New York

Chapter 1: Edited

Everyone knows at least one person who is battling an addiction.

My person is me.

My life has been a series of downfalls that has broken me down throughout the years. I have dealt with betrayal, heartache, and loss. I got my heart broken by the people who I believed would never leave me. I lost my parents at the young age of 5 when a knife was plunged into their bodies in front of me. I have learned no one can be trusted regardless of what they say. I have learned that being on your own is harder than you believe. I have tried to make a life worth living for me but at this point, I am a lost cause. I am only 18, I have already dodged the bullet too many times, and the blood is on my hands.

I have survived the gang wars that disturb the neighborhood at night. The gunshots and painful screams could be heard for miles. I have escaped the drive byes that happen at the local thrift shops and gas stations. No one makes it out of there the same. They are either are put in cuffs and put into the back of the police car or they are lying on the cold tiled floor bleeding out. Once they are put in that car though, they never come back. Who knows what actually happens to them though, no one seems to care either. Brooklyn is not an easy place for someone like me. It is not easy for anyone.

I was 16 when I met Tyler.

I was walking down the street in my red and black joggers with a red tank top with a black leather jacket and the latest Jordan's on. He was fresh out of prison; just turned 18. His muscles were well defined even under his white t-shirt and tattoos peeked from underneath his sleeves. He was leaning against the fence outside of school. The cigarette was hanging loosely between his lips and the smoke was rolling out of his mouth and nose. His shades were covering his eyes and his dark hair was everywhere, like he had just woken up. He looked as dangerous as people claimed he was.

I made my way over to the table I usually sit at with Christie, Shay, and Layla. They are the only people that I knew that were not involved in a gang or any of the violence the gangs brought to the streets. They were the only people I felt safe around.

I sit down next to Shay and rest my head on my arms on the table. My blonde hair falls over my calm blue eyes and in all different directions.

"You know Tyler was released today? He's been staring over here since Luka sat down." Layla tries to whisper to Christie as if I could not hear them. I feel a heavy sigh escape my lips and I open my eyes to glance in their direction.

"You know I'm sitting right here right?" I knew I sounded bitter but I was on edge due to Tyler and his gang being present in the schoolyard. I hear Shay laugh breathlessly and nudge my arm. I decide to lift my head and push the hair away from my face.

"Now, Luka, you know Layla will kick your ass if you keep that attitude up." Shay sends me a playful win.

I laugh along and reply, "Well I'd like to see her try." Layla kicks me leg underneath the table and winks towards me with a smile gracing her face.

"Girl, you already know."

As we continue to talk and laugh, there is a small tap placed on my shoulder. I turn my head only to find the all mighty, talk of the town, Tyler Carter. I sift in my seat to where I am facing him and lean back onto the table.

I rest my elbows on the table, leaning back to see him clearly and smirk, "Can I help you?"

Shay hits my arm and glares at me for a minute and then returning her gaze up at Tyler. Her eyes larger than usual and her hands a little shaky. You could smell the fear coming from her.

"Actually you can. Come with me so we can talk." His voice holds no argument and hesitate before standing up. I catch the looks from the other students and hold my head higher. I know what they are thinking; they are worried he is going to kill me. I continue to follow him as he leads me through the parking lot and to the newest model silver Porsche. I stop in front of it as he leans against the hood facing me.