Tales of the Underground: Blinded - 8. The Petty Thief

As I heard Mr. James gently tap his fingers against the steering wheel, I felt my heart begin to beat faster. He’s holding something back…thinking of how to say it.

“So Cy” He began finally finding the words “I believe we need to discuss how you speak with Owen Avery.” I let out a small laugh in relief and rolled my eyes “His father called me this evening and said you two are having difficulties getting along.”

“He’s a dick.” I let out “Thinks his shit don’t stink.”

Mr. James took a breath knowing this conversation wasn’t going to be easy “I understand you two come from different worlds…”

“It aint even that!” I defended shrugging my shoulders “I don’t have beef with Aaron, Noah and Carter. The problem is Owen thinks he’s better than me.”

“His father claims that you’re bullying him.” Mr. James continued trying to make a case.

“Cause he’s always on me about weak shit.” I dismissed looking back out the window “Every time I’ve spoken to him he tries to disrespect me, I’m not gonna let that fly, and I’m definitely not gonna go cry to daddy about it.”

“I’ve heard some of the things you’ve said.” He informed as his fingers began to tap faster “You take things pretty far. Drug use, divorce, gang signs…these jokes and actions will get you kicked out of school.”

I clicked my teeth and shook my head “Did he tell you that Owens the one who called my mom a drug addict first? or that he threatened to attack me?”

“Look can you…” he cut himself off and thought about it “Just from now on please…if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say it at all. I work with Owen’s father so you two need to at least be civil, understood?”

“I’m good” I mumbled “He’s the problem.”

“Alright well things should calm down from here.” He nodded “Like I said please just be on your best behavior.” I flashed him an angry look and shook my head “If it makes you feel better he wanted an apology from you but I refused. As far as I’m concerned you’re no more in the wrong than him.”

“Apology?” I laughed “How those guys see with their heads so far up their asses?”

“Language!” he quickly reprimanded pulling into the driveway “Now go wash up, dinner should be ready.”

I grunted and followed him out of the car and into the house, making sure to stop at the bathroom to get cleaned up first. I gazed into the mirror and gave myself a strong look of confidence, today went well...you can do this.

“Hey dear! How was school? How was practice? Do you think you’ll make the team? I’m sure you will!” Mrs. James rambled as I took what was becoming my normal seat.

I looked up at her but found myself quickly looking away “It was fine” I mumbled

“Really no one gave you a hard time or…”

“Mrs. James it was fine.” I repeated hoping to be left alone.

She took a breath but kept the smile on her face “Me and Walter have been talking…how about you drop the Mr. and Mrs. and just call us Nancy and Walter, I mean if that’s okay with you.”

“That works.” I mumbled not really caring either way.

“And you’ve got an eye appointment this weekend.” She pushed throwing more onto the fire.

“Alright I get it!” I lashed out just wanting a minute of silence. I felt everyone in the room begin to stare at me, trying to provoke guilt within me “Sorry” I sighed “I just…I’m tired.”

“Its okay, sometimes I forget how young you are…you just carry yourself so maturely.” She encouraged “Maybe you can tell us about your day later on.”

I kept silent for a few seconds before looking up “Maybe” I exhaled. The rest of dinner I did my best to keep as quiet as possible…call me an asshole but when I’m tired I just want to be left alone…in my own little world. The second dinner finished I showered and went right to bed, done with the day.

The next morning was just as annoying, waking up early, getting dressed in a uniform…fuck it’s only day 2 of the school year and I already want to throw in the towel! I’m not sure if I fell asleep on the ride to school or not, all I can say is once more that ride went by way too damn fast! The only difference was this time when I stepped out of the car I was on my own. I mean Aaron walked me to my locker but shit, he can’t hold my hand!

The second he disappeared around the corner I saw a far too familiar figure approaching “So Cy” Owen started with a smug grin “I believe you have something to say to me.”

