Home Is Where The Heart Is, Chapter 6

I turn over and look at the clock. I'm surprised to see it's 10 in the morning. I don't usually sleep more than a few hours a night, so I must have been exhausted. But I guess almost getting the shit beaten out of you does that to a person. I yawn and stretch and sit up when the cleaning lady knocks on the door and walks into the room. "Hello, miss. Is there anything that you want washed?" I shake my head and she smiles and leaves the room, shutting the door behind her. I think briefly about having a shower but decide against it for now. Right now, I'd like some food.

I change into my regular clothes and head upstairs to the kitchen. I hesitate before opening the fridge. What if someone comes in and throws me out? It sounds crazy, but Doug could be waiting for me somewhere. Maybe I should have just let him do whatever to me. At least then I wouldn't be scared he's looking for me somewhere. I don't like having to watch my back all the time. Oh well, too late to change things now.

"Good morning, Mick." I jump about 10 feet in the air and turn around to see Shay smiling at me.

"You scared the shit outta me."

"Sorry, thought you heard me coming up the stairs." I shake my head. "Looking for something to eat?"

"Yeah, wasn't sure if I was allowed to get it myself." He pushes past me and starts rooting through the fridge.

"Since it's almost 11 and almost lunch, how about some mac and cheese?" I nod and lean against the counter.

"Sounds good. But don't people usually keep the boxes in the cupboard?" He shuts the fridge and stands up straight.

"Yup. I couldn't find anything in there but eggs, and we had those yesterday."

"Eggs would have been fine again. I'm not too picky." He shrugs and goes to a big cupboard, opening the door and finding a box of KD. I've never actually had mac and cheese before, so I watch with interest as he puts a pot of water on the stove and turns the burner on high.

"So how'd you sleep lastnight?"

"Like the dead."

"Geoff said you came by around 3." I nod and cross my arms, looking across the kitchen at Shay. I wonder what exactly Geoff had told him about last night. "I saw you at Doug's last night." I nod again.

"Yeah, didn't go over so well." Shay smiles.

"So I've been hearing. I was walking back here when I saw Doug walking up and down the street. Said you took off and that Geoff was hiding you here. I got back after you'd gone to sleep."

"What did Geoff tell you'd happened?" His smile gets bigger.

"That you bit Doug. Which I think you should get a medal for. 'Bout time someone stood up to him."

"Dunno. I think I should have just let him do whatever and gotten outta there. 'Least he wouldn't be after me." The smile leaves his face and is replaced with a frown.

"Don't even think like that. He gets mean and has hurt lots of girls. Some have ended up pretty bad. You're lucky you got away." I shrug and look down at my feet. "And besides, you've got people looking out for you. If he tries anything he won't get far." I don't answer him. I have to wonder again why they're doing this for me. I'm no one special. I don't want to owe anyone anything. I watch as Shay pours the noodles into the boiling water and sets the timer on the stove. "So you gonna stick around today or take off again?" I shrug again.

"Dunno. I don't need to get anything or whatever. Guess I could stay here."

"I think it'd be the best thing for now. Doug doesn't give up easily."

"Yeah I noticed. I figured he'd be out of commission for a while. Long enough for me to get away anyway. Guess not."

"His temper's pretty bad. He's been in and out of anger management for it. Doesn't seem to ever help."

"Sounds like someone I used to know." Shay's expression softens and I wonder again what Geoff told him last night.

"Geoff didn't tell me anything, just that you've had a hard life."

"I guess."

"You don't need to tell me if you don't want to, don't worry. I'm not expecting a story over lunch or anything." Just then the timer goes off. I watch again as Shay dumps the water into a strainer and sets the pot on the counter. He drains the water and pours the noodles back in the pot, adding butter, some bright orange powder, and milk to the noodles. He stirs it up and I realize why it's called "mac and cheese". My stomach rumbles as Shay gets two bowls and two spoons. He offers me a bowl and I take it. I peer down into the bowl before taking a bite. "Ever had KD before?" I shake my head. "Are you serious? It's like, the best food ever. Should be it's own food group."

