Thanks again. I'm glad to write again, I missed that so much ! This chapter is very long. I was inspired when I wrote it 2 months ago.You might ask yourselves why I didn't post it before well it's just because I wanted to have CH 31 ready before posting this one but it seems like I'm having some troubles to write it and I'm only at the beginning so after waiting more than one month I thought I could at least post this one and I love this chapter ! Hope you still enjoy !
CHAPTER 30
The voice : Scott what you doing here ?
Scott opened his eyes and was relieved to see Mark and Sean.
Sc : Man don't do that again ? You scared me !
Mark : Do what ?
Sc : Forget about it. People from the school I escaped from last night are after me. I think they entered the bar just here.
Sean : We'd better run fast then.
Sc : Yup.
They began to run as fast as they could. Meanwhile, Peter and Roger where still in the bar asking people to see if someone did see Scott. There were maybe 20 customers. They showed a picture of him but nobody seemed like they saw him. They finally asked the bar maid.
P (showing him the picture) : Excuse me, have you seen this boy recently ?
The bar maid : Are you cops ?
P : No. Please have you seen this boy ?
The bar maid seemed to be suspicious about Peter and Roger. 'They could be part of the mafia or something' he thought. Peter noticed the bar maid was thinking and thought it'd be better to explain the situation, well part of it.
P : I'm Peter Scarbrow and this is Roger. I run a school for at risk teens or troubled kids if you prefer. This boy's name is Scott. He ran away at night and we have to find him.
The bar maid : Oh is he dangerous ?
P : No, not at all. He just left but he could be in danger if he stays here. The school is a safe place and…
The bar maid (curious) : Is he in big troubles ? What are his problems ?
P : We would just like to find him and bring him back to the school where he's supposed to be.
The bar maid : Ok I see. No, I'm sorry but I never saw him. You know, lots of kids come in here everyday so I can't assure you he didn't come. He might have come and I didn't notice him or I wasn't working when he came.
R : Okay, thank you sir.
The bar maid : No problem. I wish I could help you.
Peter gave him a card about the school including his name and phone number.
P : Please give us a call if you see him ? It's important.
The bar maid : You can count on me, I will.
P : Thank you !
They were ready to leave the bar when another bar maid, a younger one who didn't seem to be more than 21 or 22, called them back.
The young bar maid : Hey come back here, I was working last night and I saw some kids, maybe I could help you.
Peter and Roger came back hoping he could help. Even if there was a small chance he saw Scott it was better than nothing. Peter showed him the picture.
P : So have you seen him ?
The young bar maid : Yes I saw him.
R : Are you sure it was him ?
The young bar maid : Yeah.
P : How did he look ?
The young bar maid : Well he looked really tired, exhausted. He ordered a free glass of water. I guess he didn't have any money.
P : Okay, thank you very much. Um do you have an idea where he went after leaving here ?
The young bar maid : Oh no, I'm sorry I really have no clue. We don't keep an eye on everybody all the time
P : Yes I understand.
R : Was he alone ?
The young bar maid : I think so. I'm not totally sure but I think he was.
Peter searched for another card in his pocket. He found one and held it out to the young man.
P : Okay, here's a card for your too. Please call us if you see him again.
The young bar maid : I promise I will.
P : Thank you very much.
Peter and Roger were a bit relieved they found a place Scott had gone to. They knew for sure he could be far now, but they would never give up.
Once they left the bar they began looking everywhere, every place he could have been to. Of course they knew there were tons of places you can hide so it wasn't that easy to look for someone.
P : Where could he be ?
R : Let's think. Um if he met some old friends do you think he would…
P : No, not Scott. The first time he left I would have said maybe but he's stronger now and there's Shelby and everything going on around them !
R : Hope you're right and we won't find him at some dirty place, totally high, drunk or both.
P : No, I'm sure we won't. Just let's keep our eyes open and I'm sure we'll find him soon.
R : There're lots of places he could have gone to, you know. Plus, if he got a car or if someone gave him a lift he could be very far by now.
P : You're right but we'd better keep thinking positive.
R : Yeah.
