Page 12 of Black
And so we did.
Of course I tried to object at first, but even I could tell he meant business and a small part of me wasn’t sorry at all. Even though I’m kind of a loner and I prefer to do things my own way, I can’t always afford to let pride rule me. Beggars can’t be choosers and all.
Gabriel was quiet and thoughtful on the drive from Kirkland to his place in Seattle, but that was okay. The people I hang with all have quirky personalities, so I dealt just fine with silence and brooding.
His apartment was small but offered a great view of Union Lake.
“I’ve rented the place for the summer,” he said as we entered. “It’s not much but it was either this or staying with my parents,” he added and threw his keys on the kitchen table.
“Make yourself comfortable, Black, there are sodas in the fridge and I’ll be right back.”
“You know that rhymed, right?” I said dryly and kicked off my black boots.
He disappeared into his bedroom while I took a seat on the large couch, which was comfortable and soft. Sleeping here would be much nicer than on the floor in the supply room at The Inn.
Gabriel was only gone for a few minutes and when he returned he looked very different in jeans and a t-shirt.
I knew he was eight years older than me, but I felt like we could be the same age… maybe it’s because I feel much older than my years, which isn’t so odd, since my childhood stopped when I was fourteen, and I’ve been the only responsible adult in my life since then. The kind of shit I’ve seen makes you grow up real fast.
Gabriel sat down next to me. “We need to talk.”
I didn’t like his intense glance as he turned toward me, tugging his right leg up under him and leaning his elbow on the back of the couch.
“How long have you been sleeping in a closet?” he asked.
“It’s not a closet, it’s a supply room.”
“How long?”
“Years.”
“How many years?”
“More than you’ve been abroad.”
He sighed. “Black, I need you to be honest with me and tell me what the hell happened to you.”
“Shitty parents is what happened to me,” I said with a mild snort.
“Why didn’t you come to us for help?” he asked. “We’re your family.”
I gave a bigger snort. “I did. When I ran away from my mom’s house, I went to see Brent, but he told me he was sorry I had been born and paid me two hundred dollars to stay away from him and his family.”
“Christ.” Gabriel rubbed his forehead with frustration. “Well, just so we’re clear, whether or not Brent likes it,youarepart of our family too,” he said with resolve.
“Not according to Brent, I’m not.”
“Well, he’s a jerk. Now tell me, why did you run away from your mom’s house in the first place?”
I didn’t like to think about it. Even less did I like to talk about it, so I set my boundaries like I do best and told my new Uncle G, “That’s none of your business.”
He didn’t blink but fired off his next question.
“Did you go to high school?”
“Uh-huh, four.”
“Four years?” he asked.
