late nights {Boris Pavlikovsky}

IV

May 20th Saturday

   I step off the bus welcoming the warm evening air. People look at me quite strangely. In their defense, in any other situation if I saw a fifteen-year-old soggy, beaten, and mascara running down past an unforgettable smile. I would have been apprehensive as well. Hell I wouldn't be surprised if someone calls the cops and has me readmitted. I have no fucking idea where to go and quite honestly I don't want to be stranded on the streets of Vegas after dark. I'd rather keep moving than stay in the same place. I look around and pick a random street. What else am I to do? 

      I walk past a lot of bars, small convenience stores, and a few neighborhoods. I walk long after the sun sets. I don't have a goal in mind, but I keep my eyes out for small parks or comfy benches. The streetlights nicely illuminate the cracked and dirty sidewalk. For being a top tourist spot I'd think it would be a little cleaner. All though now thinking about it, I'm definitely more in the suburbs than the actual city. I wonder what all the casinos and shit look like. Fancy people on there way to gamble away their lives. I'll definitely have to make a trip once I get my shit figured out. The well-lit street I've been walking on for the past hour ends. In its place, there is a dark street. I have a pit growing in my stomach. Not much of a choice really? There wasn't anything worthwhile on my way down here. I work up the nerve and cautiously resume my walk. 

     I take in my surroundings, it's a lot more rundown and has an almost dystopian feel I couldn't explain. The streets I had been walking on were filled with people. Here it's deserted and lifeless. Well, that was until my eyes landed on a man staring directly at me on the other side of the road. I had no idea how long he's been there or even worse staring at me. His eyes are piercingly sharp and filled with ill intention. It gives me a horrible feeling. Chills are sent throughout my whole body, vibrations from my fingers to my toes. His smile was unnatural, everything about him made my body want to run and never look back. He starts walking over. My eyes practically fly open, stomach heaving. No, no, no.  I started moving faster without a second thought. Anything to get away from this man. His eyes filled with the same salacity as Ronnies. I'm fucking petrified. I can hear my labored breathing and I'm sure he can too. Fuck fuck fuck. The alley starts opening up into a more open and lively street. I look behind me, hair bouncing as I walk. He's closer. So much closer than I would ever want. I can practically smell the sour rot on him. Tears well in my eyes daring to be released. I speed up into a sprint, eyes still glued to the disheveled man making his way closer. 

     “Ay, pretty lady!? Where are you going so fast?” he starts hollering.

     In that half a minute, that minuscule extent of time. I was saved. I ran face-first into something. Someone? Someone. I looked toward the thing in front of me and was met with a burnout-looking boy around my age. I rapidly searched his face and found bruises that matched mine. I got lost for a moment looking into his dark eyes. They were looking back inquisitively and intrigued. 

     “..eh are you alright?” an unexpected bold accented voice asked. With all that was happening, I was disoriented. I couldn't properly form the words to tell him what was wrong or for his help. I just stared at him the way a child does to their parents after being awoken from an awful nightmare. I pleaded with my eyes. I probably look fucking insane to this guy. He examined my shaking figure.

“I-” I started. All at once I jumped. A hand touches my shoulder. I could absolutely pass out and die right here right now. 

     “Why were you walking away so fast, baby?” the man from before asks. His clammy damp hand traces down my arm. The burning in my eyes and throat was unbearable. 

I can't. 

Not anymore.

Save me.

Please. 

Help me.

    I'm yanked forward. Skin is so cold. rough but yet soft somehow. The boy pulls me against him. His red sweater smells of smoke and liquor. Musky although he smelt oddly safe, familiar. I practically cling to his long, slender figure, afraid my legs will give out any second. Yes, he's also a scruffy stranger but definitely the better option here. 

     “What is it you think you're doing, huh? The boy said bitterly.

      “Nothing, nothing man j-just trying to bring this pretty thing home safe. You get it don't ya? Nice piece of that ” the man slurred. He was most definitely intoxicated. 

      “Yeah yeah, get out of here before I call cops.” the boy threatened. The mention of the cops was enough for him to leave.

     “ Whatever, keep her for y-yourself, asshole.” he walked away with a slight limp I didn't notice before. The eerie man quickly disappears into the dark abyss that was once an alley. My remaining tears pour down my face. Holy fuck. Fuck this was a horrible idea. At least at home, I know the patterns I know how to step through that minefield. Out here I'm more vulnerable than ever. If I go back maybe their reproductions will be minimal.

    “HA!” The loud noise stopped me from thinking quite startlingly and abruptly. I looked up at him, and he was smiling at the man.

     “God, can you believe that stupidass? I don't even have a phone to call the police with!” He looked at me and smiled so brightly despite his yellowed teeth. I gently smiled back at him, I couldn't help it. He was contagious.

    “You okay? No offense but you look like shit. He didn't touch you right?” he asked in such a way it made the situation feel lighter. He made me feel more at ease. 

     “Oh. uh no” My mind is still all over the place I can't think straight. Not sorry. Not a thank you. He sighs. 

     “ I was just heading home, you want me to walk you somewhere?” he kindly asked.

     “I don't. I don't have anywhere to go.” my voice is distant and feels far away. What was I thinking? 

     “ ah, wanta just come with me then? I've been in your situation, long story. Not a very fun time. I think Potter would be understanding."

    “potter?” 

    “Just trust in me, I will explain on the way,” he said and started to walk away. All I could do was look at this strange ass boy who had just saved me.

    “You coming?”

 I knew I would be starting over but not like this...

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Words: 1176
Deadass wanted to cry writing this.