Scott and his two friends had been running for ten minutes. They stopped, exhausted. Scott didn't really know why he had run. But for some reason he didn't want to be found. He didn't want to go back to Horizon, not now. It was too early. Of course he thought about Shelby and he knew he'd come back in a few days but he just couldn't risk to face the bitch again. He knew he wouldn't survive that and it'd end by doing crazy things. He didn't want that to happen. He hated that Elaine had this power on him. He really hated that. He felt so weak. She could make him feel guilty but he wasn't, she was. Sean and Mark were talking to Scott but realized he wasn't listening, his mind was elsewhere.
M : Hey Scott, you still here ?
Scott shook his head to come back to reality. He saw his friends looking at him weirdly.
Sc : Yeah, what ?
M : What were you thinking of ?
Sc : Um nothing.
M : Yeah right, I saw that.
Sean : Let's move on okay. Where we going now ?
M : Any idea Scott ?
Sc : You're asking me ? I've been out of here for months.
M : Yeah I forgot.
Sc : I think you do too much dope man.
M (smiling) : Don't say that to an old bud. There was a time you were just like me, remember ?
Sc (images flashed in Scott's mind) : Yeah I remember.
M : Good times, huh ?
Sc : Um…
M : Don't even try to say it wasn't. We used to have fun together.
Sc : Yeah sure I remember and it wasn't that bad but…
M : Why don't you become the Scott you were back then, then ?
Sc : Because, I… I can't.
M : Why ? Your dad thinks you're a looser, you were sent to a weird school for troubled kids…
Sc (thinking he's right) : I know, you're right. But I just can't. Stop talking about that.
M : Okay. You must have something important in mind not to be tempted in feeling good again.
Sure he had. One name : Shelby. He had to stay strong for her. He hated his life right now and knew how easy it would be to let him be taken by the temptation of drugs. He'd feel free, invincible, and good. All the painful thoughts of Elaine would go away.
Sean : Hey guys we have to move, remember ? Or those guys will catch you. We can't go back to our place it's too close and they could find you easily Scott.
M : We'll find another squat to crash at.
Sean : I want some food first !
Sc : Again ! You ate a few hours ago !
Sean (laughing) : I'm young, I need to eat to grow up. No seriously we'll need some food for the rest of the day.
M : And we need other supplies too.
Sc : Please don't come up with drugs again.
M : Hey Scott, I'm not only talking about that. We need new clothes and stuff, you know.
Sc : I guess you don't have the money to buy all those stuff you need ?
M : Nope. Do you have money Scott ?
Sc (making fun of Mark) : Yeah I planned my escapade weeks ago and I collected thousands of dollars.
M : In other words you're broke too.
Sc : Yeah, I'm broke.
They began walking and searching to find a place to go to. They had no money so they couldn't take a cab to go faster. And no driver would give them a lift as there were three. So the only thing they had was their feet.
M : You had a bag with you when you arrived here, where is it ?
Sc : Damn, I left it at your place.
Sean : Too late to go and get it now.
Sc : There wasn't any money in it, anyway.
Sean : What was in it, then ?
'A picture of Shelby' he thought.
Sc : Um, just a few clothes, that's it.
Scott didn't like talking about himself and been questioned. He saw a small store that seemed to sell lots of different stuff.
Sc : Hey look there's a store across the street.
Sean : Let's go steal some stuff.
M : Yeah. But we can't stay too long.
Sean : Sure. We enter, we separate, we take as many stuff as we can and we get out.
Sc : Don't you think we should at least buy one thing so we don't seem suspicious.
M : You're right, that's how stealers usually work but none of us have money, remember ?
Sc : Yeah, I forgot that small detail.
M : Enough talking, let's go.
They entered the store and tried to look and act normal. They walked between the departments to see what interesting stuff there were. They separated to cover the entire store and take different things. They didn't pay attention there was a camera filming inside the store and mirrors in every ally. They were taking food, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap… they put everything in their pockets and didn't see the cashier saw them. He called the police and they said they'll be right there soon. Sean saw a display of painkillers and other medications like that but the thing is that it was near the cashier. Sean called his friends near him in the middle of the store.
Sean : Look near the cashier ! There're tons of pills. Of course it's not big drugs but it's better than nothing and we'll have them for free. We could keep some for ourselves and sell the rest, what do you think ?
