Part 24

Part 24

It's 3am on day three of our stay, which means it's time to check out. I grabbed my bags and told King to meet me in the lobby. For whatever reason, he was having a slow start this morning. I go ahead of him to save a little time so they can come up and check the room. When I get down to the desk I told the gentleman that we were checking out and needed the room check so we can get our damage deposit back. He makes a phone call and tells me that it's going to take a few minutes. At that moment the elevator doors open and King steps out looking extremely sexy this morning.

"When did you get that outfit?"

"Last night, I couldn't sleep so I went out and got this. How does it look?"

"It's alright." I said, turning my head in the other direction.

"That's not what your eyes said when I got off the elevator."

I ignored him and didn't give him even a slight smile. He had on a pinstripe button down shirt, an all black vest, a pair of black dress slacks, a nice leather belt, and a pair of square toe dress shoes. Who doesn't like a guy well dressed, I know I do. The gentleman called me over and gave me the money I put down, gave me a receipt, and wished us well on our travels. When I turned around King was on one knee with a beautiful ring.

"I know we're too young to get married right now but I want to secure my place, not only in your heart but in your life. My Queen, will you marry me and one day allow me to be your only King?"

I was still upset with him about the other day but if he's willing to put me first as he has displayed, then I'm willing to say yes. It's not like we're getting married tomorrow, so I still have time to decline if needed.

"Yes, as long as you promise to put us first at all times. As long as you recognize my worth and know if you ever hurt me, there's no second chance, there's no turning back."

"I promise to put you first and I will never hurt you intentionally."

King places the ring on my finger, stands and kisses me more passionately than ever before. I wanted to melt, there's women that goes a lifetime without having this happen to them and if they do, they sure as hell don't believe it to be true.

"I'm all yours my Queen, I will follow you to the end of time." King whispers in my ear, nibbling on my earlobe.

"I just need you to follow me to the train station right now."

He laughed, thanked the gentleman behind the desk, and off we went. We were four blocks from where we needed to be, but it didn't take us much time to get there since we were almost speed walking while keeping vigilant of our surroundings. Without any problems we make it onto the train and to our cabin.

"You got us a cabin?"

"Yes, I didn't think it would be wise to sit out in the open."

"This is perfect, maybe we can consummate our engagement tonight." King smiles at me, slapping my rear.

"Or maybe we can consummate our wedding."

"But we're too young to get married."

"You've made my point. Did you propose because you thought I would sleep  with you sooner? "

"No, I asked you to marry me because that's how I feel. Now, if you want to get technical, I know I can have you at anytime,  you've proven that already."

"Don't challenge me King, you'll hate the outcome for sure."

"Is that a challenge?"

"I'm not a toy King."

"Okay so you can't take a playful joke, I'll start taking notes."

"You should!"

I pushed King on the sofa style chair that's in our cabin, straddled him, slow grinding, while whispering that I can hold off but I prefer not too. Biting him gently on his neck I confessed that he did look extremely sexy. That I was hoping he would continue to dress this way and I would consider pleasing him only if he promises to give me time to read the but I purchased, Kama Sutra. He stated only if I were willing to read it out loud during our travels. We both agreed and he told me that he's ready to learn.

All smiles we get ourselves settled in, clothes changed into something more comfortable, we were both wearing basketball shorts, t-shirts, and ankle socks. The only difference, I wasn't wearing any undergarments since I wasn't sure how detailed the book would be. There's no need in wetting up panties if I didn't have too. The gentleman came around to stamp our tickets, gave us some rules, and went on his way. King locked the door as soon as it shut.  When he turned back to me, I noticed his excitement which made me excited. This couldn't be happening, for the next couple of days we're stuck in this cabin with no television, we have our phones but let's be honest; we're both in our early teens having to be adults early than most, we are our own adult supervision, and horny to no end. We all know how this may end.

Part 23

Part 23

It's not like I had much of a choice but to help King save the man that put our lives on the line. I told him to allow us to eat first, which will give Abuelo enough time to get plastered, then we can figure out how to help him without getting ourselves caught up with Beast. King agreed and stated that all we really needed to do is put him in a taxi and send the taxi to the apartment building. Abuelo will know how to get out and in the house. He said he's done it a million times before. It just didn't make sense to me, I don't understand why he's so hell bent on helping this man. He put our lives on the line, he tried to drug us both, but he still wants to help him.

"King, is there something you haven't told me?" I said in a matter of fact why,  while taking another bite of the steak I ordered.

"Yes, he's my grandfather. I didn't tell you because I didn't think it mattered."

"You didn't think it mattered or you didn't think I would trust you? To be honest, him being your grandfather doesn't look good because child services wouldn't have taken you, only me."

"He's a drunk and he wasn't born here so they would've taken me either way. Plus, he only recognizes my half sister because she's full Puerto Rican, I'm half and the other half I am he hates. Which surprised me when he took you in, he doesn't like black people."

"An illegal doesn't like someone that was born in the Country he's illegally in, that's the first. It's maybe not black people King, it's maybe just the black person that you were spawned from that he didn't like."

"That's could be true too, but you see why I need to help him?"

"I see that you're looking to be accepted and will put both of our lives in danger to do so. I love you King, I'm young but I'm also not stupid. You help your grandfather, I'll stay right where I'm at. I've had my problems already and I refuse to put myself in harms way because of someone I love. I would have to be half stupid to do that. Not this girl, not today, and tomorrow doesn't look good either."

"I don't care about being accepted, I believe in doing what's right for someone in need."

"And this comes from the person selling the second deadliest drug to people. Yeah, I can see that. Look, go handle your business, but you're going to have to be able to handle it without me. If you don't come back, then I'll know they snatched you, and you'll be dead by sunrise."

"Damn, you didn't have to put it like that."

"It's reality King. Get right or get left, I can't help you with your family issues because I have my own that I don't give a damn about. Do what you think is best."

"You just don't understand."

"When I shared with you my past, did you not comprehend what I told you? I was raped by my father, beaten and tortured by my mother for being raped, just to be raped again while my mother watched. Escaped, then held against my well because a male Doctor got his feelings hurt because I didn't want to be seen by him. So he medicated me for a year, a damn year, and only God knows what happened to me during that time. So excuse my unwillingness to give a fuck!"

"I know that, you don't know how it feels to be loved. That's all I was saying."

"Don't get it twisted, before all of that happened I felt loved by my parents and those around me. That was the first time something like that happened but they both instilled in me my value, my worth; so I won't allow it to happen again. Not but them, not by anyone. Why, because I know my worth and that's because of the parents I knew before they lost their minds. I don't need to be accepted by anyone. Like I said, go handle that."

King sat for a little in the bedroom, while I kicked my feet up and caught a movie to relax. He made his way into the living room area, kissed me on the forehead, and sat next to me. After that conversation, I didn't hear anything else about Abuelo or anyone else in his family for the duration of our stay in the hotel. We caught up on movies, did a little shopping in the area for food we could take with us for the train ride, and we picked up new cell phones that are supposed to work across the Country with very few problems, if any at all. Our time together just wasn't the same, he has a lot of making up to do, but I won't pressure him. If he wants to fix this he will, if not, I'll move on when I'm ready.

Part 22

Part 22

Meeting up in the shower, King jumps about three feet because what he didn't know was I turned only the cold water on. Reaching for the knob to turn on the hot water, I grab his hand as we stand there shivering.

"Now just isn't the time and this isn't how I want my first time to be. After you came down off of a high you weren't expecting to have."

"Okay I got it. Can we have some hot water now?"

When I turned my back to him to do as he requested, he pushes up on me sliding himself between the crack of my rear-end. It felt great but I planned to stick to my guns, I don't want to feel rushed and right now that what I'm feeling. Yes, we're in a hotel where they shouldn't be able to get to us but the keyword is shouldn't. This is their town and I don't know how far their reach really is, so making the mistake of getting complacent won't happen, not on my watch. Although I did stay in the position for a little, because of the feeling of him wanting me the way I wanted him the other night, I just couldn't bring myself to let my guard down just yet.

Arching my back to stand, he places his hand in the center of my back pushing me back into place. Telling me that he wants me, that he's ready. Twisting so I could remove his hand from where it was so I could face him, looking slightly up to meet his eyes; I tell him how much I want him too but this wasn't the time nor place, and how I needed to feel safe but I just don't at the moment. He seemed to be frustrated but also understanding. Wrapping my arms around his neck, kissing him slowly, while rubbing his ears. King turned away, telling me how that's not helping him, glancing down to show me proof. All I could do is smile, one more kiss then I spent the duration of my time washing him, then myself.

By the time we got out of the shower, I have to admit, I was ready to be all over him. That same tingle I felt the other night, came back with a vengeance. Not knowing what to do about it, I started to dry myself off forcing myself to think about anything other than him and I.

"Are we going to leave tonight?" King said, pulling up his boxer briefs.

"We have the room for three nights but I didn't put it under our real or street names. We can leave whenever, we'll only get back the $1,000.00 we put down for damages but the room cost will be forfeited."

"I don't want to lose any money so we need to take full advantage of what we already purchased."

"That's fine. Today is one day, tomorrow is the second, and we can leave at maybe, 4am."

"There won't be enough people out for us to hide behind. We may want to check out at the normal time."

"King, I really don't believe they think we're still here. I'm sure he saw us when we exited the bus terminal, but he may think we won't leave the area because of how much money we made. They're bright when it comes to the street but I don't think they can outsmart me."

