We Will Never Not Be Different

Fernando

I grew up in a pretty standard life. I got the house in modern day suburbia, my parents are basically Barbie and Ken, and I got the girl I've always wanted. Our family understood what the American dream truly was. It took me a long time to realize that not everyone gets this kind of life. I didn't know that until I met Joseph. 

I met Joseph at a random street corner three years ago. I know that's a weird way to start this story but I'm being honest. He had just gotten a new hair cut and the clothes he was wearing fit him but I could tell it wasn't his style. He looked at he floor as he walked to where ever his destination was and he managed to bump into me. From just this context you would've assumed he'd apologize and we would never see each other again, but you would be wrong. He attempted to apologize but the words didn't fall out right so it sounded more like he had one too many drinks. This was the one time I didn't move on, I asked him if he wanted to celebrate tonight...

"I'm sorry, what would we be celebrating?" Odd question for someone who didn't even know me. Nothing about this felt out of the ordinary. 

"We would be celebrating  whatever meeting you are going too because I can tell it's good news when you are involved. And if it goes badly, we'll be celebrating a new found friendship between you and I," He laughed, which was understandable because this situation was quite ridiculous. Little did I know he wasn't laughing because of that. 

"You know, why the fuck not. I have nothing else going one. It's a no if there isn't booze though. I would die than be seen at a lame ass party. Send me the details," He hands me a Card with his contact information and goes on his way. He walked a little faster which symbolized that he was worried about being late. I didn't wait to text him. I was so glad to get a name to match his face. Joseph Phillips was the name I would never forget. 

 Fernando: 

5117 N Saintsburg St. Party starts at 7

Joseph:

That's hella far from my place. Your picking

me up at 6:30. 1320 W Pikeway apt #47. 

Fernando: 

I'll get you a Uber. I'm not being stuck as 

the designated driver. 

Joseph: 

Fine.

Fernando:

Fine.

_________

I was gonna get him his own Uber but I got that weird gut feeling and decided I'll be in the car. I've never gotten a feeling quite like that and I'm not sure how to explain it. There are some neighborhoods that I have never been too. Josephs' was one of those neighborhoods. Seeing run down places is not what I'm use to seeing and I will admitted I was startled when the car came to a stop. That meant that Joseph lived in these conditions. I watched as he shoved himself through a small crack of the door and practically jumped down the stairs. He didn't even hesitate to walk up to the car and get in. 

"Heyo, How did you know this was the car? I didn't send you the details,'' He fastened his seat belt  before answering me. 

"Take a look around, " I looked out the car window, "There is not one car as nice or as new as this one. This car sticks out," He ran his fingers through his hair. 

"That's fair. Most of the cars near me are close enough to new. What kind of dogs do you own," He gives me a puzzled look, "The way you exited the apartment made you look like you were keeping something in. I assumed it was a dog, unless you're a cat person". 

"Oh no, I don't own a pet. We move too much to take care of one. I was keeping my little sister inside. She throws a fit when I leave and will run down the stairs whenever she gets a chance. Toddlers should be included as pets at some point," I laughed but it apparently wasn't a joke. It actually made him more angry so I just let the conversation die out. We went the rest of the way in silence. Once we got to the party his energy flipped. He need this party more than I did. 

We got out of the car and into the front door. Joseph had disappeared into the crowd and I just went straight for the drinks. There was no need for me to supervise him at this point. I wanted to get to know him so I made it out to the fire pit where all of my friends were circled. They chanted my name until I sat to join them. I fit in pretty well and it just felt really nice to be apart of a group that could sit around and talk about everything. Usually groups like this embark in flames as the next argument starts, but we had nothing to argue about. There was nothing going on that bother us too bad. As far as we are concerned, life is pretty amazing. In the background you could find that some people didn't quite feel the same. And by some people I meant Joseph. He was in the corner downing beers like he was trying to fill up some void. I approached him to talk about it.

"Hey, you okay buddy? You are on your fifth beer in the last ten minutes. Want to talk about it?" I set Joseph off. He gave me his whole week update. The meeting that he got ready for today was to keep custody of his little sisters. He rents that apartment with his girlfriend to provide a shelter for the four little ones. His girlfriend doesn't sound kind but he isn't ready to let go. It was a whole whirl wind of fucked up situations and it was all from this week. Except that most of this has been going on for a while. He hops girlfriends as much as he does apartments because he needs help paying for them. His siblings are constantly getting the threats of removal because he has no stability. His whole world is crashing and no one is helping to prevent the inevitable end. But he has yet to realize that he has his new best friend standing here and lending him an arm. I didn't call my Mom before telling him that we have an extra house that he can move into while he is completing his education. I have never seen a man cry harder than when I tell him that. 

Before I realize whats going on, both of us head back to his house to grab everything and leave. My headed is throbbing from the fast development but I knew he needed this. He got all the stuff to fit into one suitcase and five backpacks. He grabbed the bags, I grab the kids, and we left before his now ex girlfriend came back from work. The world slowed back down when we walked through my front door. My parents were in the living room, they froze for a second before taking the kids to the bathroom to get washed up. They have never asked why I make decisions, they just assume I make all the right ones. I help Joseph through the house and into the house out back. We unpacked and the girls came in when we were finished. Joseph went to start dressing them and I stopped him. He needed to shower too. My parents and I got it all covered. 

When Joseph came back into the house we had set up all the extra beds and put the girls down. He cried again. He thanked us until he ran out of breath. My parents looked at me proudly but I'm still not quite sure how our world had changed since this morning. One guy bumped into me and now he lives with me. I don't regret it though. Joseph hugged me.

"Can you spend the night with me? That sounds really gay but I just need a really long hug. You could leave when I pass out," I just nodded and got in. When he wrapped his arms around me I knew he finally felt safe. Safe with a complete stranger. He didn't even know my name yet.