Killer Crown

"Why are we hid-"

I cover her mouth and bend down to whisper in her ear,

"There are some bad people after you. I don't know how they've already managed to get unreleased information on you, but you're in danger."

She looks up at me with pleading eyes. I remove my hand.

"I've been in danger since I was born. This is nothing new, please don't underestimate me. I'm more vicious than I look."

"Good to know,"

I peep my head around the corner to see if it's safe to leave.

"We gotta go."

We start to walk back towards the house when Zero steps on something. I look down at her foot and her once white sock is now drenched in blood, but she keeps walking.

"Zero, your foot."

She looks down,

"Oh."

She pulls off the sock and wraps it up.

"Are you not in pain?"

I'm in awe at how nonchalant she reacted.

"I didn't realize I stepped on something until you said something."

We walk into the driveway and Carlos is waiting for us.

"Aye mane, what were you two doing out here so early?"

"It's not important,"

I point to her foot.

"Take her to Selena. She's hurt."

He looks at her,

"Damn new girl, what happened?"

"It's Zero, and I honestly have no idea."

He takes her under his arm and helps her up the stairs. She leaves a trail of bloody footprints behind her.

"And get this cleaned up when you get back!"

"Jodida perra, levántate tú mismo." He mutters under his breath.

"What was that?!"

"Oh nothing. I said i'll hurry up and get it!"

***

"Hey, Selena,"

I crack her door open,

"Can I come in?"

"Sí Sí. Adelante."

When I walk into the small room, I see Zero flipping through tv channels.

"Hey Zero, you feeling any better?"

She looks over at me,

"Come sit Ricky."

She sits up and makes room for me on the bed.

"I've never watched a tv before. There's so such to choose from."

She continues to change the channels.

"Really?"

"Yup, mother has strict rules but the one she's most serious about is no electronics. She's the only one that can have a phone, a tv, and a computer."

Selena pulls my ear,

"Sí Ricky, sé amable con ella, ¿de acuerdo? Ella tiene un corazón puro pero necesita orientación."

"Sí, señora. Ahora por favor suelta mi maldita oreja."

She sucks her teeth and hits my head.

"Argh, why you gotta be so mean, eh?"

"I'm not,"

She says with a thick accent,

"I just don't want to see this one end up like the rest of you matones. Okay?"

I turn back around and look at Zero who's concentrated on the tv.

"Aye Zero, can you walk?"

She stands up,

"I could run Ricky."

I nod,

"Great, now lets get you dressed. You have some new friends to meet."

"Carlos, llama a Lina y dile que prepare un atuendo para Zero. Dile que necesita verse sexy."

"Sexy? Why do I have to dress like a slut to make an impression on your men?"

"That's the way of the man babe. We crave only one thing and between you and me, you've got the whole package Zero."

There's an awkward silence between us but Lina walks in just in time.

"This is Lina. She'll help you get dressed, now leave."

'Shit, why did I say that? I hope she didn't take it the wrong way. Damn Zero, why the hell do you have to be so damn cute?'