"If you're sure, let's get everything in order now so we don't have to wait around to see how smart they are. I need to get you to feel safe damnit." King laughed and adjusted himself.

After getting dressed, I head down to the business center to use one of their computers so I can order our one way tickets to New Orleans. I wanted to make sure we had a room for privacy while we were on the train. This way no one will see us until it was time for us to get off the train. I figured, if we got things to eat and took them on the train with us we wouldn't have to leave the room during our travels. I printed out our ticket confirm and checked out a few more things before exiting the business center.

I was hungry and knew King must’ve been starving. I went to the hotel restaurant to order us something to eat when I saw Abuelo sitting at the bar drinking. I requested for them to deliver the food to our room, keeping my head low I made it to the elevator, got to our floor, and took a mad dash to our room.

"Abuelo's here, he's at the bar drinking."

"We're good then. Abuelo was an alcoholic when we first moved into the building about two years ago. He got himself straight but he must back on the wagon. He's in trouble, we have to help him."

"King, we're not helping him. He put us in this situation, he could've just left us in the apartment where we met and allowed us to keep working until immigration came, if they were even coming to begin with."

"He helped us Queen. Either way he helped us. We have to do what's right and help him."

"What if he's setting us up? Then what?"

"Then we'll figure something out. He could've just let child services take us but he didn't." King yelled angrily.

"Fine, but I'll tell you this, if something bad happens I'll never forgive you."

Part 21

Part 21

When we made it to the Greyhound station I had a change of plans. I still wanted to go to New Orleans but there’s no way we can take a bus all the way there. I asked King if he would rather take a train since the bus always take extra-long, he shrugged his shoulders and went back to playing his game on his cell.

“Wait, we need to get rid of these. Beast gave them to us, what if there’s trackers in them?”

“Over thinking things much?”

“King, you’re under thinking too often. They knew what we were going to do, but not to this magnitude. Once they figured out how much we made they wanted everything and for us to disappear. Do you really think they would allow us to live after taking us for everything?”

“Abuelo wouldn’t have let Beast hurt us and I wouldn’t have let Beast hurt you.”

“You’re missing my point, give me your phone. We can buy new ones.”

King of course was apprehensive on giving up his phone so I had no choice but to snatch it out of his hands. I disconnected the battery of both our phones and stuff them in a locker. I grabbed King’s arms forcing him to run; heel to toe, we’re running through the crowded bus station. As soon as we break through the crowd making it onto the street, Beast’s all black SUV pulls up with the Beast vanity plate. Grabbing King’s arm again because for some reason his attention span is horrible today. Tugging him down the street, it seems that he is completely out of it. There’s no way we can get on a train like this. We haven’t even made it halfway to the train station and I can’t get him to pay attention long enough for me to direct him on what we’re doing. I pushed him onto W 39th Street so at least we’re out of the way of them seeing right away. In the distance I see a hotel on the same block which is perfect if they will give us a room without a major credit card. While I’m nudging him, I’m reaching in my bag to pull out $1,000.00 to see if they are willing to provide us a room for at least a night.

Finally at the hotel, I sat King in the waiting area and went to the front desk. I spoke to the lady for about five minutes, telling her that my brother is mentally challenged and loves lights. I told her I brought him out here to see the lights because this is the one wish my parents couldn’t give him. Without any more explanation she told me the cost of the room per night and that I needed to provide them with $1,000.00 for damages up front; but if there’s no damages I would get the money back in full when I check out. I told her that was fine and I would like a room for three nights, she gave me the balance, I counted out the money out of her sight, and gave it to her. I asked for a receipt and information that details about the refundable $1,000.00 as long as there’s no damage to the room; she complied. I thanked her immensely as I reached out my hand to get our room key.

“Come on King, we need to go see the lights.” I said while looking back periodically smiling at the lady as she smiled back.

King got to his feet and once again, I had to nudge him in the direction I wanted him to go in; to the elevator, to the room, and to the bed. Getting him to where I wanted him was more frustrating than running. I locked the door and checked the windows to make sure they were locked as well, you can never be too safe, even thirty floors up. I took off King’s clothes, left on his underwear, but checked over his body to see if there were any marks I didn’t see the other night. There’s no difference that I could see. I sat in the chair next to the bed waiting for him to wake up. When he finally opened his eyes, he jolted at first, then asked where we were.

“Don’t worry about where we are, what the fuck did you take King?”

“I don’t know, Abuelo gave me two waters for us and…”

“The water you was drinking on the bus he gave to you?”

“Yes, when I started to feel like I was doing everything in slow motion I threw the other bottle in the trash but by the time I figured out what was going on it was too late to tell you. They did want to kill us, how can I be so stupid?”

“You’re not stupid, slow sometimes but not stupid. You trusted him, that’s why you thought it was okay.”

“You didn’t trust him, I should’ve known better, to follow my Queen.”

Smiling at one another, he takes my hands, and guides me to the bed. Pulling me gently on top of him, whispering that he wants to please me and a thank you for saving his life. I smiled but sex was the last thing on my mind. I told him that right now isn’t the time, we have to figure out how to get out of here without being seen or followed. He tells me that oral sex will clear my mind and that he learned a few things because he was watching videos on his phone before I snatched it from him. I laughed bending forward to kiss him and bit his lip before rolling off of him telling King maybe another time.

“How about we get new phones before we get on the train and watch videos together. Once we’re settled in our new place, I’ll give you oral.” Winking my eye at him.

“I don’t think I could handle that without going all the way. So, we can still watch the videos together but I was to please you orally. It’s not a question, it’s a demand.”

“My King, I like that. Just an FYI, I like when you talk to me with authority, that turns me on every time.”

“Then get your ass in the shower, I’ll be in there in a minute.” King said in a little bit of a deeper tone than normal.

Part 20

Part 20

It took me a few hours to pull myself together and devise a plan of my own just in case things with King goes south. I have about $700.00 in my savings account and over $200k in my duffle bag. Since I was the one calculating the money I will make sure that I put that to the side for myself and take $10k from every $100k we make together. Anything more I’m sure he’ll notice. I’ve decided to find a place to store my funds for now but I’m not sure of a safe location. Once I get of age I’ll purchase a house equipped with a small volt to store all the money I take off the top, that’s to make sure I have a place to stay and a very nice egg nest. I left the roof top to go back to our apartment to see if King has calmed himself down. When I reached the door, it swings open, and there stands King with red eyes. I excused myself so I could get through the doorway but he doesn’t move.

“If you’re going to leave me too, leave now.”

“I never said I was going to leave you but I do think we need to talk.”

He moves to the side, opening the door more so I can enter. The place is a wreck, there’s broken dishes, the lamp is on the floor, and the table has been flipped over. I ask King what was going on, he then tells me that he didn’t tell me the complete truth about Abuelo and Beast. I sat on the sofa, patted the cushion next to me so he would sit down.

“They want us out of New York. They said that we didn’t do what we were supposed to do because they now have more junkies on their hands looking to score the next big high. They gave us 72 hours to leave or they are going to come after us, to kill us.”

“Why didn’t you just tell me that? Something so simple, but instead you treated me like shit because of what? They are a lot older than we are with a lot more experience. So we don’t stay to fight, we leave as they suggested. We can make anywhere our home, this isn’t the only City in the World King. While we’re on the subject, I respect you,  I love you, and would do anything for you; but never do that to me again what you did earlier. That’s not fair and I didn’t deserve it. We are in this together, it’s not just you. Now, we have 72 hours to figure things out but we can do that once we get out of here and to the nearest bus station.”

“I’m sorry for acting like that, I get so mad, and something don’t know how to handle it.”

Cutting him of before he could say anything else, “I get it but know that’s not the way to keep me here, it’s the fastest way to make me leave. I wasn’t trying to under mind you, and I know that I am supposed to allow you to handle it all but I don’t believe that, we’re in this, you and I.”

“Yeah, okay. Ummm, I forgot to tell you though. They want all the money we made, not a cent less. They’ll be back in a few hours.”

“Good, let’s go, everything was already packed this morning. They can have whatever the runners bring back but we aren’t going to sit around and let them take everything we earned. If we hand it over we won’t have anything, including somewhere to lay our head. Let’s go!”

We make our way out of the building, across the courtyard, and in a taxi; without a hiccup. I tell the driver to take us to the Greyhound on 41st and 8th Ave in NYC. He tells me it’s going to cost a little over $50.00. I told him just take the FDR and the fare isn’t a problem, that I know taking the FDR would land the cost around $75.00 plus tip. The driver didn’t utter another word, he started driving in the correct direction which gave me time to deal with King. I put my hand on his lap telling him that it’s going to be okay and not to worry. King throws his arm around me and kisses me on the cheek, he whispered that if I say we were going to be okay, then he knows he doesn’t have to worry.

We sat in silence the entire time, giving me time to think about where we could go. I always wanted to live in Los Angeles but our age is stopping us from going that far, so New Orleans may be our best bet. Abuelo and Beast would ever think we headed south, so that’s our best bet for a temporary fix. I whispered in King’s ear the plan and he agreed by shaking his head. I don’t think he really cares at all to be honest, he just doesn’t want to die or be left alone; I can understand that.

Part 19

Part 19

Waking up to banging at the door, King puts on some shorts, grabs his gun, and told me to stay put; all with authority. It’s hard for me to hear anything, so I climbed out of bed and started getting dressed. There’s something wrong but I just don’t know what. You know that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach; yeah that one. I have it and had it last night also, I was so focused on King that I ignored every sign I should’ve acted on. I packed a small portion of the money and product in one bag; the bags with our clothes, I split the bundles of cash up between the two of us in case we get split up. I heard the door close just as I was getting the last bag zipped. I reached for my gun, lifted my arm, finger on the barrel not the trigger, and waited to see who was going to enter. King walking slowly with his head down, I put the gun on the bed and ran to console him.