"It's pretty good. Thanks." He shakes his head and sits down at the table.

"'Pretty good' she says. Ha. Just wait, you'll be addicted in no time." Surprising myself, I eat everything in the bowl. "Told yah it's good." I nod and hand him the bowl. He rinses it off and sets it in the sink beside his bowl. "Wanna watch t.v or something? Or a movie?"

"Sure."

"I got some movies in my room, come on." I follow him down to the basement and into his room. It's not as clean as Geoff's but it doesn't smell like smoke. "Sorry 'bout the mess. I don't usually have too many visitors."

"It's not that messy." He kneels down in front of his t.v and looks through his collection of movies. "Want the door shut?"

"Don't matter." I decide to keep it open and stand beside his bed. He turns around to look at me.

"You can sit down, you know. It's not a crime or anything." I sit on the edge of his bed and look around the room. There's a few posters on the walls.

"You like country?"

"Yeah, I grew up in Georgia."

"Why'd you move here?"

"My dad's in the Military so I moved around a lot. Soon as I turned 18 I said 'screw you' and took off on my own." I don't say anything more and he continues looking through his movies. "Okay, so do you like horror or action?"

Home Is Where The Heart Is, Chapter 5

"So what did he do to make you bite him?" I cross my arms, following Geoff down to the basement.

"Dunno. He made me feel weird and uncomfortable."

"He does that to people. I'd tell you to not take it seriously, but I probably would have if I were in your situation. He's scared off more than a few girls."

"Like I said, I can take care of myself." He opens the door to the room I met him in and walks in, I follow behind.

"Don't doubt that. Your nails are freakishly long." I look down at them and shrug. "Have a seat." I shake my head and lean against the wall. Geoff sits down and picks up the remote. "Something wrong with my couches?" He looks over at me and smiles.

"No. It's just a long story."

"Yeah, I heard from Shay."

"Heard what?"

"Nothin' really. Just that you have a long and boring story." I nod.

"Sounds about right."

"Do you at least sit on the floor? I feel weird with you standing there."

"Yeah, floor's are okay." I take a seat on the floor in front of one of the couches and lean against the edge. More comfy than standing, I guess. "Why are you doing this for me? You never met me before last night. Most people don't care." He shrugs.

"Doesn't seem right to me, you being so young. Thought I'd help you out a little, even if only just for a night."

"Well like I told Shay, I'm not a charity case and I can take care of myself. Been doing just fine." He looks over at me, a small frown on his face.

"Yeah, I can see that. What if it'd been someone else's yard you jumped into? And I hadn't of stopped Doug from gettin' you?" I shrug, not answering him. "Thought so. Look, I know you don't want my help, but you need it, at least from what I can tell. You're 17 for fuck sakes. 17 year olds don't belong on the streets, selling their bodies." I stand up, my temper flaring.

"Maybe you should have told my dad that when he kicked me out of my house. I don't need you telling me what I do and don't need, thanks very much."

"I didn't mean to get you mad Mick, I was just sayin'." I sit back down, my temper subsiding.

"I know, sorry. I'm not used to people helping me. I've had to take care of myself for 7 years. It's weird having someone want to help me."

"Why did your dad throw you out?"

"I dunno. I came home one day from school and my clothes were lying on the porch. He'd changed the locks and everything. I didn't stick around to find out why."

"How'd you get to Detroit? Shay told me you lived in Maine."

"Yeah. I babysat the kids across the street and had money saved up. He forgot about the attic window and I got in that way. I got my money and some other stuff and got out of there."

"Sounds like a bastard." I nod.

"He was."

"What about your mom or siblings?"

"My mom died when I was 6 and my sister left when I was 8 to live with our aunt."

"Why didn't you go with her?" I look around the room. I feel like I've said too much already. I hardly know this guy. But oddly, it feels good to finally tell someone.

