Memories of a Street Rat - 1. Learning the Ropes

I stood in the deepest shadows at the mouth of the alley and looked to where the dim outer ring of light from the nearby street lamp cast its illumination onto the cracked and broken sidewalk. I felt much safer in the shadows, out of sight and unnoticed by anyone walking past. It was not like this was my first time walking around in a big city. I had lived in several around the world, but I was still adjusting to the fact that I did not have a home to go back to at the end of the night’s exploration in a city that was foreign to me. I also explored on my own which was new to me in the last few months. No parent or adult to guide me and keep me safe.

With one or two exceptions, the past couple months had not been kind to me, so I remained on guard. I briefly thought back to those two men I had met and stayed with on my first night in Richmond. For someone who picked up a young hitch hiker beside the highway, they seemed nice. Neither man had tried to do anything to me and even offered me a place to stay.

As I returned my focus to the present. Distractions from the past could be a hazard to situational awareness. I looked around from my vantage point at the edge of the dark alley. I could see men and women of various ages scattered about. It did not take a rocket scientist to figure out they were attempting to sell themselves or maybe the current drug they were pushing to whomever would pay. Hell, I had not been on the streets long and I had already sold myself a few times. One guy was leaning on the door of a car that had circled the block at least once since I arrived. He spoke with the driver through the open window briefly before getting in and riding off.

As I surveyed my surroundings and wished I had not turned this direction. I tried to keep track of where I was and how to most easily get back to my somewhat quiet home by the river, but learning a new city is complicated. It was easy to see the contrast between myself and those who had apparently worked the streets for a while. One guy visible to me had a hollow look as he mostly focused on the ground. He could not have been much older than me, yet had an aged look. As some random man walked down the sidewalk past the hollow guy, I could hear the boy offer. “I’ll suck you off for ten bucks.” His proposition was rewarded by a few kicks and an expletive laden tirade about the scum that inhabit the streets around the area.

Further down the street were what I guessed were a couple older hustlers or possibly drug dealers. Older as somewhere in their early to mid to 20’s instead of their late teens. They were busy on their phones and did not bother to make any sales pitch to the man walking. Instead, they waited until after the man had passed to grab him and slammed him into the wall of a nearby building. They pummeled him with their fists as he dropped to the ground into the fetal position in an attempt to protect himself. When he no longer put up any resistance, they quickly emptied his pockets of his wallet and cell phone, took his watch and ring, and yanked off his coat and shoes before taking off running. As they passed the younger guy who had received the initial beating, they dropped some money from the man’s wallet before telling the boy to get out of the area.

I stepped further back into the darkness of the alley and tried to blend into the shadows as much as I could, hoping they would not see me as a threat to their escape. One ran past the alley and kept going down the street at a fast pace while the other turned my direction and ran directly into me. As we both tumbled to the ground my hand latched onto a bottle that was below my palm. We both quickly jumped to our feet as I tried to focus on defending myself while he looked at me for a moment.

As he noticed the way I was holding the bottle to defend myself, he looked around quickly. “I’m not gonna hurt you. Not a safe place to be. Cops will probably be here soon. This way’s the quickest outa here.” With that he took off running.

I took one last glance around the street to see it had emptied of the few people who had been around. The man just laid groaning in obvious pain. I made a mental note to myself to try and avoid this area again if I could.

I followed at a near full out run for about four blocks, dodging dumpsters and other debris that littered our path. It was not that I intended to follow him, but he was going in the direction I needed to go to get back to the river. He stopped running and continued at a normal walk. I stopped a few yards behind him and likewise kept walking but making sure he stayed in front of me.

When he turned, I quickly told him, “I’m not really following you. You’re going the direction I needed to go. Besides, you’re the one that said this was the fastest way out of the area.”

“Good to know. Was starting to think you were gonna to try and turn me in or something.”

“Turn you in for what. I didn’t see anything but you walk past me.”

“Guess we understand each other little man.”

I nodded at him.