“My King, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” Wiping the tears away forming some of my own.

“They’re not coming back.”

“Who’s not coming back?”

“Abuelo and Beast, they fucking ditched us. We just got a notice that we need to leave by tomorrow.”

“King, sit down.” Guiding him towards the bed.

“We aren’t ready, we don’t know the first thing about these streets. Yeah we played a little but what do we do with shit starts to really get real, then what do we do?” King crying out, face turning red, face flooded with tears.

“They taught us all that we needed to know, when they dropped us off with $200.00, it was a sink or swim project. You can tell in their faces they didn’t plan to come back. All we have is us and us is all we need; but right now, I need you to pull it together, and be the King you are supposed to be. While you hold me down, I lift you up, and we have some major planning to do.”

King wiped his face, stood up, and told me he would be back. I have no clue where he was going or what he was doing but I know that I needed to plan for the both of us. I called our runners and lab rats and told them to meet me on the roof top in ten minutes. I’m hoping by the time I leave the apartment King is back to go with me, if not, I’ll take care of it on my own. I needed to triple our profit but I also know that there are places our runners can’t go because it’s someone else’s block. Which only meant, we needed to add something else to our street business, and the only thing that comes to mind are women willing to sell their bodies for money. We have to do, what we have to do, survival is my main focus. 

Right when I was leaving out, King was coming in. I told him that I called a brief meeting with the runners and lab rats on the roof top. He just looked at me, said nothing but looked at me the same way he did the first time he hit me. I backed up, enough to get out of his reach.

“King, what’s wrong?”

“Did I tell you to call a meeting?” He said, walking slowly towards me.

“No, you walked out. I didn’t know where you were going so, I took the initiative.”

“Next time, don’t do shit unless I tell you too, do you understand?” King said, holding my shoulders tightly, gritting his teeth.

“Yes.”

“Yes what!?”

“Yes King.”

“Next time, it better be yes my King.”

I don’t think I’ve ever felt so little in my life. I don’ t know what happened in this short time to make him flip this way. Yeah, I went through that thing with my parents but, he’s the first person I loved like this, and for him to turn and treat me like I’m beneath him. There’s nothing I can do or say, I just followed behind him, and said nothing. I figure once he calms down I can discuss with him how I felt and we can go from there. We get to the roof top and he request all money and unsold product to be back to him within two hours and he would have a conversation with them in a week on what we are going to do from there. Everyone looking at me to say something, because when it comes down to it, the fact that is he taking everything from them is also taking food out of their homes. I looked forward without making any facial expressions, fighting back the tears from how he made me feel. At the end, I stood there until they all exited, even King. I stayed up there to look at the view and try to calm myself, because at the end of the day, I love my King but I will not fall with my King because of his bad decisions.

Part 18

Part 18

Our date didn't end until well after 2am, and the ride back to the apartment was all hands. Mostly my hands on him, but he showed gratitude within my physical hand on gestures.

"Besides the rape, have you ever willingly had sex with anyone else?" King asked, getting choked up on every other word.

"No, mentally and spiritually you'll be my first. I'm sure a good looking guy like yourself, willingly lost your virginity already." I said in response.

"I've always wanted to save myself for marriage. I see what sex does to people our age, how stupid we start to act. I'm still a virgin, just like you. Wait, I do play with it though." King said looking away from me.

"So you want to wait until marriage?"

"If you're willing too. I mean, I'm not in a rush, but I also don't want to lose my Queen to some filthy dude that's beneath us."

"Well, I guess we'll wait." I mentioned as I climbed off of him.

"Wait, I never said we can't make out. I just don't want to go all the way,  all the way. We're both in a learning stage, let's learn what we like first, then learn about each other. If we conquer that before marriage then we can reconsider waiting." Smiling at me, while he presses his lips to my neck.

“Yeah well, I like that.” I replied to King embracing my neck with is soft lips.
 
In my mind I wanted him, but I don't know the first thing about pleasing someone else, let alone myself. Hand to hand, we walk through the courtyard towards the elevator. Stopping from time to time to kiss and whisper sweet thoughts in one another's ear. Finally on the elevator, I push my rear against him, feeling his bulge grow with each wiggle of my hips. Reaching down with his mouth he nibbles on my neck, telling me he wish he knew how to please me. Knowing what may happen, I lift off of him to make sure I adhere to he's wishes. We engaged in playful banter while riding the rest of the way to the top floor, trying not to touch one another as much.

Our apartment was very quiet, I never heard the apartment building without some sort of movement. At first I thought something was wrong but as I look at the clock is when I realized that normally during this time we’re working, but not tonight. We decided after watching a little television to have a go at showering together, King wanted to see all of me in my natural state, without clothes. I have been wanting to see him for the past few hours, so I jumped at the chance still holding onto his words, “save myself for marriage.”  Undressing him as he undress me, we join each other in the shower preparing ourselves for what may or may not come next.

Using his hands, he lathers the soap between this strong fingers, rubbing my neck, shoulders, arms, back, and breasts. My back against the wall, my lady parts acting out on their own, getting hard in one area, tingling in another. I have no clue what to do, so I stayed put looking at him in his eyes, peering into his soul. King lets off a smile, runs water on his hands to lather up again. He washes all of me, gently, sexually, stimulating me in such a way that whatever he asks for, I’ll do.

Returning the kindness, I do the same in return. The only difference, I wanted to know where and what aroused him, what made him smirk, jump, jerk, and harden. This was an opportunity to see him up close and personal, without restriction. I explored his body until the water ran cold, rubbing my body against his to keep warm, until there was no hot water at all. All the flirting we’ve been doing all night gave me a feeling of adulthood, wanting to do adult things but the cold shower fixed that. We got out, dried ourselves off, while laughing about how cold showers will fix any of our problems.

“We can take cold showers until they don’t work any longer. When they stop working, we must explore other options. I don’t think cold showers will work for too long my Queen, because that feeling is coming back as we speak.” King readjusted himself and climbed in bed, signaling for me to get in as well.

We laid there, face to face just talking, and laughing. Nothing sexual, no kisses, or rubs; just him holding onto me, telling me a story about our future, and how it’s going to be. I felt safe in his arms, like no one could harm me as long as I’m here with him. I looked up, kissed his chin, and told him that I loved him. Together, we drifted into a sleep that was so deep that I was able to feel the moment that our heartbeats connected.

Part 17

Part 17

There's no time to rest, so we're off to the nearest corner to find the right one for us. No more than five minutes later three clients come up so we give them five for $20. A few more just to buy one, then one guy got the rest. An hour later the same people that came to get one each wanted more. 

"All we have left is the good-good but it's not weed, it's the next best thing." King replied to their request.

Three of the guys wanted to buy and the other one declined. King takes them to the rooftop to show them how to smoke it and came back down with them ten minutes later. The guys stood there with us as they tweaked and two of the guys asked how much for a larger quantity.

"For you, I'll give you a gram for  $150.00 only if you're willing to blow with your friends and bring them back here to see me." I said as I looked in the other direction.

"I can do that." The heaviest one said out of the group.

I dug into my underwear to get the gram that was bagged up and wrapped in foil. The trade wasn't as smooth as it should be but that'll come with time. They left and we had a few more coming to buy, within an hour and a half we were all sold out. King and I repeated the process all over again but  this time we got two ounces of weed and tripled the pills needed so we can make more, to sell more. It's now 5am and we're ready to start it again. Before we could get out the courtyard we had a little over thirty people coming for the meth and only twelve coming for the laced weed. Once again, all sold out within an hour. We told the guys that we would be back out around 1 o'clock pm because we needed to re-up and to let everyone willing to buy what the deal is. King gave the guy some laced weed to hold him over.

We went in, showered, and took a four hot nap before we got back on it. I noticed that because we were selling it faster than I expected, we'll be doubling my previous calculations within a week making a little over $145k. This time we both were using the shake and bake method and did a total of four two liter bottles each making sixty grams in total. The weed we had left will only be used for people that only want it and we’ll sell the meth to the faces we both remember. After our first week we’ve made a tad over $70,000.00, we’ve made what Abuelo and Beast wanted plus some but felt like we should keep going so we can pay them back for the priceless knowledge they’ve given us.

I was beat, dead dog tired, and needed a break after the third week. We had so much money that we didn’t’ t have any more places to hide it. We recruited three females to sell on our behalf and made sure we not only threaten their lives but had their addresses and met their families to make sure they knew how serious we were. King went out on his own and was able to get us both guns, they aren’t legal but we needed something to protect ourselves in case someone decides that robbing us would be the smart thing to do. After three and a half weeks we have made a very large clientele, twenty-five runners, and eleven lab rats. All we needed to do is collect the money and make sure everyone gets their small cut. Life was good, there’s no complaints coming from us. 

King asked me out on a date, which seemed a little odd because we have been together since we met, but it made me smile and when I say smile I mean smile ear to ear. While I was in the shower King stepped out, I started to get ready when I heard six guns shots. My heart sunk, I threw one my clothes and ran outside just to be met at the stairs  by King. I grabbed and held him so tight, telling him that I thought I lost him. I couldn’t stop crying, my heart was broken just for those minutes I thought he was gunned down. 

“I love you too my Queen.”

