We Warned You

By Michelle Laureano

We Warned You is about Becky (16) and her two best friends, Sharon and Stephanie. Living in the Bronx, Becky thought it would be the best year since she was a senior at Stevenson High School.

Becky thought she was having the time of her life since she met a fine guy, but in reality… She didn't know what was coming to her.

This book is also a story about domestic violence. Michelle Laureano hopes to encourage young adults to know that it is okay to leave a relationship if they are being lied to, cheated on, or physically, verbally, and mentally abused.

Take it from me, if your family or friends warn you about your significant other... Listen to them and get out when you can.

If you are being abused in any way, call —

800-799-7233

Help is available

Speak with someone today

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michelle Laureano
• Release date: Feb 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224345175

Book preview

1

SEXY MAN

C ome on Becky, we’re going to be late for class! Sharon yelled.

I’m coming! I’m putting on my shirt! Becky yelled back to Sharon.

We also need to get Stephanie, so let’s go! Sharon yelled again.

Okay, okay, I’m coming! Becky said annoyed. How do I look?

Sharon looked at her and Becky was wearing a lavender body suit with a pair of black tight jeans and with her black flat high boots. Lavender was Becky’s favorite color.

You look nice, now let’s go! Sharon demanded.

They started going to the elevator from their co-op building to Sharon’s 1988 red Pontiac Le mans 4 door small car.

We’re seniors now and we’re going to run this shit this year, Sharon said.

Hell yeah, we’re going to rule this year! Becky said. Ha, ha, you’re so crazy, girl! Sharon laughed.

I pray I find a fine-looking guy this year. Becky said.

I pray you do too, but you need to be careful, Becky because you get attached too quickly and you can’t trust men nowadays.

Oh please, it’s not going to happen, Becky said.

Okay, I pray it doesn’t and you know I love you and wish you the best. Sharon said.

Aww! I love you too. Said Becky.

They pulled in front of Stephanie’s house, and she wasn’t ready either.

She’s not outside but I should’ve known. Sharon said and shook her head. I’m going to honk the horn until she comes outside.

Honk, honk! Honk!

Still no sign of Stephanie.

Honk, honk!

Sharon, chill she will come. Becky said.

Fine, but if she doesn’t come in ten minutes, I’m leaving.

Come on, stop it, don’t leave her. Becky said.

Whatever! Sharon said as she rolled her eyes.

There she goes! Becky said with excitement.

Hurry up bitch, we must go! Sharon yelled after she rolled the window down on the passenger’s side.

What’s going on, girls? Stephanie asked as she approached the car and got in the back seat.

No, what’s going on with you and what took you so long? Sharon asked with an attitude.

I’m sorry, I couldn’t find my black Jan Sport book bag. Stephanie said with an attitude.

I know you don’t have an attitude with me. Sharon said.

Stephanie looked at her and said… Shut your mouth and drive!

Stephanie was the prettiest one of all three. Stephanie has long black wavy hair to her waist, hazel eyes, a pretty smile, light skin complexion, 5"7, skinny, and a big butt.

Sharon was stocky medium built, with short curly black hair to her neck, light skin complexion; 5’5", brown eyes and a big butt too.

Becky was totally different from Sharon and Stephanie. Becky was chunky, light caramel complexion, light brown, shoulder length wavy hair, a little bit of freckles under her eyes, brown eyes, and big breasts. Becky was the shortest one, she’s 4’ 11.

They were all Puerto Rican.

They arrived at Stevenson High School fifteen minutes before class started. It was a chilly Thursday morning. All their friends were at the school parking lot, and they went towards them. They were all happy to see each other after the summer break and they all stood with each other until class started.

Stephanie, Sharon, and Becky didn’t have the same first period class, so they all went their separate ways.

The day was dragging, and it was boring until Becky got to her 7 th period class which was Math. Becky walked into her math class and went straight to the back to an empty small oak colored chair. Becky’s heart dropped after she noticed a sexy guy approaching the empty chair next to hers. She started staring at him, she couldn’t help it and he also was staring at her. He must be new to the school because I never saw him before. She wanted to introduce herself, but she was shy, so she kept her cool.

The teacher started taking attendance and then the teacher called out Steven Rivera and he answered here. So, Steven is his name. Wow, nice name for a sexy man. Becky thought.

Becky didn’t like Math but after today she thinks Math will be her favorite class to go to. She went to meet with Stephanie and Sharon in the schools parking lot after school ended. Hi, girls and how was the first day for you guys? Becky asked.

It was alright. Stephanie answered.

And you Sharon? Becky asked.

Boring. Sharon said. Becky laughed.

How was yours? Stephanie asked.

Becky responded, It was boring at first until I got to my 7 th period class. She was daydreaming and smiling big.

Oh, oh. Stephanie said and looked at Sharon, What happened? Stephanie asked.

There was the cutest guy in my math class. Becky began describing Steven. He’s light skinned, 5’9, hazel eyes, muscular medium build, light brown curly hair and sexy. Becky said while she was drooling. He also was dressed nice and smelling good. I don’t know if he’s Puerto Rican or what. Oh, and his name is Steven Rivera. "

Oh my God, girl, already? Sharon asked and was shaking her head.

Already what, Sharon!? Becky asked with a high pitch.

