Belong To the World

Chapter 5: Please Don't Go

March 28th, 2017

After Miguel got done getting dressed and cleaning his face from the altercation, himself, Toni and I headed out the complex down the street about 15 or so minutes away from Andy's place. I really hope he is doing well. Andy is a strong guy, but even the strongest of men can be broken. I really want to tell Toni that I think I am the reason those guys messed with him, but I really don't think I caused it, it just doesn't make sense to me.

Leaving it alone Toni had us stop by McDonalds as a victory snack for Miguel and his fight.

"You better eat it all up," Toni was eye balling Miguel hoping I would notice so that she could say something, "When do you turn 18 again?" she would say teasingly.

"He is fifteen..." I said to her.

"Girl I am pregnant. No offense Miguel but I can't have a fifteen year old raise my child. That's what Marcus is for," Toni and I giggled as Miguel gave an uneasy laugh. Miguel has never talked to me about girls he might like. I guess it's just one of those things where he will tell me when he is more comfortable about it.

Finishing our food we got back on track with heading over to Andy's.

Bzzt. Bzzt. Bzzt. "The door will be unlocked, so you guys can come on in"

"Who is that?" Toni asked as I stopped to read the message. My phone was acting stupid all day and it looked as though Andy sent me the message about an hour ago.

"Andy messaged me letting me know he had unlocked the door for us. So I guess we better make it there fast," Toni, Miguel and I sped up our walking so we wouldn't have to keep Andy waiting any longer than he had to. Jefferson Street connects Jefferson Valley where I live and Jefferson Square where Andy lives. Given his neighborhood is far nicer than mine will ever be it makes it an easy commute to travel to his place. Making it to Jefferson Square Andy's house would be found slapped between to larger buildings, his obviously stood out. What his house may lackin size the other buildings lack in color; definitely a man who saw the good in everything.

Walking up the steps with Toni on my left and Miguel close behind him I opened the door and a cold, tingling sensation road up my spine; I felt uneasy. The last time I had a similar feeling to this was when my parent's had passed.

"Stay here for a second okay guys?" I said as I walked in the house. The lights were all off but it was still sunny enough outside for me to see what the house looked like. Everything was neat and tightly sorted, which surprised me from how Andy's office looked.

"Andy?" I would say as I scoped the area in search of my former Boss. No response. I pulled out my phone to call him and heard a noise coming from upstairs.

Ding Ding. Ding Ding. Ding Ding. "Andy is that you?" walking up the stairs the floor beneath me creaked almost as if it could give way at any given moment. There was one light on and it appeared to be in one of the bedrooms upstairs. Making it to the second floor I saw a door cracked open but not cracked enough for me to look inside. I slowly approached it placing my hand on the handle. My heart started beating rapidly as tiny beads of sweat formed on my forehead. As I opened the door my eyes grew wide and stomach churned.

There Andy was, sprawled across his bed; a bottle of wine to his right and spilled pills to his left.

"Toni! Call 9-1-1! Hurry!" I yelled as I rushed to Andy's aid shaking him a bit calling out to him. His body was so stiff and lifeless, but I was determined to save him. I began performing CPR on him, it was all I knew how to do, I had no medical background at all. I performed it on for nearly 10 minutes hoping something, anything would happen.

"They are on their way! What is happening Solana?!" Toni would shout from the bottom of the stairs.

"It's Andy!...H-he swallowed a bunch of pills!" When my CPR attempts had failed I had no Idea what else to do. I was in shock, my body went numb, my eyes began to fill with tears of acid, it was all too much.

"Ugh...wh-what's going on?" Snapping my head around I looked behind me and saw life brought back to the almost departed Andy. I hugged him the moment I noticed he was alive and didn't let go. My life is hard as is, but knowing I can save lives makes it somewhat easier.

"Don't move, I had Toni call 9-1-1. Why are you trying to kill yourself Andy...Why? You have so much to live for. We all have so much to live for. Imagine how everyone would feel if you just left...we all look up to you. Toni even looks to you as a father figure, I even look up to you. You taught us so much, you made us feel love we've never experienced...and by you killing yourself...how can you be so selfish?!" I couldn't fight the tears anymore. My eye ran like a river. I couldn't speak, my words all slurred and jumbled I could only breath and sob in this moment. I didn't want Andy to feel like he was being selfish, I just wanted to make a point that people still need and love him. If it weren't for Andy I don't think either me or my brother would be living as good as we are now.

"I-I am sorry about all of this. I love you so much Solana. You have a heart of gold and have always been my motivation to make it throughout the day and wake up every morning. After losing my wife, my son and now my shop; my life felt over already. Guess I forget I still have family on this earth. Thank you solana," hearing his words nearly melted my heart. Though things looked better now, I have no clue what other job I can apply for to help me and my brother continue to live in our rundown apartment complex. I just have to have a little bit more faith...everything will be alright.

"Don't worry Andy. I appreciate all you have done, honestly," I gazed upon him...he just looked so pitiful as much as I hate to say that. Before I had left he gestured me to his nightstand were a familiar locket would be laying on top of an envelope with my name on it.

"I fixed up your father's Locket, just didn't know when to give it back to you, was waiting for a special occasion but I guess this is as special as it gets," Tears began rolling down my face as I knew the moment Miguel saw this he would flip out. The envelope had my name on it and I decided to take it because I was assuming he wanted me to take it anyways. Before I left however I decided to read the letter inside to see what it had said.

"Dear Solana,

We had a good run in, didn't we? Sorry that I had to leave you guys on terms like this but my life was over far before it even started. I am a fool for letting you guys down and even a bigger fool for staying strong when I myself needed help. If it wasn't for you, Toni, Marcus, Karen, and Melina even...I don't think these last few years of my life would have been so special. So thank you all for making me feel young again. I know I won't see my wife or son because of where I am going...but if there ever is a brink of hope maybe one day I will see you were the light stays gold. I fixed this pocket for Miguel because I stumbled upon it not too long ago. There as a picture behind the frame which I stowed away in the envelope on my nightstand. Don't let this world control you Solana, don't make it turn you into an old decrepit fool like it has me. I love all of you guys with all my heart. Make your mark on this godforsaken world and who knows maybe one day you can run your own Antique store on Jefferson Street. Think about it. I'll be watching over you guys.

To my kids, sincerely,

Andy Davidson"

Apart of me wishes I never opened the letter to begin with as my stomach began churning but at least I know Andy is okay now, that's all that mattered anyways. I just have to keep telling myself that.