“awwwww but why not?” She mock pouted. It was obvious she wanted something.
“I have to leave and my Aunt doesn’t like to wait. I’ve already made the mistake of taking my time here.” Alex was becoming inpatient, Scared almost.
“So?” She wasn’t taking no for an answer. She leaned in closer and whispered a few things into his ear, causing him to turn a few shades of pink.
“How did you…?”
“How do I know your secrets? Hmm? Was that it? Your too transparent sometimes.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “But I’ll keep them… For a price.”
‘This isn’t going to be good.’ He thought.
“Wow. Did I ever tell you that that shirt really brings out the color in your eyes?”
“Really? You think so too?” Her grip loosened but she quickly tightened it again but not as much.
“Yeah! Your whole outfit really compliments you.” He slowly had her step where he was so she was facing the other direction. “Your skin tone is amazing and it really shows how much time you put into your hair. You look absolutely stunning today.”
She loosened her grip some more.
“Really?!”
Finally she let go her wrap around him and Alex darted the other way and exited the area.
“Too damn clever.” Was all Jacklyn said.
Alex raced to the main entranced and quickly slowed down to a walking pace before he entered the main office to the left.
“Your Late.” A tall, lean woman stood in front of him with her hands on her hips.
“Yes. I am sorry Aunt Jennifer. It won’t happen again.” Alex bowed his head then looked up again at the furious face that glared at him.
“Of course it won’t. You are on a limb here boy. You don’t want to leave me waiting again or you know what will happen.” She headed for the door but stood there waiting before it. Alex quickly ran over and opened it up and held it for her. He had to run to the main entrance and do the same as well.
‘It can only get better for me in the long run so for now I will keep this up. I can’t afford to move or be sent to an orphanage.’
Jennifer moved to the van out front and ushered for the trunk seat. Alex nodded and walked all the way to the other side of the car and got in through the rear door, than climbed over the seat into the trunk seat.
“I am just oh-so-glad that I bought this car with your college funds. It’s so much easier not having to smell you near me, or look at you completely.” Jennifer laughed and started the car than turned on the radio. “No wonder your parents left you! You are so lucky that I offered to keep you and stay in this town of ruins.”
“Yes.” Alex didn’t want to risk any more words.
“Alexander.”
“Yes Aunt Jennifer?”
“Do you know why I called you out of school?”
“No ma’am.”
“It’s my birthday.” She said it with a sneer. It wasn’t her birthday but she had something planned that would require someone to work and NOT be paid.
“Happy Birthday.” He sank down into his seat and started to twiddle his thumbs. ‘I rather be in Spanish.’ He thought.
“Yes, now I need you to do … and … oh! And…” She went down a list of chores needed to be done and things he needed to buy. Alex listened intently as he placed the items in his phone. When she was done, he looked outside the window and saw a peculiar girl playing basketball.
‘she’s at the three point line and ohhh She makes it!’ Alex started to narrate what he could see. ‘she goes again and then she misses! But she’s going in for a rebound when-‘
“Alexander pay attention!” Jennifer snapped as the view of the basketball court disappears.
“Yes Aunt Jennifer.”
Tomorrow will be better and plus, there will be a new person and hopefully Calista will be willing to let him join her at the railroad tracks. It will get better.