American Dream

Living in America had definately been different, especially the events of the previous day. It wasn't everyday you saw a dead man, and sold him flower. Manny cotemplated whether the Sargent could have been really or just a strange coincidence. It was unlikely, but was it really less likely than the man coming back from the dead? And a lot of people used strange phrases in America, it didn't mean it was the sargent!

Manny found himself thinking about the sargent often and especially at this time of year, when the man had died. Sargent Locke had done so much for young Manny and what had Manny done for him? What reason did the man have to be so kind to Manny? And Manny had gotten him killed! How could Manny not think about him? Not just leading him to freedom- Locke had also served as an example to keep Manny from ever picking up a liqour bottle. Not that he would be able to support such a habit. He spent most of his money on the rent for his tiny broken apartment, and he would in no way consider being homeless again. And his school friends assured him, the morning after drinking to much that he was missing out on nothing.

"Yo! Manuel! Where you at vato?"

"In here!" He called from the bedroom that branched off his "living space"/kitchen.

"Hey, you seem upset. What up?"

"Nah, it's nothing."

"Your pants are on fire, Mr. Liar."

"All I got from that is Mr. Liar... And I'm not lying, I'm fine."

"Oh, come on, mi hermando!" The taller boy whined, flopping onto the rickety bed, next to Manny, who winced at the creak it made. "I know you trust me more than this piece of crap bed."

"I think I saw him..."

"Who? Elvis? I TOLD YOU HE WAS ALIVE!"

"No, idiota! El sargento!" Manny sighed.

"You're kidding! Like as a ghost? OR IS HE ALIVE?"

"Alive, idiota! And be quiet!"

"Well whadid he say? Sweet Jesus, this is like a fairytale!"

"Well, nothing really..."

"Then how do you know he was alive?"

"He bought a bunch of flowers."

"From you? Then why did he not say anything?"

"Well not nothing he just didn't really remember me I guess."

"Did you tell him?"

"Not out right."

"Well, why not?"

"I just don't remember him being so..." Manny said, deciding to change the subject.

"So what, Handsome? You're older now, you don't notice peoples' looks when you're a kid."

"No..." Manny mumbled.

"Then, what?"

"So...sexy..."

"...Let's go to school!" The young man got up.

"But it's-" Manny mimicked.

"We'll go early!" The boy pulled Manny to the door.

"Fine! Damn, I'll get my coat!" Manny left locking the door behind him.