Chapter 13

"So as we go out in the world, don't forget the basic rules: the IRS will find you no matter where you go, the county is not free money and no, if you get seen on cops you are not going to get paid."

I got the usual laugh since it was an inside joke that only my classmates and I knew about.

"Look to your right, and to your left, these people are no longer classmates, they are co-workers and maybe even employees or a future employer. Respect them and be kind. Because you never know when you may need them."

I walked off and went back to my place. I had been the class valedictorian with a g.p.a of 4.4.

We were introduced to the world, (actually to whomever was at the graduation) as the class of 1999 and moved our tassels and tossed our caps.

I walked around until I found Leon.

"I am now free." I said as he stopped spinning me and placed me back on my feet.

"You know what else is happening?" He asked.

"Yeah. Our one year anniversary." I kissed and smiled.

"Street." Jesse yelled.

"Jay. Dude, you were supposed to be with me." I said.

"I know. But I couldn't hang. But you."

"I know. You're still coming tonight." I said.

"Thanks to you. A whole night at Disneyland."

"And we even have a room." I said.

It was only the three of us. Dom and Letty were getting ready for a race and Mia was hiding out from Vince so she could study.

"So you want me at the hotel by one tonight?" Leon asked.

"Yeah."

We walked to my car. I had finished the '64 Porsche 356 a week earlier and had been rolling around in it ever since.

"I still love this car." Leon said as he got in.

I hugged Jesse and followed him to his car.

"Remember Jesse, you have to be here by 10:30 tonight."

"Alright."

"See ya later."

I waved and watched him pull away.

"So, what should we do for the next three hours?" He asked.

"Don't know." I got in the front seat and turned on the car. "Let's drive around."

"I was thinking maybe we should go out."

"That'll work too." I turned onto my street. "Just let me get something from my house first."

"Alright."

I pulled into the driveway and turned the car off. Something seemed different.

I walked inside to find the house almost empty. The couch, love seat and coffee and end tables were gone. The piano was still there. I walked into the kitchen to find the cabinets and refrigerator empty too. I ran upstairs to find my room untouched but the bathroom, my parent's room and the extra room cleaned out of everything.

I found a note on my bulletin board.

Hey Kid,

So you're grown now. It's time for you to be on your own. Your mother and I need to find out what we are doing wrong in our relationship. We left you the house and everything we feel you helped us get and all of your stuff. We paid off the bills so you're good until next month. Good luck in the real world. And have fun.

Love

Your Parents.

I sensed Leon behind me as I stared at the note in shock.

"They left me." I whispered. "They left me behind. They just moved and left me here."

"What?"

"Here." I handed him the note and sat on the bed. "I knew they would do something like this one day. And I have been expecting it for a while."

"Damn. They just left you?"

"Yeah."

"You could always stay at my place."

"Thanks." I picked up my favorite stuffed animal. My father had won it at the LA County Fair when I was six. I threw it down, took off my gown and laid it out on my bed. The placed the cap on top and the diploma right next to the cap.

"Let's go." I said.

"You're not upset?"

"Yes but no reason to cry for betrayals."

We walked outside and stood there for while, not talking.

I sat in the passenger seat in the car and let Leon drive. We went out to the Blvd Café and had a small dinner. Then he dropped me off at school for grad night.

I sat next to Jesse and lay with my head on his shoulder. He finally asked what was wrong when we were in the parking lot of the theme park.

"My parents moved without me. I don't know where they are. They left me with a few things but not much."

"They what?"

"They left me."

He sat quietly, thinking about what to say. We got off and went into the park. I think we got on everything twice before one o'clock that night.

We got on the tram and went to the hotel. I was surprise they even let us get room.

I found Leon in mine, as planned.

"Hey." I said and went straight to the bed.

"What's wrong?"

"I was looking forward to this night until my parent's killed it."

"Oh." He lay down next to me.

"I just don't want to think about it."

"Okay. And just be at my house tomorrow by nine."

"Alright."

*********************************

I sat in front of my mirror, slowly brushing my hair, murmuring to myself. Somehow I got into a conversation with myself.

"So you think you're ready?"

"Why not? It's been a year. I know he's the one."

"How do you know he's the one?"

"Because I feel it."

"Like that is a real reason."

"It is when you all you can do is think about that person."

"Awe, you are in love."

"Shut up."

"Make me."

"I can't."

"I know. So, you are really going to sleep with him."

"He may not want to. I have told him marriage but now I want to."

"And you know how he can be."

"Don't I know it?"

I pulled my hair up in a ponytail and stood. I was ready.

I grabbed my purse and left. I stood on my porch and remembered I left my gift for Leon in my room. I went back in and grabbed it.

I walked back outside. I could feel someone's eyes on me. I turned to find no one around.

I walked to my car and looked around before unlocking the door. I opened the door and got one foot in.

I was pulled from behind, dropping my keys and the gift. I tried to scream but my mouth was covered. I felt the ground fall from under me. I twisted and kicked to get out of my captor's deadly tight grip.

I was thrown to the ground in an alley, unable to see who had taken me from behind his cloak. He ripped my dress completely away and fell upon me. I screamed for my life but it was cut short by a ting in my throat. I choked on my own blood.

I felt him ripping my apart, and I was unable to free myself. My soul began to float and my light flickered into the night.