I hold tightly to my dad's hand as he expertly guides me through the busy streets. It's the first time I've ever been to the city. I never thought it would be so loud and dirty.
I begin noticing people who are not like everyone else. They aren't in a rush to get somewhere. In fact, it looks like most of them haven't moved for a long time.
One of the people, a man wrapped in layers of musty brown jackets, raises a sign as we walk buy. I can only catch the word 'MONEY' before my dad pulls me away.
"Daddy," I say curiously, "What are those people doing?"
My dad scoffs, "Don't pay attention to them Jack."
"But what are they doing?"
"Begging." He spits, "They are worthless and have nothing so they are begging. Never be like them Jack. You are a man, you don't beg."
"Ok Daddy." I agreed passively, not really understanding what he was saying. But he was my dad, the person I looked up to most in the world. He had never let me down.
• • •
I sat in the alley staring at my stolen food. Every time I thought about giving up stealing, that memory would resurface. I might hate my father with all my heart now, but I still wanted to be a man.
"Begging is for dogs." I repeated to myself like a mantra. Stealing was not much better but at least it made me feel human.
I decide I need to stretch my legs so I grab my backpack and walk out of the alley. It's a nice afternoon and there are people everyone. I try and avoid them as much as I can.
These are the times when I wish I still had my phone. I miss taking walks and listening to my favorite songs. Music has always been one of my passions, but I haven't heard a song since I became homeless.
I was lost in my own world when suddenly I feel my backpack roughly taken off my back. I whip around to see a man much older than me running away.
I begin to chase after him. Anxiety is coursing through me. My picture is in my bag! It's the only thing left I have to remind me of home. I can't lose it!
People walking down the street jump out of the way as I barrel through. I don't stop to apologize if I accidentally hit someone. My bag with my picture is the only thing on my mind.
I begin to catch up to the man. He's running at full speed but I'm younger and faster. I reach out to grab him but my fingertips only brush the back of his jacket. I keep running.
We reach an open field on the outskirts of the town. The man seems to be running out of steam cause he slows down. I push myself to go faster and collide with him. We both fall to the ground.
The man seems to be frozen in shock from being tackles so I use that as an advantage and grab my bag.
I open the bag to check that everything is still there. The man is still lying on the ground. He doesn't even put up a fight when I begin to walk away.
"Hey kid!"
I turn to face the man again. He lets out a slow chuckle. "Don't be so easy to steal from."
"Don't be so easy to tackle." I snarl back earning another laugh from him.
• • •
Smack! Fire flares across my face from my dad's punch.
"Oh you son of a b****." I mumble under my breath holding my cheek.
"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?" Why can't I keep my freaking mouth shut?
"You wanna fight boy?" My dad is already drunk but he already has another beer bottle in his hand, "You go talking smack with your mouth but you're too weak to take a swing."
I watch as my dad opens his arms up wide, "Go on son," he snarls, "Hit me." I shake my head. "HIT ME!" He screams.
"I can't!"
I want to so bad but I know if I do the beating will only get worse. He's provoking me. Trying to get me angry enough that'll punch him. But that will only lead to more punches back. And possibly the belt. I can't take the belt again.
My dad takes a swig of his beer, "When are you gonna learn to fight your own battles? "
• • •
It's raining again. The water soaks my skin to the bone. I sit in the dark shivering and alone.
No matter how hard I try, the world always throws something else at me. I don't know how much more I can take,
This is just another battle I know I'll never win.
___________________________________
Jacky needs a hug. I gladly volunteer :)
Go follow and read all of @RamenNoodlesAvery 's books cause shes amazing!
Peeps or aliens?
Author for chapter @jackxrobertxavery
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
YOU ARE READING
Helping you •Janah•
Fanfiction"Hey!" The curly headed boy runs towards the door with the food and drinks still in his bag. Before he could run out he was pulled back. His backpack was snatched. He looked up at the older and taller boy who was holding it. "I will be taking this...
