Who was Ernesto with when they walked south on fifth street

Ernesto is the protagonist, just a boy at the beginning. From an early age, he is a responsible and thoughtful boy. He never complains about the lifestyle his family leads amid poverty in Mexico. In the States Ernesto is immensely grateful for his education and improved living conditions. Then, his mom dies and he loses the privileges of his step-dad's money and goes to live with his uncle and works full-time. A true testament to his character, Ernesto still doesn't complain. Instead, he focuses himself on his work and tries to do his best, but he recognizes his value. He knows that he is smart enough to never have to work like this, so he quits and sets his mind to improving his circumstances.