“But will I see you again?”
I didn’t know what to tell her.
Yes you will probably see me again, cause you are the first to ever show me kindness.
I hate that I have to go back home, everything was better with you here.
Please don’t leave me.
“Do you want to see me again?” I ask slowly, looking at her.
She smiles and that’s my answer.
I matched her smile and stood taller. “Well then, you will see me again.”
With that she takes a last look at me and walks inside. I turn back around and start heading away but I stop.
Maybe her parents will hurt her or beat her for discipline. I need to stay to make sure she’s okay. I inch closer to her house, there is a window outside showing the living room. The furniture is clean and tidy with different shades of colored couches and cushions.
Warmth.
I hear her mother and father as they descend the stairs in a hurry, wrapping Elsie in their arms.
“Oh Bug! Where did you go? We were so worried.”
“Thank god you’re safe.”
Distaste fills my mouth as envy crawl onto my body. I’m glad she has a place to belong and be safe.
Loved.
But I can’t help feeling like I’m intruding on them. I would never understand this feeling.
That is what a family is supposed to be like.
No yelling or beating with a belt.
My hands tighten onto the window’s sill. I take one last look at them hugging and exchanging small talk. Her parents look at her as if she’s their world. No expectations or punishment for existing. She’s not a burden to them or a tool to use for their advantage.
A tear slides down one side of my face as I move away from the window not wanting to tarnish them. My back faces their home as I walk away into the same loneliness.
Chapter Three
Clayton
Standing in front of my house, staring at the entrance. The front door is the only way keeping me from the misery I live and feel every day.
My parents were fifteen when they had me. Accidental pregnancy is hard but they should have been responsible enough. They met at a party where everyone sold drugs, both young and reckless which resulted in my existence. Their life at school wasn't easy. My father was the captain of the basketball team so he got away easily with all the commotions he caused, starting from selling drugs, to breaking into the school at night and stealing the equipment. My mother lost herself between the smoke of weed, which she still does alongside antidepressant pills. They didn't want me and still don't, I'm a burden to them even though I didn't ask to be born. They make me work for everything.
You want to go to school, then get us money.
The words of my father ring in my memory as his breath of alcohol hit my face. That night I went out and stole a neighbour’s cash and his wife’s wedding ring. My father sold them then asked me to get more so I can attend school and have a normal life as the other kids.
Same with food.
Clothes.
A mattress to sleep on.