“You can lose the bottle. It’s not like you’d be able to use it on me and they’re a much better weapon if it’s broken.”

Remembering something I had worked hard on to learn and master while training beside some Marines in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. I was going to test the program’s motto of “One Mind, Any Weapon”. I tossed the bottle I was holding into the air knowing that it would either do what I hoped or would go smashing into a wall. The bottle spun once in the air like I wanted so that the mouth was facing down as it started to fall. I pivoted my body like I had done dozens of times practicing while doing my best to ignoring the pain from my broken ribs. When the bottle got to where I wanted it, I struck it with my outstretched foot and broke off the base, sending glass shards flying off to my right. As the foot I kicked the bottle with returned to the ground, I knelt down, never taking my eyes off the other guy and picked up the remains of the bottle by the neck. I held it up with the jagged edge pointing in his direction. “You mean when it’s broken like this?” I know it was showing off since I could have just as easily hit the bottle against the wall for the same end result, but I think he got the point I could and would put up a fight if needed.

His eyes grew large for a second before returning to a more guarded look. “Yep. That would do more damage in a fight. Looks like you got some moves. Maybe we should hire you to work security in the area. I’m guessing that black eye is from someone getting in a lucky shot.”

I had tried not to think about the new black eye I had from a recent trick catching me off guard or the fact he had reinjured my ribs when he thought it might be cool to take his cash back after services were rendered. I am not a violent person by nature, but I sure as hell will defend myself when I have to. And when I need to get away from someone dangerous. I ended up limping away from that john, but he it was questionable if he would be fathering any kids in the future. I consoled myself with the fact that I did not rob him when I left him lying in the alley like the guy I saw get the beating tonight.

He started walking again but kept taking quick glances back at me to see if I was following. I dropped the remains of the bottle into a nearby bin as I looked around to see where I needed to turn.

“Don’t think I’ve seen you around here before and you don’t look like you belong in the area. If you need a place to stay I could probably hook you up if you’re willing to work. If you catch my drift.”

“I got it covered for now at least. Just out exploring the area and finding my way around.”

“Unless you change your mind, you might want to keep clear of back there. The guy that runs things around here don’t like people trying to work his hood that ain’t paying his fee, but he’s always interested helping out people new to the area.”

“Good to know. I’ll keep it in mind.”

“If you decide you want a referral to work, I’d have to interview you. Ya know, just to see if you can at least suck dick good. I’m sure some fresh faced kid like you would be popular. Hell, even if you’re not looking for work, I’d let you blow me. An adrenalin rush from running like that always gets me horny and there ain’t no john’s or chicks around to swing on my meat at the moment.” He emphasized by groping his crotch.

“I haven’t had any complaints so far, but I’ll pass on that interview for now. Though I might let you blow me.” I really hoped I sounded more confident and tougher than I felt.

“No worries, little man. If you change your mind, just ask for Mario around here and I’ll get you hooked up with a bit of hot Latin burrito. You’d get protection from your co-workers and a discount on anything you needed to make the work go easier.”

“Let me guess. You’d get some kind of finder’s fee for bringing me in?”

“A dude’s gotta make some money and like I said, a fresh faced kid like you would be popular out here. It works kind of like Amway.” His laugh was unsettling.

“You sure you don’t need a place to crash? Bet we could have all kinds of fun.”

“I’m good for tonight at least. I’ll keep the offer in mind.”

He shrugged his shoulders and went to turn the opposite direction I was going to go before stopping and adding, “If you ever change your mind about giving me that blowjob, come look for me. I’ll let ya have the first load for free unless you go to work with us, then you might get my loads at both ends often.” He walked off laughing like it was the funniest thing ever.

I recognized a business on the corner that was coming up as one I had passed and knew I needed to turn there to head back to the river. As soon as I was out of sight of him, it felt like my heart was going to pound its way out of my chest. I had stayed relatively calm during our bazaar exchange, but now I felt worse about my situation if that was even possible and my ribs were killing me from acting like a showoff.

