Street Love (An Interracial Love Story)

Chapter 25

Hearing him finally admit it pushes me over the edge.

"I knew it!" I walk up to him and shove him hard. He stumbles back but doesn't retaliate. "I freakin’ knew it. All this time Tony. It's been months and you never had the decency to tell me!

"I was there for you. From day one. I helped you through your drinking and that was frustrating as hell. But I pushed through. I wanted to be there for you. And you thank me by joining a gang? A freakin' gang?"

My rant isn't over but the tears are falling down my face. I'm not sad.

Just really, really hurt.

"There are so many things that can happen to you out there. Your best friend just got shot! Do you even care?"

Tony cringes at the mention of Juan.

"You don't." I answer the question for him then get in his face. "You being a part of this gang shows you don't care about anyone but yourself. Not me. Not Donny. Not even Emi. All you care about is what's best for you."

Tony narrows his eyes at me but I don't give him the opportunity to talk.

"I don't even care anymore," I spit out. "Go ahead and run the streets. Get drunk and party it up. I'm done with you."

I open the front door and slam it behind me.

I'm so upset.

I feel hurt.

And betrayed.

My vision is blurred by my tears but I don't let myself stop walking ‘til I get home.

When I get home, Donny and my mom are asleep on the pullout couch. I throw myself into my bed and let my tears and thoughts flow.

I loved Tony so much. He's the first boy I've ever let myself fall hard for.

And he let me down.

My head is throbbing and I roll over.

I need someone to talk to but Tony isn't an option and neither is Keisha.

This sucks. This sucks so much.

"Hey." My mom opens my bedroom door and gets into my bed. "What's wrong?"

She starts rubbing my back and I'm reminded of how she used to put me to bed when I was younger.

"Everything," I whisper while leaning into her. "Everything is wrong." I'm sobbing again.

"Shhh." She rubs my back to calm me. "I'm right here." She's quiet for a moment while I get my crying under control.

"You wanna talk about it?" She finally asks.

Do I wanna talk about it?

I settle for yes because she's the only person I have.

"It's Tony. I saw him doing a drug deal on my way home from the studio."

My mom doesn't say anything but keeps rubbing my back.

I go on. "I texted him when I got home and I went over there and confronted him about it, but he didn’t really seem to care.

"I'm just so hurt because this has been going on for months. He even lied to me. I've never once lied to him mom."

My mother nods. "I'm so sorry sweetie," she finally says. "That's completely unfair to you. And I know how hard you've worked with him on this relationship and with his drinking. I'm so sorry."

"Thanks mom," I mumble. "I just... I don't know what to do now."

"Well. Do you still wanna talk to him?"

"As of now? Not really."

"I understand. After everything, you definitely deserve a break. I think you need to take a break from trying to make Tony happy and focus on your own happiness.

“Maybe when I get paid this weekend, we can go do some shopping at the mall this weekend. Might get your mind of things. Does that sound good?"

"Yeah." I smile a little. "Thanks mom."

"No problem." She kisses me on the cheek and cuddles closer to me. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," I sigh then start to fall asleep. "Mom?" I ask quietly.

"Yeah sweetheart?"

"I miss moments like these."

"I do too. I really wanna be there for you and Donny more. I'm really trying."

"I know. How's work treating you?"

"Eh." My mom shrugs a little. "The pay is really good. The clientele? Not so much."

"Oh." I'm feeling really sleepy. "I'm sorry. I hope it gets better."

"I hope so too." My mom kisses my forehead. "Now go to sleep okay? I don't want you to be..."

I'm asleep before she even finished her sentence.