Dangerous

Unlikely Friends?

"How much did he give you anyways?"

"$200."

"Do you...do that often?"

"Yeah, I guess..."

"If you're making that much and your parents work, why don't you guys move out of here?"

We were sitting on his mattress as I gestured to the rest of the apartment.

"My mom's in jail, my dad died years ago, and my step-dad is a lazy jobless fuck. So yeah...I'm the one who makes the money here."

"Oh."

"Yeah..."

"Is that why you skip school and stuff?"

"Yeah. I'd go all the time if I could. It's just not in the cards for me."

"Just asking, but if your mom's in jail...what did she do?"

His eyes went wide and for the first time, he didn't seem smug or intimidating.

"It's not important."

"Oh..."

I paused for a second, debating whether to press further.

"Are you okay...?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well for once you don't look 'the bad kid.'"

"It's just...a touchy subject."

"It's okay. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

Then he looked up at the clock.

"I should probably get you home. It's getting late."

"Yeah, I called them and said I'd be home late, but it's probably time to go."

"I'll take you."

"Thanks."

~~~

We pulled up in front of my house on his bike. I hopped off and turned to face him.

"Thank you...for coming with me."

"No problem. And thank you for standing up for me."

"I'm not a pimp. I don't stoop that low."

He chuckled.

"Well, you're not as bad as everyone says you are."

"I guess I'll be seeing you around."

"I suppose so. Well, see ya."

"See ya."

And then he took off. I turned around and went in the house.

"Lindsey? Who was that boy?"

"Just a friend from school. He helped me out and then offered to take me home."

"Where's your bike?"

"I lost it. I'm sorry..."

"It's okay. What's his name?"

"Mark."

"I wouldn't hang around him. He seems like a bad influence."