Mia
Life imprisonment. The mere thought appalled me, and I found myself clutching the car keys in my pocket as sure proof that I could leave at will. The tall man across the table from me was handsome and rugged looking, and his eyes reflected both intelligence and humor. I turned on the tape recorder, and he began his long, complicated story.
"When I was about ten years old a new pupil joined my class. Mia was the most stunning fifth grader I had ever seen, who had luscious blonde hair that curled at the tips, and eyes the color of sunshine through a glass of whiskey. I was sure I was in love, but I could not understand why everyone wanted to make the little child so miserable.
Tommy Larson was the most god-awful fifth grader in Logwood Elementary School. One unfaithful day, behind Room 13 was when I realized what a terrible person Tommy really was. Just after lunch Mia was heading back to class when Tommy cornered the kid against a wall. He began to shout at Mia and soon enough, he raised his arm and began hitting. I watched from far away, flinching every time Mia was struck. What could cause such hatred? I wanted to help so badly, but I couldn't bring myself to it. I couldn't help Mia, and I hated myself for it.
So it went on, the punching and hitting, but Tommy was smart, he never left a mark. Mia eyes became duller and grey and the happiness left Mia's spirit.
I wanted to help, so I told my mama everything, I even told her I was in love. I couldn't figure out why my mother was angry. She yelled at me and called me terrible names. I was so confused, had I said something wrong? She sent me to bed with nothing to eat and told me that I was just being delusional. I knew I wasn't, I loved Mia and I was positive.
The next day at school I decided to face my fears. I went up to Mia and planted a small kiss on the cheek. Mia was shocked, but then just smiled and held my hand. I was happy for the first time, in a long time and Mia seemed happier too.
This went on for a couple days. After the bell dismissed us to lunch, Mia and I would race to meet in front of the boy's bathroom and hold hands. Unfortunately nothing lasts forever. It had only been two days when mama figured out. She yelled and threw things, I had never seen her so mad. She called me a disgrace and said she wants nothing to do with a disgusting person like me, and then she stormed out of the house. I was alone for the whole night, and only caught a small glimpse of her when I was heading for school.
Mia wasn't at school that day and I got a nasty feeling in my stomach. When I came home a woman in a tight fitting suit greeted me. 'Good afternoon, my name is Mrs. Pendleton and I will be taking you.' 'Where?' I asked.
It was obvious I had made her uncomfortable. She cringed then tried to answer as best as she could. 'Well you see, your mother thinks it would be best if she, uh, didn't be your mother anymore.' I nodded slowly, wiping tears from my eyes. I final understood. I was a disgrace, I was stupid and worthless, not even my own mother waned me.
She took me away, and that's really where my story starts to end. I was taken to the foster care and then broke out. I hated it there, every night I was beat up. The kids hated me because I was different. I couldn't stand it and left. Upon breaking out, I was recruited by a group of drug dealers. They accepted me, they were my friends, my family. One day whilst meeting up with a client a group of cops cornered me. I killed one. And now I'm here, in this little room with no escape."
I stared at this man. His eyes told a long story, and a sad one, a story that I had the pleasure of witnessing. "I must ask you one last question."
The man looked up at me, eyes filled sorrow and grief. "Yes?"
"What was Mia's full name?"
"Michael"
