Always Adam

Chapter 6

The next two days pass similar to the others. I sit with Nat, Ava, Donnie, TJ and Janae at lunch each day. They seem to have welcomed me into their little click. I'm glad since I really like them. Donnie has been flirting with me at lunch. He is now waiting for me after school to walk me to my car. "So what are doing for the weekend," Donnie asks as we walk to my car. "I'm moving into my own place tonight," I say excitedly. "No shit. How cool is that. You need any help," he asks. "No. My aunt and uncle got it covered. There isn't much to move," I say as we walk.

"So how did you manage to score your own place," Donnie says as someone comes up behind us. "I'm eighteen so they just kicked me out," I say as I turn to see who is behind us. My stomach flutters. It's blue eyes. "No shit. They kicked you out. Damn that's harsh," he says ignoring blue eyes. "Can you give me a ride Donnie," he asks. I can tell Donnie's annoyed. I can't help but notice the look he gives him. I'm guessing blue eyes is killing his game. "Sure," he says turning his attention back to me.

"So how can you afford your own place," he asks as we reach my car. Blue eyes hangs back but I can tell he's listening. "I got some money when my parents died. It's in a trust for me. I can use it for certain court approved things. I guess the guardian's not wanting me anymore is good enough for approval," I say as I open my car door and toss my book bag into the back seat. "Your parents are dead. Damn you've had some shit thrown at you," Donnie says looking really sorry for me. I shrug. "So how old were you when they died," he asks. "I was six. It was a plane crash," I add knowing that question would be next.

Donnie's phone rings. He looks down and groans. "What," he answers. I can hear someone talking. It sounds like a girl. "Calm down Diane. I'll be there in fifteen minutes." He turns to blue eyes. "Sorry man I can't ride you. Diane needs a ride. Apparently, her jackass boyfriend tossed her out in the middle of nowhere after a fight. I got to go get her." He turns to me. "I'll see you tomorrow." He jogs away leaving blue eyes standing there.

He turns to go. "Hey blue eyes," I say. He turns back to me. A slow, sexy grin spreads across his face. "Hop in. I'll ride you wherever you need to go," I say and close my door. He sprints around to the passenger side and hops in. "Where to," I ask him. He hesitates a minute and says "the river." I look at him for a second and start the car. "You'll have to tell me the way," I say unsure where exactly he means.

We're quiet on the drive. Other than his directions when needed, neither of us speak. When we reach the river I stop the car. I suddenly realize I just did something stupid. I'm all alone in a car with a boy I don't know in the middle of nowhere. Suddenly I'm nervous and just want him gone. "Thanks for the ride," he says as he opens his door to get out. "Can you give me directions out of here," I ask. He looks at me for a moment and I feel like there is something important on his mind. He tells me how to get back to the main road. I know my way from there.

He's about to close my door when I say "wait." He stops and looks at me. "What's your name," I ask. "I like blue eyes," he says and before I can protest he's closed the door and is walking away. I watch him for several seconds and leave. As I drive home I wonder about him. I wonder where he was going. I wonder what his name is. I'll try to remember to ask Donnie on Monday.

I arrive home feeling both happy and scared. I can't wait to get out of this house and into my own. I can't wait to get away from all this bull shit. I look over at Mike's house and sigh. It's no longer my second home. I feel sad at leaving that house. I haven't talked to Mike since that night. I thought for sure he would come over or call to apologize, but he never did. Just like that friendship over. "Whatever," I mutter to myself and hurry inside. I already have my stuff pack and ready to go. I'm going to follow Ted to my apartment and he'll help me take the boxes in.

Donna insists I stay till after dinner. I'd like to think it was because she wanted one more meal with me still part of the family, but I know it's not true. She just wanted Ted to eat before helping me. Olivia looks at me with sad eyes. "I don't want you to go," she says near tears. "I'll come back to visit," I lie. I feel bad lying, but I know I won't be coming back. I know Donna won't want me to come back. I'm sure she will try to erase any trace of me that was ever here.

Teddy's nowhere to be found when I leave. Olivia hugs me tightly and sniffs. I can tell she's trying to be brave. I hug her back and tell her I love her. I lie telling her I will see her soon. When I stand up Donna is gone. So much for a goodbye from her. I shake my head and walk out the door. I follow Ted to a small apartment building in a somewhat decent neighborhood. We park and I follow him to the outside door. He takes a set of keys and opens the first door. Once inside there's another door that needs a key. He finds that key and opens the door to a dimly lit hallway.

I follow him up two flights of stairs to apartment 3C. He takes the keys and finds the right one. The door opens and he turns on the lights. I'm surprised at how nice it is. It's small, but nice. Donna furnished it and I have to admit she did a nice job. Of course it was with my money so why not. I take in the open space concept.  It's one room with the kitchen divided by a breakfast nook from the living room. The living room has a couch, a chair and one end table. I have a new television that is a decent size sitting on a stand against the wall. The couch and chair are blue.

I go into the kitchen and check out the appliances. I have a microwave, toaster and toaster oven. I open the refrigerator to find it stocked. I open the cupboards and find dishes, pots, pans and silverware. It seems I have everything I need. Glasses and cooking utensils. On the counter sits canisters with sugar and other stuff. I can feel myself getting excited. There isn't a table, only the breakfast nook to eat at. I find a spot that could fit a small table if I decide I want or need one.

There isn't a hallway in the apartment. There's a door off the living room that leads to the bathroom. It's small but cute. Donna has it decorated in a nice shade of green. I open the last door off of the kitchen to find my bedroom. It has new furniture. Donna wanted me to leave my old furniture in case I decide to stay over sometime. I wasn't buying that excuse. I figured she plans to move Olivia into my room in another year or so and wanted the furniture. I really didn't care though.

The bedroom is also small. There is only room for one dresser next to the bed. The bedroom is mauve. Once again I like it. She bought a comforter to match along with pillows. "So what do you think," my uncle Ted asks. "I like it. Please tell Aunt Donna I said thank you." He nods. I follow him outside to get the things out of my car. I can't help but laugh to myself as I wonder if he's worried about a drive by or something. He keeps looking nervously around each time we exit the building.

Once all my things are inside the apartment, Ted asks if I need anything else. I tell him no and he leaves. I look around at the boxes and want to unpack but just can't muster up the energy. Instead I sit down and check out my new television. I notice a small stereo underneath the television stand. I find the buttons and turn on the television. Before I know it I am engrossed in a movie. I spend my first evening at my new apartment watching television all night. I head to bed after midnight.