I pushed away from him, wiping my eyes, “I never said I loved you.”

“You did by your actions. Like I said, I love you too my Queen.”

“I love you more, my King.”

A tight hug and kiss sealed the deal. He handed me one of the bags he was carrying and told me to go get dressed. Walking back to our apartment, his arm wrapped around me, telling me our plans for the night. Once we were both dressed, we stepped out for the night, and had a chance to see the City for what it was, pure beauty. We took a taxi cab into Manhattan, he found a nice restaurant that would allow us to be adults for the night, we ate and shared more of our inner most secrets. My mom said before everything happened that in life you will meet one true love, only one. So when you find that person, do everything in your power to keep them. I want to keep King, forever! He’s the perfect guy for me and I will be the perfect woman for him.

Part 16

Part 16

We make it to our one bedroom apartment but didn't take time to do anything, we got right down to business. We decided the best way to start flipping our money is to buy an ounce of weed and lace it with meth. This way, after the first hit they'll be coming back for more, then we'll introduce them to pure meth. In three weeks we can do a lot more than just flip what they've given us, we'll end up making a few thousand if my calculations are correct. We hit the streets right away in search for the lowest price marijuana and we can pick up the supplies for the meth at the local stores. During our search, I would dip in and out of stores getting the ingredients and items we need to cook the meth. Finally after two hours of us beating our feet to the pavement we found a dealer willing to sell us an ounce for $50 since we promised that we'll be back a few times before we leave the area, and will send our clients his way before our departure. We exchanged phone numbers and he even provided us with the nickel size baggies.

We had a few more stops to make to get the rest of what we needed and we set ourselves up to be two blocks from the apartment after our last stop; time is money. King was holding all of the bags while I held onto the stash and the main ingredients. I’d rather be caught with the main stuff, because one thing I did learn from my dad, is that African American males will get harder sentences than anyone else in America. Anyway, we made it to the last store and I picked up four boxes of the cold medication used, some cough syrup, halls, and vapor chest rub. I figured if I got more cold medication and items they wouldn’t question why I was purchasing so much. Before we exited the store King stopped me, bent down a little so we were face to face, and gave me a kiss right on the lips. The explosion I felt running through my body was something I’ve never felt before, but being almost 14 years old, I wouldn’t have encountered that feeling yet; but I’m glad I got it with him. As we were walking back, he would bump me, and smile. Before we got off the block he reached down to hold my hand, and held it the rest of the way hold. Talking about feeling great about myself, I feel like I died and went to heaven.

While King was taking out the stems and seeds, I started watching videos on how to make the meth the right way without causing an explosion. We both wore masks with the windows open and a fan blowing the inside air out. This way we don’t have too many chemicals in a closed space, but it also helps that we’re on the very top floor, so it’ll be hard to figure out where the smell is coming from. I found the right video and was thanking the Universe that I had a lot of chemistry experience, because of my summers at science camps. I got everything ready to go and start the “shake and bake” process. Standing in the middle of the floor with a mask, goggles, and plastic gloves; I use a two liter plastic bottle, double checking to make sure that I didn’t insert the positive end on the battery because that would make it explode a lot faster than we would be out of $150.00. Everything was correct, shaking then releasing the air slowly to relieve pressure from within the bottle. After four hours of shaking and releasing I was more than halfway done the second step to this process. There’s no breaks when using the shake and bake process so I jump right into the next step. I started to smoke the bottle to separate the meth from the unusable liquids. Instead of letting it all dry I took one and a half wet grams of the meth and mixed it with the marijuana we have left after the separation, which still leaves us with a little over five grams of meth, costing them about $100.00-$150.00 a gram depending on the availability in this area. 

Still selling the weed at the regular cost and not charging any extra we’ll make $150 off of the $50 we spent but lose about $150.00; because we’re basically giving away meth in order to gain clients. So we’re basically breaking even. Once we make the money off of the meth we’ll have between $500.00 to $750.00. Spending another $100.00 on pills we need in order to make it and we’ll flip that one hundred to $1,300.00 easy. As long as we keep up at this rate and rid about five grams a day, both of us handling business we’ll end this month with around $36k. This wasn’t my dream occupation but my parents and the State left me no choice.

Part 15

Part 15

Assuming we made it to our destination because Abuelo and Beast started to exit the SUV. Each opened our door so we could exit onto the street. Looking around there were apartments stacked so close to one another, they were damn near on top of each other. In the courtyard there's a group of people; some male, some female, but mostly male.

"I want you both to rob one person each out of that group and bring me everything in their pockets and their shoes. The same way you walk up to them, is the same way I want you to come back. " Abuelo said pointing at the group of people we noticed in the courtyard.

We both looked at one another as we started walking and coming up with a plan.

"Can you handle the biggest guy?"

"Why would I go for the biggest, that doesn't make sense."

"Yeah it does. If you take out the biggest guy, I'll take out the biggest girl, and the rest will back off."

"I disagree my Queen. We need to take it whomever is the loudest, the loudest ones are the ring leaders. Trust me." King said with his hand on my shoulder.

"Let's do it."

Walking steadily, King pushes me to walk behind him, and I retreat back waiting on further instructions. He approaches the group, asking what's good. Damn if the alpha male and female show themselves by stepping forward. Coming from behind, I lash out at the female hitting the tip of her jawn, knocking her down. While I'm working on her, King handles his business with the alpha male. As king stated, the rest ran for cover but not before taking a few shots at us. I'm sure they ran because they couldn't make us stumble.

It felt good to take out my frustrations on a person and not allowing my demons to feed within me. I run through her pockets telling her that the Queen has spoken, so off with those tennis shoes. King made his presence known with the alpha male and does the same but a tad different.

Walking back to Abuelo and Beast with everything they demanded. We got into the SUV and handed over all they asked for.

"It's not likely that you'll always walk away from a battle without being hurt. At some point you'll be stabbed, shot, tortured even; but whatever you do, never give up your King or Queen. The Queen always needs her King and the King always needs his Queen. The best game to understand how important one is to the other, is to learn to play chess." Beast mentioned pulling into another apartment parking lot, but this one is worst then the last.

Part 14

Part 14

Once we completed the first part of our training Abuelo wanted us to spend time with one another. Telling us that although our lives has been short thus far we need to share everything with each other because we need to learn one another as if we were husband and wife. We need to know what makes the other tick, shut down, the fears, anything from our past that may arise during our journey because if they ever come to get him for deportation, we will be all that we have, one another. He told Leo who has now been named King to go first then I, Queen to follow. We misty not be afraid to share our inner most thoughts, for this will make us unstoppable.

After hours and hours of talking, crying, laugh, and consoling one another back and forth, we curled up in the same bed. King holding me tight, whispering how sorry he is for hitting me the other day, and vowed not to do it again. His voice was deep but soothing, I trusted him, I didn't have a choice; he was now my King, and I, his Queen.

King woke up early the next morning and made us both a healthy breakfast. After we ate he told me it was time to stretch because if I'm going to be 100% happy, it's best if we do things together that makes us both happy. He never said he likes to run but by the look of his body, he works out a lot.

"My Queen, I looked into a few ways we could stretch together. You wanna try them?"

"Yes please."

It took some time for us to get our stretching completed, but once we were done, we hit the streets,  and started our cardio workout. It felt good to run again. Although I was winded by the time we finished, my chest was burning, and I felt like I was going to pass out; we jogged three miles with no breaks. We got back to the apartment just as Abuelo was walking out on the stoop.

"I need you both showered and ready to go in an hour."

Rushing into the apartment, King admittedly starts to get undressed. Before he took off his underwear he turns back to look at me,

"I apologize my Queen, you shower first."

"A Queen always follows her King, after you my King."

I know we're young but it doesn't stop me from being sexually attracted to him. At the age of 14 his body is built like a grown man. He's about five-seven, light complexion, nicely defined muscle structure, and even though I didn't see his private part, he has a huge bulge that hangs like a sack of potatoes.

Both showered and ready within forty-five minutes, we meet Abuelo in the front foyer to set off on the second part of our journey. Beast pulls up in a all black SUV, Abuelo gets in the front, and we joined one another in the back seat.

"We have a long ride ahead of us so get comfortable." Abuelo mentioned, brevet looking back at us.

"If I may Abuelo, where are we heading?" King asked.

"Queens, you two are going to learn to protect yourselves."

King and I sat it silence, while Beast and Abuelo speak in Spanish so we won't understand. Fine by me, I rather not know so I don't get overly excited about what's going to happen next.

Part 13

Part 13

For three days straight we learned the ins and outs. Beast made us taste the cocaine so we know what to look for, but I was hesitant at first because I know people get hooked on that stuff. He told me why I needed to taste it and told me that the only time I should taste it is if I’m buying large quantities, a half a kilo or more. He said that if I buy it and its not coc, people will put a hit out on me to have me killed. In my head I said, say no more. I dipped my finger in and mocked what Beast did; the tingle and numbness was something I never felt before, and never wanted to feel again. Afterwards, he told me to sit and be quiet because he needed to work with Leo more. I guess Beast noticed that Leo wasn’t getting the hang of anything, so instead he was showing Leo how to recruit girls. My face got twisted up and I became so infuriated,

“You’re teaching him to pimp out girls?” I stood and yelled out.

“This is your test run, little man.” Beast said to Leo, nudging his head towards me.

Leo at first just stood there, it was like he didn’t know what to do. Then out of nowhere he took three large steps in my direction, raised his hand, and slapped me across the face. The blow was so hard that it knocked me down.

