Blood Red

Chapter 1

"Papa, where we go?" my 2 year old son, Jayson asks quietly as I carry him down the sidewalk through ou neighborhood. Well, if you can call the area he and I live a 'neighborhood' considering the area has run-down buildings with busted out windows, covered in gang graffiti, trash covering the sidewalk and brown grassy areas and busted out streetlights.

"We're going to get food, baby," I answer quietly afraid to speak any louder in fear of being noticed.

Jayson nods his head before burrying his face in my neck, he knows enough to be quiet and that this place is scary. Unforutunetly I don't have the money to move us to a safer location; the money I do earn from my part time job at the mechanics garage goes to pay the rent at our crappy apartement, food and utilities.

Since I'm only 16 years old and a high school dropout with a 2 year old child that I have to bring to work with me since I have no one to watch him; I'm lucky to find a job that would hire me. I've been on my own since I was 14 years old and my parents kicked me out of the house for admiting not only my sexuality, which is gay if anyone was wondering; I'm also a male who is in the small percentege of the male population of the world that can become pregnant.

For the first seven months I lived in a shelter and managed to find the part time job at the garage in order to safe enough money for my shitty apartment in this terrifying neighborhood.

Finally arriving at the soup kitchen, I quickly open the door and welcome the safety and warmth. Even though I hate that I have to bring us here twice a week for all three meals, this is better than worrying if my son will eat. Walking to the line, I wait behind another male in order to get two trays for us and try to keep Jayson entertained so he doesn't bother anyone.

"Papa, I hung'y," he whispers with his head still burried into my neck.

Hugging him a little tighter to me, "I know baby just a couple of more minutes and your little tummy will be full."

Signing in so they know how many people they've helped, finally making our way to the servers. Standing Jayson on his feet in order to carry our trays after their filled toward two empty chairs. Tonight isn't full so we're able to find two empty seats near the back away from everyone else.

For now while Jayson and I are outside of the apartment or my work, I can enjoy a few moments of warmth and security. Most of the people that come here don't want any trouble or cause any, so everyone minds their own buisness. Granted the apartment is the safest place in the world either but once inside the apartment it feels safe. Yes, we can hear people arguing and gunshots but nothing terrible has happened in the two years we've lived there.

Jayson and I usually come near the end of the time here in hopes that any leftovers I can take home with me and not have to come for a meal or two on days that I'm short on money for food between work checks. Thankfully tonight there were enough leftovers that we can have that will for three days worth of lunches and dinners for the two of us.

Quickly walking back to the apartment that is two blocks away from the soup kitchen as I carry the two plastic bags filled with three styrofoam containers each and Jayson. About twenty-five feet from the apartment complex entrance, I hear shouting and gunshots. Accelerating my pace, I'm almost at the entrance when I hear a shot ring out before the sudden burst of pain lances through my belly.

Ignoring the pain I make my way into the entrance before falling to my knees clutching Jayson closer to my body. Placing the plastic bags on the floor, I touch my tummy, hissing as I take my hand away to see it covered in dripping red blood; my blood.

"Shit," I mutter to myself as I try to stand with Jayson still in my arms. I can't stand even after attempting too without him in my arms.

"Hey kid, are you alright?" I hear a deep baritone male's voice ask from behind me.