Hated by C Fournier

because I didn’t have anything that I could offer him.
    “That is a very tempting offer to anyone…but me,” Antonio replied. “I don’t go for showgirls, and actually I can get that information, I just choose not to.”
    I could see the shock and fury written on her face, and it was understandable because Hayley has never been turned down by a guy before. My face was probably a mixture between surprise and delight. I really didn’t think he would pick me over Hayley. Antonio turned me around and we went off to class. No one paid us any attention as we entered the classroom. Except for my friend Joey who kept staring at me until I got to my seat, then he returned his attention back to the class. I knew I was going to have to explain a lot to him and any of my other friends that asked about today’s incidents.
    I doubt they would understand what kind of person he really is, they would probably think that he would be like the other gang members. I really think that he is different…and cute…and sensitive…and…hold the phone! No more romantic thoughts! We are friends…just friends, nothing more!
    I glanced to Antonio. He has a hansom profile, prominent cheek bones and those muscles of his, wow! I quickly turn my attention back to class. I need to stop with all this romantic nonsense; I need to focus on my schoolwork. I can’t have him popping into my head every couple minutes. I need to set the record straight, not just in my head but in reality as well.
    I know that I’m no good for a guy of his status. I’m just a girl that has to work three jobs to help feed the family and pay off a debt. I kind of wonder what he sees in me at all. But that’s not what I need to think about right now, I need to focus on my class.
    I glanced the other way and saw the old park. It used to be one of my favourite places to go, but now it just looks like a dump and nobody would like to try to fix it. I sighed, what is the world coming to? It’s like everyone, who is not in a gang, has given up and given in to the pressures of the gangs.
    I might go to the falls this weekend with my brothers just to get away from these pressures and beatings. I never take my mothers, it’s not because I don’t trust them it’s just that it was a special for just my family to visit. We even still have the deed to the place, so no one will be building on it as long as my brothers and I survive.
    The class seemed to go faster than usual today. Maybe it was because of all the excitement that had happened so far today or maybe it was because my mind was somewhere else for most of the class. Whatever the reason was I was glad when class was finally over with. I had had enough of school and of the school drama for one day. I close my locker and find Joey on the other side of the door.
    “What is going on?” Joey asked as he leaned against the locker, angling his body to try to block my escape.
    “What do you mean?” I asked Joey confused. I knew I would have to explain what was going on but I didn’t really think that I would have to do it just yet. I better start thinking of escape routes if I want to get to work on time
    “What is going on between you and the Mobster?” he asked. I swear I could hear an under tone of anger laced with betrayal in his voice.
    “We are just friends, Joey,” I explained exasperated. I’m tired and I’m fed up already with the questioning. I tried to get around him but he shifted to block me.
    “Damn it, Joey,” I replied angrily, “I’m going to be late for work.”
    “Relax I’ll give you a ride to work,” Joey replied tired of my escape attempts already. “How did this ‘friendship’ start?”
    “None of your damn business,” I snapped. I turned and tried to escape that way, but Joey wasn’t finished. He grabbed my arm and pulled me back, and then he grabbed my other arm to keep me from trying to escape.
    “I’m not finished asking questions,” Joey replied angrily. “Besides you