Ms. Jones was humming when she walked in with her bags. She seemed to be in an okay mood, that was going to change. I was standing in the corridor with the picture I found in the attic, my arms crossed.
She smiled when she saw me, ''hey sweetie, help me with the bags?''
I didn't answer.
''What's wrong, honey?'' she questioned, frowning.
I uncrossed my arms and held out the picture. She glanced at the picture then moved pass me, I got frustrated. She went to the kitchen and put the bags on the counter.
I followed her into kitchen, ''Ms, Jones is this...''
She sighed and took the photo from me, ''I remember this... that is your dad a few days before he gave you up...''
I rub the back of my neck and urge her to continue.
''Your mom wanted to keep you but she couldn't take care of you, her being in college.''
''Where is my dad?''
She got quiet for a moment and took a deep breath.
''Lets just say he's closer than you think.'' she says.
/.
I never knew where Milton lived. I never expected for him to live only a few houses down. I was taking a walk when I saw Milton leaving his house then he spotted me. He waved and I did the same.
I walked on his porch, ''hey Milton, what's up?''
''Nothing, Just heading out to my office party,'' he replied.
I nodded, ''where do you work?''
''Crawford Industries Co.,'' he said, checking his watch.
''You better go, man,'' I say noticing.
He ponders something for a second, ''you wanna come?''
''I don't know...''
''Come on my girlfriend isn't exactly talking to me yet and I have no one to go to with.'' Milton pleaded
Maybe Kim will be there.
''Alright,'' I say.
He pointed to my shirt and shook his head, I looked down. Its my faded black shirt and ripped pants to match. I held up the one minute finger and proceeded to run home. Did I mention that I was barefoot? The sidewalk is hurting my feet.
Would it have killed me to put on some shoes.
/.
I look in the mirror, I have on my blue striped buttoned down shirt, dark pants and my boots. I shook my hair for the last time and, with my wallet, leave out the door. Ms. Jones waved from the front door, I quickly waved before I jumped in Milton's car. He took off in high-speed making me grip my armrest, thank God Milton didn't notice.
It did take us long to get there. I expected Milton to work in a New York type building but this one was exactly like the on in New York. I should know, I lived in the Bronx for three years. When we parked we didn't in just any spot he had a specific spot. He got of the car in a hurry and beckons for me to follow. He leads me through the employee entrance, then after going through security and an elevator ride. We make it to the right floor and I sigh in relief.
''Finally, do you have to do that everyday?'' I asked.
''Since the first day I started working here.''
I nodded and followed him into a large lounge full of people, especially in one particular area.
I nudged Milton and pointed to that area, ''what's going on over there?''
''That's my boss, Jack.''
''Okay but why is he being crowded?''
I turned to Milton but he wasn't there, ''Milton?''
I sighed and look for a waiter. Finally, one comes my way and I take a drink. I take a sip then have to take another because it's so good. A random girl walks up to me, she was cute. Nerdy cute.
''Hi,'' I greet.
''Hey, I'm sorry I thought you were someone else... has anyone ever told you that you look like Mr. Brewer?'' she says.
''Who's Mr. Brewer?''
''My boss, he owns this company but he changed its name to his wife's last name.''
I look around the room and notice people glancing at me. That's also when I spot Kim sitting on a couch by herself, frowning. I smile and excuse myself to go over her. When I make it over there she doesn't look up, I sit by her.
She is so beautiful.
''Hey,'' I say, bumping her with my arm.
She looks up at me and her face lights up then she blushes. I just stare at her and smile wide until Kim punches my arm.
''Ouch, what was that for?''
''For staring at me like I'm a piece of steak.''
''Why would I do that, steak's got noting on you.''
She bits her lip in such a cute way. I was about to make a smart comment when the D.J. interrupted me.
''Hey everybody, your boss got something to say,'' with that the D.J. holds out the mic.
A man left the crowded area and made his way to the stage.
That's when I saw him.
A short-haired brunet with many features like mine. Middle aged, tall and fit with an expensive looking suit on. I looked away.
Can it be.
He took the mic, ''welcome employee's, family member's and friends...''
He stopped and grew as tense as ever, ''you there.''
I looked up and, just my luck, he was looking straight at me.
He is focused on my with a frown, ''who are...''
I took a shaky breath as people looked between us. He stared intently at me, speechless. I glanced at Kim who was just as confused as other people. I didn't blame them though, I didn't understand myself. I did but I didn't. I didn't know why he recognized me so easily and why he made a scene. I did know one thing man on the stage, staring at me like I was a bad horror movie, is the person that ruined my life.
My father.
I couldn't take it. I stood up and walked out without a word. Nobody followed me and I was glad, I needed to be alone.
/.
The cool night breeze hit me as soon as I opened the door. It felt good too, I walked to edge and looked over at the ground below.
God, I'm up high.
''High up, right?''
I whipped my head around to look for owner of the voice. I find a man standing on the ledge.
''Dude, what are you doing!?'' I yelled, making him frown.
''I'm not gonna jump, by the way I'm Eddie.''
''Jack,'' I answered.
He looked down at his shoes and then he carefully got off the ledge, ''so what brings you out here?''
I racked my brain, ''where do I begin?''
I do know why but I felt like he was one of those guys you could talk to and they wouldn't judge you. A chill guy that was a great listener. Someone I could trust.
''Maybe at the beginning,'' Eddie urged, with a reassuring smile.
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