become.
    “I don’t know, mija. Misty seems to have a thing for Chicano blood lately. Maybe she’s finally reclaiming her other half,” Maggie says, referring to Misty’s Puerto Rican ancestry on her mother’s side.
    They rarely claim their roots, with Misty’s mother passing for white unless she’s in Compton, and Misty only acknowledging her black side no matter where she is. Maggie’s right: Misty and Emilio have been nearly inseparable lately. I know that they were initiated together on the same night of my own spiritual rite of passage, but I had no idea it would affect Misty like it has.
    “Uh oh, “Maggie says, acknowledging KJ and friends enter the crowded yard.
    We all need to get a move on before the warning bell rings. I personally prefer to be seated in my first period class before the final bell rings, leaving me a few moments to mentally prepare for the wrath of Mrs. Bennett. But I don’t want to miss this confrontation, either.
    “Misty, what the hell are you doing with this bitch-ass