*2005*
*Monday November 30th*
*Tyler's POV*
*Work office 7:41 pm*
"Tim! Did you get my cards?"
I ask.
"Cards? Oh yeah, I got them. My family is apperceived."
"It took me forever to makes those. Glad you all liked them."
"Of course."
I grab my bag and exit the building.
*8:10 pm*
I finally get out of traffic and get closer to home. I hate being out here when it's dark. The number of times I almost been robbed or possibly killed is honestly unacceptable. I drive past the house apartments and down my usual street. I see a kid on the sidewalk. His clothes clearly way to tight plus his clothes are a bit dirty. I stop my car and roll down the window.
"Kid what are you doing?"
He's about 16 wearing a nine-year-olds shirt and pants.
"I would go home but...... I can't go."
"Do you understand how dangerous this is? You need to hurry on home."
"Please sir I don't want to go home."
"Why not?"
I watch him think about his next words. The truth or the lie.
"My dad's drunk and he's not the best when he's drunk.... I'm scared of him."
"Shit kid. Get in the car."
"You sure?"
"Only if you're comfortable."
He opens the passenger door and gets in. I turn on the lights to get a better look at his condition. Fainted and new bruises cover him damn near head to toe.
"What do you need from me right now?"
"A meal! Please!"
"I got you. Take my hoodie."
It's not super cold but he should definitely wear a hoodie or long sleeve shirt. He wraps himself in my oversized hoodie.
"So, what's your name?"
I ask as I change directions and start finding a nearby restaurant.
"I'm Steve."
"Well, I'm Tyler. How old are you?"
"15. You?"
"I'm 26. I work at that office downtown."
"Is it fun?"
"Fun? My coworkers are but the job itself is stressful."
"What do you do?"
"IRS shit."
"My dad hates the IRS."
"Who doesn't? I do the damn thing and can't stand it."
We pull up to a diner. We get seated down at the table.
"Don't go crazy but get what you need."
"Thanks Tyler... You have a girlfriend?"
"Yeah, she's almost always out of town."
"What about today?"
"She's in town until Wednesday. I won't see her until next Sunday."
"How do you keep a great relationship with her?"
"She loves talking to me. I think I'm ready to marry her."
"How long have you guys been dating?"
"About 16 years."
"16 years?! High school sweethearts?"
"Correct, her name is Willow. Enough about me though, tell me more about you. Any siblings?"
"I have one sister. I have a best friend also."
"What's his name?"
"His real name is Christopher, but everyone calls him Frank."
"How's school going?"
"Pretty well. I'm passing every single class."
"That's amazing. What do you want to be when you grow up?"
"I don't think I'll make it that far."
"Why not?"
Suddenly a female waitress comes over.
"Good late afternoon, my name is Katie."
"Hey Katie, we just need another minute."
"No problem take your time."
She walks away.
"What do you mean you won't make it that far?"
"I'm always running away from home. I rather be on the streets then be home."
"Is there something you're not telling me?"
"There's a lot I'm not telling you?"
"Look it's none of my business. I just want to make sure you have some good and clothes that fit."
"Why are you so nice?"
"I'm just doing what other person would do. Let's hurry and eat though I have work in the morning."
*9:10 pm*
*Tyler's house*
I walk in finding Willow on the couch. What's she doing home so early?
"Where have you been?"
"What are you doing here so early? Also, you won't believe it."
"I managed to get some work done early that's all."
I sit next to her and kiss her cheek.
"So, I was coming home and ran into this teenager. He was in bad condition, and we talked for a bit. He said he needed food, so we went out to eat together. We got to know each other then I dropped him off at home."
"Where does he live?"
"In that house apartment nearby."
"So, you picked up some random kid and took him out to eat."
"Well, he isn't random-"
"He is. What made you do it?"
"He clearly needed my help. His clothes didn't even fit him, I had to give him my hoodie."
"What's his name?"
"Steve, you still skeptical about children?"
"Very, we aren't doing that."
I roll my eyes and get off the couch.
"I'm happy you helped him but be more careful."
"I'm not new to this I'm true to this."
I say making my way to the bathroom so I can shower.
*December 1st*
*6:31 am*
*Tyler's car*
Everything I need for work is loaded in my car. I drive down the street as the sun slowly rises. I again see Steve walking down the street. New clothes but still very small. I roll down my window.
"Steve! Where are you going this early?"
I ask as I drive my car the same limit as he is walking.
"Heading to school. Good morning."
"Yeah, good morning. School doesn't start until eight."
"I have to take a bunch of busses to get there so I go early."
"Where is your school?"
"It's Kaine Fair."
By bus that's almost 2 hours!
"Get in this damn car."
I stop the car and he gets in.
"Did you eat breakfast?"
"No."
"You're so damn lucky I'm getting some. We are getting breakfast then I'm taking you to school. Capeesh?"
"Capeesh."
We head to a drive thru and get pancakes. I drive him to school as he eats his meal. We arrive with only 4 minutes before school starts.
"Have a good day kid. Do you need lunch money?"
"No lunch is free."
"For now, on I'm taking you to school. Got it?"
"Yeah, I got it."
"See you later."
He waves to me while I drive away.
*11:20 pm*
*Sandra's sandwiches*
"Thank you have a nice day."
I say to the woman who just finished building my sandwich.
"You as well."
I walk outside and find a man casually resting on my car.
"Sir, could you please excuse me?
"Do you know a kid named Steve?"
"Steve? Nope."
I don't know who or what this man wants with Steve.
"Brownskin kid with braces and he's a bit tall. Brown eyes and his clothes are small. Shaved head."
"I might know. Why?"
"Man don't be scared by me. I'm his friend. He's usually here around this time to give me food."
"Wait... Christopher?"
"Nigga don't call me that."
"Shit sorry. Frank! That's what it is."
"You know Steve huh?"
"Just a little."
It starts to rain.
"Look could you get me something to eat?"
"Fine."
"God bless."
I hand him 20 before getting in my car and returning back to the office.