Red Rum

Hero (Part 1)

I guess you could call Guy my savior. Before I met him, I was out on the streets. Too proud to go to a homeless shelter after my mother kicked me out when she realized what I was, I was doing everything I could to survive. I was good at shoplifting. I could steal anything from a bracelet to a turkey. It was a gift.

I was so good that I started to get cocky. I started being sloppy. And one day, I got caught. But, before they could cart me away to juevenile hall, Guy showed up. He made up this bogus story about how I was his bi-polar, anti-depressant popping little sister who had stopped taking her medication and how I wasn't in my right mind. Amazingly, the security guard bought it and I was home free. Or, so I thought. Once we were outside of the store, I nodded him a thank you and attempted to walk away.

"Hey!" he called after me, "That's it? I save your butt and you just walk away? Wait, I've seen you around! You're that homeless girl, right?"

Oh so that was his game, I thought. Save a damsel in distress and then claim his reward. 

"What is it that you want from me?" I asked angrily.

"Ah, ask not what you can do for me, but what I can do for you," he said cryptically.

"Look, I don't have time for games. Just tell me what you want," I said impatiently.

"You're homeless, yes? Bet you could use a job, and a place to stay," he coaxed.

"What are you talking about?" I asked incredulously.

"I work at the mall, and the store I work at is hiring. I bet I could get you a job there," he offered.

His offer was all too tempting. I had to admit that I was tired of dumpster diving and lifting. But, there had to be a catch. Nothing is free. Everyone wants something in return.

"Yeah? And what's the catch?" I demanded.

"No catch. Okay, that's kind of a lie. You see, my roommate just moved out and I could use a little help with my rent. I've got a room if you want it."