You can forgive, but you can't forget

Chapter 3

Buildings towered over me, hundreds of feet in the sky. Whoah. It felt...different. But in a good way, i guess. Cars honked and swerved, as tons of people sat in traffic. This is going to be an interesting day. There were tons of shops and stores. And of course restaurants and malls. So many people ran into me and pushed past me. It was so crowded. And i've never really experienced this, because i live in the country. But now, i'm going to live in the city. I walked across a walkway, feeling kind of sad. Why the fuck did i leave my little sister?! What is wrong with you Alex! I know that what i did was wrong, but i guess it was for good. Because i'm not going back there. I don't want to, even though i'm going to miss my sister. Grandma will guide her. I just know it. I'm a fucking idiot. Go back and save your sister. Go. Now! BOOM. "Ow!" I looked up and realized i hit a an electrical pole. My head hurt like hell, and i was starting to see stars in my eyes. "Are you alright?" An older women asked me.
"Oh me? I just need to sit-....down." She put her arms around me and took me to a small store. When we got there she sat me down on a bench and gave me an ice pack. "Would you like water, dear?"
"That would be awesome. Thanks!"
"Of course."
I watched her go to the back of the store and tried to stop thinking about Sophie. Or even worse, mom and dad. I don't want them to hurt her. As she came back to give me water i started crying. "What's going on? Why are you alone in a city young man? It seems a little strange for a teenage boy to be wandering the streets, agreed?"
Her questions swarmed my head and didn't make it any better. "I'm fine. Sorry."
I took a sip of the water, trying to calm myself down.
"Well let's just start off easy. My name is Crystal, but you can call me Chrissy."
She had a yellow, pastel dress on. And had light blonde hair, with black flat shoes.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Alex."
She smiled, warmly. "Well what are you doing...Alex?"
I didn't know what to say, so i just made up a lie. "Oh, right. Uhm, i'm here to see my mom."
She nodded, but could tell that something was off.
"Oh really. That's wonderful!"
I looked down at my shoes.
"Yup."
"Would you like some help with finding your
way in this huge city? I know it pretty well."
I want to trust her. Can i?
"Sure."
"No worries. Where are you heading to?"
Shit. What am i supposed to say?! Cmon Alex! Think!
"Uhm...i don't know what it's called. Uh-"
I could tell she was catching on, so i just decided to leave.
"Anyways, i really think i should get going now. Thanks for the water!" I rushed past her, and walked out. Phew. That was close. "Now what..." I whispered. I felt like my feet were glued to the sidewalk. I felt like she could actually could help me...or for the least understand me. I mean she was right, i am 14 in a huge city and i have no idea where i'm going to go. I turned around and opened the door again.
"Well hello Alex. Decided to come back i see?"
I nodded.
"Yea. If you want me to be honest...i actually don't where i'm going. Like, at all. I need your help....please."
She stared at me for a couple seconds then went to open her mouth, but stopped. I felt so weird. What if she's a bad person? What if she's just like mom? What if-
"I would love to help." She stated. "How can i help you Alex?"
My mind went blank. "I might need a place to stay...if not it's fine i'll just find-
"Of course, you can stay."
It felt like a weight came off my chest to hear her say that.
"Thank you, so much! You don't know how much that means to me!"
I ran up to her and gave her a hug.
She smiled, and put her arms around me. Well at least i have a place to stay...