For Mattie

Chapter Eleven

×Chapter Eleven×
×The Past Awakens×

Eliza handed Matthew a cup of tea, getting a nodded thanks from the still shook boy. The youngest of the seated three kept his gaze downwards, eyes full of fear and shoulders hunched forward. Ludwig, not good with handling emotions, was trying his hardest to at least be comforting. He blamed his broadness and tallness for scaring off others.

"Matthew, I know this seems awfully rude to ask but...what did the jerk mean when telling you about what street corner you'll be on?" Eliza had an idea about what it was, she wasn't stupid, but the fear and guilt and worry was eating her alive. She needed an honest answer from the victim. Ludwig leaned in close, hand resting on Matthew's knee. The Canadian sadly smiled at Ludwig before letting out an held back breath.

"I...my parents were struggling financially, we were so close to losing everything we ever owned. Papa was trying but his small buisness wasn't enough and father was spending whatever money we had to go to the bar. I just...I just felt so guilty and like it was all my fault, so I tried finding ways to repay them. I heard some older kids, girls really, talking about this thing and how it got them money..." Matthew had stray tears escaping, bottom lip quivering as he furiously rubbed his left eye, trying to get the tears to stop. His heart pounded against his chest and the desire to go jump off a bridge was just too much. Ludwig exhaled a breath he didn't know he was holding, eyes stinging as he turned his head. Elizabeta frowned and wrapped an comforting arm around Matthew's shoulders, thumb caressing his arm gently in circular motions.

"I asked them how to do it and they looked at me. Some laughed, some looked sad, and the leader of the gang, I guess that she was, knelt down to my height"

"What do you mean by that, kiddo?" The brunette headed woman asked softly. She noticed the fading brusies on Matthew's face and how small and fragile the boy looked. It gave her unwanted flashbacks. How desperately she wanted to hold and tell the boy she'll help him, she knew she couldn't. Because how would she help a child if she can't help herself and her five younger siblings?

"I need money...to help my family. Is this a job?" Matthew asked quietly, voice whisper like and soft. The girls frowned, eyes stinging and expressions hardening.

"Why do you need money, kid?" A blonde headed girl asked. Matthew met her gaze before looking down at his worn shoes.

"My daddy's, they don't have money a-and its all my f-fault. Please, I c-can do this, just t-tell me what to do, please" Matthew whimpered. The girls looked shookened before the leader sighed. She put an reassuring hand on the boys shoulder and smirked.

"Alright, we'll guide you through this. Here are the rules:"

"Never give out my age, my name, my family's name, any pets I have, the school I attend"

"Alright kiddo, you're ready. If the person argues, leave immediately or call for one of us. We'll be close by since this is your first rodeo, alright?"

"It was a man, older and somewhat handsome. He had this expensive looking car and nice suit on. It was like he's been there so many times, asking me my services. When I told him, he said okay and even helped me with it, saying he knew it was first time. It surprised me but I was still so scared"

"God, damn, shit baby...god your mouth works wonders" the man groaned from above him. Matthew bobbed his head obediently and somewhat expertly, surprising them both since it was his first time even doing something like this. It went on for an hour, the guy wanting to touch his body and kiss his body. Matthew let him, knowing the most important rule.