Trap House

Summer had finally come to an end. No more lake parties, or shaved ice midnight stops. No more lovers out by the crosses or marshmallow bonfires.    At least I wish that was my summer memory. No instead I spent my summer helping my boyfriend and his crew expand their "business." That's what Emir likes to call his drug dealing, in a traditional sense he's not wrong, he sales you the product and profits in return. If only it wasn't so daum illegal. We've been doing this for 3 years, every year they become more greedy, more thirsty for money. The ideas to earn more money become more sinister, it's like they lost their conscious.      But it's not my place to argue, after all I'm no angel. This year the stakes are higher since we have a little competition. Who knew the snobby kids in town would get a taste of drug dealer money, and take it upon themselves to challenge our business. The Elites crew better be ready for a bloody fight if they think they stand a chance.    "Babe I have to head out," I yell. I've been staying at Emirs crib helping him count tonights product and our financial gain if everything goes according to plan. Tonights the big back to school house party, that the school jocks throw every year. House party means horny teens trying to get their hands on any drug they can find. Tonight we're popping out the Xanax bars.    "Okay beautiful, I'll see you tonight," Emir replies. He reaches for my neck and pulls me in for a kiss. I try to keep it quick but he has other plans. He grabs my waist pulling me in closer. His tongue swipes against my lips, pushing me to open my mouth.  Instead I gently pull back and peck his cheek. "I have to go, my parents are waiting for me." he frowns but doesn't say anything.    I'm approaching my car when I hear him ask, "Azalea, why don't you kiss me like you use to?"  I step in my car acting as if I didn't hear his question. Why DON'T I kiss him like I used to?  I think. He's not wrong, I feel it too. My body reacts differently to him. There was a time when I couldn't keep my hands off of him. I was so in love with him.. No I am in love with him, what am I thinking. But lately it's as if I go out of my way to to avoid him. What is wrong with me? Emir is breathtakingly handsome, from his brown curls to his pink full lips. And those piercing honey eyes, illuminated by thick lashes. That's only his face, the man has the body build of a god, so hot his abs alone have you drooling.   Maybe there is something wrong with me. Im pulling up to my drive way, recognizing my parents car. This house is my parents pride, our house is a two story modern cap cod. Technically every house on this block looks identical but that doesn't take the happiness away from my parents. My parents grew up very poor in Mexico, with not even a piece of bread to their name. It's why I don't complain that I only seem them on weekends.  My father the great Ricardo de la Rosa, is the CFO of an investment firm located four hours away. My mother works there as well, she is the company's account executive. I know both of them have sacrificed a lot to be in those positions. They're the perfect example of overcoming stereotypes, not a house maid, not a gardener. The only reason we don't move down there is family is everything to hispanics, and both my parents siblings live here.    My phone rings as I walk up the porch, "Hello?"  "Hoe! What are you wearing tonight?!" Lu shrieks on the other side of the line.  "Idk clothes maybe?" I answered sarcastically.  "Ha, Ha very funny Azu," Lu replies nonchalant about my answer.  "Hey can we speak privately after the party?" Maybe she could help me figure out why I've been feeling this way about Emir.   "Sure but you're kind of scaring me," Lu replies. "OMG! you're not pregnant right?" "WTH NO!" I reply defensively. "Just meet me after the party!" "Okay! Okay! I'll be picking you up at ten, byeeeee" she purposely stretches out the last part.   I love that girl to death but she jumps to conclusions like its a marathon. Lu and I have been best friends since Elementary. She is the complete opposite of me, very outgoing, flirtatious and free spirited. The girl has the spitting image of a model, with her small nose, almond eyes and rosy cheeks. If it wasn't for her lilac hair, nose piercing and tattoos, you'd wonder how we're friends.    It's a Saturday evening so my parents are home for the weekend. "Mama? Papa? ya llegue" I yell as I enter my house.   "Mija!" my mother replies. "Where have you been?" she adds, as she pulls me in for a bone crushing hug. She steps back eyeing my hair color of the month. By her furrowed eyebrows I can tell she's not very pleased. This months color is pastel pink.  In our culture, hair is a symbol of beauty. So in respect to that I let my hair grow out and it reaches right above my belly button. She believes the hair color is a phase and I don't bother arguing.  "I'm going out tonight with Lu and the girls, we're going to a drive thru movie. So we'll probably be out late." I lie.  "Esta bien," she answers. "Text me what time you'll be home." "Of course," I reply. I don't like lying to my mom but there's no way she'll let me go out to a house party. She'll be worried I'll be introduced to alcohol and drugs. Little does she know I'm the warning.  I walk up the stairs dreading the idea of having to find an outfit for tonight. As it is I struggle to find one for a regular basis. My looks have never been a priority, mostly because I'd have to care what people think and I wasn't put on this earth to satisfy others. Plus its not like I'm hideous. I take more after my mother, I have her hazel eyes except the green in my eyes is more prominent than the brown. I also inherited her high cheek bones but unlike her having freckles scattered all over her body and face. Mine make a faint appearance across my nose and cheeks. Thankfully even though my mother has pale skin, I was blessed with my fathers caramel skin tone.   I rampage through my closet. I finally settle for a brown one shoulder body suit with a side cut out and thumb hole. I decide to pair the body suit with ripped black high waisted skinny jeans. I finish my look by adding a nude lip and light makeup to give my features an enhancement. I put on my gold hoops and take down my bun, brushing out my hair that has now been transformed into soft waves.   As I zip up my doc Martens, I get a text from Lu reading here. I take one final glance in the mirror. Wow not too shabby for a girl with little to no sense of style. I praise myself for hitting the gym this summer and gaining a toned physique.    "Mama, I'm leaving!" I yell as I head down the stairs.    "Mija, did you see we got new neighbors?" she asks. Grinning at the opportunity of meeting someone new.  "Mom what if they're serial killers? or worse what if they're stuck up and snobby?" I answer her question with a question.   "Azu do not say that about others. I raised you better than to judge," she scolds me. "And don't stay out too late."  I kiss her cheek and run out the door. I slide on the passenger seat, feeling a pressure on my bottom. I pull out a liqour bottle from under me. A Patron bottle of course. I look over at Lu giving her an amused expression.   "What? it's for the party, you know I only take fine liquor." We burst out laughing. We both know Lu doesn't give a s**t what she drinks as long as it kicks in quick.  "You got new neighbors, hopefully it's a hot sugar daddy," Lu says while laughing and looking across the street.   "You wish, like I told my mom for all we know it could be a serial killer," I reply looking toward the direction of her gaze. Sure enough there's a U haul parked in the drive way.   "C'mon lets go pick up the others," she says cutting off my trance. As we drive away I can't help but think about the new neighbors.