I’m not one ofthem.
I’m worse.
And as I stand here rolling the lollipop around my tongue, I wonder if I should show her why being nice to strangers is such an important thing now that we live in dangerous times.
I shake my head and let out a sigh as she turns a corner and disappears.
Nah. I’ve got better things to do today.
I begin walking down the sidewalk again, much more cognizant of my surroundings because I worry that the next person that yells at me is going to end up in the hotel room with Tieran and me.
I don’t want anyone else to spoil what can potentially be an amazing evening with him, so I’ll just stay lost in my thoughts for a while.
Where was I? Oh yeah.
Granted, thingscouldbe worse.
I could be alone.
After Mom dumped us, things looked grim for a few months. Not being abused or sexually exploited for her kiddie diddling clients was nice, though.
And that’s when we decided to make the best of things.
I pull the lollipop out of my mouth and toss it into a sinkhole as I skirt around it, digging my hands into my jacket pockets.
I can only hope that Tieran is home when I get there.
___
As I climb the crooked steps up to the second floor of Hell, I nod at one of our neighbors. He’s a nice old man, has about three of his own teeth, and smells constantly of piss, but he’s kind.
He gives us food when he has any excess and never asks for anything in return.
Kenneth?I think as I wander by him and pull the room key out of my pocket.No. August? Un …
“Having a nice night, Ben?” I call out as I push the door open and linger for a moment.
The big, almost toothless smile he gives me tells me that I’ve finally gotten his fucking name right for once.
“Doin’ alright,” he hollers back. I give him another nod before I quickly glance over the railing and then sigh.
He reads the dejected feeling instantly and gives me a sympathetic look. “I’m sure he’ll be on his way soon.”
I steal a glance at Ben, smile, and then give him a small wave as I walk into the empty hotel room.
It sucks in here, but it’s even worse when I’m alone. I walk over to the mattress and smack a few roaches off the sheets before I lie down.
I reach for the cracked remote on the nightstand and turn on the television.
Unfortunately, we only get two channels.
The news or some nineteen seventies porn.
I scratch the side of my face as I settle on the news. Tieran seems to like the porn from time to time, so I’ll wait for him to show up before switching channels.
Maybe it’ll get him in the mood,I think with a chuckle.
I close my eyes as I relax and attempt to take a nap. I know he’ll wake me up when he gets home, so I’m not overly concerned about that.