I bit my tongue knowing he was expecting an apology “Walter told me if I don’t have nothin nice to say to not speak.”

I couldn’t help but smile as frustration began to bubble in him “Really? This is how you’re going to behave?”

“I know right?” I patronized “Never thought I’d be takin the high road, but shit every dog has his day.”

“I can’t believe I considered actually giving you a second chance.” He sneered “But it looks like you’ve made your bed.”

“Nah Nancy makes my bed I think.” I mocked still not paying him much attention “I don’t know why, I just mess it up again at night.”

“Watch your back Cy…you’re not in the Southside anymore.” I slammed my locker and turned towards him, making sure to keep my smile.

“and yet I still flame ya.” I spit back finally going on the attack “Think that shit speaks for itself.”

“Enjoy it while it lasts” he angrily smiled “We’ll throw you back to the hood soon enough.”

“Works for me.” I smiled slamming him as I began to walk away. As our bodies hit I lightly reached my hand into his pocket and transferred whatever I could grab into mine. “Just keep in mind I don’t play by your rules.”

“You think you scare me?” he called out as I disappeared into the crowd “You’re a nobody! A nothing!”

I quickly darted into the nearby bathroom and into one of the stalls so I could properly examine what I had copped. I pulled out a thick leather wallet and couldn’t help but laugh to myself. As I took another look at it I felt my smile begin to fade as I second guessed myself…I thought I was going to give this a real try? Am I really going to stoop down to pick pocketing people? I shook my head and popped open the wallet…FUCK YEAH I AM!

There’s something about stealing, about taking from someone…its always made me feel so alive. My whole life people took from me, they assumed they were so much better than I was, that I was worthless…well stealing is my way of evening the score…of shutting them the fuck up. As I pulled apart the main compartment I felt my eyes grow wide…who the fuck keeps a hundred dollar bill on em? What the fuck was he thinking? I quickly transferred the big bill from the wallet to my pocket before making my way out of the bathroom and to the main office. As I approached I took a deep breath and threw on another disguise.

“Excuse me” I meekly let out taking a trembling step into the office. The second the receptionists heard my words their eyes angrily darted to me. I felt them scan me up and down, judging me just like everyone else. I slowly walked up to the one who looked the least judgmental and took a breath “I…I fou…I…nevermind.” I shook doing my best to act nervous.

“No it’s okay honey!” the receptionist warmly encouraged “Is something wrong?”

“I just…I found this in the halls.” With a shaking hand I reached up and dropped the wallet on the counter “I-I…I just want to do the right thing!” I quickly uttered “I found it…I want to have a new start! But they’re gonna assume I stole it!”

“No they won’t.” she exhaled not sure what to say.

“They are!” I insisted in a shaky voice “They all…no one…they’re…I just want a new start!”

She scanned me once more and I saw empathy begin to fill her face “How about I just take it and say we found it outside the office, we won’t even mention someone turned it in.”

I gratefully nodded and forced a big smile “Can you…oh thank you!” I let out starting to back up towards the door.

“No problem!” she smiled acting as though she had just helped some hopeless charity “You’re doing a great job okay? You can get this fresh start I promise!”

“Thank you” I repeated in a quivering voice. I nodded once more and ran out into the hallway.

Like taking candy from a baby! Are these people really that stupid?! That was way too fucking easy! They need me to take from them…they need this wakeup call! I’m making them better people…more realistic people.

I went through the rest of the morning with a smile on my face and a benjamin in my pocket. Not even having that weird therapy lady attached to my hip could bother me. During Gym me and Carter snuck away and worked on our shots with Coach Murray…this is the best start to a day in a long time. Stealing, basketball…Carter…it was just nice.

“Do you need me to go to lunch with you?” The therapy woman poked as the afternoon bell rang.

I looked to her and sighed “Nah I know people there.”

“Are you sure…I wouldn’t want you to eat alone.” She smiled, doing her best to try and get my trust.

