There was an awkward atmosphere in the house. It feels like everyone is waiting for me to regress into my lazier and more inattentive former self. I mean honestly, my mom has practically been sneaking glances at me with eyes filled with worry and anticipation.
"Hey, mom? Is everything alright?" I said taking my shoes off at the door and walking awkwardly towards the kitchen.
"…. Of course, baby. What? Is there something on your mind?" she said not even turning around to look at me.
"No nothing I was just checking up on you. I'm going to take a shower. Could you make me lunch to take to work? Please?" I said walking towards the bathroom, noticing my work uniform on my bed. It was all black with a red cape-like thing around the neck. On the cape was written "Halfway". With a golden nameplate on the chest, of the uniform, my name was written on it.
After that I went to the bathroom, I knew I didn't have much time but it's like I can't resist taking a long shower, "it brings me peace" I thought while oddly turning on a cold shower. A very cold shower, maybe it's because of what id been through because of the qi ball but the water didn't bother me. Didn't thrust my body into shivers. My shower went on for 40 minutes after a few bangs at the door coming from my I quickly jumped out and went through my daily routine.
"A this is a big day for you," my dad said yelling at the top of his lungs. He honestly startled everyone and woke up my baby sister Amara.
"Timothy could you not," my mother said racing over to Amara, while Samuel follows in dads' footsteps and starts yelling.
"You're walking the path to greatness now kid. Getting a strong resume and improving your knowledge" my dad said placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Yeah, I get it. Alright, I guess I'll be on my way" I said while grabbing my lunch box and heading out.
The drive to the "Halfway" was long and agonizing, it's like the further away from home I got, the more a feeling of pain growing in my chest became. After passing by the bookstore, still radiating a strange aura. I felt different no longer the kid on his skateboard unbothered by the world around him, now I felt more like part of "this" of this large community.
I've been on the road for a while now, just recently leaving longshore. Now on the long road to the Halfway, with one hand on my bike and the other on my lunch box. With a mind still stuck in a blur.
"Not knowing what the hell's going on. Where the hell am, I going?"
I thought, staring at the road ahead of me. I left the beautiful somewhat old new buildings of longshore, now starring at an endless dried desert when I could see the halfway nearing. "Fuckkkkk" I yelled out starring at what I imagine to be the death of my spirit.
As I was pulling up, I saw David in his car. A dark red sports car of some sort. He didn't recognize me with my helmet and all-black biker gear on. It was honestly strange, he appeared cold, with eyes that could kill, and a scowl on his face that mimicked an animal protecting his territory. his animal-like face scared the crap out of me. I quickly but calmly took off my helmet when I did his face became childlike and mischievous again.
"Hello… boss" David said getting out of his car and walking towards me.
"Amazing bike boss," he said placing an almost mocking connotation on *boss*
"David… hey, how've you been" I said looking him up and down? He was wearing the same all-black outfit, "he didn't add the tie" noticing how much cooler he looked.
"Boss come on its Da-Vid. Not David, I'd prefer it if you called me Da-Vid" he said with overly exaggerated hand motions.
"Alright "Da-Vid how long have you been waiting out here?"
"Just about 30 minutes boss, you've got to get here on time from now on".
As I stared at him, I noticed a few things about David. He's a strange person, it's like he knew what he was doing. Constantly using a voice mocking carefree voice to talk about things he knew normal people found important. He enjoys doing this making fun of people directly to their faces in scuttle ways.
"First things first. I'm not late the shop opens at 8:30 it's currently 8:17, also knock it off. That stupid bullshit pretends voice you use. Gets on my nerves, and no don't try to tell me "it's just how you speak" knock it off or go home." I said this in a stern cold voice. It's like a mask of a confident calm and strong person was thrust upon me, this has happened many times in the past. Moments in which I just put on an act, convince myself so completely that I was the person in the play, assigning roles to myself of a strong amazing person.
Before he could say anything I simply walked off, opened the shop and assigned him to stay at the cash register. While I went in the back to do… honestly, I don't know…. Probable just fuck around.
It's been about 3 hours. I work an 8:30 am to 7:00 pm just about 11 hours. After sleeping and meditating for a while trying not to control the qi to subside the pain.
I did this for a while I decided to head out and check on the guy, seeing as he was being really quiet. When I got out there it was honestly funny, the guy had locked the door, and decided to take a long nap, turning off all the lights, and putting his feet on the counter.