“Men are talking hoe.” Leo said with no feeling, the look of his eyes were cold all of a sudden.

Abuelo came to lift me up, whispered for me not to cry. What he didn’t know is that I’ve been through worst. Yes it hurt, but it hurt my heart more; because I thought we were going to be partners. He watch my back and I watch his, but I see that I was wrong. I wasn’t going to be his bitch or hoe, not today, not ever.

“I’m not your hoe Leo, I’m not your hoe Beast, I’m not your hoe Abuelo. You leave that shit for those bitches in the streets, I know where you sleep.” I said sternly, pointing my finger at each of them wishing they would because cutting their throats will only free me once again.

I heard clapping from behind me, when I turned to look it was Abuelo, “My Princess has just been crowned, into a Queen! Leo, you did the right thing, but to the wrong person. She’s going to be your partner, the one that stays up while you, her King sleeps. When Beast told you this is your test run, you took the wrong road, but that’s okay, it’s a part of learning. Queen, when two men are talking in this business you are to remain quite, no matter what. Your King will handle it and you have to have trust in him that he will.”

“Yes Abuelo.” We both said simultaneously.

Part 12

Part 12

I hardly slept last night. I don’t know if I was more afraid of what he was going to teach me or what I had to do to survive. I’ve read many books and seen maybe movies on what women do to survive, I feel like I may have to run again. I showered and headed across the hall to Abuelo’s, when I knocked the door popped ajar, and I was told to come in to eat breakfast. Abuelo said he knew I was going to get up early, the leaders always do. We sat and ate while Leo was still sleeping. A little after 7am, Abuelo went to wake Leo, telling him that time is money. The longer he sleeps, the less money he makes. Leo jumps up off the sofa and heads straight to the bathroom,

“Morning Yah.” He muttered making his way across the floor.

“Morning Leo.” I replied back without lifting my head.

I remembered my father when he first woke up in the morning and just didn’t want to see that. So keeping my head down made loads of sense at the time. Leo took all but ten minutes in the bathroom, I’m wondering if he even turned on the water. Anyway, enough about his apparent poor hygiene. Abuelo takes us over to Queens and introduces us to this guy by the name of Beast. I assume it’s his street name, and his parents didn’t hate him that much to name him Beast; but nothing these days surprise me. Abuelo tells me,

“Most girls think they have to use their bodies to survive. In my Country, the women are just as tough as the men if not tougher. You will never have to use your body as long as you pay attention to what we are going to teach you. I’ll make you the toughest Princess on this side of the Brooklyn Bridge.”

To me, that wasn’t enough. There’s a lot more land on the other side of both bridges than there is here. I not only paid attention, I asked questions. I wanted to get everything out of Abuelo and Beast as I could. They taught me about marijuana and cocaine, what to look for, how much to sell it for, where to store it during transport, and the best places to get it. Everything they said I took notes in my head and repeated it to make sure that I remembered. Leo on the other hand was dealing with best traveling routes, what to say and what not to say. Since he’s hard headed they told me that I would handle much of the workload with him, I’ll be the brains, he’ll be the brawn. We were in this warehouse for hours and hours. Abuelo got us food, as we ate, we learned. There were no brakes, no bathroom time, we had to hold it. I was cool with that, I didn’t want to miss anything and never want to feel like I have to sell my body in order to live; if I do that, I may as well kill myself because I’ll be dead inside already.

Part 11

Part 11

Abuelo grabs my arm, the arm of the teenage boy, and pulls us into his apartment. I just stood there and said nothing, the boy on the other hand was telling him that he needed to hide because child services was going to be looking for him. Abuelo told him to calm down and he will take care of him. He sits us in the kitchen and makes us something to eat. We both just sat there gazing at our plates, not lifting the fork to eat. Then there was a knock at the door,

“Quien es?”

“La policia tenemos que hablar con usted.”

“Si, Si.” Abuelo opens the door and quickly exits.

We sat there in silence before the boy started talking,

“Is child services coming for you too?”

“No, Abuelo is helping me and I think he wants to help you too.”

“No one does nothing for free, what he want from you?”

“I clean the apartment buildings and stay out of trouble. Not so hard to do for a safe place to stay, ya know?”

“Yeah well, we’ll see. By the way, I’m Leonard, Leonard Whye. My Uncle call me Leo for short. What’s your name?”

“Aaliyah Petty.”

“No nickname?”

“No, not really.”

“How about I give you one? I would like to call you Yah, because Yah beautiful. Get it? Get it?”

We both laughed quietly and started to eat the food that Abuelo made for us. We shared a lot about the little past that we have, I don’t share my family problems though. I don’t trust anyone to get that close to hurt me again, it’s too soon. By the time Abuelo came back in, the table was cleared, his plate was made and in the microwave, food was put away, and the dishes were done. We made sure we did everything possible to make sure everything was neat and in order before he came back. I was hoping he would let Leo stay. He’s a nice boy, a year older than I am, very handsome, and tall. It would be nice to have someone that I know in the building besides Abuelo, you know, someone my age.

“Abuelo, would you like me to heat up your food?” I said waiting on his response.

“Thank you Princess, I can heat it up later. I need you two to get some rest, we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Leo, you will stay with me until I figure out what to do. Princess, you go home and I will see you at six o’clock sharp. Be ready because I need to show the both of you how to survive in these streets and what to look for if Immigration comes to pick me up.”

“If you’re taking care of us Abuelo, they will give you citizenship. We can vouch for you.” Leo said with a strong face, trying not to cry.

“Abuelo, give us a few days to research what Leo’s saying before we bring more attention your way.” I said backing up Leo.

“Time is never on our side, that’s your first lesson. Both of you get ready for bed.” Abuelo said, heading into the kitchen area.

Part 10

Part 10

I didn’t lay there long, I had work to do. Although I still had a lot of money left, I wanted to save whatever I could in case I have to leave here, and stay somewhere else. I went to the maintenance closet and got all the items I needed. I started from the top floor and worked my way not to the bottom, but outside. I wanted to make sure everything was clean, even the sidewalk. It took me five hours to clean everything, I swept, wiped and washed the baseboards, mopped, wiped the railings and took out the trash. I had the place smelling so good, the men were poking their heads out trying to see what woman was walking pass, even Abuelo was looking around. I was told that if there were vacant rooms, Abuelo would give me the keys at night for the rooms to be cleaned. I was instructed not to clean them before 10am or after 3pm, he said it’s for my safety. He doesn’t want someone coming in while I’m cleaning and attack me, so for today, my work here is done.

I took a shower and headed to the library to get a few books so I can start my lessons and learn a few new recipes. I also stopped at a bank and asked if I could open a savings account. I went through all of the paperwork but I was missing one important piece of information, identification. Even a kid needs ID in order to open an account, unless there is a parent or guardian with them. I asked the nice woman if she can hold onto the information until I can get me a State issued ID. She told me that she couldn’t because of some FCC regulations. I don’ know what she meant by that but whatever. I went to get up and before I could thank her for her help, she handed me the information, and asked me not to tell because she needs her job. I smiled and told her my lips were sealed.

While I was walking back from the library I was thinking to myself that this has been a perfect day. I have my own apartment, it’s not much but it’s mine. I have a savings account, a job, books to read, and best of all, peace. Well, so I thought! I get to the apartment and everything looked great from the outside, as soon as I walked into the building is when it seemed that my life changed again. On the third floor I remember seeing this a older gentleman poke his head out and another kid around my age was walking up the stairs and entered that same apartment. The older gentleman was in the middle of the foyer dead, there was blood everywhere. His eyes were open and the young boy was standing above him, weeping. I froze, I didn’t know what to do. Do I step over him, do I wait, if I wait and the police come will they take me? There’s so many questions that I couldn’t answer. I stood there looking at him, looking at his dead body just lying there on my freshly washed floors. Maybe me being here was meant to be, he didn’t die on dirty floors, in a dirty apartment building.

Part 9

Part 9

The ride was long and excruciating but we arrived in Brooklyn New York around 2:45 a.m. By this time I was wide awake, I slept most of the ride. I was so happy to start my new beginning, that I roamed around the city for at least four hours looking for a nice motel to stay in. Almost all of them were out of my range, but I did luck up on one that didn't look too bad, and the rent was responsible. I spoke to the landlord, at first I was going to tell him that I was 18 years old but there was something about him that made me tell the truth; I think because had honest eyes, I don’t know. So I told him my situation, well, not all of it. I explained that I needed a place to stay, I have money for rent, and will get a job as well. I told him that I wouldn’t be a problem and surely wouldn’t cause trouble. If I wasn’t working I would be in my apartment doing something quietly and that he wouldn’t even know I was there. At first he was a little apprehensive but then he said,

"Listen here, I'll give you a job. You have to clean the entire apartment building, hallways, and any vacant rooms; that'll pay your rent each month. If you want extra money to buy clothes, you have to clean my apartment and learn how to cook, I'll feed you as long as you cook for me too. Don't worry child, I'll buy the food. I'll pay you $200.00 a month, feed you, and your rent will be paid off you're willing to do those things,  plus keep your grades up. What do you think about that?"

“Thank you but I can’t enroll in school since I ran away from home. I’ll read every day to keep up on current events, I’ll learn a new subject once a month, and write you book reports if you’d like to show you what I’ve learned.”

“Yeah that would be hard to do if you’re a runaway. Well, it looks like we are both runaways; maybe we can learn things together. I teach you to cook, you teach me that fancy math. Do we have a deal?”