I sucked my teeth and started to walk away “I’m fine.”

“Okay! I’ll see you in time for biology!” She shouted as I ran down the back stairwell and wound up in the lunchroom.

As I approached I saw Owen standing at the table digging through his backpack “I know it’s somewhere in here!” he yelped “Are you sure you guys didn’t see it?”

“For the hundredth time no Owen!” Aaron sighed, just wanting to eat his lunch in peace.

I raised my eyebrows and smiled as I took my seat next to my foster brother “What’s happenin?”

“Owen lost his wallet.” Noah giggled “He’s totally freaking out.”

“I did not lose anything!” Owen shouted “and I am not freaking out!”

“That sounds like freaking out if I’ve ever heard it.” Carter laughed

Owen threw his bag over his shoulder and shot both of them daggers “This isn’t funny! I’m going to check my locker.” He announced waiting for support, a few seconds of silence passed as no one budged “Really none of you are going to help?!” he demanded “God why do I still talk to any of you!” he muttered walking away “Worthless idiots!” he let out under his breath.

“Karmas a bitch!” I cackled taking out my own lunch.

Aaron nodded his head and smiled “He does deserve that for the way he’s acted.”

“Bruh you want anything?” I sighed as I decided I didn’t want my brown bagged lunch.

“I’m fine.” Aaron let out shooting me a weird look “You don’t like your sandwich? Do you even have money?”

“Not feelin it today, and yeah I got some money, don’t look so surprised.” I let out acting offended

“Hey get me some airheads!” Noah shouted as I began to walk away.

I clicked my teeth and turned back “I aint charity! Aaron and I share a room so we’re cool.”

“Come on!” Noah whined “I’ll pay you back!”

“I ain’t your maid.” I shot back a few tables away.

As I finally reached the lunch line I realized what a rip off this school actually was. I mean these prices are so fucking dumb! 6 bucks for a small pizza? 2 dollars for a candy bar? What the fuck? I threw the pizza on my tray but used the disguise of the crowd to sneak some airheads into my pocket before walking up to the cashier. She rang me up and shot me a doubtful look as I handed her the hundred dollar bill.

“Don’t look at me like that.” I lashed out “My foster parents treat me just like everyone else around here.”

“Right sorry.” She quickly corrected giving me my change.

So far the keys to life round here are steal and act entitled or shy…this is gonna be a lot easier than I thought. As I returned to the table I reached into my pocket and threw a few air heads to Noah.

“Sweet!” He smiled “What do I owe you?”

“Nothin” I shook sitting down.

He gave me a confused look and stared at the candy in front of him “Come on, you don’t have to buy me things. What do I owe you?”

“Who said anything about buyin?” I giggled

“You didn’t!” Aaron demanded “Did you really just take all of that?”

“Nah I paid for the pizza, but shit candy here is way too much damn money.” I smiled “If you’re gonna charge through the ass for it you better make sure no one can steal it.”

“Cy!” Aaron shouted “What if you got caught? What if someone saw you? You said you were going to give this a try! You said you were going to be honest!”

“Chill, I never get caught.” I shrugged “and no one saw me.”

“Where’s the wallet?” Carter disappointingly exhaled, taking in all the information.

“That’s cold man.” I shook trying to play innocent “You can’t just assume shit.”

“What?” Noah poked not catching on.

Carter looked away then right to me “You took airheads, how do we know you didn’t take Owen’s missing wallet?”

“Is that how you have money?” Aaron demanded just as upset as Carter.

“This isn 20 questions, you can believe me or not, it’s that simple.” I finished, finally eating.

Carter moved his mouth around as disappointment spread on his face “I don’t.”

“That’s your issue then.” I dismissed wishing I hadn’t done Noah the favor.

“I’m going to have to tell…” Aaron began in a righteous tone.

“You’re gonna snitch on me?” I demanded “You serious?”

