The Fear Of Falling Apart

-16-

Tanith's POV

I busked on that street all day in the boiling hot sun.

I didn't stop for more then a few minutes, usually to tie my hair back with an elastic band I found at the start of my long day.
I was covered in sweat, my throat dry and my eyes red. I know my arms and face are badly burnt, as evident from the intense pain every move I make.

But the people are clearing out now.

It's time to stop.

I groan as I reach forward and take the cup, now almost full of coins. If I could call Brendon everything would be okay, but I can't remember his number. God, how can I be this stupid?

I push my legs out of the way and tip the coins contained in the cup onto the pavement, flicking back the ones that skid too far away.

I pray I'll have enough to buy something to eat.

I finish counting the money and find I have fifteen dollars, all in spare cash.
I almost smile as I shove the money in the pocket of my jeans and pull my aching limbs to a standing position.

I begin to walk slowly down the street, abandoning my cardboard box and hoping for the best.

---

I sit inside the warm diner in a booth as I wait for my food.
I used my fifteen dollars to buy a burger and fries with a bottle of water.

I just stare down at the table, wondering what everyone was doing right now. Maybe Danger Days was done now. Maybe Pete's doing better, and Fin's feeling okay.

But maybe it's the exact opposite.

I try to keep a positive mind as the waitress puts my plate and water down in front of me.

I thank her before taking a big, long sip of my drink.

I've never loved water so much.

Just as I'm digging in to my burger, the lady who asked me to move this morning enters the diner. Her eyes look tired now, and her brown hair is a little more messed up, but she looks content.

Suddenly she slides into the booth, sitting opposite me.

"Um." I say, mouth full, really really shocked.

"Hello." She says as I swallow my food.

"Hi." I respond, still really confused.

"Do you have anywhere to stay?" She asks.

I stare at her for a second before slowly shaking my head.
She sighs, almost sadly. "Look kid, it's just wrong to have a teenager out inter streets. How about you come back to my place and we can get you some clothes and decent food."

I study her carefully, trying to figure out my answer. She's a total stranger, which is a bad thing. But she recognised me from earlier and came over to try and help.

"I don't know if that's a good idea." I say carefully. "I mean, we just met. How do I know you aren't a pedophile?"

She smiles and shakes her head. "How do I know you aren't a juvenile delinquent?"