There was a customer outside… it was the lady that was with him, she was wearing black sweets, with pink fingernails. She hadn't noticed me yet, I could only stare at her beautiful figure, when our eyes met she motioned me to open the door with pleading eyes.
"Sorry I had things to do in the back"
"no problem…" she said stopping to stare at me. Both of us couldn't take our eyes off each other.
"could you move. I'm trying to get through" she said still standing in the doorway.
"Oh shit sorry..." "aww shit how embarrassing," I thought while moving out of her way.
"David get up now you idiot." She yelled, but she also had a hint of sadness in her voice.
"ugh, mom it's just my break time. Just ask my boss he'll tell you" wow this guy just woke up an already had a lie lined up.
"Shit I honestly don't know if it's his break time. I've really just been going through the movement" I thought standing nervously. But she oddly paid no attention to me.
"Give me the keys now" she yelled, startling me. But David just gave her a cold look then proceeded to slowly get up.
"Are you ordering anything? If not ill have to ask you to leave. We have a zero-loitering policy. He said while leaning side to side nearly unconsciously.
"David I'm not telling you again. Your father wants the car put back exactly where you found it"
"I'm not going to tell you this again we have a zero loitering policy if you're not buying anything get the fuck out"
his voice was cold almost as if he was casting a spell. When he said that all that happened next was a quick slap to the face, she was unbothered and doubled down on her demands.
"That's one. David, you want to act like a tough guy in front of your friend. well now's the time to prove how tough you are... that's two" she said in a calm controlled voice while giving him another slap, harder than the last. I honestly felt bad for the guy, his face was unmoving, but I felt his controlled rage brimming within.
"Hey I don't know your family history but he's still a worker here and as such, I can't allow you to continue your power trip."
"Get your hands off me. This idiot stole his father's car. I'm here to get it back before his dad gets back." She said pulling her hand away. Giving me an angry look, filled with spite and curiosity.
"Yes I've gathered that much but if that's the case then call the police or wait until his shift is done."
I said wanting to protect the guy. He reminded me of a younger version of myself who was bullied by all those kids around me. From what I can gather it seems he stole his dad's car in order to show off to me. But now he's embarrassed that it been reviled to not be his.
"Look from your position I can understand why you think this guy is being unfairly treated but just listen to me… this guy is a complete psychopath who's doing what he always does playing a game with high stakes. It's all part of his evil plan."
She said nearly appearing comical, as though she was introducing the anti-Christ. I took a look at David, seeing his calm face, with eyes filled with killing intent staring to his mother I believed when he noticed me starring at him he gave me a scary smile, practically announcing that everything she said was true. The feeling was really unsettling.
"Look like I said I don't understand your family situation but what if other customers see you?" I said. Nearly everyone almost broke out laughing noting the empty parking lot.
"thank you, Alexander, you're a true friend but my sisters right. I stole my father's car… not because I needed to or out of spite no… it's just I haven't seen him in over a month, not even a call or text nothing. So, I decided to take something he cares about in hopes that he comes back… so that I can ask him "why'd you leave me"
His voice was quiet and filled with deep sadness, but after me and his mother stared at each other we nearly burst out laughing. The guy had a gift for imitating human emotions but seriously it's like once you pay attention to him you notice just how fake it all felt.
"Look dude just give the car back, if you need a ride home ill give you one. But never and I mean never try to fool me with such a pathetic act."
I said giggling with every work. The whole thing was settled with that, but I had the weird feeling that it was all just part of his plan, the thought left my mind as quickly as it came in.
When the day was over David and I closed up shop and headed towards Longshore. The drive to his house was not far away from mine. He lived in the area with all the rich people of longshore.
"Is your family staying here for the summer?" I asked turning into the driveway of his mansion.
"No, I grew up here. Don't ask… I was homeschooled and had no reason to go out" he said before leaving and heading inside, waving me goodbye when he got to the door. The car was there. Just when I was about to leave and head home, I noticed just how sad he looked…
I decided to head off and not the cabin because I had torturing with Sherley in the morning also I really just wanted one night of good sleep.
"It's been a long day," I thought, pulling into the driveway noticing my mother sitting on the steps outside our house.
"How was your day Alex," she said while getting up.
"It was fine, but I'm really sleepy"
TWO MONTH LATTER….