So Far...(Eminem Fanfic)

Chapter 1: Meeting Marshall

             “Wait here.” I ordered Brandon as we stood in front of the corner market. No one would bother him as long as he waited out front. Hopefully. If we were anywhere else I wouldn’t worry quite as much, but I’ve learned to always be on my guard as long as I’m living on the Detroit side of 8mile. That also meant constantly keeping an eye on my little brother to ensure his safety.

              I entered the market once I was sure Brandon would stay put. I was nervous as I walked over to the canned goods section. The small cans that contained things like Vienna sausages and potted meats were what I had in mind. Both Brandon and I were starving but he was much too timid to complain and hated putting any more weight on my shoulders. He was possibly the world’s toughest nine-year-old.  My brother never whined or cried like other little kids. He accepted his life for what it was, but he was smart enough to understand that none of this was his fault. We couldn’t help that dad abandoned us and it wasn’t our fault that Mom treated us like shit. Mom didn’t agree with that, though. In her eyes everything was our fault. There was nothing I could do or say to try to change that. That’s just the way she was.

            Tears started to blur my vision as I thought about her. At the same time I felt like my throat was starting to swell. That always happened when I felt nervous. Suddenly, I remembered why I was nervous. I had never shop lifted before. It honestly looks easy in theory, but nearly everything is easier said than done. I picked up a can, ready to shove it in my purse, and then stopped abruptly. I felt nauseous. The last thing I wanted was to vomit in the middle of the aisle.

               "Don't be such a pussy." I muttered to myself.
              “Hey you.” A voice said from behind, causing me to jump.

                Ah, hell. I was screwed from the start. “Huh?” I replied brilliantly. Even though I hadn’t done anything wrong yet, I felt like my heart was about to beat out of my chest.

                “I’ve been standing here for a minute,” The owner of the voice started as he approached me. “and I can tell you’re new at this.” The boy gave me a cocky grin. I gave the boy a once over. He was of medium height, had short brown hair and icy blue eyes. Cute. He wore a pair  of old Nikes, baggy jeans, and a baggy hoodie.

                “ Oh yeah? What tipped you off?” I was trying for sarcasm, but my voice came out shaky.

                “Well, for one you look like you’re about to pass out, and also you look guilty as hell."

                 Well shit. I was even more of a pussy than I thought.

                 “Yeah well, thanks for the input, but I’ve got this.” I snaped at him. I had to keep my guard up. I didn’t know what this boy wanted, but it probably wasn’t good.

                 He chuckled slightly, unfazed. I had to admire that he had a nice smile. “Watch this.” He said in a low voice. He looked around before stuffing several cans of Vienna sausages into the pockets of his baggy jeans. “Your turn.” He smirked.

                I held my breath and grabbed five random cans before stuffing them in my purse.

              “Now follow my lead.” His voice was still low. He walked lazily and inconspicuously out the door and I followed suit. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw Brandon waiting on the sidewalk. Before I could get to him the boy from the store grabbed my arm. I automatically flinched away.

            “Sorry.” He immediately withdrew his grasp. “Here.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets so that he could give me the cans.

           “No, I can’t take those. You’ve already helped enough. Really.” And I was grateful. I would never have gotten the balls to do that by myself.

           “You sure?” I looked in his eyes. There was no doubting the concern in them. Was he worried about me? There was no way.

           “Yeah, I’m sure.” My eyes trailed over to my brother. I really just wanted to get him back to the trailer. It was already getting dark.

           The boy followed my gaze. “Who’s that?” he asked curiously.

           “My brother.” I answered unwillingly, hoping he wouldn’t question me further. I didn’t like talking to a stranger about Brandon.

          “I have a little brother, too. Nate.” I examined his face carefully. The emotions behind his eyes perfectly matched the way I felt when I looked at my brother. Love, worry, pain, and most of all, fear. I loved Brandon so much. He was without a doubt the best thing in my life. My only family, and the only person keeping me from slitting my own throat. I worried about him continuously. I was afraid that if I looked away from him for one second, when I looked back he’d be gone. Looking at him caused me pain because he constantly reminded me of Mom. He looked so much like her. I felt fear because I didn’t know how to raise him by myself. I wasn’t ready for the responsibility, but it didn’t matter. I waited in terror for the day I would really fuck up his life and I would never forgive myself if that day came. I had a feeling this boy and I might have a lot in common.

         I looked away from those alluring eyes in confusion. Why was he telling me this? He doesn’t even know me. “Well now you can feed him.” I made a gesture to the cans in his pockets before I turned and started to walk away. “Thanks for everything, but I got to go now.”

         “Hey, one last thing.” I sighed and glanced back at him.

         “Yeah?”

        “What’s your name?”

        “Brianna, and yours?”

        “I’m Marshall. Marshall Mathers.”

       “Peace, Marshall.” I motioned for my brother to follow me.

       “Later.”