“Look my parents will want to…”

“I don’t give a shit who wants what.” I frustratedly laughed “If we’re cool like I thought we were you’ll bite your tongue. I take what I want, that’s how I am.”

“You ever stop to think about the repercussions.” Carter poked, trying to reach me.

“The what?” I shook, pushing the candy towards Noah “So help me god if you don’t eat them I will shove them down your throat.”

Noah quickly grabbed them off the table and began eating. “Repercussions” Carter repeated “The consequences…the after effect.”

“What after effect?” I exhaled not getting it

“Being caught and ruining your chances of making the basketball team? Or having us find out and losing all our trust.” He continued, not giving up.

“For the last time, I don’t get caught.” I insisted trying to get him to shut up.

“Well we caught you.” He pointed out.

I shook my head and played with my tray “You didn’t catch me; I thought you guys were cool and told you. I did Noah a favor and you guys fuckn crucify me.”

“Because it was wrong!” Aaron yelped.

“Says who?” I prodded “I’ll tell you what’s wrong, them chargin us 6 bucks for pizza and a few more for candy, they’re literally stealin from you and you don’t notice! Wake the fuck up!”

“Oh come on, what kind of conspiracy theo…” Carter began.

“You’re bein taken advantage of and you don’t even see it!” I interrupted “Down where I’m from you could get pizza, candy and a drink for 5 bucks, you guys got more money than god and somehow shits more expensive up here. Ever ask yourselves why that is?” They all gave me blank expressions as they thought about my words “Its cause you guys are blind as fuck! You let people take advantage of you because you follow some stupid rule mommy and daddy taught you when you was a kid.”

“It doesn’t matter what the price is, it’s wrong to steal.” Carter stubbornly exclaimed “Didn’t your mom ever teach you that?”

“Don’t got a mom. ”I snarled “had to steal to survive cause the women who gave birth to me was always too high to feed me. That’s the shit she taught me.”

“Well you’re not in that situation anymore, you don’t have to…” He began

I rolled my eyes and grabbed my bag “You just assume I’m wrong cause you grew up different.”

“Wrong or right what does it matter?” He shook “If you get caught they’ll throw you out, that should be more than enough incentive to stop.”

I shoved my chair in but as I started to walk away Carter quickly chased after me “Go away” I grunted trying to avoid him.

“I just…I want to make sure you know where I’m coming from here.” He smiled

“I got it.” I mumbled reaching my locker.

“No, I don’t think you do.” I threw my head into my locker and tried my best to ignore him “I’m doing this because you…you’re really cool, it’s nice to get a change of pace around here…you’re down to earth, and real…but…” the nerves slowly over took his voice as he tried his best to be sincere “Well for the last time you…they won’t let you stay if you steal” he shrugged his shoulders and got serious “and I want you to stay.”

I slammed my locker shut “Would you just shut the fuck up already?!” I exclaimed “What do I have to do to get you people to just leave me alone?” Carter went to speak but I slammed my fist against my locker to stop him “I get it, it feels good to help the poor little helpless kid, but I don’t want your damn charity! Just leave me the hell alone!”

“You think that’s how I see you?” he softly let out lightly grasping my hand which was still against the locker. The second he touched me a feeling I can’t explain jumped through me…the anger I was feeling seemed to fade…everything just seemed…okay. I quickly pulled my hand away and threw on my back pack “Cy...man, come on, I…I want to help because I’m your friend…I don’t see you as less than me okay?”

“Yeah.” I mumbled avoiding eye contact the best I could. He let out a deep breath and started to walk away “Carter…I’m serious…I get it.” I forced out, still not daring to look up. ‘

I spent the rest of my day in confusion…what was that? That feeling…that calmness that came with Carter’s touch…that spark…I…what? He’s a guy! He’s another man! What the hell is going on with me? This is all so fucked…this school…this side of town…it’s got me all sorts of messed up.

