𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝, guy germaine

𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐄 | skin criminal

     JUDSON'S PLACE WAS COLD even in the summer, and dark even in the light of day. Things had to be kept low-key, as there were ten people living in a three bedroom apartment when there were supposed to be five, not to mention the illicit business that he ran from the girls' room.

As soon as we had our things moved to his house, I sat the boys down for a talk about things. Since they didn't know what kind of stuff Judson did as a job, I needed them to know but in a way that wouldn't be so scary for the younger ones.

The only way I could think to tell them any of the truth was to say that Judson's girls were his friends and his employees, and they were paid to spend nice time with men. I knew Boone would be able to figure it out, but I didn't need Chris and Jimmy knowing about such adult things yet.

Judson eventually joined us in the room, which was just a bunch of mattresses on the floor. All we had was a dresser, the closet, and two full mattresses with a twin on the end. They were pushed together too, as that was the only way to make them fit. It was a very sad set-up.

Chris was nestled in my lap, somehow not seeming as large as an average twelve-year-old. Judson almost snarled seeing him acting like a child - I don't know how anyone could respond like that to someone who has been through so much in just a few days.

"We gotta talk terms, boys. It should be just Opie and me, but I got rules for you too."
"Rules? Rules for them?" I questioned.
"I don't want them out of the room unless the girls are out of the house, that's what kinda rules I'm saying."
"...Good, I was going to say that anyway."
"Why?" Chris asked, perking up a bit.
"Because-" Judson started. I knew he would get into the true business, and again, they didn't need to be knowing about it.

"'Cause the girls need to stay focused on their work." I kept it simple. "There's a lot of people here, we need to keep out of the way."
"Uh... yeah, okay." Judson said. "Now you and I, Opie, need to talk. Business."
"I think we should be able to talk about this in front of the boys."

I hadn't expected Judson to need to talk to me about anything personally, and the way he was describing it to me made it sound scary. Business?

"This is the deal. You and the boys stay in this room. Opal, you can work at the bar, but you aren't allowed to busk anymore. Your other job will be bringing people in here."
"What? Judson, I have to-"
"Opal, I am taking in my four younger siblings and not making you pay a penny. You're going to bring men in to see the girls, and you're going to stay off the street otherwise. No fooling around with boys."
"I wasn't fooling around with Guy."
"Yes, you were. If you do those things for me, I'll feed ya' and take care of you. But if you don't... all four of you on the street." Judson stood, almost asserting his dominance.

"Jud, wait-" I stood, following him to the kitchen. I didn't need the boys to hear this. But Boone followed right behind me.

"So you're gonna let her be out there all night and talk to creeps just so you get money? Do you want her to get hurt?" Boone suggested.
That wasn't what I was going to pick a fight with. I was going to pick a fight with him essentially banning me from music.

"Opal can handle herself. She'll bring in all the men because she's pretty, then I'll deal with them and do the negotiating."
"Well what if they want her? Are you gonna rent my sister out just like you do the other girls?" Boone went in closer to him, pushing him back into the counter. Judson froze in his anger.

"Don't hit him, Judson." I scolded.
Judson unclenched himself. "Shut your trap, kid."
"I wasn't going to question that. You know my music is everything, why can't I play?"
"Because it's gotten you nothing, Opal, can't you see that? You blew a fuckin' a record deal, you wasted time with a boyfriend, and you couldn't make enough to support the family. Why would I ever support that?"