You Are What You Eat

1.

I sat on the railroad as the rain came pouring down on me. I slid myself down and hoped it would just go away.

I wish I had a home to go to, well, I mean I do. But I ran away from there and I never want to go back. I'd much rather be here alone on the streets than to go home with my abusive brothers.

My parents died in a car crash about a year ago, leaving me alone with my two older brothers. I was the youngest boy in the house. I'm seventeen and my brothers are well into their twenties. They don't even care about me. If they did, they wouldn't be beating me up all the time and saying horrible shit to me. I'm better off without them.

I was blinded by bright car lights flashing right on me. I squinted my eyes and tried to block the lights from my eyes. It looked like the car was just turning the corner I'm at, but it came to a stop. I heard a car door and heels clinking on the street. I saw the silhouette of a woman in front of the car lights and then she eagerly walked over to me. It was still dark and hard to see her but she walked right up to me, crossing her arms and shivering as she didn't have a coat on.

"Are you okay? What are you doing out here all alone without a coat?" She asked. Almost in a shout-voice. All you could hear was the rain pouring on the cement, trees swaying in the rough wind, and the sound of cars and traffic in the distance.

"I'm fine." I replied. Only I wasn't. I was freezing and definitely did not want to go home. It was too far anyway.

"Where's your house? Do you need a ride home?" She asked.

"I don't have a home," I replied and I meant it. My house is not my home anymore. I will never return. I'm done.

It was silent for about a minute, all you heard was the rain and cars passing by, splashing water on us both. The woman shivered and my clothes were completely soaked through; there was no way I could feel warm right now.

"Why don't I take you to my place? At least for a while? I just feel bad for you, out here by yourself. And you can eat dinner with us." She said and I think she smiled too. Us? I assumed maybe it was her boyfriend or husband or whatever. I didn't think too much of it.

I sighed, getting up and walking over to the passenger side of the car while the girl took the driver's seat. The car light lit up inside, and I could see her clearly. She had bleached-blonde hair and a warm smile. The car was pretty warm too, and it smelled like vanilla and sugar. The radio was on, playing some Adele song that I think I've heard before. It was turned down low so I couldn't really make out the words.

"Thanks again.." I replied, buckling the seat belt. She nodded and lipped, "You're welcome."

"Oh wow, I'm so bad at meeting people. I'm Colleen." She said.

"I'm Blake." I said and ran my fingers through my drenched brown hair.

"When we get to my house, just make yourself at home. My three sisters are there so just introduce yourself." She smiled before beginning to drive.

It was silent and she turned up the music a little more. I stared out the window at the rain falling hard on the ground, creating deep puddles. It was a blessing that Colleen happened to pick me up before the rain got harder.

"You look very young. Why are you homeless? I mean.. if you don't mind me asking." Colleen asked and I cleared my throat, searching for words.

"I ran away.." I replied. Short and sweet. Well, I don't know about the sweet part.

"Oh." She replied, and that was all she said. I'm assuming she doesn't want to keep bothering me and pushing to know everything. I was glad she didn't keep asking. I don't want to think about my family and home life.