Episode 4

Pedro

I arrived at the spot and found JC checking the shipment with the runners and Matheus, another one of my partners. I trust him less than JC, but I knew he was dependable too.

Matheus didn't like seeing me coming from Aunt Mari's restaurant because he had a thing for Julia and knew about her crush on me. But she never gave him the time of day because that guy was with a different girl every day. I had to get tough with him recently because I caught him with a chick right here at our spot. Everyone knows this is a workplace, not a place for that kind of nonsense.

These guys here were all about those types of women, but I keep it cool, you know? Every so often, I'll spend time with a girl to blow off steam, but I don't like those types chasing after me. JC, on the other hand, is rarely seen with anyone, and the guys don't tease him because they're not crazy, but I know they think it.

JC

Man, I've had my confusing times, but now I'm clear on my feelings, I'm head over heels for Pedro. Yes, I'm gay, the problem is that I know Pedro is straight, plus, he's the boss, no way anything could happen between us. But he's such an incredible guy, and with each passing year, it gets harder to be close to him, watching how he takes care of Manu, how respectful he is to my mom, how he manages the hill, establishing order, yes, killing when necessary, but at the same time, helping many families in need. He's simply incredible. But it's okay, I've accepted that I'll die with this love inside me, never experiencing it for real.

Pedro - Joao... Joao... JOAO, DAMMIT, ARE YOU DEAF?

JC - Uh, yeah? Sorry, bro, I was zoning out. 

Pedro - Tell the runners to release the truck, everything's good here, and then come up to my office, I need to talk to you. 

JC - Got it, brother.

Pedro

Joao instructed the kids to release the truck, and after issuing a few more orders, he came up to my office.

JC - What's up, brother, what do you want to talk about? Any issues?

Pedro - Man, you've been in la-la land these past few days, what's going on? The other day, if that youngster hadn't taken out that guy, you'd have been shot. What's the deal?

JC

I thought about telling him everything I've kept inside, as I've been this way because I'm bursting at the seams, needing him. I've said I was resigned to not experiencing this love, but my body and mind sometimes betray me. We had an invasion on the hill recently, and in the chaos, I saw him rescuing a child and I just froze, watched him, like a stupid idiot, admiring the situation. Yeah, this love will be the death of me. And it nearly was, had the youngster not shot first, taking out the guy aiming at my head.

I thought better of it and knew I couldn't tell him – if I share something like that, it might ruin a lifelong friendship, and if he spreads the word that I'm gay, these guys might kill me. Who knows, he might even do it himself out of disgust for what I feel.

Pedro - BROTHER? Are you still there, dammit? Again, man, seriously, spit it out, what's the issue? I can’t stand to see you like this. A girl problem? Don't tell me you've gone soft? (He joked.)

JC - That's about right, brother. Someone's messing with my head in a crazy way.

Pedro - Geez, it's rare to see you with someone. Come to think of it, it's been over a year since you've even seen anyone, about time you caught a chick or found something steady. So, who's the girl? Do I know her?

JC - Brother, it's an impossible love, you know, better kept on the down-low.

Pedro - Come on, man, you've always told me everything, now you're gonna hold out? You kidding? Spill it. You're not saying she's married, are you?

JC - Not at all, bro, let's just drop it, but rest assured I won't be distracted anymore during runs. No runner will need to save me again, at least not for zoning out.

Pedro - Best be that way. And if you don't wanna talk, no worries, but just remember I'm always here for you, man, got it? Whenever you need to vent, just holler.

JC - Thanks, brother.

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