“Yes Sir, thank you so much!”

He told me the only reason why he's willing to do this for me is because he has a granddaughter that ran away around the same age. He’s hoping that someone was willing to do for his granddaughter, what he's willing to do for me. His name is Reymundo, but I can call him Abuelo, which is grandfather in Spanish. Abuelo showed me around the apartment building to get me familiar to where everything that I needed to clean was located. His apartment was right across from mine, he said he wanted me to be able to come get him if I have any problems. It’s a nice gesture but Abuelo is an older gentleman, about 50 years old or so. He’s here illegally and I wouldn’t want him to be deported because of me, I’m sure if I have a problem I can handle it on my own; I’ve been doing pretty good so far. As soon as he retreated to his apart, I closed my apartment door, dropped my duffle bag, and laid on the bed. I found a little piece of normalcy, Brooklyn is now home to me.

Part 7

Part 7

I was so excited I thought I was going to cry. Walking slowly up the stairs to this large wrap around porch, the door opens before my case worker had a chance to knock. Three children walked out on the porch followed by a man and a woman I assume to be their parents. She introduced me to them with a smile. These people, children included didn’t look happy about my arrival. They actually looked really sad.

“I love your home.” I said, trying to break the ice.

“You are a child, you speak when you’re spoken too.” The gentleman said, stepping into my personal space.

I stepped back off of the porch, tugging at my case worker’s dress. When she turned and looked at me, I gestured that I wanted to leave. I don’t think she understood how I was truly feeling, or maybe she didn’t know the, “Let’s get the hell out of here” look. The people reminded me of the characters in Children of the corn. I don’t know about this case worker or what she considers nice and caring but if she left me, I wasn’t going to stay. Not here I wasn’t, I have to take care of myself and I’m okay with that but this right here. They look like they eat people; nope, I’m not staying. The case worker finished talking to them and tells me to walk her to the car, I was hoping she was going to push me in and make a mad dash for it but she didn’t. Instead she told me,

“Just give it some time. I know they seem strict, and they are but this is a good fit for you. They will protect you.”

“Who’s going to protect me from them? You’re just going to leave me here? Wait, you’re right. This is a good fit for me but I don’t have any clothes, can you take me to the local store to get at least one outfit so I don’t dirty up the clothes they put me in, please? I don’t want to make them mad.”

“You know what, I can do that. Let me tell them that I need to get you a few things, it slipped my mind on the ride up here.”

I walked behind her, but didn’t look up. She told them that she forgot to get me some things with the stipend the State offers and will bring me back after we go to the store. They agreed and told her that dinner is at six o’clock so she has two hours to get me back or I don’t eat. The case worker agreed, grabbed my hand, and escorted me back to the car. She opened the door, I got in, and buckled my safety belt. I don’ t know who she thinks she’s fooling. I’m not coming back here. I plan to take off as soon as I get a chance, I’ll figure everything else out later.

She started telling me that these people are really nice and caring despite our first interaction. I didn’t really care what she had to say I just wanted out and since I have no clue where I am, I needed her to drive me back out to a higher traffic area so I can get the hell away from these people. My safety is no concern of theirs, the case worker just wants to ditch me off on anyone, and the fosters just want the money.

“I think I’m old enough to choose my own foster parents, don’t you think?” I said, just to a drop hint that I don’t plan on going back.

“I do, but the system doesn’t work that way. See, we place you with a family and we pay for you to be there. This way it doesn’t take too much money from their home and you have a safe place to be.”

“In that case, can I live on my own and get the money you would offer them? That way I can work, pay my bills, and finish school.”

“No, it doesn’t work that way. Would you rather live on your own?”

“I would rather live with a real family that cares and that’s nice. Not those people, they look like they hurt people for the fun of it.”

“I wouldn’t put you somewhere to get hurt.”

“How well do you know those people?”

“I know them very well. We have had children placed with them before.”

“Yeah, well why did the woman have a dog collar around her neck and the man was holding a leash behind her?”

“Wha-What?!”

“Look, you seem like you want to do well by me and I appreciate that, but if I noticed that and you didn’t, one of two things took place. Either you saw it and didn’t want to acknowledge what was going on, or you didn’t see it which causes me to worry about where you will send me next. I don’t understand how this works but I’m going to ask you instead of just doing what I want to do. The stipend, is that really for me? If it is, can you give me the cash so I can disappear? Just tell them I stole it or something? Otherwise, I’ll be running with nothing but either way, I’m not going back to that house to be tortured.”

“So you’re going to be a runner?”

“I don’t know what you mean, but if you’re asking if I’m going to run if you take me back to that house, yes.”

She continues to drive, looking back at me in the rear view mirror from time to time, without saying a word. I guess she was thinking of what to do but I knew better. I knew that if she took too many turns she was taking me back to the children of the corn, and I’d be damned if I’m stuck in the middle of nowhere with those people.

Part 8

Part 8

She slowed down the car because of an accident ahead, reached back with a fist full of money,

“You’re in Lancaster Pennsylvania. I’m going to take you within three blocks of the Greyhound bus terminal but I cannot get out with you. When I stop at the light, I will brake twice, jump out of the car, and run in the direction of where the signs are pointing for greyhound. Make sure you hide for a little before heading to the station because I have to at least pretend to look for you. I’m sorry Princess, but that’s the only place they will approve right now, and because you’re hell bent on running, I want to give you a chance to at least make it out. My gut it telling me that you may be correct about those people, but I can’t say for sure because we never got a bad review from them. God just gave me a sign, for us to be stuck behind this accident was proof enough. I’ve been asking him to show me the way; we’re behind a Greyhound bus, three miles from the Greyhound station, and the lady is walking up with a Greyhound dog. That’s enough signs for me Princess. I want you to be careful, after this I’m going to retire, look me up if I can do anything for you. Unfortunately, you can’t stay with me because of conflict of interest, although I think you would be a great child to raise. Now, I took most of the money out of my purse but there is a little more than thousand dollars there. Make sure you count your money, don’t trust anyone, keep your head down, don’t show your money to anyone, and the most important thing; don’t get wrapped up in drugs or alcohol. It’ll be the worst decision you can make. You got it?”

“Yes Ma’am, thank you.” Taking the money and folding it properly. Splitting the larger bills from the smaller ones, putting the larger bills inside my bra under my breast. The smaller bills went right into my pocket.

She taught me a lot while sitting behind this accident. The best place for me to go and find work is New York, she gave me my birth certificate and social security card, and told me to stay away from boys until I became of age. Stating that not only will I end up getting in a lot of trouble following boys but I also didn’t want to get pregnant either because the State will step in and take my child. She didn’t have to worry about that, I wasn’t trying to be with a boy anyway, not after what my dad did to me. She told me that I cannot enroll in school because I will need a parent or guardian but once I turned 18 years old I can go to night school to get my G.E.D. I told her how much I appreciated her for helping me and that I will end up better if I were on my own. By the time I looked up there was a Greyhound sign with an arrow pointing to the right. She braked twice, I yelled out that I loved her, opened the door and took off running. The only problem, I was tired within two minutes. I ran into the alley and hid behind a big green dumpster. At first my heart was racing, the same way it did when I ran from my parents’ house. I closed my eyes to calm myself, then took off running again in the opposite direction.

Walking around looking for anything to keep me busy. I ended up finding a department store, I walked in, purchased a pair of jeans, a shirt, some underwear, bras, socks, a pair of tennis shoes, and a duffle bag. I changed in the bathroom and set off to the Greyhound station. There were still things I needed, but I figured I can get those things on the way to NYC. I’m going to the Big Apple, New York City here I come. I was excited, I was darn near skipping my way to the bus station with a huge smile on my face. I purchased my ticket, sat as far from the front door as possible, and just waited. When my bus was called I stood to attention but did not rush, I didn’t look obvious. I made my way to the center of the bus, took my seat, and started shaking my legs for the bus to get going. The only time I’ve ever been this excited was right before a track event. When the bus started moving, I all but yelled in excitement.

Part 6

Part 6

The Doctor didn’t understand why I was there so long. She looked at my charts again and rushed out of the room. A few minutes later she came back telling me that there must have been some sort of mix up, because I shouldn’t have been sedated or kept at the hospital for as long as I have. She stated she called child services to get someone here as soon as possible, so they can release me, and that way I will have legal representation to follow up with the hospital. I got what she was saying but I was more worried about the medication that they gave me before and wanted to know if I will get it again. I told her how it kept me calm and took all of the pain away. She proceeded to tell me that I shouldn’t have been on medication and not for that long. She asked me if I understood what rehab was. I told her what I thought it was but she told me that I was incorrect. She stated they are going suggest rehab because I have formed an addiction to the medication they have been giving me for the past year. I’m so confused as to how something like this can happen.

I was given some clothes and taken out to the common area to meet my case worker. This isn’t the same person I had before, this woman is older with a mean look on her face; immediately I became withdrawn. I just didn’t want to be bothered, maybe I should have stuck with my parents if this was the outcome of telling. My case worker was talking, but I had no clue what she was saying. My thoughts are all over the place and it’s like I can’t control them the way I use too. 

“Am I going to a new home now?”

“Young lady, that is what I was just telling you.”

“Yeah, sorry. When do we leave?”
 
She stands up and walks over to the Doctor. I can’t hear what their saying but I wasn’t interested anyway. A good hour passed before the case worker was given papers and I was given a business card from the Doctor. She told me to call her if I ever needed anything. I nodded my head and followed the old lady out the room. On the elevator she started saying how this was a really nice caring family with three children of their own. She touches my shoulder and whispers in my ear,

“They are church goers. It may help you get over what your parents did to you, a little God never hurts anyone.”