"My dad went to rehab twice for drinking. He pretended everything was fine and dandy and I had to live with him since he was cured. Eventually they closed the case file and never saw us again. By that time I was being beaten up almost every night."

"I'm sorry Mick." I look up at him in surprise.

"Sorry?"

"Yes, sorry. I assume no one's ever said that to you before?" I shake my head, picking at the carpet with my fingers.

"I've never told anyone before this."

"Why did you tell me? You don't seem the type to trust easily." I shrug.

"I have no idea really. I guess it's just nice to tell someone."

"Well I'm flattered you told me. I have to go into work early tonight if you wanna sleep in my bed again. I'd offer Shay's but I dunno if he's coming back tonight or not."

"I saw him at Doug's with a girl."

"That was Becky. They've been friends since they were kids. They get pretty friendly and a lotta people think they're goin' out."

"They don't like eachother?"

"Not like that. I don't think they ever will."

"You got a girl?"

"Nah. I'm focused on work right now, not really looking for anyone. You with anyone?"

"Nope, my one and only boyfriend turned out to be an asshole, so I've given up. For now anyways."

"You're young yet. You'll find someone."

"I'm not a child."

"I know, that's not how I meant it. I meant you've still got time to find someone." I smile slightly.

"I know, I was kidding. And really, thanks for all this."

"Don't mention it, I'm happy to. You tired?" I nod.

"Yeah, pretty tired actually. I didn't sleep well last night."

"Shay told me you were up same time as him at like 7:30, I can imagine you're pretty tired. Come on, I'll get you to bed." We both get up and he walks down the short hallway and opens his bedroom door. I take off my jacket and shoes while he pulls the blanket down for me. I drop onto the bed and lay down, falling asleep almost instantly.

Home Is Where The Heart Is, Chapter 4

I stuff the wad of bills into my pocket and slip my shoes on, done with my first house for the night. I take a paper out of my pocket by random. I sigh and start heading in that direction. Doug lives in the same neighbourhood as Geoff so at least I have some clue as to where he lives. I've never even heard of the street Manny lives on, and that's saying something considering I've lived here for 2 years.

I stick my hands on my pockets and amble down the street, taking my time. I don't particularly enjoy this type of work, but when I was thrown out of my house, I was at a loss of what to do with myself. After my mom died when I was 6 my dad went crazy. He started drinking and soon became abusive. Enough so that he would beat on my sister and I when he was drunk. My sister didn't put up with it for very long. She called the police and Children's Services got involved. He went to rehab and 3 months later we went to live back with him. It didn't take long for him to return to drinking.

By that time I was 7 and my sister was 16. The police were called again, and again he went to rehab. Almost 6 months after that he was deemed cured and I was sent back to live with him again. My sister got the choice of living with him or with our aunt. She chose our aunt. I didn't get a choice since I was only 8 and on the outside he seemed like the perfect father.

He made a big effort of attending my school functions and portraying the widowed father roll. Everyone believed him, even Children's Services and soon they shut our case file for good. But at home when he didn't have to pretend, it was much worse. He beat me on a regular basis. Sometimes almost daily. I was too scared to tell anyone, so the abuse went on for almost two years when he met his new wife, Doreen. By this time I had just turned 10.

After he met her, he pretty much ignored me. It was a nice change and I was finally starting to feel happy again. One day after school I came home to find a small bag on my doorstep with my clothing in it. My dad had changed the locks while I was gone and the windows were all locked. That day, June 12th, was almost 7 years ago.

I sigh and knock on Doug's door. He comes to the door a few seconds later and lets me in. His place smells like stale smoke. "The bedroom's down the hall, first door on the right. Give me a few minutes." As I'm passing the living room I spot Shay and some girl sitting beside eachother on one of the couches. He's got his arm around her shoulders and she's whispering into his ear. I think of waving hello but they don't see me, so I open Doug's bedroom door and close it behind me.

