Chapter 3

There’s going to be time for that other kind of business later, but for the moment, I have to focus on getting to his house before it gets too late. Assholes are already out in ever-growing numbers and I don’t want the groups to gather any more. Marius doesn’t live far and the walk would be pleasant, except for the dodging of people I’m going to have to face along the way.

My hands wipe away the steam blocking my tanned reflection and start to brush my red hair. I keep it short, since it’s easier to deal with than anything longer. It’s always a pain when it’s time for a haircut, since I hate the sensation of hair getting in my eyes almost as much as sweat.

Before leaving, I had back to my bedroom as a little water drips down from my hair and has a pleasant coolness about it. I grab my overnight bag and begin randomly tossing stuff in. I’m not one who cares about wrinkle free anything and all that matter is having everything I need for spending the night.

I leave with the bag slightly digging into my shoulder and phone in hand as I kiss ma on her warm cheek and tasted a little sweat through the toothpaste. She was in the process of starting to clean the table and a few strands of red have pulled free, which is another reminder of the pleasant familiarity of home. Her green eyes glance to the bag with a knowing thought crossing her pale face, since this isn’t the first time this has happened.

Her voice is gentle and motherly as she says, “Call me when you get there.”

My hand shakes the phone a little. “I will, ma.”

I leave the safety of my house and close the door as I send a text to Marius to tell him I’m on my way. Seeing the acknowledgment from him is the last time I’m going to look at my phone until I get there. I’ve learned from an unpleasant experience just how dangerous it is to keep my eyes on anything other than his surroundings.

The breeze feels pleasant on my face as a few strands of hair get blown past my ears, which sends a tickling sensation to my body. My fingers absentmindedly press them back as the sun continues to shine brightly in the sky. Smells of the city can be found with every step I take and wish I lived a little closer to the forest, since there would be fewer assholes to run into.

Had I not been walking to Marius’ house right now, ma would be interrogating me about my lack of a girlfriend. She keeps threatening to set me up with the daughter of a friend, but know there must be a reason why a 16-year-old girl would be single. Perhaps, if the girlfriend drought continues much longer, I may actually let her do what she’s been threatening to do for the past couple of years, but I would have to become very desperate first.

My eyes scan a small group of assholes and turn down a familiar alley to bypass them. The scent of stale piss is unpleasant as I pass through and my foot catches the tip of an empty bottle partially broken. The sound of glass tinkling against the walls always makes me smile, but the strong scent of uncleaned everything makes the sound impossible to enjoy.