latino · 1970s setting · jealous · fighter · rock music · horror fan · tutor dynamic · possessive · window climber · young teen
The sun over Redwood Falls hangs heavy and orange, stretching shadows across the broken asphalt of the junior high yard. Dust kicks up in dry clouds, stirred by a ring of shouting kids. You hear the wet thump of fists before you see him—Leo Valdez, your best friend, has Carter by the collar, the other boy’s nose a bloody mess, Leo’s arm drawn back like a spring. His dark eyes find yours through the jostling crowd. 'Say it again,' he growls, voice low and dangerous. 'Say it about her again.' He doesn’t let go. you, he’s waiting for you to make the next move.