"Don't look so glum." Tony said. Tony was in the back seat of the limo with Sid, smoking a cigarette, and Jenner and some other thug who Sid didn't recognize were in the front. "We're going the mall to shop."
Sid looked out the window. Tony was trying to change Sid and make him into an entirely different person. Tony was taking Sid to the mall so that Sid could get a hair cut, a few suits, new school clothes, and anything else Sid wanted.
Jenner stopped the car and Tony and Sid got out. Tony tossed his cigarette butt away. Their first stop was a tailor shop so Sid could replace the suits he lost. Sid felt disgusted as the tailor measured Sid and made Sid try on suits. He especially hated it when Tony looked at him and smiled, telling him how handsome he was. Sid wanted to either punch Tony or punch himself.
Next, they walked to an American eagle store. Tony got Sid khakis, new jeans, polo shirts, and t-shirts that were very un- Sid. He also bought a pair of Tennis shoes for Sid and some black dress shoes. And a red back pack for when Sid started school.
"There, now we can get rid of those ugly shoes and that hideous bag." Tony said smirking. "Next, we'll get you a hair cut."
Sid looked at his watch. JJ would be getting off work in an hour and a half. "I'll be right back." Sid said. "I have to pee."
"Okay," Tony said. "Tommy, go with him." Tony pointed to the thug that Sid didn't recognize.
Tommy followed Sid to the restrooms and then leaned against the wall outside the bathroom. "Aren't you coming in?" Sid asked.
"I don't need to watch you take a piss. You're a big boy, do it by yourself." Tommy said.
Sid walked into the bathroom. He then picked a stall, locked himself in it and whipped out his junky Motorola phone. He only had a few minutes so he had to text fast.
'Valentine, Tony found me and he is taking back to the old life to be his lover. You have to go pick JJ up from work at 5. Tell him everything about my past and I mean everything. Also tell him I love him I love him more than anything in the world and I only went back to Tony to protect you two. I have to go now. I love you Valentine and I'll miss you. Sid.'
Sid sent the text message than turned off his phone. When he and Tommy got back to Tony Sid handed Tony the only thing connect Sid to JJ and Valentine. "Here, I want a new phone." Sid said.
Tony took the pink Motorola phone and put it in his pocket. "We'll get you one after your haircut." Tony said.
"And I want an mp3 player and a digital camera." Sid said not looking at Tony. Sid felt like there was a lump in his throat.
"Fine," Tony said. "After your hair cut." And he headed for the hair cutters.
Sid nodded as silent tears slid down his cheeks.
- - -
JJ looked around the precinct but Sid was nowhere in sight. JJ sighed. He looked down at the ring on his finger, the night before after their love making Sid had slipped it on JJ's hand.
"What's this?" JJ asked looking at the white gold band.
"That was my grandfather's wedding ring." Sid said. "My grandpa gave it to my dad when he died and when my dad died he gave it to me. Now, I'm giving it to you."
"No, you can't!" JJ cried. "What would your mom think?"
"She doesn't," Sid said. "They're both dead. And of course you can wear it. You'll wear my father's ring and I'll wear my mother's ring." Sid held up his hand for JJ to see a white gold band with a small diamond in the middle.
The conversation had ended in another love making.
"JJ!" someone called bringing JJ back to reality. JJ looked up; it was Valentine running towards him. "Sorry I'm late. I got here as soon as I could."
"What do you mean you're sorry? Sid should be sorry. He's the one who's late not you." JJ said. "Where the hell is he anyway?"
Valentine looked as if she might cry but she just handed JJ the cellphone for him to read the text message. He quickly read it than sank to the steps of the precinct.
"It's not fair!" JJ wailed. "First Dee now Sid, it's not fair! When will it be my turn? When will it be JJ's turn?"
Valentine didn't say anything; she just sat down next to JJ and held him. And together they cried for the safety of Sid.