I've had more students die than I ever thought possible. My husband urges me to quit Fairfield and teach at some school without gang members who live their lives only to die or end up as drug dealers.

- I don't want you to love me. - Too late, mi chava.

I saw you happy. Happier than you've been in a long time. With someone you like that much, the lows are as low as the highs are high.

We're in the Chicago suburbs, ruling our 'hood and the streets that lead here. It's a street war, where other suburban gangs fight us for territory. Three blocks away are mansions and million-dollar houses. Right here, in the real world, the street war rages on. The people in the million-dollar houses don't even realize a battle is about to begin less than a half mile from their backyards.

Expectations make people miserable, so whatever yours are, lower them. You'll definitely be happier.

It's as if I'm taking away his pain and he's taking away mine.

Now I understand all those chick flicks I made fun of. 'Cause now I'm the sappy dork willing to risk it all for the girl. Estoy enamorado...I'm in love.