All I wanted was to go home, or to find myself in my bed and realize that the last few weeks had all been a bad dream. No matter how much I wanted it to be true the remaining pain from my ribs, plus the fresh black eye brought those thoughts to an end. I hoped I would never become the hollow shell of a teen that had received that beating earlier.

I knew enough about my situation that I would be offering myself up for sale again soon enough. When it happened, I wanted it to be on my terms if at all possible. I did not like the idea of working for a pimp who would take some or all of my earnings. Depending on how the streets are run, I might not have much choice though. At the moment I did have some money that could get me through for a while. As long as I did not get robbed, I would manage to eat for a while. I just wish I could find someplace indoors to sleep, but that would require something like taking Mario up on his offer or trusting those two guys that helped me out; neither seemed like a good option. I guess in my situation, at least having food was a bonus.

As my stomach growled, I remembered why I had originally left my hiding spot along the river. It really sucks when you are new in town. You do not know where to go even for the simplest things like food. Walking around it turned out I had been at times within a block of a few other cheap places I could have gotten something. I suppose I turned right thinking it was not worth going the extra block. Seeing mostly office buildings and the occasional nice restaurant did not give me hope of finding something inexpensive. Even with the money I had in my pocket, if it was going to cost more than two or three dollars it was too costly. The longer my money lasted, the longer I could go before I had to ask someone to pay me for sex. I did not realize how soon I would start receiving offers or accepting them. Hell, I had just received an offer from a hustler.

I did eventually find a store where I managed to buy a sandwich. As I re-entered Browns Island, I filled a water bottle I had at a drinking fountain before settling in at my hiding place to eat my food.

*****

A few months had passed. It was just after dark when I happened to walk through the neighborhood where I had seen the drug dealers and prostitutes not long after arriving in Richmond. I ended up going down the street I had carefully avoided since my original encounter. Following the directions I had, I did not realize where I was at first and I figured it was too late to try and find an alternate route. Maybe if I kept my head down and did not look at anyone I would be fine. Even in the cool weather there was plenty of activity around. I could see hookers and a couple of hustlers or dealers scattered about, checking their phones mostly as if standing around was the most natural thing. It was not a lot of them, but it was obvious what was going on if you paid attention. Just as it was obvious when a car stopped at the corner ahead, rolled down its window and exchanged cash for a small packet. I guess the fact that I had been working the streets to sell myself also added to the realization of what was going on.

A quarter of the way down the block, sitting on the ground was a guy that appeared to be homeless. He had long dreadlocks partially covering his face. There were a few boxes around him and a blanket plus a dirty sleeping bag. Even with the other homeless people I had been living around down by the river, it still made me shiver to think this was most likely my future if I lived that long. As I passed, he asked, “Spare some change?”

I had put what money I made by selling myself on the streets, including from that afternoon’s trick, in the bank account I had gotten with the help of the guys that drove me into Richmond. I kept ten dollars on me, but had spent seven of it on food I hoped would last two or three days. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the three dollars I had left on me and held it out to him. “Here, it’s the last of what I’ve got.”

“Maybe you should keep it kid.”

“It’s okay. I’ve got enough food for a day or so and I’m sure I’ll make some more before I need to get more. Looks like you need it more than I do tonight.”

“You working the streets?”

“When I get hungry or need some money to wash my clothes.”

“Let me guess. Prep school kid going through a rebellious faze that ran away from home? I’m more use to guys like you escorting on Grindr or some other hook-up site.”

“More like gay kid that got kicked to the street when the parents found out I like to suck dick. Besides, no cell phone anymore so I have to do it the old fashioned way.”

His tone softened a little, “You got a place to stay?”

“Sort of. Not exactly a roof over my head but I feel somewhat safe there, so looks like we’re in the same boat.”

“So you’re telling me that you’ve been living on the streets, hustling for food money and you were willing to give me the last of what you got thinking I might need it more than you?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Pretty much covers it. I’ve had a few people help me out some since I got here so figured if you need something for food or whatever, may as well give you a couple dollars. Just means I have to find some guy with a kid fetish to suck off or get to blow me before my food runs out.”