“Yeah, well where was he when I was calling out for him to help me?”

“He was there, he doesn’t answer when you need him too, he answers when the time is right. Just keep your faith young lady, everything will work out.”

“Yes Ma’am.”

With everything going on, I fall asleep in the backseat while my case worker was talking. My biggest issue at this point, I couldn’t get my head comfortable enough to go into a deep sleep but my head on my hand will work for now. My dreams were all very nice, I was at a home with loving people and I was about to run track in my new school. This time in my dreams I signed up for cross country, just in case I needed to run away again. I surely don’t want to get tired like I did the first time I ran away. My dreams were taking shape, instead of me looking at myself I had feeling, and could feel myself speak to my new parents. Although no one had faces I was holding an in-depth conversation with them and they were speaking back.

“We’re here little Princess.”

When I opened my eyes the old lady was so close to my face I could smell the mothballs on her shirt. I unbuckled myself, lifted myself out of the car, and did a long cat stretch. Once my eyes adjusted, I took a look around, and the house was beautiful. There was so much land, animals, and a huge house. The road we came in on was a gravel or maybe it was gravel were we are but it’s beautiful.

 “Are we in the Country?”

“Yes, I thought you would love it. Your paperwork stated that you like to run, you think this is enough space to run?”

“Yes Ma’am. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Can I meet my new parents now?”

“Sure Princess, follow me.”

Part 5

Part 5

I woke up bright an early ready to start my day. When I went to stand my private area was hurting me so bad that it brought me to my knees and I started to cry. Two of the nurses came in to see what was wrong, when I told them about my private area hurting, one put me back in the bed, and the other called for a Doctor. Within minutes, a Doctor was there to examine my charts, and told me that he needed to take a look. I curled up in a ball, knees to my chest,  screaming for help. I didn't know this man and although he spoke to the nurses and wore a white coat, I still didn't feel safe. The one nurse that got me back into bed came to talk to me, I told her that I wanted a female Doctor because he scares me. She let off a smile and told me she'll find me a female Doctor and not to worry.

There's arguing right outside my door, that male Doctor came back but this time want alone. He had two other men in all white, one with a needle filled with something. They started to grab me, I fought, I kicked, I bit, I even grabbed twist and pulled whatever parts of their bodies I could. By this time there was one down, two to go. I went to swing with my right arm but it was caught mid air and tied down to the bed. I start kicking my legs and using the only arm I had left. My strength started to weaken, my limbs felt heavy, glancing over to my right, the one man in all white was still laying on the floor while the other was extracting the needle out of my arm. I saw the nurse that said she would help me at my feet.

"You were supposed to protect me. You promised." I mentioned right before I faded out.

All white room, strapped down to a bed, and I couldn't move, let alone speak. I tried and tried to move but these leather straps were so tight I couldn't move an inch is I tried. Laying there looking at the ceiling for hours, going in and out of sleep, the door finally opens. A woman entered with a tray of little cups and water. She was also a nurse but a different kind. She had on all white like those two guys and an old school nursing hat. You know the ones they use in a television show and they're  caring for the mentally challenged. As soon as that thought finished, my eyes widened, as she's shoving these pills down my thought. They think I'm crazy,  but why? I didn't do anything wrong. Maybe because I turned in my family, or because I wanted a female Doctor. Am I dreaming? The medication is having its way with me and all of my thoughts and fears start to dissipate.

I don't know how long I've been in this room, but I do know that my heart starts to race when the nurse comes in with my medication. It's like I'm happy about taking them, because it makes me feel good, it takes me out of this horrible nightmare I've been in and I'm no longer afraid.

At some point I was removed from that room with the restraints and white walls but I can't say when for sure. I've been moved to a room with a regular bed, cream walls, and no restraints. A female Doctor comes in to talk to me saying that they had to sedate me because I was so out of control when the other Doctor was trying to check me out because of the pain I stated in had.  When she asked me about it, I told her that I don't remember anything but wanted to know when I would get my medication. She told me that I'll no longer be on meds because I've been doing great for the past year.

"Year?! I've been in here for a year?" I yelled out.

"Yes, I'm sorry. I was just brought into this hospital a few months ago. When I saw your file I did everything I could to get you out of there, you didn't deserve to be in there. Well, that's how I felt; but the good news is that you get to go home." The Doctor said with a smile.

"Not with my parents right? They're the reason I'm here, they raped and tortured me."

"I apologize, I should've said your foster home. I thought you at least stayed with them before this all happened."

"No Ma'am, I've been here since the morning I walked into the emergency room."

Part 4

Part 4

Not too long after the doctors left, a woman comes in with a cart that held a few items and a camera.

"Young lady, a child services worker will be here in a few minutes. When they arrive, I need to do a rape kit on you and take some pictures. It's going to be scary at first, making you remember everything you went through, but this is the only way too get you justice, okay?" The nurse stated as she was getting everything in order.

"Yes Ma'am. Do whatever is needed so I don't have to go back to that house, and this doesn't happen to anyone else because of those two? I replied, laying my head back.

We sat in silence for the most part, until the social worker entered. She introduced herself as Rebecca Strong and stated she would be the one to help get me into a nice safe home where I won't be hurt again. To me everything seemed to be falling right in place, until I heard my parents' voices in the distance. I froze up immediately with fear, Ms. Strong came over to console me, and two Police Officers from the next county came into the room. They stood in front of the door, weapons drawn, but their index fingers were on the side of their barrels and not on the trigger. I covered my head, heart racing, body trembling, and my mind is being tormented with any and every possible negative outcome.

The voices started to fade away, both Officers made their way into the hall, and gave notice to the nurse that she could proceed because the coast is now clear. Ms. Strong comforted me and told me everything I needed to do in order to get the rape kit completely quickly. I undressed on top of this large white paper, each piece of clothing I took off was bagged and labeled; they even took the sheets I was laying on, bagged and tagged them as well. I was amazed with how much they had to do for one rape victim and the nurse was right, I felt like I relived it all. The flash of the camera when they were taking photos of the hand marks, cigarette burns, impressions from the belt buckle, and the marks around my neck; put me right back in the house at the time it all started. From the beginning to the end, I relived everything, but felt like I was on the outside looking in. I can he's my screams for help and mercy, I can smell my flesh being burned, and the pain from the mutilation.

Once everything was completed, I was given something to eat, and instructed that by tomorrow they would have a safe foster home for me to go to. I was excited to meet my new family and was hoping that this family would love, care, and protect me from harm. As I was drifting off to sleep my overwhelming thoughts waken me; how would they love and care for me of my own blood was willing to hurt me to this extent. Disregarding my thoughts I fall into a peaceful sleep governed by sweet dreams of playful banter with other children my age.

Part 3

Part 3

The time has come, it's 3am and everyone should be sound asleep. I quietly put on my clothes and tennis shoes, tying them tightly. Opening up the window, there was a creaking but nothing major enough to wake anyone up even if they slept in the room with me. Looking outside to see how I could get down off of the second floor.  Unfortunately, there's no way out except but to jump or I can wait until the morning but I know just like yall do, that won't work. Carefully climbing out the window, holding on for dear life. I lower my body down and holding myself up by hanging onto the ledge. Counting in my head, I release myself, landing on my feet but I bent my knees, and on impact I roll to the ground. Trying to catch my breath, I check over my legs from top to bottom, and I'm okay. Standing up slowly I feel no pain, I take off running in the direction of the police station. The station is about ten miles from where I live, it's days like today I wish I had joined cross country track instead. I pace myself, still keeping my stride in tack, dipping, and dodging through these inner city streets. My heart's racing and fear overcomes me.

I stopped at the bottom of the stairs of the police station and had second thoughts. Not to go back home but to take an alternative route then this one. I stood there for maybe five minutes before I set back off to running in the opposite direction heading towards the hospital instead. My thoughts, if anyone is going to protect me, it'll be a hospital. Since my dad is a Police Officer and has been on the force for as long as I can remember. Could I truly trust them?

My breathing started to deepen and chest started to burn. Picking up the pace so I can get as close as I can before I start to walk. I stayed focused with my eyes ahead. Finally
three blocks away I decided to walked, steadily looking behind me to make sure no one was coming my way. I didn't fear a stranger, it's my parents that I'm afraid of. Barely walking into the ER entrance, I dropped to my knees from fatigue. Nurses rush to my rescue and I tell them my father's a Police Officer, he raped me, and my mother tortured me. Beating me with a belt buckle, holding my head under hot water, burning me with cigarettes, punching, and choked me. I pulled out the zip lock bag of underwear and told them I didn't wash my private area the last time he raped me.

After passing out again, I wake up to several people standing around me, and everyone there was a doctor or nurse. I begun to talk so I'll focus was on me. I told them everything and pleaded for them not to call my parents. The doctor told me that they weren't going to call my parents and would leave that up to the police. I jumped, grabbing for the Doctor's jacket.

"My dad's a Cop. If you call the police station they might hurt me, or give me back to my parents. If I go back they're going to kill me for sure."

"We're not going to call the local authorities because of conflict of interest. Do you understand what that means?"

"Yes Sir, thank you." I said relieved and laying back down.

