Anger

Introduction

I didn't know where to go, but I knew I would never come back. I couldn't tell my family why; I was ashamed. I got myself into this mess. I was going to get in my car and drive, never looking back. I had planned it so perfectly that no one could find me if they came looking. I had one more thing to do before I left.
I stopped by Franki's, the restaurant my family and I had gone to since I could remember. The restaurant was just closing; I came in perfect timing. Franki was locking up when he saw me and let me in.
He was my parent's age and went to high school with them. He came to America as a foreign exchange student from Italy hoping to have the best restaurant in the world, and by my standards, it was. He was like a second father to me, and I knew my leaving would break his heart more than my own parents.
His restaurant was an average size with red wallpaper and mahogany wood floors. It always smelled like pasta and spices in the restaurant no matter what he was cooking or if he was cleaning. This place was like my second home, but this town was no longer my home.
"Juniper!" He said with his deep Italian accent. He was a short, stout man with only a grey mustache and slicked back salt and pepper curls. He was the stereotypical Italian man with pasta practically becoming his natural smell. He made me feel better about my decision, just being in his presence.
"Hello Franki. I need to ask you a question."
His smile faded turning into worry. I felt horrible for putting him in this position but he was the only one I could go to.
With Franki there was no judgement. He was a friendly and understanding man that would listen,even if he didn't agree.
"What's going on Juniper? Are you in trouble?"
I nodded, tears starting to form.
"I need your help. You can't tell my parents. My brother is the only one who knows about this alright?"
"Juniper, what did you do?" His voice began to crack and tears formed in his eyes as well.
"I need to leave the town. Please...don't ask me why... I just need some money, and if you can't give me any, it's fine." He nodded, taking a hard swallow and a deep breath.
"Money is no problem for my bellissimo angelo. How much do you need?"
"I've been saving up from the bookstore. I have a thousand, I just need 500 more." I felt terrible for asking him for that much money. I never asked anyone for anything but this was different.
He nodded and went to the back to his office. I checked my watch; it was only 11:30. My parents and brother were sleeping.
Nicholas knew I was leaving and why but I never told him when. I wasn't good with goodbyes, something I'd have to do when I left this place.
A few minutes later, Franki came back with a rolled up stack of money. It had to be more than $500.
"Franki I only need--"
"Please bellissimo, money is no problem. I can make this back tomorrow." I held the money in my hands, taking everything in. The tears were coming, I could feel my chest start to hurt and my throat was dry. I couldn't say goodbye to Franki, I grew up with him.
He put his hands on my shoulders and nodded like he could read my mind.
"Go. Don't look back. Come back someday and tell me why." I nodded and wrapped my arms around his broad shoulders. The tears fell on his shoulders and I could feel his tears as he squeezed me tighter.
"Io amore tu, Franki."
"Io amore tu anche, bellissimo angelo." He whispered.
I got in my car and I drove away as fast as I could, escaping and never looking back...