My friends and I inadvertently walked into a gang clubhouse, on New Years Eve. I quickly figured our situation out and told the girls to follow my lead. I told them not to speak, follow me, and no eye contact. There were soldiers everywhere. I walked up to the main looking guy and asked for a meeting with his leader. He asked me what this was regarding and I said it was personal. They had my friends and I wait while he talked to their leader. He came back and told me that only I could come in, and my friends would wait. It was scary, we were in the ghetto in L.A. And we were 4 white girls, although because of my Hawaiian heritage I'm a little brown. They were all armed. He came back and asked me to follow him. They took me into this beautiful living room with a 25 foot Christmas tree, there in the corner was this little guy. He asked me what I wanted, I told him our story and let him know that I understood that I could not be in his territory without paying my respects although I was not a gang member myself. I looked him dead in the eyes. He thought I was smart and charming. He asked his right hand man to make sure my friends had refreshments and assured me they were safe. He liked my moxy, and told me he respected my bravery. We then had hot chocolate, by a roaring fire, next to the Christmas tree. We talked about family and the holidays. It was surreal. He then gave me his number and told me if I ever needed anything to call. He had his man walk me out, and I met up with my friends, and we were safely escorted to our car. I never did call him.