“You been working in this neighborhood?”

“Naw… I accidently passed through here a couple months ago. One of the guys that was working let me know to keep clear of here if I’m working. We talked a little when he ran into me after I didn’t see someone get mugged. Didn’t realize where I was tonight until I turned the corner back there. If I didn’t have to walk through to get someplace I’d have stayed clear so I don’t cause any problems. But the directions I was given take me through here.”

“Is the guy you talked to out on the street tonight?”

I glanced around and didn’t see him. “Not sure, but I don’t think so. It was a couple months ago, so don’t really remember what he looked like, besides it was kinda dark. Think the guy said his name was Mario. Offered to interview me if I wanted a referral to work around here or a place to stay. Wasn’t sure if he was joking or not. Told him I’d pass.”

“I bet he did. Wasn’t no joke if he made the offer. He likes to “interview” young guys like you and sometimes try to run them behind my back or taking a cut after I get mine. Only been one mugging around here and it was a while ago. Kinda remember him saying he met a possible that the clientele would love. You must be that little dude with the moves. He thought you might actually kick his ass after some trick with a bottle. Gonna have to have a talk with him before he causes me some serious trouble.”

“He did kind of describe it like working for Amway. I’d had a bad week and didn’t want him thinking I wouldn’t put up a fight if needed. I don’t want to cause trouble for anyone. It was all harmless talk before we went our separate ways.”

He stood up and waved his hand in the air. One of the women working down the street walked towards us. “What’s up Ty? The kid wanting his first go with a real woman?”

“The kids passing through the neighborhood. I want you to walk with him and make sure no one hassles him, especially any of the boys. If you ever see him walking by, keep him company for a few blocks and if anyone tries messing with him, especially my people, let them know he’s under my protection around here.”

“Sure thing. Not like you to be so generous.”

“Call it professional courtesy. The kid is on the streets and offered me the last of his cash thinking I might need food more than him.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card that just said Ty and had a phone number on it. Handing me the card along with returning the cash I had given him. “If anyone messes with you in the area, either find one of the girls or call me. I’d say find one of the guys, but they’d likely be trying to hook up with you or be the one hassling you. You’re not working in my neighborhood so I’m not going to tell you what to do. If you need a roof over your head or any Johns get rough with you, I can put you to work for me, but I take a cut for protection. Either way, be careful. Some of the dudes that try to hook up with young guys like you are sick fucks. Tonia, get him to where he’s going.”

*****

Tonia and I walked off in silence. The entire exchange with the local pimp seemed surreal in retrospect. I was offered protection for anytime I walk through the area, and it was an area I still wanted to avoid whenever possible. Now I was being escorted through the neighborhood by a hooker under the orders of her pimp. All of this because I offered him the last of the cash I had on me.

After about a block, she started trying to make conversation. “I’m not used to seeing him help out like that. Not that Ty’s a bad guy, but he just doesn’t go out of the way for people and he is running a business.”

“It’s not like I did much. He has the homeless look down good. I’d already eaten today and looked like he needed to and I know I’ll be working sooner or later.”

“Most people, including the cops, ignore him. He can keep an eye on things and he’s protective of the people that work for him. If anyone messes with one of his people, they in for a world of hurt.”

“I think I saw that in action the first time I accidentally walked down that street. Some guy got a pretty good beating after kicking someone my age for offering to blow him.”

“I think I know the one you’re talking about. He was usually strung out on something, but Ty always tried to make sure he stayed safe.”

“Tried?”

“He OD’ed a couple weeks ago.”

“I’m sorry. It all seems weird to me. I never thought I’d be turning tricks to survive.”

“Honey… None of us ever thought we’d be doing it. It’s either letting some slob fuck you for five minute, blow some guy in need of a shower that’s sneaking out on his wife, or try and clean houses or flip burgers for minimum wage or less.”

“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to sound like I was whining about it.”

“I understand and it’s rough to be on the streets. Can I give you some advice?”

“Sure.”