M : You're a genius.
Sc : Yeah maybe but what's your plan ?
Sean : A plan ? What for ? What do you mean ?
Sc : Dude the cashier's right there near the display.
Sean : No problem. You Scott call him to ask questions about something while Mark and I will be taking the pills.
Sc : Why me ?
Sean : Cause you're not interested in drugs.
Sc : Okay you get the point, let's do it. But what questions will I ask ? I mean I can't just talk about nothing and you know a cashier never leaves his cashier desk alone for a long time.
Mark : Yeah right. Look there's another display over here, at the opposite of where we'll be. It's perfect he won't face us.
Scott grinned. He really didn't like the idea, not at all.
Sc (not really happy) : Condoms. Dude, it's condoms. It's just great !
M (making fun of him) : So what ? Don't tell me you're shy, huh ? You'll ask him questions about the right size for you and stuff like that. Use your imagination.
Sc : Very funny Mark. I'd better ask about something else.
They all looked around.
M : Well all you can see here is wheels and other stuff for cars. You know a lot about that ?
Sc : Okay I don't.
M : You don't have a choice.
Sc : Let's do that then.
M : Plus, it could be useful for you. I'm sure you met some chick in that school.
Scott just smiled and wished she was okay.
M : You'll use those things when you see her again so she won't get pregnant, okay ?
Sc : Yes.
'Too late for that' he thought.
…
Peter and Roger were still walking and looking everywhere. There were prostitutes at some places and they asked them if they saw Scott. Some of them said yes but couldn't give them other details, others didn't even look at them; they were too high for that. Peter felt sad for some of them. He's got such a big heart he wished he could help all of these people who were mainly teens. They both stopped near a girl who didn't seem in good conditions. She was sitting on the ground and had bruises on her face. He could say she was a prostitute by looking at the way she was dressed. A very short black skirt and only a few centimeters of material to cover her breasts. Plus, she seemed high. Peter kneeled down in front of her.
P : Hey, are you all right ?
The girl : Yeah, leave me alone.
P : What's your name ?
The girl : Who gives a fuck ?
P : Is it the way you talk to your clients ?
She looked up at him. Her eyes were red and Peter could see the bruises very well. Roger stayed up in front of them but didn't say a word. He let the pro, Peter, speak.
The girl : Trisha.
P : Want some help to get up ?
She nodded. Peter got up and gave her his hand. She took it. Peter noticed bruises all over her arms and legs too. He also noticed cuts, scars and one big fresh cut on her left wrist, which was a sign she tried to kill herself recently. He helped her get up. He couldn't help ask her about the cuts and everything.
P (pointing at her wrist) : What's that ?
She hid her arm behind her.
Trisha : Nothing.
P : And what about these cuts and scars here and there ?
Trisha : Nothing either.
P : Who beat you ? You're covered by bruises !
Trisha (lying) : Nobody, I fell.
P : You really seem clumsy.
Trisha : Yep.
He looked right in her eyes and could see she wasn't feeling that great.
P : You should see a doctor.
Trisha (getting angry) : No way ! Leave me alone, I don't need you. Who are you both ? Guardians or what ? Get the hell out of my face !
P : Hey calm down ! It's okay. No doctor.
The prostitutes' pimp heard the noise and ran near them.
The man : What's going on here ? What's up Trisha ? Hope you found some clients cause it wasn't your day. Maybe I should teach you to have some respect ! (meaning beat her again and do mean stuff to her).
P : So you're the guy who beat her, right ?
The man : Who are you ?
P : You should leave her alone.
The man (pointing at Peter and Roger) : If you're clients you go upstairs with her, if not you go away before I kick your ass !
Peter knew he had to do something; he wanted to do something and try to help this girl. Roger thought that too.
P : Yeah we're both clients.
The man : Great Trisha you found two guys. (touching her hair) You'd better be a good girl, and you both would better have lots of money for her.
'You mean for you' Peter thought.
They went upstairs in the girl's room. They stopped her when she started undressing herself.
Trisha : What you doing ?
P : We didn't come here for that ?
Trisha : For what then ?
Peter and Roger took a look inside the room and noticed syringes and dope almost everywhere on the table and on the floor.