Part 2

Part 2

Feeling like I wasn't going to make it throughout the night, my cries fell on deaf ears, and no one came to my rescue. For hours I've been bitten, burned, raped, almost drowned, choked until I passed out, and beaten. All by the hands of the people that's supposed to protect and love me unconditionally. I wake back up to my dad on top of me, while my mother sat in the distance and watched. That's when I gave in, gave up, and just laid there waiting for it all to be done. I knew what needed to be done, I needed to get out of here but I can't do it tied to the bed. When he was finally done, he got dressed, and walked out of my bedroom. My mother just sat there looking at me in silence. Tears started to roll down her face and that was what I needed to see.

"Mom, may I please take a shower?"

Still not a word, she stood to her feet, and started to untie me. I scoot to the edge of the bed, she asked me if I could walk. I reached out my hand for help and she not only assisted me but told me that we're in this together. I wanted to make sure she wouldn't tie me back up so I told her to tell me what she wanted to do from here on to fix it and I promised I would be a good girl. She smiled at me and kissed my forehead before letting me get in the shower on my own. I pretended to shower, I knew not to touch my private parts. I learned in school, that if you're raped or molested never to wash your private parts, that's the only way they could find who did it. I guarded my private area with one hand so water wouldn't even touched it. I washed below my knees and turned backwards in the shower so my front wouldn't get wet. I went over my upper body with a semi wet wash cloth in case she decided to smell me.

Getting out of the shower there was a towel nicely folded on the sink. I wrapped it around me, opened the bathroom door, and proceeded to walk towards my bedroom. There was a creaking sound coming from behind me, I turned slowly, and was greeted with my mom's face peeking out of her bedroom door.

"We're going to sleep, I want you to get some rest, and I'll see you in the morning." She started to close the door but opened it a little less than she did the first time, "I love you Aaliyah." Closing the door behind her, then locking it from the inside.

Once in my room, I put on a fresh pair of underwear to protect any possible evidence, and then I put on my pajamas. I placed my track sneakers and sweatsuit on my chair and pushed it under my desk so it's out of sight. I dont know if one of the two of them will try to sneak back in here before I leave and I dont want to raise any red flags that'll force them to tie me up again. I needed to wait a few hours to make sure they're fully asleep because I have to climb out of my window and down the drain pipe. It's something I've never done before, so if I fall I'll have more time to gather myself before I get caught. I have one attempt, one try, so it's all or nothing.

I have everything in my favor, as long as I can make it out of the house. Once I get to the street there's no catching me. I needed to pack the pair of underwear I was wearing the first time I was raped. I emptied the zip lock bag of extra underwear I kept in my book bag for gym days and replaced them with the used ones. I put the zip lock bag in my jacket pouch because it's the only pocket with a zipper. I was set and ready, the only thing I was waiting on is the right time.

Part 1

Part 1

I had to be no older than twelve years old when it all started. I remember was playing in the basement with my dolls and dollhouse. You know, doing little girlie things. Talking to my dolls and making them talk back to me, that kind of stuff. I had three Barbies, one Ken doll, the Barbie car, and a big house that my father put together for me this past Christmas. I heard the basement door open and I figured it was my mother coming down to do laundry; but it wasn’t, it was my dad. I was so happy to see him, when he got to the bottom steps I ran and jumped into his arms. I remember that day like it was yesterday, he reeked of alcohol, still dressed in his blues. Like he took several bottles and poured it all over himself right after his shift was completed. He gave me a kiss on my cheek, put me down, and told me to go play so he could take a nap. We had a finished basement, it was my playroom, and whenever there was company my age we would be sent down here to play or watch television. That way the adults can do adult things. He lays on the sofa and I go back over so I can continue to play. I try to be extra quite so he can rest up before Mommy comes home.

I must’ve played for hours, so I wanted to do something different. I looked at the clock and I knew it was five o’clock but couldn’t read the rest of the numbers on the analog clock because they were warn and the big hand was broken off. I rushed over to get the remote because my cartoons come on around this time. I sat Indian style in front of the sofa since my dad was still sleeping. I started to hum the tunes to the introduction of the show and that’s when I felt my father’s hand on my shoulder. I’ll save you all the gruesome details, but as soon as my mom came home the man I once knew as my dad left out, not saying a word to anyone. I told her what happened and I thought, maybe I was just hoping that she would do something about it; possibly hold me and tell me it wasn’t my fault. Well, as fast as I hoped that would happen, the blame game started. It was all my fault and I’ve been trying to get his attention ever since I could walk she said. My heart broke, I felt like crawling under a rock because if my mom said it, it must be true; she’s always right.
 
She dragged me upstairs to the bathroom by my hair and threw me to the floor. I couldn’t stop crying and because of my cries she yelled louder but I couldn’t hear her. She filled the tub but I didn’t see her turn on the cold water. Steam rising from the porcelain clawfoot tub, she lifts me by my arm, and dumps me in, clothes and all. The water was so hot, my skin felt like it was on fire and peeling off. I screamed, telling her that I was burning and-and my skin was peeling. Hitting me in the head, yelling for me to shut up and saying because of me, she lost the one man that loved her; that I stole him and I better make sure that he’s happy. I didn’t know what she was talking about, all I knew is that the pain was gone, I couldn’t feel my legs. She grabs my face and slams my head backwards into the scolding-hot water and holds me underneath. I couldn’t breathe, I was hitting her hands so she would let me go but because I’m just a kid, my hits did nothing. My arms fell into the water and that’s all I could remember.

When I woke up, I was in my own bed. One would think she would come to her senses and begin to care for me, help me, treat me like her child instead of any other person on the street. Which wasn’t the case, I woke up to her beating me with the buckle end of my dad's belt. I was naked, wrist and ankles bond to my bed post. I scream out for God, I scream out for mercy, and my mother tells me that mercy is never granted to harlots.

Introduction

Introduction:

I’m Aaliyah Petty and I have something to say. I hope that this touches a few people enough to spread the word, that if you see something wrong you must speak up! If someone is doing something wrong to you, speak up! I didn’t have to go through the things I went through, but I did. Not because I didn't say anything, I told everyone that would listen. I guess, I went through it so I can help others. So, as soon as I catch my breath, I'll share with you my story.

Part 30

Part 30

The gunman was a smart young man. He dropped the gun and backed away pleading for me to let his brother go.

"Funny, you were a thug five minutes ago, now you're crying like a bitch. It's taking everything in me not to snap his fucking neck. Go over there, face the wall, and get on your knees." I said enforcing my authority.

He does what he's told, then I pushed his brother to the wall and told him to do the same. I kept my eyes on them while putting on another new pair of latex gloves. I may have used five pairs so far, more than I've  ever used in a single night. I picked up the gun, pointed it at the back of their heads, and told them to empty their pockets. I went up to each of them, holding open my shopping bag like a kid on Halloween, awaiting to be showered with all the sugary goodness they had to offer.

Both guys are trying empty their pockets as fast as they could. I told them to put their cell phones in the bag, but they can get them from the dumpster in the next alley way. Piecing out the gun, I toss each section in different directions, while telling them to count slowly to fifty, and that if I ever see them again I'll slit their throats. Both babbling, I walk out the alley but once I turned the corner I started jogging. I didn't want them to hear me take off and come after me so I kept as quiet as I could.  I dumped their phones, fully attached, and kept pushing towards the hotel.

Reaching the hotel, I wasn't out of breath, but extremely sweaty. I walked pass the concierge and was called by first and last name.

"Mr. Ryan Matters?"

"Yes, yes ma'am."

"You have a package that was dropped off for you." The young lady reaching over the desk attempting to give me an envelope.

"Honey, do you know who dropped this off? I mean, did you see their face?"

"No Mr. Matters, I apologize! I wasn't here when it was dropped off. I can always put a flashing note on your account, so when you call or come down there should be an answer for you. Hopefully by four o'clock this evening at or around shift change."

"Okay, thank you."

I didn't open up the envelope right away. I made my way to the room, showered, and grabbed a bite to eat. Once settled, I opened the envelope and there were at least fifteen little notes telling me to watch myself, be careful with the company I keep, Matt isn't to be trusted, and the trip back home will show me everything I needed to see. Sitting on the edge of the bed perplexed, I stuffed the notes in my  duffle bag that I keep my clothes; I laid back, and watched TV until I fell asleep.

Awaken the next afternoon by Matt pacing the floor. I sat up in bed just watching him at first. Then I asked what was going on. He started by fumbling over his words, "we go, we need to go."

"What's going on? I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what's up."

"Alright, but we need to start packing and get on the road. I'll tell you everything on the way."

"Bro, you've been gone for like a month. I'm not packing shit or going anywhere without knowing what happened."

"I was smoking weed with some friends and we had a few drinks. I may have killed one of them, because when I woke up I was covered in blood."

"What the fuck Matt. Running isn't going to fix this, where's the body?"

"That's the problem, I don't know."

"Well,  we're not going back home until we clean this mess up. Contact your friends so we can meet up, we may be able find out for sure what's going on if anything."

"Yeah, good point."

I knew that I couldn't trust him, so I prepared myself for whatever may come. Matt smiles then walks out the room. I put a pocket knife between my belt and waistband. Got dressed, putting on loose jeans, my running socks and tennis shoes, and called down to the front desk to let them know that I will not be checking out. I made them aware that the only person that can check me out is me. I gave the young lady a password to add to my account and some disclosure information.

This is where it all starts to unfold........

SN: I will be off site for a few weeks so I can run edits and wait for approval for a release dates. During this time I will attempt to start a new story to keep everyone occupied until I can come back to posting three or more parts a day. Each one of the parts are generally lengthy so we shall see.   

#championshipmode #LBB