IRREVERSIBLE

CHAPTER 13

It's amazing how life can be full of surprises. The ups and the downs, the twists and the turns and how they come at the most unexpected moments. I've learnt not to see challenges in life as a misfortune but a means to upgrade my  intelligence, wisdom and experience.

I was manipulated and because of lack of faith in me and justine I broke down which proves just how vulnerable I was....but not anymore.

"What is this place? I ask as I step out of  the car.

"My comfort zone. The building over there  was owned by an NGO which was shut down sometimes back. So a youth program for kids with special abilities was initiated here. Don't worry it's safe, you'll like it."

I am sure about the safe part because we are in the ghetto. I've heard terrible stories about places Like these. God..the place is crowded with uncivilized looking people and so many small scale businesses that should be shut down immediately.

The buildings around this area are so old and pathetic it's a wonder they are still standing. Don't these people care about their safety? Have I mentioned the infrastructure, the roads are horrible and the streets are so filthy and what is that smell?

Justine drags me through a horrendous path and I can't help but notice the strange looks we are getting from bystanders.

"Justine my man, what's up." A  druggie comes up to us and gives justine a hug and to my complete and utter astonishment he let's go of my hand and hugs him back....What  the bloody hell!

"Am good man, long time bro." He says,  I feel completely out of place. The untidy, scrawny looking man sees me and flashes me a sickening smile....creepy.

"Scarlett, this is my friend Cisco. Cisco, this is Scarlett...my girlfriend." Justine introduces us. The guy extends a rather dirty and rough looking hand... I would rather eat broccoli for a month than shake that hand.

I simply look aside hoping he'll take the hint.

"Scarlett?" Justine scolds me.
"No it's ok dude, I gotta go but you should come around often don't be a stranger." Cisco or whatever he's name is says patting Justine's back, he then throws me one awkward look before walking away.

"How can you be so mean, the guy was just being friendly." Justine says glaring at me.

"How can you be friends with someone like that i can't believe you hugged him back....oh and btw don't touch me untill you take a bath. " I glare back at him and he just shakes he's head in exasperation.

"Lets just go..." he says.
"I don't like it here, take me some place else." I say folding my arms.
"Seriosly?  We've already come this far we cant go back now."

I feel someone touching my leg and I gasp.

"Hi aunty, do you have coin to spare?" A very filthy street boy says tagging at my shirt. I pull back immediately frowning in displeasure. Somebody get me out of here.

Justine takes a coin from his pocket and gives it to him. The kid thanks Justine and he smiles back at him.

Justine starts walking without saying a word. Is he mad at me?

"I'll just say hi to my friends then we'll leave." He says in a stern voice. I can sense that he's trying to control he's annoyance and I feel a pang of guilt.

"So you are mad at me now. I've never been to a place like this. How did you expect me to react?"  I yelled.

"With a bit of tolerance and understanding. These people have feelings just like you...and stop yelling we are in public." He says taking my hand and pulling me to the only decent building I've seen since we got here.