2
"Wanna talk about it?" Mr. Martino asked.
"No." I said.
After everything was cleared I was allowed to go get my clothes.
"Well I wanna know why'd your mother slap you across the face and grab you by your collar?" he said.
I didn't answer.
"Phoebe? Did your mom hit you before?" he asked.
"I don't wanna talk about it." I said.
"Phoebe why didn't you say something before?"
"It's no one's business!"
"If your mother's abusing you it's my business. You're my student. It's my job to know that you're being taken care of at home."
"Since when?"
"Don't you want to go change?" he asked trying to change the subject.
"No."
"Why not?"
"I just don't want to."
We sat in silence.
"Why won't you tell me what's going on?" he asked.
"Why should I?" I asked.
"I just wanna help."
"Well you can't."
"Because you won't tell me what's going on."
"You wanna know what happened?" I asked tears building in my eyes.
"Yes."
"Fine. My mom's a druggie and a whore. I never met my real dad. And my mom's boyfriend made me sell myself for money. And that's not the worse part. When I was 11 I was raped by a 19 year old. Is that what you wanted to hear?" I asked tears falling down my face.
"Phoebe I'm..."
"Keep your sympathy. I don't want or need it."
I got up and rushed to the bathroom before he could grab me. I didn't want to talk to him. Once in the bathroom I closed the door and slid to the floor crying. I didn't want anyone's sympathy. The only reason I agreed to stay with him was because I didn't wanna go to a home.
After I was done crying I came out the bathroom.
"I'm going for a walk." I said.
I left out before he could say anything. I needed to be alone. I wonder how long I would be able to stay here with Mr. Martino? I doubt anyone would want to take in a 17 year old. I didn't want to go to a stupid foster home anyway.
Why was he questioning me? I know he didn't really care.
"Hi Phoebe honey." someone called.
I turned around and saw Steve. I rolled my eyes and walked over to him.
"I heard your mom got arrested." he said.
"What do you want?" I asked.
"Can't I just ask how it's going without wanting something?"
I shot him a 'yea right' look.
"Ok. Fine you caught me. I need some money." he said.
"And what does it have to do with me?" I asked.
"I need you to do that thing you do o so well."
"What's in it for me?"
"Protection."
"Protection from what?"
"Who you mean. He's getting out of jail in six months. So what do you say?"
"Fine but you have to promise he won't come near me."
"I promise."
****
"That was the last one." Steve said.
"Good because I'm tired." I said.
"Here." Steve said handing me some money.
"Where am I suppose to put it my clothes are on the floor."
He put the money on the nightstand and got on the bed next to me.
"That's how I like my women." he said.
"Steve I have to go." I said.
"What's another hour or two?"
"Steve I'm not in the mood."
"Come on babe."
"No."
"You know you want to."
"Steve I'm serious I have to leave."
****
After a little more back and foward Steve finally convinced me to do what he wanted to do. When we were done I got dressed, took the money and left. I bet Mr. Martino was mad. I had left about five hours ago. I reached Mr. Martino's house and knocked.
A mad looking Mr. Martino answered it.
"Where were you?" he asked.
"I was helping out a friend." I said.
"You could've called."
"Yes but I didn't want to."
