His Greatest Redemption [REUPLOADED]

4

I remember what my life was like before I was abruptly forced to look reality dead in the eye and really see the world I lived in. I used to think that the world was black and white, but I learned that that was the farthest thing from the truth. I had to realize things the hard way, because there was this big storm brewing up inside my head and it slowly destroyed any good I ever saw in this world.

"I thought you were saving up for college, Sienna. What are you doing?" Ned, the owner of the corner store I visited often, spoke up from beside me. I side-eyed him for a quick second before I glanced at the ATM machine again, trying to figure out how to work the damn thing. Ned somehow always forgot my name, despite the fact that I've known the old man long enough for him to remember.

I bit my lip in vexation as I waited for the machine to give me the money I withdrew, "Um, well it turns out that college doesn't want me."

"What does that mean?" I wasn't looking at him, but I could practically hear the deep frown etched into his wrinkled features.

A laugh bubbled out of me, "It just means that I'm not going anytime soon."

"You know, you should do what I suggested a long time ago."

I turned my head to look at him, "Remind me what that was again?"

"A scholarship. You're smart, you could get one. You wouldn't have to pay a dime."

Applying for a scholarship had crossed my mind millions of times, but a scholarship didn't necessarily promise me a full-ride. There were still other things I'd financially have to be prepared for. "Why didn't I ever think of that." I paused, flashing Ned a smile.

He rolled his eyes at me.

"This money isn't for any funny business, is it?"

"I'm not sure what you mean by that but," I cleared my throat. "I'm not on drugs nor am I buying any."

He cocked a dark brow, "You aren't?"

"What? A drug addict?" I frowned.

"Yeah, that."

"Um...no?"

"Well, that's a lot of money you've got there, Sierra." The skin near his eyebrows wrinkled deeply as he frowned, inclining his head towards the envelope in my hands, which contained the $5,000 I just pulled out of the ATM.

"I know." I sighed, my gaze softening.

After visiting that club last night and running into that guy, I haven't slept a wink. It's been about thirty-seven hours since the last time I've got some shut eye. I was doing alright, given the circumstances. "Are you in some kind of trouble, Samantha?" Ned's voice was laced with genuine concern.

"Oh, so you do know my name." I chuckled to lighten the mood, but he only glared at me. "I'm not in any trouble I can't handle." Is what I decided to go with.