Wolf Blood

Small

[My town is small, like really small, so something happens across the street everybody knows about it.]

D: Pick up the pace!

Lucah: On it Dad!

[I live with my parents, they wanted me in their sights all the time, and never gave me much motivation for college. Picking up a bag of flour, I placed it inside the shop I'll be living in for a while. Feeling a flick on my forehead, I winced a bit.]

M: Stop spacing out, help me with this.

[As my mother threw some more stuff into my arms, I fought the urge to roll my eyes, while helping her move stuff onto her half of the shop. Guess I should explain huh? My Dad will sell on one half bread goods, my mother will sell fruit and possibly drugs on the other side. You heard right, she makes weed food on the off occasion.]

D: So you favor you're mother over me?

Lucah: No-

D: Then come help me, she doesn't need help.

M: Says you!

[They started to bicker as I sighed quietly, moving back outside to the car to grab my stuff. Just my backpack and one suitcase fits everything I need, since I'm not working either. Speaking of, I need to find a job away from this hell hole.]

Theo: Excuse me.

[A girl said about my age bumping past me, her perfume filled my nose, as I caught myself watching her back. Bouncing my eyes away from her, I pulled my stuff into the shop, and up the stairs to find my room. Seeing there were only two, I walked down and asked.]

Lucah: Where's my room?

M: What room?

[Couldn't hide my sigh then, as I made my way into the attic pushing my stuff in first, waiting for anything to jump out at me. Nothing happened, so I pulled down the ladder and grabbed a broom, before climbing in. Sweeping away cobwebs and dust, I grabbed the mop and lysol and just cleaned up the attic, before returning back downstairs to my parents "business".]

D: Where have you been?!

Lucah: Cleaning the attic.

M: So useless, come here.

[I walked over to her, as she ruffled my hair.]

M: You need a girlfriend.

Lucah: I need a job.

D: Says who? You can work here.

Lucah: After I get a steady paycheck.

[Starting to walk outside, my Dad stepped in front of me.]

D: Where are you going?

Lucah: To get a girlfriend.

[He knew I was lying, but let me pass anyway, as I walked across the street. Stepping down the sidewalk, I looked for any "help needed" signs. Only problem is, I would love to leave this place, but I have no idea what I wanna do. I'm just content staying here, I know it's wrong, but I never want to do anything else. And have yet to bump into anyone who wants to. Take life in your hands people say, but what does that mean when you have no dreams to go after?]

Lucah: Hmm...

[I slowed my stride and backed up to see an antique shop, I wasn't sure how much they were paying, but it did look interseting. Walking in, I let my eyes wonder to the chairs and linen curtains draped inside.]

W: Is there anything that interests you?

Lucah: Oh, I just need a job.

[As I chuckled nervously, she motioned for me to follow her.]

W: I'll admit, it doesn't pay as much as construction work across the street. But it does give a unique opportunity...

[Holding out her hand I stopped, as she opened a drawer, showing engraved patterns along the seam.]

W: To find out interests.

Lucah: Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

W: And you are?

Lucah: Lucah.

W: Jace.

[We shook hands, as I made my way across to the construction work area. I sidestepped, dodging some cinderblocks just in time.]

M: Nice reflexes kid.

Lucah: I try.

M: Looking for some work?

Lucah: I am, actually.

[As he led me to a open garage they were using, sweaty guys coming in and out, the lead man turned and rubbed some dust off his chin.]

M: So from your size, we'll have to put you with painting groups, no offense.

Lucah: None taken, I'm a noodle.

[We shared a chuckle, as he led me into the house.]

M: Painting pays for than you think since people always need a room furnished or what have you.

[About three guys were painting a closet, as the man concluded.]

M: This is your group, pays thirty bucks an hour, and name?

Lucah: Oh, Lucah.

M: Good to meet you.

[The man walked off as I watched the guys from the doorframe, before stepping in. They greeted me quickly, before observing my painting skills. It was better than I expected, so we ended up finishing the closet together. I painted with them most of the day, then yawned on my way back to the antique shop with Jace.]

Jace: Looks like you've been busy.

Lucah: Indeed...

[It came out a little more tired than I'd like, but I couldn't really control it either.]

Jace: Here.

[She said passing me a cup of ice water, as I drank down.]

Lucah: Thanks.

Jace: What brings you back here?

Lucah: I figured coming here after work in construction is a good way to relax.

Jace: And?

[I guess she saw through that response, gently taking the cup from me to refill it.]

Lucah: I despise my parents.

Jace: Ah.

Lucah: And I don't want to sound selfish or disrespectful to your shop-

Jace: It's okay, this version of escape is healthy.

Lucah: True...

[Sipping from the cup, there used to be people my age here, drinking smoking and the like. But they all seemed to just disappear slowly, the girl that walked past me is the only one I've seen in a while.]

Jace: So, headed back home?

Lucah: Yep, but can I ask a favor?

[It was about 10:00 pm when I tiptoed back into my parents shop, blow up matress in hand, I creaked up the ladder to the attic to hear.]

D: What do you got there?

[I jumped out of my skin a bit, but was able to push the mattress into the attic.]

Lucah: A bed.

M: So, girlfriend?

Lucah: Sorry, kinda lied.

D: But you need a girlfriend.

Lucah: No I don't, relationships are overrated.

[Pulling up the ladder, it closed before they could retort, as I plugged and filled the mattress up with air. Opening my backpack, I pulled out my phone, and set an alarm for 6:00am. Making sure it was firm, I unplugged the mattress, then slammed onto it. Fatigue quickly took me down, as sleep followed not too long after.]