Special - Ryden

Chapter Eight

TW//abuse

For the week I was living on the streets, I depended on people I had never seen before in my life. I got money, food, water, and other stuff like that.

Most of the people I saw once, maybe twice, some even three times.

There was one person, though, who came by every day. I was only out there 7 days, but it meant a lot to me. They would have a whole meal, bring me money, it was great.

They reminded me of Brendon. They were energetic and sarcastic and happy. They had confidence.

On the last day I was out there, they were right next to me when my dad came and dragged me back into my hell of a house.

"What are you doing?" They stood up, posture straight, facing my dad.

"He's my son. He ran away."

"There's no way he came out here by choice if everything was okay at your house."

I shot them an it's-okay glance.

It wasn't, but I didn't want them getting hurt too.

"Dad, let go and I'll come home. I swear."

He tightened his grip. I try not to react, but I must do something because they yell-nearly scream-"You're hurting him!"

"He deserves it!"

When my dad doesn't deny anything, I knew he wouldn't hurt them. He lies to the people, or just person, he hurts.

"No, he doesn't! If anyone does, it's you! From the way it seems, you're an extremely shitty person!"

My dad's face was turning red. He was pissed, I could tell.

"Dad, please let's just go."

I freed one of my hands (somehow) and took out a piece of paper I had had for a few days, found it and a pen when they weren't there yet. I had written as neatly as possible on it: thank you, so much, for everything ~Ryan

It wasn't much, but every second I was fearing my dad would come and get me, like that moment. I needed it to be quick.

I handed it to them.

They opened it and smiles at me.

And that's when I left.

I got a thing of fries at the bowling alley. Dallon got fries and a pizza, Brendon stole two slices of the pizza, and Awsten had a hamburger. It was really good, despite my expectations for bowling alley food.

As we're finishing our (very unhealthy) food, Brendon noticed the mini arcade. "Ryan! Wanna play one of those?" He points to the area.

I sigh. "I don't have money. I can watch you though."

"You expect me not to pay for you?"

"Well, you just don't need t-"

"I'm gonna anyways."

He stands up and walks over to the counter, coming back with two full cups of tokens.

"You don't need to."

"I'm not going to use this many." He grabs my hand and forces me to take one of the cups before he runs into the arcade area. I smile. He's so amazing. I'm lucky to have him.

I get up and begin to follow him to the ski ball machines. There's two of them, the one next to his is empty so I put the required two tokens into the slot and start playing.