His room smells worse than the rest of the house, but I'm pretty used to it, so it doesn't bother me much. There's clothes all over the floor and an overflowing ashtray. There's nowhere to put my jacket so I keep it on and cross the small room, leaning against the wall opposite the door. Ten minutes later, just as I'm about to leave, Doug opens the door and enters the room. "Sorry, hadda get rid of those two." I stand up straight as he walks toward me.

"No worries." He lays down on the bed and removes his shirt. I'm not very excited about my clothes being on his lack of floor, but it doesn't really work if they're on me, so I take off my jacket and lay it carefully on the edge of the bed, followed by my pants and shirt. I've been blessed with a small enough chest that I don't need to wear a bra, which suits me just fine. I've heard they're annoying and just a nuisance, so I'm glad I don't need to wear one. It's also handy when I need to dress quickly.

Doug's eyes travel across my body in a way that makes me uncomfortable. It kind of throws me off and I become clumsy and shy. "Somethin' wrong?" I shake my head and crawl over to him. "Good. I've heard you're good and I wanna get my money's worth." I've been told things like that before and it's never really bothered me until now. It troubles my already troubled state of mind and I hesitate while removing his pants. A frown makes its' way onto Doug's face so I kneel over his lap. A smile replaces the frown and he takes me by surprise when he flips me over onto my back. "Much better." It comes out in a low growl and I'm suddenly scared for my safety. Something about this doesn't seem right to me.

"I prefer top." His hands slide up and down my body.

"I'm paying you, you do what I want." I try to wiggle myself out from under him, but he's way bigger than me and a lot stronger. "Where do you think you're goin'?" He pins my arms over my head with his hands and lays his body on me. I can hardly breathe cause he so heavy. He presses his lips hard against mine and then pulls back. "You're not goin' anywhere. I'm gonna get me my money's worth." I nod, a plan forming in my head. I was taken advantage of before and I won't ever let it happen again.

He let's go of my hands and sits back on the bed. I spot a belt laying on the floor and grab it. He smiles and holds out his hand. I shake my head. "Nope, this is for you." I look behind him at his bed frame. It's not very big, but it'll do. "Lay down and put your hands above your head." He does as I tell him and I move to tie his hands to the bed frame with the belt. I pull to make sure he can't get out easily and then slide back down his body, my head over his lap. I almost throw up at the thought of having to touch him, but leaving him like this isn't enough. He's got to be hurting, too.

He moans deeply as I remove his boxers. I work his body all the right ways, keeping my mind elsewhere, hoping the belt will hold up. I've never bitten a guy out of anger and it's not something I'm exactly excited about doing. When he's close I bend my head down, take a deep breath, and bite him hard. For good measure I dig my long nails into his leg, breaking the skin and making him bleed. "Ow! You fucking bitch! What the fuck is your problem!? Ow, fuck!" I grab my clothes and glare down at him while pulling on my pants.

"You are, you stupid asshole." I pull on my tank top and grab my jacket, bolting from his bedroom, down the hall, and out of his house. Half a block down I stop running and slow to a walk, looking behind me but seeing no one. I'm glad it's 3 in the morning and there's no one around.

"Stupid bitch, get the fuck back here. I'm not done with you!" I spot Doug running up behind me and take off down the street. I'm a pretty fast runner but Doug's got to be at least 6 foot and he's catching up to me quickly. I wonder what the hell I'm going to do when I turn the corner and spot Geoff's house. I thank my lucky stars and make myself run faster, hopping the fence and hiding under a bush. There's two lights on in the basement and I wonder how I'm going to get in there without Doug knowing. I don't really want to hide out under the bush until morning.

I jump slightly as Doug hops the fence and lands a few feet from my hiding place. "Where are you, you whore? Think you can fucking bite me and get away with it?" I push myself as far into the fence as I can and hope that there's no light in the backyard.