Basketball was a welcomed change. I did my best to zone out Carter and just focus on my playing but even then…those hazel eyes, neat brown hair and rosy face…just something about it all. As we broke up into separate teams I found that want to look at him fade. Once more we were on opposite sides of the ball and well…I really wanted to make the team. I played just like I did yesterday…if not better…I want to leave no doubt I belong on this team…no doubt I’m just as good as everyone else around here.

“Alright boys” Coach Murray announced grouping us all together “So I’ve got some hard news, instead of taking the 3 spots and 1 back up we’ve decided to cut it down to 2 and a player on back up. The backup player will go to Braxton and the last two spots go to Reed and Clare, the rest of you boys thank you…” The second I heard those names my hearing seemed to patter out…I’ve been cut? I-I…but I was the best one out there…I bought a full game…I did it all. I played defense, I passed, I scored…I crossed most of the varsity team up…hell I made them look childish. “Alright men that concludes try outs.” I heard the voice boom “Walker, can we speak?”

I shook my head and sucked my teeth but felt Carter’s hand give me an encouraging pat on the back. “What?” I muttered walking up to the big Coach.

“I get it you’re not happy with the results.” He began.

“Ya think?” I angrily spit

Coach Murray took a deep breath and looked at me “Look, we can offer you a spot on Junior Varsity, maybe if you prove yourself down there you can…”

“Prove myself down there?” I repeated interrupting him “Fuck that! I proved myself these last two days, I made most of your damn team look like children…and you…you guys would rather get rid of the spot than give it to me.”

“We’re actually not filling it to leave it open in case you do prove yourself.” He nodded trying to ignore my bad attitude. “I’m trying to believe in you but…”

“But what?” I forced staring him down.

“But I can’t trust your work ethic.” He concluded trying to match my stare.

I shook my head in disbelief “I spent all gym class training with Carter…what more do you want to see from me?”

“A good attitude, work ethic is about jumping when I say jump, and dancing when I say dance, you don’t work all that hard, and you don’t listen.” He answered, not backing down.

“When haven’t I listened?! And I bring 110%!” I demanded fire only growing stronger.

“When I told you to stop trying to be fancy, and you didn’t listen, and right now when I’m telling you I want you in JV you’re fighting me.” He replied starting to walk away “Not to mention you get lazy on defense, don’t follow your shots, and get annoyed when your passes get away from you.”

“Man!” I let out catching up to him “I didn’t do the fancy shit today did I? and isn’t it your job to fix all that little shit!”

“I can fix it if you’re willing to work for it, but evidently you’re not.” He exhaled reaching the stage “If you change your mind you know where to find me.”

“Whatever” I grunted storming off the court and to the locker room.

Carter patiently waited for me as I got my stuff together and walked with him back to the gym, not bothering to say anything “What was that about?” he gently poked

“Mind yo damn business!” I lashed out staring down at my feet.

“It couldn’t hurt you to vent.” He offered trying to be supportive.

“He wants me to play JV.” I muttered “Said somethin about me not listenin or workin hard.”

“Alright, well you can prove him wrong then. We all have to start somewhere.” He offered with a forced smile.

“Fuck that!” I let out as he led me into the parking lot and to his black Maserati…sometimes it’s hard to believe how rich these kids actually are “I earned respect, I earned a better chance than this.”

He rolled his eyes as we both climbed into the car “Didn’t peg you for a quitter.” He antagonized with a change of tone.

“Quitter?!” I yelped “You fuckin serious? You know I deserve better!”

“Okay, but I’m not the coach” he breathed “Take what you get and earn the spot.”

“That’s bullshit.” I grumbled in anger.

“Okay then prove him wrong.” He shrugged “School opens at 5am, prove you’re dedicated.”

I nodded my head to his words “I’ll make him eat his freakin words.”

“That might involve taking the JV spot though.” Carter let out “If that’s all you can get then take it.”

“Yeah okay.” I dismissed, already having made up my mind.

“Such a hard head.” He let out under his breath “You’re going to cost yourself the spot.”

