What Antonio Does Next

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After going back and forth about it in his mind, Antonio decides to go for it. He walks casually down the street toward Vanessa’s house. 

It always upsets him to see other people sad or angry, especially people he cares about. But it’s not cool to care too much, so he tries to hide it. He wishes he could be more tough and calculating, a “player.” The worst is when he sees something that makes him want to cry. That’s when he has to walk away very quickly, before anyone notices. 

What if that were to happen now?

Antonio thinks about his options. He decides to psych himself out and get in the mindset of someone like Jamal, one of the ballers. He notices Vanessa’s mom get in her truck and drive off. That means no one’s home except her and her little brother. He tugs his pants halfway down his hips, then leans against the wall as he rings.

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