It’s the first day of school and you have your eye on a guy already? And what’s your point? Becky asked confused. I guess you haven’t learned your lesson with these guys. Sharon said disgusted. "Guys don’t care, and you should know.

Yes, you’re right but that does not mean I’m never going to be with a guy again because of my past? Becky asked.

No, what I’m saying is you need to chill a bit and to be careful and don’t rush into anything. Get to know the guy before you get serious with them.

Becky responded, I get what you’re saying, Sharon but I’m not marrying the dude and besides we need to talk to each other to get somewhere.

Okay, but I’m saying to take it easy. Sharon barked back at her.

Okay, no problem, now let’s go home. Becky shook her head.

Becky got home and it seemed as if she lived by herself; she was always home alone. Her parents had separated, so her father lives with his brother --her uncle-- and her mother is always in Manhattan with her sisters--Becky’s aunts.

Becky doesn’t see her mother for days or weeks and her sister is either working or with her friends. Becky was always closer to her dad, and she wishes he never moved out. Thank God he lives in The Bronx so she can still see him whenever she wants.

Becky is 16 years old, and she feels like she’s already an adult because she does mostly everything in the house. Becky cooks for herself, washes clothes, and cleans. Her sister cleans too and puts food on the table and thank God her father gives her money. Her sister is the one working right now until Becky finds a job.

She gets lonely at times, and she calls Sharon or Stephanie to come, and they would come. They’re more than Becky’s friends, they’re like her sisters and she loves them. She wishes she had their families because their parents are still married and they’re always doing things as a family.

Sharon and Stephanie are also Becky’s age but they’re months apart. Sharon is the strongest one; she doesn’t take shit from nobody and especially from a guy. Stephanie is more like Becky, she’s sweet, friendly, and funny but she doesn’t fall in love quickly like Becky does. They all were raised at the same co-ops. Sharon and Becky live in the same building at Rosedale Gardens and Stephanie lives in a house near Parkchester. Stephanie used to live in the building next to theirs at Rosedale Gardens, but her parents bought a house. Parkchester is not too far from Rosedale Gardens, so Becky is glad.

Becky got home from school, she ate something, cleaned a little and started doing her homework. While she was doing her homework, she had Steven on her mind. She couldn’t get him off her mind. After doing her homework, she looked at the time and realized it was going to be 10:00 at night. Where’s Crystal? Becky questioned herself. Becky went to take a shower after putting her books away and wrote in her diary.

Dear Diary Sept 12, 2001

Today was the first day of school and wow, summer came and left so fast. I wish summer could last longer and school would end sooner. It was good to see all my friends again but now, I’m a senior and I’m pretty sure this year will be better. Let’s see what the year brings me. I’m home alone again and it’s a bummer and I get lonely. I’m 16 years old and my parents should be here, well at least one of them but it’s my life. I hate my life. I’m always feeling depressed, and I stay crying. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Sharon and Stephanie, I would’ve gone crazy already, but they help me keep my head high. I need to be strong and have God in my life, anyways back to my day. The day was dragging but I did see a cute and sexy guy in my math class. His name is Steven and I wanted to introduce myself, but I didn’t, and I don’t know if I will. I told the girls and of course Sharon needed to put her two cents in it. I love her to death, but her mouth is too much. She’s always reminding me of my past and what I’ve been through with guys. I know she loves me and wishes me good in life, but my past is always in her mouth. Yes granted, I had guys who would cheat on me, disrespect me, or tell me what to do but I never had a guy put his hands on me. I will never allow it and I pray someday I would find my prince. Like I said, I know Sharon means well. I need to go to bed soon because tomorrow is school. Let’s see if I see Steven again and I know I will because he’s in my math class. I pray I dream of him tonight. Lol!

2

COURAGE

It was a Friday afternoon and the last day of school before the weekend came and it’s been two weeks since school started, and Becky still hasn’t spoken to Steven.

Becky and Steven have been looking at each other since school started but neither of them made the first move. She’s scared to talk to him but today she’s going to have the courage to say something to him. I’m going to do it today and I can’t keep being scared. Becky thought when she was in her 6 th period class.

The bell rang and she ran to her math class because she wanted to get there before the teacher does.

Becky entered the classroom, and the teacher hasn’t come yet but Steven was there. He’s here. Becky said to herself. Becky went straight to the back and to her seat and she greeted Steven. Hello.

Hey. Steven greeted back.

Are you new to this school? Becky asked with butterflies in her stomach.

Yeah, I am, and I came from Brooklyn and now I’m living in The Bronx with my brother.

Cool. Becky said with a smile. So, how do you like The Bronx and this school?

Well, there isn’t any difference. Steven told her.

Becky was in shock she was talking to him. She was going to leave him alone, but she wanted to ask him one more question.

Do you have any friends in The Bronx?

No, I don’t. Steven said ashamed.

Do you want one? Becky asked Steven in a low tone.

What did you say? Steven asked because he didn’t hear her. Becky asked him again but a little bit louder.

Sure, sounds good. Steven said with a little smirk. Becky smiled back. Thank God he said yes. Becky thought.

Here’s my number, so call me whenever you want to chill. Becky said and wrote her number with a Bic blue pen on a piece of loose-leaf white paper and passed it to him.

Okay and here’s my brothers number too. Steven also wrote his number on a piece of white loose-leaf paper but with a black Bic pen. After they exchanged numbers, the teacher came in the classroom.

Later,