Find Me

chapter 2

I learnt two things that day.

One: Don't bunk school on a Tuesday. Two: Don't make Cairo your enemy. It's best to have him on your side.

As I was walking to the grocery store, I caught sight of a guy I knew. Him and I did not get along well. If he saw me, I was done for. I put the hood of my hoodie over my head.

"Hey hey! You! Lulu! I can see you! You better not run this time," he said. I felt my legs run before I could even think of it. And to think he'd let me go this time. Nope, he chased me. Again. I ran as fast as I could. The people around us probably thought we were crazy.

He was crazy. I was crazier if I was going to let him catch me. As I was running, I ran into someone. He caught me but we both fell. At least he broke my fall. He must have been hurt.

"I'm so sorry. I'd love to make it up to you but I've got to go!" I said as I got up. He pulled me back towards him. That's when I got a look on his face. It was Cairo! Lady luck was never on my side.

"It's you! What the hell are you doing?" he said. "What are you doing? I'm being chased here and you're getting me caught. He's not so far. If you let me go, maybe I can hide somewhere. Right now we both look like crazy people who are lying on the ground for no reason! I'm on top of you so it looks even weirder. Let me go and we'll talk about our little encounter from earlier later, okay big boy?" I said.

He looked mad. That was not good. I already had a guy who was mad and chasing me. I didn't need another one. He pushed me off him and got up. Just as I was about to run, he grabbed my wrist. "You're not going anywhere. Where is he?" "What?" "The guy who's chasing you? Is that him?" he asked. I looked up and saw my worst nightmare come true. He was about to catch me.

"There you are! You sick little-" "She's with me," Cairo interrupted. Both of us looked at Cairo like he had grown a second head. "You have a problem with that?" Cairo asked. "No, man. She's just trouble. I advise that you let me deal with her." "Did I ask for your advice, Milani?" Cairo asked.

"I was just trying to... look, she stole from Big Mac. I'm only here to make her pay for that. It's no big deal," Milani said. "I didn't steal! I'm not a thief. And if Big Mac is so concerned about his missing merchandise, then he should be asking you," I said. "What are you accusing me of?" Milani asked. "You know exactly what I'm saying. Don't make me spell it out!" I said. "Enough. I'll deal with her. You go about your own way now," Cairo said. "What does that mean?" I asked. They both ignored me. Milani nodded and walked away.

"Hey! What do you mean you'll deal with me?" I asked again. "I just saved you so watch your tone," Cairo said. "Save me? Oh please. I could've taken care of that problem myself. He's just one guy. It's no big deal." "You're so ungrateful." "Do you want me to thank you for harrassing me, Cairo? Is that what you want?" I said.

"Look, Lugcobo. These streets are dangerous and they're no place for you. I don't know what you did to Big Mac but you need to stop. You shouldn't even be associating yourself with Big Mac. I don't like you but you're friends with Kobra and he told me to look out for you." "Did you just pronounce my name correctly?" I had the widest grin on my face. I felt like someone had just given me candy.

"Did you even listen to what I said?" "Yes, Big Boy. I should stay away from the streets. Look, I appreciate you doing this but I can handle myself. I'll take your advice when you grow an inch." He chuckled. "Oh so now you're no longer offended?"

"Look, I'm not insecure about my height. I never was, never will be. You'll be surprised at how much short people can do that tall guys can't do." I laughed. That was about the funniest thing I had heard all day. "Did you just justify your height?" He frowned. "Did your teachers never teach you to not discriminate against others based on something they can't change?" he asked.