"Doug? What the fuck are you doing out here? It's 3 in the morning and my parents are sleeping."

"That little bitch bit my dick and ran off. She's in your yard and I'm looking for her."

"What? Mick?" I watch Doug limp around the yard, peering under bushes.

"Yeah, whatever her name was. She fucking bit me."

"Any reason she might'a done that Doug?"

"I was just havin' a little fun."

"Well maybe she's not used to your type of fun. Now get outta my yard before I call the cops." My heart almost stops as Doug walks closer to the bush I'm hiding under. "Now Doug, get out."

"Fuck you Geoff. Whatever, I'm outta here." I breathe a quiet sigh of relief as Doug's feet walk away from my hiding place, around the side of the house, and out into the street.

"Mickey? Are you out there? He's gone." I crawl slowly out from under the bush and when Geoff spots me he walks over to me. "I'm sorry, Mick. If I had of known he was going to call on you I would have told you not to show up." I shrug.

"Doesn't matter. I'm gonna go. Thanks." I turn around to hop back over the fence but Geoff grabs my arm. I look back at him and then down at my arm. He doesn't let go.

"He doesn't give up easily, it'd be safer for you to lay low until he gives up."

"I can take care of myself." A small smile pulls at his lips.

"You really bit him?" I nod and cross my arms.

"Scratched him, too."

"Can't say he didn't deserve it. Come on, I'll feel a lot better when I know you're safe." I shrug but follow him into the house anyway. In all honesty I'd feel safer inside with him than outside where Doug could be waiting for me. But I doubt I'll admit that to anyone.

Home Is Where The Heart Is, Chapter 3

Swift throws an arm over my shoulder and hugs me close to him. "So Mickey, how was your night? You're back kinda late, eh?" I just look at him.

"Get off me Swift. And it's none'a your damn business how my night was."

"Ooooh, that good, huh? Come on, I can keep a secret."

"God Swift, it's 9 in the morning, you're drunk already?"

"Not already, still." I shake my head and shrug away from him. "So come on, tell me. Who was he?"

"That's still none of your business."

"You're no fun. Mo would'a told me."

"Yeah well, Mo's a self proclaimed whore. No surprise there."

"If she's a whore, wha'does that make you, huh?"

"Oh come on Swift, leave poor Mickey alone. You know she likes her secrets."

"Hitch, hey, how goes it?" Swift and Hitch do that stupid guy half hug thing and Hitch looks at me.

"Hey Mick." I stare at him but don't say anything. We used to be involved and I have no idea what I saw in him. He's a class A asshole. I made the mistake of telling him a secret or two and he went and blabbed about it to whoever would listen. It's taken me a long time to get my reputation back up. And thanks to him, I've never trusted anyone since. "You not gonna talk to me, Mick?"

"I haven't seen you in two years Henry, what makes you think I wanna talk to you?" Swift looks at Hitch with a silly grin.

"Henry, eh?" Hitch glares at him and the silly grin leaves his face. Poor Swift.

"Hitch, you're an ass."

"Come now Mickey, that's not what you used to call me, remember?"

"It's pretty pathetic that you think I'm still interested. Like I give a shit about you now."

"That hurts, Mickey, really. And here I was just dropping in to tell you a happy birthday." Swift looks at me.

"It's your birthday? Well shit, I didn't get you a present."

"No worries, Swift. I don't want any. I'll see you later, 'kay?"

"Okay Mick, see yah." I stick my hands in my pockets and continue walking down the street. I should have known it would never work, that it was only a matter of time until he found me here. Not like I was really hiding myself that well. I turn in the direction of the train station, wondering when the next train is leaving. I'm going to miss Detroit, but I think I've overstayed my welcome. I've never been in one place for so long anyway. It's time for a change.

I come to the train station to find a train getting ready to leave. I walk up to someone heaving boxes into the train. "Hey, when's this train leaving?" He looks at me before answering.

"'Bout half an hour. But this train isn't for passengers."

