Down to the Bone by Mayra Lazara Dole Page B

a small, heavy date palm tree and places it in the hole she dug. She throws in the rest of the soil and pats the earth down. She plants white lance-like flowers in a circular way around the tree and goes for the hose. She knows her stuff.
    Che is having a hard time with some coral rock. He’s hitting the rocks extremely hard with the shovel, with a lot of force, trying to break them loose. “ Oye ,” he looks up to me as he wipes sweat off his brow. “She’s just acting tough because deep down she’s into me. I took her to the movies once. She didn’t text me back. I know she’s playing hard to get. I bet if I ask her out again, she’ll hook up with me.”
    That’s all Jaylene needs, a worm after her butt. “Ask her and see.” I stick the shovel in a crack on the earth and whack my foot hard against it, thinking it’s Che. I’m cracking open his skull to plant colorful flowers in there. He needs something pretty to shake up his messed-up head.
    “Those bi’s will screw anybody. That’s all I wanted from her. Come to think of it, I won’t ask her out again. I’m glad nothing happened between us. You better stay away from her if you don’t want AIDS. Who knows what STDs people like her are carrying.” He continues to shovel.
    I’ve never met such an idiot in all my life. I’m going to have a lot to deal with in this crew.

8—A Tazer Seed
     
    Morning passes quickly and before you know it, Tazer gets home. Angel is off with Jaylene to the tree warehouse nursery. Tazer comes by with croquetas de pollo and cold pineapple juice for everyone.
    “ ¡Gracias! ” The crew throws down their shovels and runs to the snacks.
    We walk away from them and stand under a tall, bushy, Gumbo Limbo tree. He’s looking really handsome in khaki pants and sandals and a dark forest green tank top that shows long lean muscles.
    “ Oye, chica, you look sweeeeeet. Long time.” He smacks me a kiss on my cheek.
    “Hey. Good to see you again.” In a strange way, I’m excited to see him. I just hope he won’t bring me problems with Marco.
    It’s tempting for me to befriend Tazer and people like Jaylene, but it’s not easy to cross the boundary I’ve kept myself behind and step into other territories right now. All I need is to lose Marlena because of one simple slip. My friendship needs were so fulfilled until the Incident. I don’t like feeling isolated when I have a string of new people I can befriend, right in front of my face. I know Marco will find it strange if I talk too much to Tazer, but not if I stick with Che.
    “Look what I found while digging.” I stick my hand in my pocket and bring out a smooth turquoise-colored stone. It’s got thin black streaks around it. I’m saving it for Pedri. I love to give natural things like rocks, leaves and hand-picked dried flowers. They mean something special, and you can save them forever.
    He scrutinizes it as he rubs his fingers over its smooth surface. “The markings are so artistic, as if someone drew them. I love it. Thanks.”
    Oops. He thinks I’m giving it to him. That’s okay. I’ll find another one for my little brother.
    Tazer’s thick dark eyebrows and sparkling eyes are stunning. His skin is smooth as a mango peel. It’s too bad he dyes his hair with chemicals. Maybe I can get him to change his mind about growing back his natural color.
    “You look striking in boots.” His smile radiates.
    “And you look handsome in pants.”
    He lets out a smooth, boyish laugh.
    “Hey, where’s your dad?” Angel needed to show him the backyard design I drew with Marco’s help last week, when I didn’t realize we were at Tazer’s house. Marco points to the trees and plants from a book, and I draw them in. It’s a piece of guava.
    My favorite part of my job, though, is to be allowed to sketch in some elements of surprise, unexpected moss paths, wild bushes or anything I’m moved to draw, really. My strength lies in being able to see an empty lot and know how