Joseph's Trials

Chapter 3

I wake up on a familiar couch. There is a blanket over me and my shoes are off. I get off the couch and mumble, "Where am I?" Greg walks in and says, "You're in my house. We found you passed out in the alley and brought you here. What happened, dude?" I begin to relay my story to Greg and his parents. I fight back the tears to keep from breaking down. "Dang, that's heavy. You gonna be OK?" " I don't even know right about now", I say. Greg's mom comes forward and says, "Well, you're welcome to stay here as long as you need. We have plenty of room." I say," Thank you, Mrs. Simmons. I will find a job and rent an apartment to live in." Mr. Simmons jumps in and says, "What do you mean? Won't your mother take you back?" "She's always drunk and I brutally beat her boyfriend. Even if she would take me back, I don't think I'm willing to go back." I get up and walk towards the door. "Where are you going?", Greg exclaims. "I'll be back", I say as I step out of the house. I needed some time to think. I didn't really like the way they crowded around me. They looked at me like a lost puppy. It made me sick. I appreciate the hospitality but the way they look at me...it's despicable. I walk a few more miles and start to turn around. I turned a corner and, once again, I run into Richard. He pushes me down and says, " Watch where you're going, punching bag." I get up and walk around him but he grabs my shoulder and pulls me back. He kicks me in the knee and punches me in the jaw.

That's when a switch went off in my head. I was fed up with everyone making me miserable. I caught his next punch and hit him square in the nose. I continue throwing punches relentlessly. It was just like when I fought James. I was once again without control. Thats when the switch told me to stop. Right when I stop, Richard pulls out a switchblade and charges at me. I push his hand away from my body just in time and strike his hand, forcing him to drop the blade. I kick it away and Richard dives for it. When he reclaims his weapon he turns around to see I am already gone. I run down back alley after back alley to get away from Richard. I can't believe he pulled a weapon on me. I knew he was insane but this is a new level. It just shows that he is not as touch as people think he is. I make it back to Greg's house and immediately pass out on the couch. The big finals match of the bowling tournament is tomorrow and I need my rest. I can tell Greg and the guys the story tomorrow.

I awoke the next morning slightly happier than usual. Most likely it was some Saturday happiness. Breakfast with Greg and his family. "You ready for today's match?",Greg says excitedly. " Dude, I'm always ready. We need to head out so we can get that extra practice before the tournament." I decided to wait until we meet up with the rest of the guys to tell Greg about what happened yesterday. Greg tells his mom," We will be back soon.", and we head towards the door. When we open the door I drop back in surprise. I find myself face to face with my mother.