DOLLARS

4 - Questions

AUTHOR'S NOTE: So we're back in the character from chapter 1's point of view! I hope this isn't confusing.. Make sure you leave feedback and votes and stuff like that! It really helps me work my author skills. Hope you enjoy the chapter!

My alarm clock blared loudly in my ears. I let out a groan.

"Whaaat? Already? It was 2 A.M like 5 minutes ago!"

5 A.M is such an unfortunate time to wake up. I remembered that I had my first day of school today at Oasis Academy. I know it's unusual to transfer to a new school in the beginning of spring but I had to move into New Haven City.

Matthew Payne, my best friend, was a big reason I moved here out of all places. Both of my parents were having a dispute and decided to branch the argument into who has custody of me. I decided to be one of those "rebellious teens" and told them that no one gets to be in charge of me. After stomping angrily to my bedroom, I messaged Matt on the chatroom.
---

>Arona has joined the conversation
>Glass has joined the conversation

Arona: "Hey, Matt?"

Glass: "Yo, Aaron! （＾∇＾）ノ"

Arona: "My parents are fighting again and then shifted the argument into fighting over me.. ( TT ^ TT)"

Glass: "Damn, man. That must really suck."
Glass: "Hey, I know!"
Glass: "Why don't you move over here and learn how to live an urban lifestyle?"

Arona: " Σ（ﾟдﾟ）"
Arona: " What? Really?! Thanks so much, Matty!~"

Glass: "I can hook you up with a cheap apartment and everything! You can transfer to my school, Oasis Academy!"

Arona: "How are you going to find me a cheap apartment?"

Glass: "Let's just say I know a guy."
Glass: "Alright! Gotta bounce! Get back on here in a bit!"
Glass: "See ya!"
Glass: " (￣^￣)ゞ"

>Glass has disconnected.
>Arona has disconnected.
---

I then remember something really important to me.

"The Dollars! I should find out if Matt got the text, too!"

I disconnect my cellphone from its charger and quickly send a text message to Matt.

"Hey, do you know who the Dollars are?"

I'm not sure why, but my heart rate sped up when I sent the text. I quickly shove the phone in my pocket and walk out my apartment. I lock the door and then feel my cellphone vibrate in my pocket.

"The Dollars? Yeah I know who they are. They're a gang, right?They're pretty notorious here in New Haven City. Pretty much EVERYONE here knows who The Dollars are."

"Woah! Really? That's so fascinating! Alright, I'll meet you at the subway station!"

Believe it or not, we both agreed to meet up for the first time in 3 years at a subway station. I'm pretty nervous about this. For starters, I'm new to this city and this city is infamous for its real high crime rate. There's no surprise if I get mugged at the subway station waiting for Matt.

I arrive at the subway station and walk down the stairs entering the traffic area. This city is so lively! I bet the subway stations in New Haven City are always packed like this.

Back in 5th grade, we had a field trip in school that took place in this city. Mom didn't sign the permission slip because she worried about my safety. This is my first time living in a city. It's a pretty scary place, to be honest.

"Aaron!"

I suddenly look at up at the young man standing in front of me. He looks about my age, has blonde hair with 2 bangs going to the side of this face and 1 going down the middle. He's wearing a white hoodie, blue jeans and red sneakers. His eyes are goldish-brown and he wears masculine silver earrings. Well, ear tubes? Since they aren't really rings and... You know what? Whatever. You get the idea.

How does he know my name? Wait. Theres only one person who knows who I am in this city and thats...

"M-Matt?"

"Was that a question? Well, I'll give you the answer! The answer is Matthew Payne!"

I get really overjoyed and smile.

"Matt, is that really you?!"

Matt facepalms.

"Yeah, it's me. God, why doesn't anyone get my jokes? I worked on it for 3 years!"

I stare at Matt's hair.

"Woah! What happened to your hair? Did you dye it?"

"Duh! Let's go get something to eat at Mickey D's! I'm starving!"

Yup, that's Matthew Payne. He's my best friend! We have been friends for a really long time. Ever since the first grade, I think.

"Ya know, you never changed since the last time I saw you, Aaron! I'm glad!"

"You haven't really changed either, Matt! Just your hair color did, but nothing else really!"

I'm sorry if you can read my mind, but your jokes still suck, Matt.

He kept on talking and talking but I wasn't focused on him. I was focused on the city itself. New Haven City is really huge. I feel like an ant when I look up at the buildings piercing the sky. I just kept on nodding and laughing politely so Matt doesn't feel bad.

We enter the Mcdonald's and order our breakfast meals. We both get the same thing; hash browns and southern style chicken biscuits. Once we got our food, we plopped our trays on a table and sat across from eachother.

"Hey, Aaron.. How do you know about them?"

"How do I know about who?"

"The Dollars, of course! How do you know about them?"

I gulped. What do I say now?