Unconditional

01

I read the message over and over again as my heart broke a little more with each word, but no matter how unbearable the pain was I refused to cry. I put on a mask as if I was unfazed by what I just read when my friends found their way back to our booth. I grabbed my phone and wallet standing up and leaving the restaurant after telling everyone I needed to go for a walk. Alone. They didn't ask questions and for that I was thankful but I knew they'd ask about it in time. I absentmindedly walked the streets taking in my surroundings. It was a little chilly in L.A. today, and has been for the past few days. I was rubbing my arms with cold hands trying to get a little warmth and cursing myself for not bringing a jacket. A young couple walked passed me and I couldn't help but be a little jealous. I'm a complete sucker for love and the fact I still had yet to find it hurt. Was I not good enough? What did she have that I didn't? The music coming from a plaza about a block away pulled me from my thoughts and I followed it. I let the words sink in as they became more clear with each step I took, and I could practically feel the pain dripping from the song.

"What were you thinkin',
What were you smokin',
Said that you needed me,
You must've been jokin',

I'm sick and I'm tired,
I'm done with this game,
You're playing with fire,
You're beggin' for flames,

Let it blaze.

You must think I'm dumb,
You think I'm naive,
I'm not gon' let you,
Make a fool of me,

Watch me,
Watch me fall out,
Watch me,
Watch me fall out,
Watch me,
Watch me fall out,

Fall right out of love.

Hours for you,
Oh whoa,
Baby hours for you,

Fall out,
Fall out,
Fall out aye.

Hours for you,
Oh whoa,
Baby hours for you."

In front of me was a trio of teenagers performing as if their lives depended on it. There was a girl that looked no older than 16 on a set of cheap turntables, and twin boys. One playing a small piano while singing and the other playing on a set of handmade drums. Needless to say they drew a huge crowd because people were dropping 10's and 20's like it was a strip club in a small basket. The young boy's voice was angelic, and for a moment I wanted to cry as the lyrics related to my current situation. I was so in awe and amusement I didn't notice the song was over until everyone began to disperse. I hurriedly pulled a crisp hundred dollar bill from my wallet, gently placing it in the basket as the trio began to pack up their instruments. One of the boys noticed giving me a small smile and a head nod.