Chulito Read Online Free PDF Page B

introduced as “my protégé” to rappers and fashion kings and queens. He got a thrill and felt grown when he learned to shoot a gun, in case shit went down.
    But Chulito liked it best when it was just the two of them, like that first day in his room, or when they’d sit and watch Scarface in his crib and order his favorite rib tips and beef fried rice from the Chinese spot. He felt most connected to Kamikaze when they spent hours talking about “the game” and what the future could hold for him. Their closeness reminded him of the way he used to hang with Carlos, before he changed.

    The sound of laughter from the party posse brought Chuilito back to his room. He got up from his bed to lower his window and saw the white Range Rover pull up in front of the building again. Carlos got out of the car with his mother, and they talked to the blond driver. On the opposite side of the street the “party posse” was in full swing.
    Chulito froze as his phone rang.
    “I can see you, bro,” Kamikaze said. “What you doing standing in your room? Git ya ass out here, ahora.” He hung up without waiting for Chulito to respond. Then, the party posse started chanting, “Chu-li-to. Chu-li-to. Chu-li-to.”
    Chulito darted out of the apartment building and avoided making eye contact with Carlos as he passed. A roar of cheers rose from the guys. As he was engulfed by the throng shouting happy birthdays, Chulito saw Carlos watching. He felt trapped. He wanted to apologize to Carlos and promise to make it up to him, but for the fellas he had to act as if Carlos didn’t matter.
    Papo, Chin-Chin and Davey were coming from the liquor store, bottles in hand, with Looney Tunes who was not invited. Not to be left out, Looney Tunes offered a gift. “I got you a little bottle of Hen, Chulito.”
    “Thanks, bro, we’ll see you mañana,” Chulito said. “Be cool.”
    “C’mon, Davey, let me get in your car,” Looney Tunes said. “You got room.”
    “Drop it already,” Papo slipped on his shades. “Look at you. You always look wrecked and you always trying to ride another nigga’s wallet. The way you roll, you ain’t never gonna be invited to a party posse.”
    Chulito and the guys headed toward Davey’s car that was parked on the corner where they always stood.
    Chulito heard the blond guy turn on the ignition on the Rover. He turned and saw Carlos walk to the driver’s side, reach in and shake the guy’s hand. As he shook his hand, Carlos flipped his hair out of his eyes and Chulito realized Carlos’ hair was a little longer, almost touching his shoulder. Carlos stepped away from the Rover, waved good-bye to the blond boy and went into the building with his mom without looking back at the guys.
    Papo pulled Chulito close. “See him shaking that dude’s hand? Guess we taught that faggot a little lesson about kissing his boyfriends on our block.”
    Chulito didn’t like Papo referring to the guy as Carlos’ boyfriend. He doubted that was true because even though Chulito wasn’t up front about his feelings, he figured that Carlos knew something was up and wouldn’t show up with another dude.
    “Bye, papi.” Looney Tunes shook his ass, ran after the Rover and waved good-bye frantically.
    Puti, the drag queen who lived with her mother in the first floor apartment across from Chulito, was perched on her window sill. “¡Sángano!” she yelled out to Looney Tunes.
    “Fuck you!” he yelled and the fellas laughed.
    “Oh, really? With what?” she challenged.
    Looney Tunes grabbed his crotch with both hands. “Wit dis, you sorry faggot.”
    “With two hands full of bootleg jeans? I don’t think so.” She extended one long slim arm toward Looney Tunes and gave him a loud snap of her fingers. “Pleeeease.” Then she disappeared into her apartment.
    Looney Tunes kept his head up as the guys laughed and got into Davey’s car. “Yo, fuck Puti. She’s always got some stupid shit to say.”
    Davey imitated Puti by