Run

Part One | 14

Chapter 14

"After I told Marie that the cops were looking for us, she was just as scared and confused as me. The only difference was she had absolute no inclination to go back. Instead, she said we needed to change ourselves. We needed to go by different names, change our styles and all that. So she cut off all her hair and I shaved my own. It was weird, but no one noticed us... Honestly, though, we were in New York City. Who could possibly give a shit about two teenage Middleborough runaways?"

...

While Marie constantly threw up in our apartment, I worked at a nearby construction site not too far from where we lived, the same one Roberto had told me about. It was more exhausting living with Marie than it was at the site, and I didn't know how I felt about that. In the mornings, things are okay, but by the time I'm back she's already pissed off. And I never know exactly why. It's different every time. 

Sometimes it's because the space is too small or we don't have enough food or her clothes don't fit anymore or I'm never around or the apartment smells. It's always something new, and I desperately tried to just remember that she's pregnant and she's irritable. That's why I was excited to get some cash today so that I could get her something she wants so she can stop complaining all the damn time.

I stood in the small portable waiting for my envelope as the head constructor named us off.

"Jason Thomas, this is yours. Eduardo Sanchez, yours. Juan Rodriguez, yours." 

I stepped closer as the crowd of construction workers became smaller. Everyone was pretty eager to be done for the day. 

"Taylor Palmer." I stepped forward and accepted the cash. 

Marie chose the name. I'm not sure why. But she said I looked like a Taylor and I didn't have anything better. She goes by Danielle. Which is weirder than Taylor in my opinion, but maybe that's because I think the name Danielle is usually for girls who are nice. Marie's not that nice.

When I left the portable and looked through the cash, I was ecstatic to see how much I earned. It was by no means enough, but I knew that things might not be as difficult as I originally thought. If I work constantly, Marie and I could last for a bit. That is, until we actually have our child.

As I walked down the street, I breathed in the air and looked around the city, trying to enjoy it. Since we've gotten here, I've only been stressed out of my mind and I hated it. It was nice to feel like I had some control again, and all because of this stupid envelope full of cash.

But damn, I needed this.

As I passed a nearby grocery store, my eyes caught sight of the big box of BudLight Beer. And suddenly, I craved it. I deserved it anyway, what with after having to go by fucking Taylor and shave my head and live with a cranky pregnant 18 year old for the past few months. Before going to the register, I got some of Marie's favorite snacks, hoping she'd be in the mood for them. 

Ever since I saw Marie and I on the box TV a while ago, I've always kept my head down when purchasing things at places like this. I'm always way too paranoid, but I haven't heard anything about us since that time and I really doubt anyone in New York City gives a shit. 

As I carried a case of beer and a bag of snacks back to my apartment, I realized how tired I was and I could not wait to just sit back and relax. I wished we had a TV or something, but we didn't. With what little money we had, we got a really old and kind of gross mattress, but tried to make ourselves feel better by purchasing a new, clean comforter and sheets. Other than that, we bought some food, some chairs and some towels.