Contest Winners

"Arturo, usted es tarde para la escuela!"
"Yes, I am coming Madre."
Arturo finished slipping on a clean tee shirt, headed for the kitchen, grabbed a piece of toast, kissed his mother, and stampeded out the door. He bounded across the yard and across the road to Zippy's convenience store. Inside, Arturo looked down the aisles one by one for his friend. Hector was at the rear of the store pinned against the cooler by three white kids. A skinny punk with a face blooming with acne clenched Hector's collar.
"A dollar my amigo granDEE," He said.
"I no have it, Eddie. Leave me alone."
"Choke it up, fat boy, or we'll kick your ass."
Arturo stepped forward grabbed the hand gripping Hector's collar and twisted it back roughly.
Eddie screamed in pain and squirmed away.
"You'll be sorry for that, beaner."
Arturo sized up the three antagonists. Physically he was not worried, but their cropped hair, piercings and tattoos gave them a vicious mien. He felt a knot of fear rise in his stomach. Arturo's eye caught the subtle flash. A knife flipped open at Eddie's side. He held it low, and Arturo knew he meant to use it. Arturo and Eddie locked eyes; Arturo ready to jump away, Eddie ready to strike. Tension mounted until a patrol car rolled up to the large storefront window. A skinhead grabbed Eddie's arm and motioned with his head.
Eddie sneered, "This isn't over, pancho." He turned and walked away.
A sultry voice from behind the potato chip rack said, "If you fight with Eddie, you end up fighting his whole gang."
Arturo peered behind the rack at the cheerleader's bright sweater draped with silky blonde hair and supported by long thin legs.
Timidly he said, "Do you know him?"
"Of course not, a pig like that? I don't think so."
She paused for a minute taking in Art's strong round arms and the broad chest.
"You gotta name?" she asked.
"Arturo."
"Valerie here"
Arturo extended a hand. Valerie grabbed it warmly.
"Arturo, my friends hang out at the play ground after school. We'll be there tonight . . . by the swings."
Suddenly suspicious, Arturo asked, "Most girls like you do not like my kind."
Valerie dragged her finger across Arturo's cheek, "What kind is that?"
Arturo was lost in saucer blue eyes and slowly nodded. "OK, see you after school."
Arturo intently watched Valerie's tight form sashay out of the store.
He was obsessed. Her face filled his mind and her voice filled his ears. In third hour English, Mrs. Olson threatened to send him to the office for ignoring her.
Quickly he blurted out, "I am sorry Mrs. Olson, but I have to go to the lavatory."
Mrs. Olson glared back.
"Really bad."
The class snickered, but Mrs. Olson gave Arturo a pass.
He breezed into the lavatory. Cigarette smoke filled his nose. Eddie Reese sat on the sink blowing smoke rings.
"Well, well, well look what blew in."
Arturo ignored Eddie and proceeded to the urinal. Finishing, he zipped up and turned around. Eddie was standing behind him, waiting. Arturo ducked and the sucker punch exploded against the urinal. Eddie doubled over, holding his hand in pain. Arturo was smiling when Mr. Tucker came in the room.
"Do I smell smoke?"
Eddie was whimpering.
"Son, are you hurt?"
Eddied did not speak but clenched his teeth, raised a tear covered cheek and nodded.
Mr. Tucker turned to Arturo, "You are the Reyes boy, aren't you. It's after class detention for you. If you hurt Eddie seriously, you will be suspended."
"But Mr. Tucker, I didn't."
"Quiet, don't sass me, boy."
Visions of Valerie were replaced with shadows of despair. He reached out and took the dreaded yellow slip.
It was after five-thirty when Arturo arrived at the playground. It was deserted. A gush of disappointment escaped from his lips. At the swing set, a young girl, maybe ten, sat quietly.
"Hey mister, give me push. I like to go really high."
Arturo said, "Why not?"
Rhythmically he began to push the girl. Long caramel color hair billowed in the breeze like a flag. She screamed with delight.
"Higher, faster," she called out.
Finally, Arturo grew tired and gently grabbed the chains and slowing the swing.
"Do you know a gal named Valerie?"
The little girl shook her head.
"She told me she hangs out here."
The little girl lit up. "You must be him."
"Him?"
"Yes, a girl asked me to pass a note to a good looking guy with dark curly hair."
She dug deep into a pocket and pulled out a ragged gum wrapper.
Arturo grabbed the note.

"Arturo,
I am not used to being stood up!
If you have a good excuse, call me tonight 534-2267.
Val"