ABDUCTED

Jay B.

5.93

(Jay's pov)
Monday December 5th—21 days

The bass from the speakers in my car rattled as the beginning of "Freakshow" by Britney Spears flicked on. I lowered the volume as I debated on changing the station. Nina waved at me as I backed out of the driveway. I waved back before adjusting my rear view mirror.

I drove out of the neighborhood, routinely checking the time. I grabbed my phone, looking for Ciggy's contact. It rang a few times before I got his voicemail. "Morning, Stud. Long weekend? I assumed you're both too hungover to leave, so I decided to duck out to run an errand before school. I'll see you later, bro. Safety, love, peace," I said before hanging up. My phone bounced off the passenger's seat as I tossed it aside, landing on the floor. I ignored it, pulling up to small apartment complex in Gardena. An attractive woman in her twenties stood, waiting for me on the side walk. She wore a micro skirt over some red fishnets. A black tank top layered on top of her red, lace bra showed a substantial amount of cleavage. I rolled down my passenger seat window, watching as she bent down to poke her head in the car. "You got what I asked for?" I questioned, cutting to the chase. She raised an eyebrow before pouting and batting her eye lashes. "Is that any way to talk to a lady?" she asked with a thick New York accent.  I rolled my eyes, sarcastically perking up. "Good morning, Sugar. Do you have what I asked for?" She giggled as she nodded. I kept my eyes planted on her eyes as she reached into her shirt, pulling out a singular key with a Tony's Auto Warehouse logo on the tag. "You know I always come through for you, baby," she replied. I took the key, shivering at how warm it was. "Thanks. Is Mikey ready?" Sugar turned to look at her door. "He's coming now."

5.94–

Mikey Torres was a shrimpy little thing. He was short and skinny and had a baby face. He looked like a little boy version of his mother. They had the same nose and the same smile. They had the same simple on their left cheek and the same freckles all over their skin. However, Mikey's eyes still had innocence like he hadn't seen the world the way his mother had. She was a young mom. She gave birth to him the week after her 14th birthday. Though, she didn't really remember her birthday at that point.

"Sugar" was born Karina Valentina. She ran away at a young age and fell into prostitution. She got pregnant with her son at thirteen. Karina had no idea who the father was and when she told her pimp, he kicked her out. He told her he doesn't deal with "pregnant whores." Eventually, she married one of her clients, Oscar Torres. He put her through Cosmetology School and bought her a hair salon after she graduated. From what I could tell about them they were a relatively happy family. Oscar is a trucker for my father's company and very good friends with my parents. He's like an uncle to me, so I know he a good man. All he wants to do is provide for Sugar and Mikey. All Sugar wants is to give Mikey a normal childhood. I promised her I would help her since he looks up to me. He's the little brother I never had.

5.95–

"Vibe rising, Jay B," Mikey greeted with a yawn. "Vibe rising, Mike." Sugar cupped her son's face, kissing his forehead. She used her thumb to wipe away the lipstick mark she had left. "Have a good day, baby," she said softly. "I will, ma," he replied. I dapped him up through the window, unlocking the doors so he could enter my car. "You boys be safe out here," Sugar warned. We nodded, waving as I hit a U-turn to head back down the street. Mikey turned up the radio, catching the end of "Freakshow." I laughed, keeping my eyes on the road. "That's gay, dude," he finally said. I gripped the steering wheel with my right hand, turning to glance at him. "No, it's not. Even if it is, who cares? 'Gay' ain't a bad thing," I informed, choosing now to be a teaching moment. "It was Britney Spears. Only girls and 'queers' listen to her," Mikey defended. I shook my head. "Jesucristo. Ignorance isn't a good look on you, player. I think 'educated' works better," I replied. He gave an offended and confused look, twisting his head to look at me. "Are you gay? Be honest," Mikey asked. I pondered his question for a second, turning the wheel around a dark alleyway. "I am a lot of things, Mikey. Gay is not one of them, but that doesn't mean I think poorly of it. If someone tells you who they are, believe them. Little things like who they beat it to isn't something you have to worry about," I answered. "Unless it's kids! Or animals. Then you can worry," I added. Mikey laughed. "Makes sense. I guess it is a little weird to openly ask someone who they jackin' and shit." I nodded, putting the car in park. "Stay here. I gotta check on something. Scream if you need me," I said, getting out of the car. His voice was muffled through the car window, but I heard him ask where we were. I ignored him, stepping around the corner and into a warehouse.