"I know, was just wondering, thanks."

"You planning to run away from home, little lady?"

"Well I guess that would work if I actually had a home." He just looks at me and then crosses his arms across his chest.

"You a runnaway?"

"In a manner of speaking. Why do you care anyhow?"

"You look like you're what, 14, 15?"

"17."

"17. Where are your parents? Doesn't anyone care that you're out in the streets?"

"Nope, no one cares."

"Oh, I'm sure your parents do."

"So I guess caring counts as kicking your kid out, hmm, news to me. Thanks for the info. Have fun." I turn around and walk away in the opposite direction, back to where Swift and Hitch were. Maybe I could wait a couple more days to leave. Save up some money first, stock up on some things. Yep, good plan. I decide to go to Don's, even though he's probably not up yet Polly will be. I don't think she ever sleeps.

I knock on the door and sure enough, Polly opens it. "He's sleeping."

"I know. Thought I'd hang around 'til he wakes up. I need a few names from him."

"Right. Sure. I can get you some." Polly disappears into Don's bedroom and comes out a minute later with 4 slips of paper.

"Don wanted me to give these to you anyway. They came by earlier." I take them from her and look at the names. Two of them seem familiar. Manny and Doug. Oh God, those are the guys from Geoff's. Great. The two others I've never met before.

"Thanks. Tell Donny I said hi."

"Will do. See yah Mick."

"Bye." I exit the building and turn left. I take a smoke and lighter out of my pocket and light it, taking a drag. I haven't had a smoke since last night and it feels good. It makes me think back to earlier this morning, talking to Shay. And that makes me think of the papers in my pocket. I sigh mentally as Swift and Mo come walking down the street toward me. Mo has this insane idea that we're in a contest with eachother. She's always bragging about how many guys she lands and how much money she gets from them. As if I care.

"Hey Mick. Saw you down by the trains. Planning to skip out on us?" I take another drag.

"Now what would give you that impression?" Mo shrugs.

"Maybe 'cause trains go places. And lots of people take trains to go places."

"Nah. Just seeing what was in the boxes."

"Also saw you comin' out of Don's."

"Also heard it's nonna your business. See yah Swift." I walk past them and continue down the street, finishing my smoke and flicking the butt onto the road. Isn't turning 17 supposed to be a good thing? Seems all today's been is crap. Hopefully it gets over with soon and I can get on with it.

Home Is Where The Heart Is, Chapter 2

I roll over and look at the clock. It's 7 in the morning and I only slept for two hours. I never sleep well when I'm in a different bed, which is quite often. I'm amazed that I can actually function some days. I can tell I'm going to be tired today. I jump up when the door opens and a lady walks in. "Oh, miss I'm sorry! I was just coming in to change the sheets and gather the laundry." I climb out of the bed and grab my jacket.

"That's okay, I was just leaving anyway."

"Would you like me to wash your clothing, miss?" I look at my pile of clothes at the end of the bed.

"Um, I guess, if you want." She smiles kindly at me.

"It's no trouble at all. The kitchen is upstairs if you're hungry." As if on cue, my stomach rumbles. The woman smiles again and puts my clothes in the laundry basket she's carrying. I back out the door and turn just in time to run into someone coming out of the door across the hall.

"Shoot, sorry, didn't see you there." I look up and recognize the guy I ran into as Shay.

"S'okay, probably should have walked forwards." He smiles.

"You staying? I was just heading upstairs to make myself some breakfast."

"Sure, I mean, the lady is washing my clothes for me."

"Great, follow me." He goes to touch my shoulder but I shrug away from him and instead follow him up the stairs. He leads me to the kitchen and I lean against the counter, crossing my arms, watching him flit around the kitchen. "Any special requests? I make a mean BLT."

"Sorry, I'm allergic to tomatoes."

"Really, wow. Okay, anything you want?" My stomach rumbles again.

"I'm not picky. Make whatever you were planning to have and I'll probably eat it."