“A lot of our type get hooked on something. It numbs the pain and blocks out what we’re doing and some use it as an escape when they OD. If you can stay clean, you might just survive.” We crossed one more street, “You should be good from here to where ever it is your going. If you come back this way tonight and anyone bothers you, just tell them Ty’s protecting you.”

“Thanks. I’m sorry if I lost you any work prospects tonight.”

“It was nice having someone respectful to talk to tonight. Ty will make it up to me. I’ll just tell him he needs to throw me a good fuck tonight and we’ll call it even.” She laughed as she held her fingers quite a few inches apart indicating that Ty was hung.

*****

I eventually made it to my destination and waited until it was time for me to arrive. It was a respectable looking suburban home just beyond the busy central core of the city. It really did not look like a place someone lived full time, though it was well kept. Maybe someplace to occasionally stay, but was probably more often used as a convenient place to bring tricks without any hassle of getting caught or having his real house robbed. Might not even be his place. It did not really matter as long as it was not a setup of some type. That did not seem likely as he had become a semi regular.

I cautiously entered the house through the open front door. Just beyond the entry hall, kneeling in a dimly lit living room was an older gentleman. Older by the standards of a sixteen year old and using gentleman in the loosest sense. He waited naked as I closed the front door behind me. Naked except for the leather collar with short leash hanging down his chest and a ball gag. The man had a decent body and obviously tried to keep in shape.

The cash he had promised from our earlier meeting was on the entry table. His wallet, cell phone, and car keys were all sitting there as well. Right next to a photo ID badge emblazoned with the insignia for the Virginia House of Delegates; an (R) featured prominently next to his name. His brief case was sitting under the table and his clothes were neatly folded on a chair beside it. He was either very brave by leaving those things sitting out in the open or very stupid since I could have been out the door with all the loot and driving off in his car before he could manage to get up to chase after me. If that happened, he would have to chase me naked. Hell, he really had no way of knowing if I would show up by myself or not so I just figured he was stupid for continually hiring a teenage hustler.

I pocketed the money before I began to strip off my coat and shirt. Taking note of an extra bill in the pile would require giving him a reward of some type or maybe added punishment; same thing really. I knew he wanted to see me naked, but he would have to earn that somehow. I picked up the leather strap from the table. It would soon be leaving bright red stripes across his ass and back before I got down to the business of fuck him. I might make use of the handcuffs that were with the strap if he did not keep his hands in check. I hung those from the back of my jeans. It would be at least the second time that day of him getting me off.

By the time I left, I had far more respect for the pimp and hookers I had met than I did for this politician. Everyone I had been around tonight, including myself, was breaking a law of some type. Somehow this state official who had sucked me off on five prior occations, including that afternoon, just beyond the green grassy park of the Capitol building seemed like the real scum. At least I had money for food again and would put the rest into savings for any emergency, just like what he paid me earlier in the day. Since he paid well, I knew I would probably be hooking up with him a few more times, at least until I looked like I was older and no longer of interest to him. It was kind of fun having an adult that wanted me to dominate him and he made a fairly good bitch. Since he liked it rough, I could take out some aggression on an adult for the tricks that tried to get rough with me.

I stayed clear of Ty’s area as much as possible, but if I was forced to walk through the neighborhood, no one ever bothered me. After dark if Ty was out keeping an eye on things, he would send one of his ladies to walk with me after we chatted for a bit. He never let any of the guys walk me through the area and if Mario saw me he stayed well clear for some reason. Ty joked once it was professional courtesy since I never tried to work in his territory. Whatever it was, it was a strange arrangement all because I tried to give him the last of what I had on me that night.

Even though it has been several years now since I got off the streets, my time there and the things I have seen are the source of most of my nightmares. Slowly as some things come to the surface, I write about them as a way of finally dealing with them. It is still hard for me to write about a lot of what I went through on the streets and thinking too much about the details will still give me nightmares. Still, I write and if nothing else I lock those papers up someplace where hopefully the memories can reside someplace other than my mind.