RED PARALLEL

Chapter 22: Gummy Ain't Food, I'll Get You Something Good

(Owen)

It was a success. Owen walked out of the school with the letter still in hands, feeling like he had won the lottery. Traviz was freaking out in the car.

"So, so, so, how'd it go? Are we screwed? Are we dead? Am I outta-"

"We're perfect." Owen beamed. "Mr. Fuiggs didn't even blink. I told him like, "Mr. Director, you can have the letter as proof, 'cause I know this all seems so confusing, but I'm-" and then he cut me and said "Owen, I have misunderstood you for a long time. I'm sorry." You see what good grades do to us? And he also said you're lucky to have me as a friend, 'cause that means there's hope."

Traviz didn't bother with the provocation. He did an unexpected move, which, as well as the cute words, didn't help Owen at all. He fell in a candy pool of bliss. Traviz hugged him hard, all happy and relieved.

"Yo, Phants, you the shit! Thanks, man."

You're welcome, you cute boy-

"Imma give you some extra b-soda in return!"

"Oh, I think I'll pass..."

"Aaaah, c'mooon! Man, I'm hungry, let's get outta here!"

"Sure!"

The market 'session' was hilarious. Traviz went springing from shelf to shelf, picking everything that passed in front of him.

Man, how am I gonna pay for this...

Owen chuckled while pushing the trolley. "Troy, I'm not that millionaire, you know."

"I am." Traviz pointed at his black leather backpack. "Dude, I got so much money, I can't even."

"Hahaha... Aalright..."

Traviz would block his way, grabbing two things and asking him which one was better. Owen would answer, but in the end he'd find both products in the trolley. When Owen announced he was going to pick some veggies, Traviz held Owen's shoulders, shaking his head.

"Nah, nah. We don't need that shit. Come." And he'd lead Owen to the next candies' aisle.

Traviz was addicted to everything with high levels of sugar.

"Ever heard of diabetes, Troy?"

"Yeah, and what?"

"Diabetic people often have to amputate their feet. You know, and then stop walking..."

Traviz dropped the bar of chocolate on the ground, alarmed.

"Yo..."

To no avail. After less than one minute, he was back to his glucose high vibe.

"Phants, Phants." Traviz shook two gummy bears. "Yellow gummy or blue gummy? Hm?"

"Whatever you like, Troy."

Traviz stared deeply into the gummy bears. And he concluded:

"These blue bears seem kinda sad. Let's take them for a ride." And Traviz let go of the happy yellow bears.

"Troy, I'll be right back. I'm getting some other stuff, okay?"

"Noo, stay here. Drop the veggies-"

"I'll be quick. Just don't get lost. Stay here."

"'Kay."

And he got lost. After several minutes, Owen found Traviz flaming beside a pile of shampoo.

"Daaamn, where the hell were you?"

"I was just looking for you, Troy. Okay, let's go."

"Phants, did you see that they released the blah blah blah..."