A Different Path

Chapter 12 - Name Calling

"This kid is annoying," another said, and I knew I couldn't take it any more. I got up and grabbed my crutch, trying to leave as quickly as I could.

"Awh, you used too big of words! Ya scared him away!" One yelled as I left, and I started to cry, slipping out of the room and into the alley.

I continued to walk for just a bit while I cried harder and harder, feeling as though I couldn't breathe. Once I couldn't walk any further I sat down in the alley I was now closest to, breaking down completely. I threw my crutch down the alley out of pure anger, then looking at my foot, growing angrier yet.

"Why don't you work!" I yelled, as though it would be able to answer me. I then kicked it a few times with my own left foot, causing me to scream out in pain and close my eyes tightly.

"Crutchie, stop!" I heard, suddenly being held back by someone. When I opened my eyes it was Race, looking worried. "What happened?" He spoke quietly, sitting down beside me and letting go. 

"These kids kept saying I was dumb, that I was annoying and irritating, that I was one of Jack's projects," I sobbed, my breathing sharp. 

"You know that ain't true," Race tried to reassure me, but I just shook my head.

"It must be true if I've gone my entire life hearing people say those things to me," I still felt like I could be sick any moment, and was having trouble taking a full breath. "I ain't even worth it, no one gives a damn about me," I began ranting, not looking at Race.

"Crutchie, that isn't true." He began, and I could feel his eyes on me. "A bunch of us fellas give a damn, and you know that Jack and I care the most," he said, but I shook my head.

"Apparently I'm just one of Jack's 'projects' that he'll toss to the side like I'm nothing," I had began to cough a bit as I spoke, likely due to the sobbing and not being able to breathe properly. "I should've known this was all too good to be true, I should've known," I put my head back in my hands, my foot in an incredible amount of pain.

"Those kids have no idea what they're talking about. Jack has taken care of some boys in the past, yeah, but they only stayed with him for a day or two until they got back on their feet. When he found you, Jack told me that he hoped you'd stay with him rather than go to the lodging house." As he spoke, I couldn't bring myself to believe him.

"He was right," was all I could say back, looking back up at Race.

"Who?"

"My Dad always told me that no one would love me and I didn't deserve happiness, and he was right," my breathing became sharper yet, my heart aching.

"So many people here love you, especially Jack." Race insisted, and I finally began to believe what he was saying.

"I dunno why he does," I said, looking away from Race once again.

"Why wouldn't he?" Race asked, and I wiped my face dry before more tears streamed down them.

"I ain't worth his time. He could have someone so much better. Someone who isn't a constant issue and doesn't break down every other day." Once I finished talking, footsteps caught my attention, and as I looked to my right, Jack was in the alley, looking upset.

"You really think that?" He asked, walking over to me. He knelt down so we were at the same level, glancing at Race. "I was listening to what you were sayin', and Race is right." He smiled kindly at me, and I began to feel better. "Those boys know nothing about me. And I truly mean it when I say that you aren't an issue, you ain't dumb or irritating, or any of the other stuff they said about you. I know it's probably hard to believe me, but who should you listen to. Race and I, two people who actually know you, or a couple of kids who don't even know your last name?" I looked down, feeling guilty.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice still shaky.

"There isn't anything to be sorry for. We ain't mad," Race said, and I looked back up at him, smiling just a little. 

"We won't ever be mad at you for having emotions," I looked at Jack now, feeling oddly speechless. "Your Dad doesn't know the first thing about you, either. Everything he has ever said to you are lies. He said that shit to make himself feel better by bringing someone else down." Once Jack finished talking I pulled him in for a tight hug, finally calmed down fully. "C'mon, let's go home," he said, helping me to stand. Race brought me my crutch and smiled at me as we left, not saying a word.

As we laid down to sleep I remained quiet, mainly due to my foot hurting badly. Jack played with my hair for a bit before sighing, smiling at me.

"You hurt yourself bad, didn't you?" He asked, and I nodded silently. "Just take it easy for a few days." He spoke quietly, and I shifted in so I could rest my forehead on his chest. 

"Thank you," I whispered, closing my eyes to sleep.

"Not a problem," he whispered back, and I felt my heart flutter as he spoke, feeling beyond happy to hear those words.

"Thanks for bein' so patient with me, though," I continued, already drifting off.

"Thanks for being patient with me, too," he said, his breathing slowing as he began to fall asleep as well. Only a few more minutes passed before I was able to fall asleep, a smile still on my face.

(word count - 2932)