Relinquish(28)

“This is as good as it gets for me,” I respond softly, glancing around our apartment. Lost in my own torment, I didn’t even realize Jayden moved from her spot toward me until I feel both of her hands grasp mine in comfort. I look down at our joined palms then up at Jayden.

“We can go check this Mick guy out, and if you don’t like it,” she pauses and shifts on her feet, “we’ll figure something out.” She gives my hand a light squeeze. “It’s up to us to climb our way to the top, Charlie, and thanks to our parents and the failed system of family services, it won’t be in a respectful way.”

I nod, knowing exactly what she means, but I want to wait until we have no other option. Which won’t be long.

“Just let me think about it.”





NINE


CHARLIE


Two Weeks Later

“Okay, you distract him with…” Jayden pauses, looking at my chest.

“My tits,” I finish her sentence, laughing.

“Yeah, push them out your top some.” She reaches forward and grabs my boobs, pushing them upward in my black ripped shirt hanging off my shoulder.

“That did nothing.” She bites her lips, still pressing on me. I roll my eyes and place my hands on my hips as she manhandles my small tits.

“I think I could have managed pushing my own boobs up.” I laugh.

“Then do it,” she huffs, taking her palms off me.

I shrug. “It won’t work. I don’t have the massive boobs you need to create cleavage.”

“Okay, I’ll do the distracting.” Jayden pulls her white tank top down and presses her breasts upward. I’d rather do the stealing anyway. I haven’t seen how good Jayden is at stealing, and the last thing we need is to get caught.

“Damn, why don’t you push them up a hint more, give him a nipple shot,” I tease, flicking her tit.

“Ouch, ho!” Jayden hisses, grabbing her boob.

“This calls for desperate times. Rent’s due next week along with utility bills, and we need food with what’s left over. So I’ll distract and you steal the booze,” she instructs, making me laugh. Not being able to afford booze is not a desperate situation, but I could use a drink, that’s for sure.

I nod, knowing the plan. It’s not my first time stealing, after all. I’ve stolen food from markets, clothes for the winter, and I’ve also been caught before, so I know what not to do, as well.

Jayden walks in and heads right to the counter where the store clerk stands, looking at a magazine. I sneak toward the back of the store where a sign reads ‘liquor’. I quietly open the door to the cooler and grab a twelve-pack of beer. My heart hammers against my chest with excitement, the idea I could get caught a high.

“Oh, my God, is that a real tattoo?” Jayden flirts, her voice echoing through the store.

I grab the beer and try to shove it down my shirt. After failing miserably, I head toward the exit quickly, turning my back toward Jayden and the short store clerk when I pass. I spot a package of pink snowball cakes and grab one on my way out.

I step across the street and wait for Jayden to leave the store. As soon as she walks out, she spots me leaning against the wall and runs toward me with a huge grin.

“Run! Go!” she squeals. I hold my hands against my chest to keep the beer from slipping out and sprint.

I laugh so hard I can barely keep up. I trip over my feet and nearly wipe out from giggling so hard. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard it hurt.

I stop two blocks away to catch my breath.

“Did you get it?” Jayden huffs, out of breath. I glare at her mock-offense. Growing up in care, stealing is second-nature. You do it to live. Sometimes you steal for fun, but not often.

“Yes, I got it.” I’m not sure how she missed it with them sticking halfway out of my top. I pull the beer out from under my shirt and hand it to her. “I got these, too.” I toss over the cakes, and her eyes light up.

“Fuck yeah!” she praises. “Let’s get drunk and plan our future, Charlie.” Jayden turns, walking down our block.

“About the pimp?” I question, still out of breath.

“Yeah. I mean, if you want to.” She looks at me, squinting from the sun.

“What do you think we should do?” I prod, finally catching my breath. I can actually say this is the one time I’m not sure what I want to do.

“I think we should do it. Making some money and not having to worry about paying rent and where our next meal comes from doesn’t sound like the worst thing in the world. To be honest, I’m sick of mac and cheese, and ramen noodles.” She laughs.

“I’m sick of it, too. Eating cheap can food and noodles is only tolerable for so long. I can’t get a job, and giving sexual favors isn’t the worst,” I respond. If I could just get my heart to wrap around the idea of it, I would be okay. My soul is telling me I’m selling myself short, but my mind is telling me it’s easy f*cking money.

I sigh. In the realm of things, it’ll keep us safe. It’ll keep Jayden safe.

“Let’s check it out. Let the motel and this Mick guy do the selling, see what he has to offer,” I finally agree.

“Sounds like a plan.” She rips a beer can from the plastic, handing me the rest as she digs in her pocket.