I was sitting huddled on the curve with my hands resting in my lap it's January and was snowing heavily tonight.

Occupied people too busy with their own personal concerns or worries pass me by like I didn't even exist.

"Do you have, any spare change?" I asked this woman who was wearing a burgundy red sweater and blue Levi jeans she also had on a black trench coat.

Tiny white flakes of snow falling her shoulder as she paused for a second to look at me.

"Drop dead you bum!" She hissed.

"I ain't got nothing for anybody!" Especially not some, teenage hoodlum like you!

She shouted.

"Sorry to bother you." I mutter.

"I don't need no apology!" Now piss off all right and leave, me alone!

The short tempered woman barked.

Getting up from the curve with my hands buried comfortably in my pocket.

I started trudging through the freezing cold snow that in my opinion wasn't going to stop anytime soon.

I don't got any money no friends or family ever since I was 7 I've been living literally on the streets of New York.

I'm currently 14 years old I attend a charter school up here and in order to stay in school I have to work just like anyone else.

I know what you think I'm a minor I can't be working life isn't fair but you gotta make the most of it.

I can't remember if I'm originally from New York or someplace else.

On my wrist is an ID bracelet with the name Nicholas written on it with an inscription that read.

"For my precious son and the, reason for living the light of my life, Nicky."

"Love Mom"

I had nowhere in particular that I wanted to go or visit swinging by this local food joint since I had a little money but not a lot I ordered myself a diet Dr pepper despite the fact that it was cold out but I was thirsty. "Hey there, stranger how's it going..?"

Hard-working friendly yet sometimes sort of flirty Zera Zimmerman a waitress at the restaurant had called out to me she was carrying out a variety of different orders from hungry customers.

"Are you here, for food...?" Or my cell phone number? She smirked.

"Actually no, sorry." I joked.

Sliding my ass in a chair situated around the nearest table at the restaurant.

She frowns pouting her lips clearly trying to make me feel guilty for rejecting her again.

I rejected her at least five times but she keeps flirting with me a minor.

"You suck just like, my ex!" She gunts.

"He cheated on you!" Not me so don't take, your frustration out on me!

"Zera!" I stated.

"Ouch!" Someone at the restaurant eating hamburgers laughed.

"Zera got burned..!"

A woman who was breastfeeding her daughter chuckles.

I think her name was Mona she works as a sales clerk downtown. If she ever finds out that her husband has been cheating on her with his secretary she'd catch a heart attack.

I mow their lawn on the weekends. And I sometimes hear it stuff.

Adults getting frisky.

"Shut the, hell up Mona!" Zera spat.

"Laugh at me, if you want!" She begin saying holding a dish towel in her hands.

"Daryl has been, cheating on you!"

"With your sister!" So ha!

Zera announced.

For everyone to hear.

"Oh, crap!" I groan.

And hurriedly chugging down my drink I got up from the table then without even so much as looking at either women I pay for my drink before leaving...

That night when I had left the restaurant I slept on a park bench in the cold.

Luckily I didn't freeze to death cuz I found a blanket in a dumpster.

It smelled awful but kept me warm for the night. To be homeless was difficult to not have anyone was even harder.

Early the next day I was up at around 8:00 getting ready to leave for work.

At a slaughterhouse. I get paid $96 an hour every day I save up every penny.

Yesterday I said I had no money but that wasn't exactly true I just don't like to spend unnecessarily.

I've been making plans to split this place the bustling streets of New York.

When I have enough money I can finally buy myself a train ticket for California.

Jogging to work I began thinking that perhaps the bracelet with the name Nicholas inscribed on it was mine.

I mean how else could it be in my possession? If I wasn't the owner...?

Butchering animal meat isn't exactly what I'd call fun but at least it gives me the chance to see what having a job feels like.

At 14 years old.

I arrived at the meatry fast by taking a well-known shortcut. "Finally there, you are get over here, and come help!"

Whistled my employer Darrell Jackson owner of the slaughterhouse.

"I just got 50 lb of raw meat today." He says scratching his chin.

"Listen I'm going to need it chopped up as soon as possible."

"Understand..?" He asked.

"Yes, sir." I said in reply. Reaching for these thick gloves that I usually use.

"Get it done, by 2:00 today." He says.

"And you'll receive, a huge tip!"

He winked.

Not dilly-dallying around I got straight to work putting on my gloves I started cutting up the 50 lb of meat.

Honestly the smell was unbearable but then again I was used to it.

I actually ended up finishing the job just like Darrel had wanted. He of course who is a man of his word rewarded me with an envelope that to my surprise had money in it "oh, wow thank you Mr Jackson!"

I stated in an excited voice. Absolutely blown away by his kindness.

"It's my pleasure, kid." He says.

"You deserve, it."

He laughs.

"Now you can, head for Los Angeles search whatever parents you have, out there."

"And be, reunited with your family. He comments.

"I.. I hope, so truly." I stated.

"Now get out of here!"

He suggested.

"Thanks again sir." I smiled.

"We, can keep in touch." He says.

Writing down his phone number that way I can call him when I get there.

"For sure, yes!" I reply.

"Stay out of trouble." He warned me.

"I promise." I laughed.

He would usually tell me you don't go looking for trouble but it always comes looking for you. "Goodbye Mr Jackson." I said as I hugged him the only person who was ever kind to me.

"See, you soon Asher!" He utters patting me on the back.