"How's an omelette sound? Ham, cheese, peppers?" I nod.

"Sounds good to me."

"You're welcome to sit." I shake my head.

"No, I'm good, thanks though." He cracks a few eggs into a bowl.

"I noticed you declined Geoff's invite to sit lastnight, too. What's up with that?" I shrug.

"It's a long story, I guess."

"I like long stories." I look down at my feet.

"It's not very interesting." He looks at me and smiles.

"I like boring stories too, we're in luck."

"Maybe another time."

"I'll hold you to that." I watch as he moves around the kitchen, making our breakfast. "All done. You're gonna stand and eat?" I look at the counter but nod.

"Yep."

"Mind if I sit?" I take a plate from him and set it on the counter.

"Go for it." He pulls out a chair at the table and sits down, starting in on his omelette. Despite how hungry I am, I pick at my food, only eating a few bites. It's really good, but I just can't bring myself to eat more.

"So, how'd your parents come up with Mickey?"

"It's highly embarrassing."

"Oh come on. It can't be any worse than mine."

"You first." He smiles and shoves a bite of egg into his mouth.

"Okay, well I was supposed to be a girl and they were going to name me Shaylynne. But surprise, wasn't, so they shortened it to Shay. Lucky me, eh?"

"Mine's worse."

"Hit me." I take another small bite.

"When my sister was younger she was obsessed with Mickey Mouse and my parents let her name me. Surprise, surprise, she picked Mickey. She wanted the mouse, too, but thankfully they didn't put that part in." Shay chuckles and I look up at him.

"Well, I guess you win. This time. But don't worry, I'll win for something." He turns back to his food for a few minutes before looking back over at me, this time with a small frown on his face. "I have kind of a personal question. But I understand if you don't want to answer it." I groan mentally, already knowing what it is. "How exactly did you get into this, er, line of work?"

"That's another long and boring story for another time."

"Okay, I understand. Is there anything you want to tell me?"

"Like what?"

"I dunno, like stuff about yourself."

"Well, I dunno. I guess I'm not very interesting."

"Oh please. There's got to be something. Where'd you grow up?"

"Maine."

"Wow, that's not next door. Any reason you moved to Michigan?"

"That's part of the long and boring story."

"Fair enough. You smoke?"

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"Lastnight when I first saw you. Whenever someone that doesn't smoke walks into that room they're coughing like crazy. All you did was blink."

"It stung a little, but I'm used to it." He nods while getting up and rinsing off his plate.

"You done?" I nod and hand him the plate. "You didn't eat much." I shrug.

"I'm not a big eater, I guess." After he's done rinsing my plate he turns around and leans against the counter, facing me.

"Do you have a place to stay?" I cross my arms and look down at my feet.

"Yeah."

"If you wanna stay here for a few days, I'm sure Geoff wouldn't mind." I look back up at Shay.

"Look, I appreciate the shower and the clothes and the food, but I'm not a charity case, okay? I can take care of myself just fine."

"And I don't doubt that. I was just simply offering a place to sleep if you need or want it." I nod.

"Well thanks anyway, but I'll be fine." Just then the cleaning lady comes up from the basement with my folded, clean clothes.

"Here you are, miss. Just came out of the dryer." I take them from her and set them on the counter beside me. Shay pushes off the counter and heads for the basement.

"Hang on there, Mickey. I got something for you." I count to 52 in my head before he comes back up to the kitchen, carrying something in his hand. He walks over to me and hands me a small wad of bills, the one on the outside is a 20. "Here, Geoff gave me this to give to you." I take the money and stick it in my back pocket.

"Thanks." He shrugs and I get the impression I hurt his feelings.

"Not my money, but I'll pass along the message."

"Here miss, I've got a bag for your clothes." The lady hands me a small backpack and I stick my clothes in it, swinging it over my shoulder while heading for the door.

"Good luck, Mickey." The door closes before I can say thanks.