Boy.

break room

I grab a water bottle, a bag of chips, and a packet of beef jerky. I can't believe I just ran away like that.  Maybe I should've talked to them I thought. I got that sick feeling walking up to the cashier where the man still sits while playing in his phone.  It wasn't butterflies... It was deeper... Darker...Than that. It was like a pit was swallowing my soul.  Like a dark hole in my chest.  It wasn't emptiness.... It was a sinking... Almost drowning feeling.  I feel like I could pass out at any second.  Like my legs could just give out on me.
I walk up to the employee there.  He reluctantly gets his feet of the counter and puts his phone down,  he didn't even bother to turn off his phone.  It was at 67%. "Are you ok kid? You rushed in  super quick." He said scanning the jerky.  "I'm fine" I was lying and he knew it.  He had a thin country accent  and it was weird talking to him.  He seemed trustworthy but who's going to tell a stranger their full life story?  Or at least today's story...  "Stop lying kid, whats your name?" He pulled out a Ciggerate from his pocket and a match from under the counter. I looked shocked since he seemed so young. "I get it kid...I smoke, now what's your name?" I don't know weather to tell him my name is Sam or Alyssa.  "Sam" I say grabbing my plastic bag full of food and water. "Well hey sam, I'm mark. You care to tell me why you were running into my store like that? What are ya doin? Runnin from the cops?"

How did he know?  I think.  It was probably just a lucky guess... Or a joke.  It's just hard to joke right now. I stayed quiet and didn't answer.  The air felt hot and I handed him my money to pay for my stuff.  "Nuthin" I say heading for the door.  "Alright I guess I should believe you" He trailed off and picked up his phone again. 65% this time. "Wait..." I said, my voice trailing off.  "What is it sam?" He wasnt bothered to look up from his phone. 

"How old are you?" I asked.  He seemed very young....Maybe 19?  He had a smooth face with no acne and was pretty tall but a bit muscular.  Still pretty skinny though. "I'm 16 ...why?" "You didn't seem old enough to be smoking that Ciggerate.... " I said playing the plastic bag he handed me a few minutes ago.
"Man, tell the cops for all I care. I've been in trouble with them too many times to count. Plus, aren't you a bit to young yourself to be here alone? This neighborhood is dangerous kid." I started getting pale. I was talking to a criminal....  "You ok kid?" He said snapping his fingers.  "You know how to run away from the cops?" I say out of the blue.  He looked caught off guard but not shocked.  "Yea I do. But I wouldn't want to tell you kid. You see, were not friends. I'm ok on my own, I don't need anyone. And I certainly don't need another run in with the cops."  "Please!!! I will do anything!! Don't you have a heart?!?" I start to tear up a bit.  If this guy won't help me then no one will he was my only hope.

"Alright there is an old school that got closed down because I new one was being made so they needed to get rid of that one. Just go hide in there. I will go with you to open the door but by then you're on your own. What happened to you man? Dont lie to me this time."  I took a deep breath.  "Im transgender...shaved my head....kicked out....ran way..." I started crying.  I couldn't make  out a full sentence. "Aw come on kid don't cry. Crying is for the weak. I will drive you there in 30 minutes once I get off my shift.

For now hide out in the break room.  There's a half drinkin Gatorade in their, so help yourself." He Pointed Behind him.  It was a light brown door with a yellow handle.  The door had a plaque that was Labeled "employees only." "Thank you so much " I said as I entered the break room.