11 | Chapter Eleven
Harlem, New York | April, 2015
Joey had been out for two days straight.
My first instict was too call Quentin, and Quentin swore up and down that he didn't know where Joey was, and that he wasn't housing him, but I could tell by his constant pestering for me to not come over that he was lying. And where else could Joey be? He couldn't be at Rakim's, because Rakim had been over at Leah's for the past few days and I knew Leah would tell me if Joey was. I kept telling myself that he just needed time to himself, but I was beginning to wonder just how much he needed.
The house was quiet without him here.
I always had someone to talk to, like always. But now, it was almost like I was alone. Well, I was alone, but I hadn't felt this way in a while, and it finally hit me how much I hated it. I didn't have a car, so I couldn't drive anywhere. And even if I did, where could I go? I sighed loudly to myself and turned off the TV. The cabinets were not able to satisfy the serious munchies that I had. I knew there was a gas station just outside of our apartment complex. Perhaps I could walk there and get something. I had been cooped up in this house for forty eight hours, a little walk wouldn't hurt me.
I grabbed a jacket and slipped on some boots.
I tied a scarf around my neck and pulled a fleece hat over my bed head. It wasn't cute or anything, but it would definitely get me through the harsh winds and crisp snow that was still placed firmly on the ground. I locked the apartment door behind me and began walking. The apartment complex was fairly quiet. A lot of kids were inside, but only a few walked the sidewalks. It was pretty rare to see it empty like this. I liked the quiet though, gave me plenty of time to think.
I walked along the sidewalk, keeping my eyes up as I walked. I didn't like the way it looked to keep my head down, it made people look suspicious and I didn't want any people to look at me anyway. I could spot the exit of the apartment complex directly in front of me. I kept walking knowing that if I slowed down, I'd most likely get tired and turn back around. The cold wind licked on my face and it took all my strength not to let out a cough.
I opened up the door that lead to the exit and instantly sighed.
I made it, even though I knew I would. I've walked places farther than this before, but for some reason, I felt as if something would happen: as if someone or something was watching me. Deciding I was just paranoid because I didn't have Joey normally by my side like he was suppose to. I shook it off and kept walking until finally I reached the corner store/gas station. I smiled at the Indian guy who was working the cashier before heading towards the snack aisle. Immediately, I grabbed some Hot Fries and a Honey Bun and then a snapple from the refrigerator. For the hell of it, I grabbed some Fruit Snacks before heading towards the cashier.
I pulled out my Debit Card and handed it to the Indian man.
He tried to converse with me for a bit, but I didn't really talk to him. I just nodded here and there and smiled. He swiped the car once, and shook hi shead.
"No money." He stated.
I pursed my lips, and placed my elbow on the counter.
"Can you try it again?" I asked.
The man shrugged, not really convinced that it would work. "This is a high tech cashier, ma'am. Don't work once, won't work again." He continued to say. I rolled my eyes. "Okay, can you just try it again?" I questioned, snapping at the man. He sighed, but scanned it once more. He shook his head. "Don't work. Put the items back ma'am." He ordered. I groaned loudly, getting more aggravated by the second. I removed myself away from him and headed back towards the aisle. There was no way that I was leaving without at least one snack. Checking to see if he was still watching, I slipped a Hot Fries bag a long with a Snapple in my pocket before walking casually up towards the front.
