Forgotten

Peak

After that, I finally understood the concept of life and death. Or so I thought. It was just stuck in my head for the rest of that night as I tried to sleep. He was lucky enough to have one of his friends pay for the medical bills. He actually had friends, unlike me.

We still talked now and then. Meet up somewhere around the city. His name was Angelo. Angelo was a good guy. He would get me presents sometimes. We were far into our strange friendship. Almost like he was my dad. I was finally Fifteen years old. Puberty was almost done. I fully left the adoption spot I spent a lot of time in.

"Heh, finally. Fuck that place. I'm my own boss now."

I thought I was the shit. Coolest kid around. Turns out I want the only one going through the brat phase. I met up with Angelo at his new apartment. We hung out. Told me about how much I've grown since last time we saw. Which was like, a month ago at the time. Haha, good memories.

"So how's it been kid?"

"I ditched that fucking shit hole of a place finally."

"Damn Austin, you're getting old! Someday I'll take you out for a beer. We'll enjoy it."

"Yeah of course."

"I hope you don't mind me asking... but where did your parents go? Why aren't you supervised, when were you supervised?"

"Rough shit man. My dad was killed by these gang members on the way back home. Bar fight. Mom cried, said he was shot up seven times, and burnt. Then a beer bottle was smashed over his skull to- too..."

"Oh my god, I should have never aske-"

"My step dad and mom died while drinking and driving. Killed an 18 year old girl. Her friend saw it all in front of her eyes man... I still remember the interviews of that girl's family crying. The Olson Family."

"Dude I'm so fuckin sor-"

"That's when they finally put me in the shithole of all shitholes."

Something was weird about Angelo. He wasn't acting normal. Like he acted, like he usually wouldn't. I tried to shake it off. Like he was maybe tipsy or something.

"So, what's been on your mind?"

"I finally found my bros. Carlos, Juan, Ramirez. Nice to see them after the escape you know?"

"Yeah I feel you."

We conversated. For a long time. About all types of topics. It was actually pretty cool. We didn't have such long talks like it before.

"So you thought about going to school yet?"

"I don't really have the supplies or money for it man."

"I'll give you a stack fool."

"Nah bro it's all good."

"Nah man it's all good."

I remember how he just pulled out that stack of cash and passed it down the table. It was like finding a pot of gold to me.

"Dude! You didn't have to! I don't need this!"

"Yes you do fool. Take it, before I change my mind."

The next day I felt like a hustler, baller. I got new clothes, a backpack, all this shit for high school.

So it was the next day of school and I felt amazing about myself. I didn't act awkward at my first day like the other new kids. It made me feel so refreshed from being so lonely. Because of talking to Angelo for so many years and having the white side to me, I fit in with everyone. It was my dream come true at fucking last.

I remember my good friends, Mike, Jaurez, Trent, and this beautiful girl I met. She was perfect as well. Her name was Alison. This blonde hair, perfect toned skin, amazing attire. I told my buddies about it.

"Dude! There's no way you could get with her. You are way out of her league son!" Said Trent.

"Bruh, I'd rip those clothes right off her and make the bed springs squeak daaamn." Said Juarez.

"I don't know guys, I'm getting a little nervous here." I told them all.

"Just go for it dude, nothing to lose right?" Said Mike.

"Heh, fuck it! I got this."

I was confident and went up to her. Asked her if she wanted to go out. She said yes, got her number. Felt like one hundred bucks. Guys freaked out about it. But I was still homeless.

"Hey Angelo..."

I called him on the phone.

"Sup Austin?"

"While you're out with the boys can I chill at your place until noon tomorrow?"

"Yeah son sure, just don't eat all the shit in the fridge or break anything hahah."

"Alright thanks Angelo."

I was at his apartment. The butterflies built up in my stomach. She was coming over. We had been dating for almost the whole year.

I did as Juarez said. I had to clean up for him before I got out of the house. Making sure everything is all good for him.

It felt like the best year of my life. Like the peak of it. The top. Ever. I was right... because afterwards things turned south...