Utsukushi - Banana Fish

Chapter 8

May 8th

I've been with Shorter going on a month or so now. Nothing eventful has really happened.

Ash stopped by a few times. He said it still wasn't safe. Arthur hasn't made a move yet, but they've been anticipating one.

Ash doesn't want Shorter to get involved either, so Shorter doesn't really go meet up with him to hang out as much. We all still watch each other's backs though.

I've gotten associated with some of the kids in Shorters gang. They were pretty laid back and liked that I was Chinese as well.

I got along with them quicker than Ash's group. Some of them were older than me, and treated me like a little sister sometimes.

It was a more welcoming environment than before, but I was still on edge a lot. Not because of Shorters gang, but still worrying I'd be found.

As much as I hated to admit it, I was frequently having nightmares; my dad- which was its own thing-, being raped, and having dreams where I was back with Golzine. I had them almost every night.

I've always suffered with nightmares, but strangely enough, they got worse when I escaped. Probably because my brain was already so stressed of having to go back to that if I'm found that it was all just coming back to me.

I don't get much sleep because of it, so I've been trying sleeping pills. 

They work most of the time, but not always.

Otherwise, everything wasn't too bad considering all the circumstances.

Even though both Shorter and Nadia assured me it was okay, I helped out when I could to earn my keep in a way.

Nadia taught me how to cook most of the dishes served in the restaurant and I helped cook and clean. With Shorter, if a conflict ever came up now and then with him and his boys, I'd help out. I was a good shot.

I got close to the both of them pretty quickly. They treated me like family. In a way, I didn't know how to act. I've never had anything like that before.

Shorter and I were drinking at the restaurant bar after closing, just talking.

"Can I ask you something?"

Shorters question caught me off guard. But I nodded.

"How exactly did you meet Ash?"

Ash? I had to go back very far to remember any of that.

"I don't remember exactly when but when we were about 11 is when Dino took both of us from Cape Cod. That's when we first met." I said, sparing him the other gruesome details of what really happened.

"11? Jeez, you two go way back. It's good you guys stuck together."

"That's what Golzine wanted us to do. He chose us because he 'liked' us but also because he wanted the two best candidates to take control of the street gangs for him. Once I realized that, I ran while Ash was in Reform."

"Wait, but isn't that what Ash is doing now? Controlling the gangs?" He asked.

"He's isn't doing it for Golzine. It looks like it, but it's the opposite. Ash is a born leader and can handle running a gang well. But he's not doing it for the old man. He's doing it to run Golzine into the ground."

"He's a smart guy. I worry bout him sometimes though. He gets too deep and can't get out. It's usually me who pulls him back up."

"I know what you mean. It was always me who had to do that for him too when we were kids."

"I was lucky to have Nadia always there. She always took care of us kids. Hell, she still does." He chuckled. "I took control of Chinatown a few years back when the last boss bit the dust. Since then, I've had to manage the relationship with the elders."

"Who're they?"

"Well, back when our ancestors were stuck in poverty in China, a powerful clan helped us move to the new world. So, for all these years, we've been loyal to that same clan since it's thanks to them we could live a new life."

"Oh, I see."

"Mm, yeah but it's whatever though. Most of em are old farts anyway. All I gotta do is keep up appearances and do some dirty work now and then. Keeps us safe at least."

"Huh, well fair enough."

His phone started ringing. "What's up?"

I couldn't make out what the other person was saying, but Shorters expression changed.

"Fuck." He muttered. "Yeah, I'll be there soon."

"Everything good?" I asked after he put the phone away.

"Yeah, just some stupid shit I gotta take care of. I'll be back."

"I was actually planning on heading down to the bar, so I might not be here." I told him.

"I might just join you after I take care of this." He sighed.

"Sounds good." I smiled. "Be careful." I told him as he said goodbye and rushed off.

The sun was going down and it was a nice time to go out. I grabbed my jacket and headed out to a local bar. I was always let in since I had a fake ID.

The bar wasn't super busy. I got a seat at the counter and kept to myself, just lost in my thoughts as I drank.

Later into the night, a bartender who I guessed just started his shift tried to make conversation with me. I knew most of the bartenders but I'd never seen him before. He seemed to be one of the very few white guys working here. The rest were mostly Chinese.

"What brings you in here tonight?" He asked.

"Do I need a reason?" I joked.

He smiled. "Well you don't look like you're here to drink for a good time."

"Nah, just wanted a drink."

"Well then, need a refill?" He asked as i took the last sip of my Rum and Coke.

"Yeah, thanks."

He walked off to get me another and came back a minute later with a fresh one.

"Thanks." I took a long sip. The bartender kept talking to me for some time. By the time I finished my drink, I was started to feel tired. I took it as my cue to go home before I drink too much.

I paid my tab and left the bar. I began to walk the few blocks home.

As I walked though, I felt uneasy. Like I was being watched.

The tiredness grew unnaturally strong, like I'd collapse any second. I knew it wasn't right.

Fuck. Did that guy drug me?

I could barely keep my eyes open as I tried hard to fight it and at least make it home. My body was getting numb, and I knew I was fucked.