She took a bag of white powder and got ready to sniff some cocaine. Peter took the bag from her hands before it was too late. The bag fell on the ground and the cocaine as well.
Trisha (angry) : Hey, you crazy or what ? Look what you've done !
P : It's your lucky day !
Trisha : huh ?
P : We're gonna help you get out of your troubles.
Trisha : Let me laugh !
P : You could have a better life you know. You could stop all that crap !
She laughed.
P : Do you think getting high from morning to evening, sleeping with guys for money and getting beaten is a life ? When's the last time you ate ? I guess you don't even eat, am I right ?
She knew he was right and found nothing to answer.
P : I could help you, really. You just have to want it. You could come with us. I run a school for at risks teens or if you want troubled teens. They went through drugs, alcohol, anorexia, bulimia, cutting, purging…some were molested, beaten… They're all fine now. We do lots of activities and stuff. I'm sure you'll be fine there.
Trisha : Look, just give me the money and get out or he'll come back here and…
P : And beat you, is that what you're trying to say ?
Trisha : Just give me the money and leave, okay ! I don't need to be saved, I'm fine.
P : No you're not !
He knew he couldn't bring her to Horizon using force so he had to give up even if he hated that. He gave her 100 bucks and they both left. She took a syringe, heroine and got ready to shoot up. Peter looked the sad view before closing the door and leaving. He was sad. He was always sad when he didn't succeed helping someone.
R : You can't save them all.
P : I wish I could.
R : Come one we got to find Scott.
P : Hope he won't do stupid things. I think he won't but after what I saw here I can say the place isn't safe.
P : Damn, we didn't even ask her about Scott.
R : You'll ask another time if we don't find him before. We know where she works so we'll go ask her later.
P : Yes.
They began walking again. They kept looking around them and asking people about Scott. A girl told them she saw someone looking like him and two other guys going that way.
…
Meanwhile, the guys were still in the store thinking about what to do next.
Sean : Hurry up guys I don't wanna stay here forever.
Sc : Ok ok I call him and you go.
Scott asked the man and he came near him. Of course Scott was embarrassed. The only thing the man hopped was that the teens wouldn't hurt him. He told himself he had to keep them in here as long as possible so the police could easily bust them. He wasn't stupid and knew what the other 2 were going to do near his cashier desk. It was whether to take the money or the pills, or even both.
The man : What is it sir ?
Sc : Um… I'd like to buy some condoms.
The man : And what's your problem with that ?
Sc (really embarrassed) : I was wondering which ones would be the best and about the size, um…
The man : Oh. There're plenty of different materials.
The guy decided to play with him.
The man : What are you looking for ? I mean what effect ?
Sc : Um… I don't know. What is better ?
The man : It depends on your tastes sir. I have some with honey on it, others with strawberry or cherry… anything you want. And for the size well if you want me to have a better idea you should unzip your pants and let me see.
Scott felt really embarrassed and didn't know if the man was serious or just playing him.
'Maybe he figured everything out' he thought. 'If so he probably called the police or pushed the alarm button and the cops will arrive soon. We'd better leave fast'.
Meanwhile, Mark and Sean were taking lots of pills. They sometimes didn't know what they were for but they took them. It was mainly painkillers but junkies know how to use them and sometimes even mix them with other substances.
Sean : Mark ?
M : Yeah.
Sean : We didn't even think about taking the money !
M : You're right, I can't believe it.
Sean : Wait a sec, I'm gonna take it.
M : Let me help you. I think we're done with the pills, I don't even know where to put them. My jacket's ready to explode.
Sean : Yeah mine too. Hurry up.
They went behind the cashier desk and took all the money that was in. They did less noise as possible.
Sean : Hey look at Scott's face. He really looks embarrassed.
M : I know.
Then they took at look at the other stuff that were near the cashier desk and saw the alarm button.
Mark : You think what I think ?
Sean : Yeah. I think the reason why the seller didn't come back behind is cashier desk is because he called the cops and we're gonna be busted soon. We better get out here now !
M : Yep, I call Scott. SCOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTT !
He had only the time to face his friends when they all heard alarms from cops' cars. There were almost in front of the store.
M (yelling to his friends) : Let's go, NOW !
tbc…