“Then what?” I provoked “I mean that works for you doesn it? You get to stop playin with the poor kid.”

“For the last time that’s not how I see you.” He smiled “Basketball player or not, I like you…I just would also like to play basketball with you.”

“If you say so.” I mumbled staring out the window.

I heard Carter exhale a deep breath and felt his eyes drift to me as we reached a red light “We had this conversation, I like you okay.” Once more he reached out and met my hand with his, the same calming feeling overwhelmed me and suddenly the disappointment and frustration began to fade.

I quickly pulled it from him and caught a flash of myself in the side view mirror…gay or straight…basketball player or not…you’re from the hood…you’re nothin but a lowlife street rat…I looked deeper into my blind eye and felt the anger and frustration come back stronger…you don’t get happy endings, you don’t get love, you get hurt, kicked, beatin…life will only let you down…people will only let you down, snap back to reality Riley…snap back! “I don’t like you like that.” I growled staring at myself “Quit touchin me or talkin like I do.”

“Wh-what?” he forced out not sure what to say.

“I don’t like you like that.” I repeated with more fire in my voice “So cut that shit out.”

“Oh so just because I’m gay I have to…” he started, gaining some momentum.

“Don’t play that card!” I exclaimed “I see it in the way you talk to me, hell the way you freakin touch me! It can’t happen, so just leave it!”

“Can’t or won’t?” he let out as the light finally turned green.

“There aint a difference.” I snickered not daring to look at him.

“There’s a big difference.” He sheepishly offered starting to lose the confidence he gained “Can’t means it could…won’t means its not like that.”

“Well it’s not.” I insisted angrily pouting.

Carter let out another deep breath as we pulled onto my street “Maybe I am starting to like you like that…” he shyly admitted “but it’s not like you haven’t given me the signals!”

“I haven’t!” I shouted trying to scare him off.

“That’s why you got so weird that time at my house, or when you get weird in general when we start to get close…or today in the hallway when I touched your hand…I saw the look on your face…you even had it just now.” I heard him pull back a breath as he stared at me “I see right through you Riley…I have since I met you.”

“Don’t call me that!” I screamed “and don’t act like you know me! You don’t know shit!”

“Run from it if you want…but don’t blame me…you said you take what you want, but I don’t see you doing that right now.” He shrugged trying to gain confidence once more.

“Who the fuck said you’re what I want?” I growled “I should cut your tongue out just for what you’re sayin!”

“Then go ahead and do it.” He demanded as we pulled up to the house “You don’t scare me like you think you do.”

“Just…just drop this…forget it ever happened.” I dismissed opening the door.

“Why should I?” he pushed, going on the offensive.

“Cause it’s not happenin.” I denied “You wanna fall for me and get yourself hurt…then good! Go ahead! See if I care!”

“Good!” he yelled back matching my anger “Maybe I will! After all you’re starting to fall just as hard as me!”

“Go fuck yourself!” I barked slamming the door.

“Oh suck a dick!” he shouted rolling down the window. I turned to find him flashing me the middle finger, and had to fight off a smile in an effort to still look angry “HA!” he screamed “See! I’m going to break down that wall you built!”

“Bitch I’ll burry you!” I bellowed once more pouting “I aint into dudes!”

He let out a sarcastic laugh and kept his eyes on me “Could’ve fooled me with the way you stare!”

“Keep talkin Williams! You’ll need stitches when I’m done!” I growled trying to keep up with his trash talk.

“Is that a threat or a promise?” he smiled with a wink of his eye.

I shook my head, unlocked the front door and slammed it behind me. Carter can be such a freakin asshole! It’s like he doesn’t know when to just stop! When to leave me alone! And yet…that’s what I like about him…what has me startin to get all tripped up…he’s not like any other person I’ve met…those pretty boy looks and upbringing with a sharp attitude…I...maybe…huh…can’t hurt to see how far he takes this, can it?