Chapter 3
1158 Words
Ace's point of view
A group of three guys strolled towards me. One of them I recognized as Miles the captain of the basketball team in the school.
“What's up man?” He stretched his hand on a handshake towards me which I accepted firmly.
“Sup?” I tend to raise my eyebrows when greeting and it wasn't a difference now.
“I'm Miles and this here is Jack and Nicky,” two others stretching their hands in a handshake.
“How may I help you?” These sorts of people don't just come and offer their hands in friendship.
“Ace right?” I nodded and took a seat at the now vacant chair Regina was previously on.
“Why are you at the rejects table?” his minions chuckled.
They had my attention now, “Rejects table?”
He nodded, “You know the table for those weird ass nerds.”
I smirked, drawing invisible circles on the table, “Sounds like something from a soap opera. Really dramatic”
“Anyways, that's how this is here,” It was Nicky who spoke now advancing towards me. Miles pushed him back by his chest.
I almost rolled my eyes there and there, “We come in peace though,” he laughed.
“Sure”
“You seem like a chill guy,” he paused and looked around, “We're heading to a restaurant downtown, join us”
I passed my glance by the three of them, my gaze lingered on the quiet one.
“Sure, why not?” Yeah, why not.
I was in a kind of clique in my previous school though this one doesn't seem like they would measure up. They seemed like the rich dumb kids we used to scam.
We exchanged numbers and he shared with me the location.
****
I was in a pissy mood all day, I haven't gotten laid in weeks now and it's going to take its toll on me. I needed a release that wasn't gotten through my hands.
The restaurant wasn't difficult to locate, by 7:30 I was there low-key wishing to head back but I didn't— not yet.
The only reason I agreed to come was because deep down a part of me didn't want to head back.
Julie and Eric were nice and welcome, very hospitable but it was hard to love your foster parents when the very first you did broke you in many ways.
“Glad you could make it man,” Miles' voice ran as his hand landed on my shoulder, I shrugged him off.
It was quiet in the restaurant, very few people were there and the only loud noises were from my crew.
We drew attention the moment we stepped in but only one thing caught my attention, I could have sworn I saw Regina but she was gone as quickly as I saw her.
I'm starting to imagine things again, running my fingers through my hair. I settled on the innermost seat by the wall.
“Good evening, welcome to Chucks” I knew I wasn't tripping. Regina stood in front of us in the same outfit she had on in school, a hairnet packed her lush black hair, a facecap over it and a yellow and red apron over her clothes. She obviously came here immediately after school.
The guys ignored her, “Regina?” She pulled her face cap lower as if that would cover her face.
“You know her?” A girl sitting on Nicky's lap asked, twirling her hair in her hand.
I turned to face Regina clearly, “Yeah, we go to the cane school”
Mindless nods went through, “What would you like to order?” She ignored us.
“Oh, I remember her. She's the one who lost her parents about two years ago. What's the name? Regina Campbell,” the others murmured in agreement.
I didn't know Regina's parents were dead, never even thought about it. My heart dipped looking at her strained expression, she was trying to act like she wasn't bothered but that act didn't work on me.
“What would you like to order?” She repeated, they gave their order this time around and she left. My stare went with her.
Our food was served in no time, the company was niceish but I just wasn't in the mood for it. If anything I wanted to go treat the bulge in my pants at home, glancing at Regina from time to time wasn't making it easier.
After a while, I relented and excused myself from the dinner. It wasn't possible for me to escape forever, at a point I had to go back.
I wasn't afraid, really I wasn't. I just don't want to have to face their smiles and soft voices that seem like they're just performing an act, like they are made to do it.
One shouldn't be this “ungrateful” considering I might be on the street with no idea when my next meal will be if not for them but it was easier said than done.
Pushing my thoughts to the back of my mind, I focused on the trail home.
Davis's face was the first I saw the moment I stepped foot into “my” home. Davis tolerated me, deep down I knew he didn't like me and wished his parents didn't decide to be charitable and adopt a problematic teenager. I couldn't blame him either.
“What's up, brother?” I winked at him and he eyed me from top to bottom.
“Where are you coming from?”
“Didn't know I answered to you, Mom,” his gaze hardened but I was past caring. Passing by him, I went into the house. He didn't come with me.
“Welcome home hunny,” Julie, my new foster mother, greeted me as I walked in.
Ace tried not to cringe physically, the endearment coming from her just felt weird on a whole different level.
“Good evening ma'am,” Julie said something about calling her mother but I wasn't really paying attention.
I tried to love them, I really did, but it didn't come easy considering I've been in nine foster homes.
“I'm quite tired, I'll be off to bed now” I interrupted and walked off before she could reply.
Alma opened her mouth as if to say something but just let it go with a sigh. I was thankful that she didn't force things and silently hoped I would warm up to them. The younger me would have done anything to have loving parents.
I lay on his bed with his shoes still on, my previous urge already gone. I stared at the ceiling, my mind calm for the first time in a while. Just one thought occupied my head—Regina.
- Writer
