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Miguel and Anna’s marriage is interrupted by
Anna’s father, Tommy, who rejects his daughter’s decision to marry
Miguel, the father of their 6-month old child. Unmoved by Anna’s
protests of love, Tommy dismisses Miguel because of his gang
affiliation. Tommy insists the two teenagers stay away from each
other. Andrew and Rafael, working with the church, try to get
Miguel to participate in a community outreach program for teenage
fathers, but his participation is only to appease the suspicions
of the local police. Miguel is determined to gain his respect the
only way he knows how, through the gang. Gonzo, the hot-tempered
leader, informs Miguel of his plans to kill a rival gang member.
Miguel returns home to discover his mother, Lorena, has given away
his room to Monica, who works as a church volunteer. This
furthers Miguel’s withdrawal from the people who truly care about
him. Lorena confides to Monica her disappointment in her son’s
lifestyle and longing for the son he once was. Miguel and Anna
meet the next day at the family run restaurant owned by Tommy.
Tommy voices his displeasure with Miguel and his friends to an
attentive new customer, Tess. Tess recognizes that Tommy’s
intolerance is closely linked with his own questionable past that
he is trying to escape. Gonzo pressures Miguel to kill one of
their rivals after a failed earlier attempt. Miguel struggles
with his decision and privately turns to God for guidance. Monica
tries to convince Miguel that his family is in need of him, not
the gang. Misguided by his father’s legacy, Miguel is undeterred
in carrying out his orders. Miguel’s hesitation at the critical
moment infuriates Gonzo, who fears their rival will retaliate.
Miguel rushes home to gather his few belongings and asks Anna to
leave town with him. Anna’s devotion to Miguel leads her to
reluctantly follow him with their son. As they get into the car
to leave, there is a drive-by shooting by the rival gang, which
injures Anna and the baby. They are rushed to the hospital where
Miguel is relieved to discover that the injuries are not
critical. The doctor explains that his baby was fortunate to have
the car seat buckle interfere with the path of the bullet. Miguel
realizes what he learned in his parenting class, the proper way to
buckle a baby in a car, saved his son’s life. Tommy arrives at
the hospital incensed at Miguel. At Tess’ urging, Tommy dispels
Miguel’s glorified memory of his father and explains to Miguel
that his father killed himself playing Russian Roulette. The
shocking news drives Miguel away. Miguel concludes that his
entire life has been a failure. Monica tells Miguel that there
are many people who love and need him, but he must take
responsibility for his actions. Monica takes Miguel to church
where Rafael reveals that he is an angel sent by God, just like
Monica, Tess and Andrew. Rafael urges Miguel to open his heart to
God because through His grace, he can live in the truth and start
over again. Miguel returns to the hospital to apologize to
Tommy. Miguel promises that he will be a good father and offers
his cooperation with the police. |
