Page 73 of The Fire Between High & Lo (Elements 2)

“They do,” I said. “If they’re given a chance, people can change.”

She swallowed hard. “I hope you’re right.”

The moment we made it to Ma’s, I asked Erika if she was coming up, and she declined, looking around. “I’ll stay here.”

“It’s safer inside.”

“No. It’s fine. I don’t do too good seeing…that kind of lifestyle.”

I didn’t blame her. “I’ll be down in a few.” My eyes darted around the darkened streets, and I saw a few people hanging out on the street corners, just like when I was a kid. Maybe Erika was somewhat right. Maybe some people, things, and places never changed.

But I had to hope that some did.

Otherwise, what exactly was I doing with myself?

“Just don’t take forever, okay? Kellan’s show is starting in forty-five minutes.” Erika said.

“I guess we shouldn’t have spent like two hours standing in front of plates, huh?”

She flipped me off. A term of endearment, I bet. “I’ll be out fast. Are you okay out here?”

“I’m fine. Just hurry.”

“Hey, Erika?” I said, climbing out of the car.

“Yeah?” My eyes once again glanced to the people on the corners, looking our way.

“Lock your doors.”

***

I didn’t know what I was walking into. I knew it would be bad, but I guess I didn’t know how bad off Ma was. Kellan always kept those conversations short, telling me that I had to worry about making myself better instead of me worrying about making sure Ma was good.

Now it was his turn to take his own advice.

But that meant that someone had to step up and check in on her, and it had to be me. And I couldn’t let Kellan down when he needed me the most.

The front door was unlocked, which worried me enough to make my gut tighten. The apartment was completely trashed with beer cans, vodka bottles, empty pill bottles, and dirty clothes all over the place.

“Jesus, Ma…” I murmured to myself, somewhat shocked.

The same broken-down couch set in front of the same disgusting coffee table. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t spot the baggie of coke on the table.

I snapped my bracelet.

Just breathe.

“Get off!” I heard screamed from the kitchen, Ma’s voice loud and fearful. My heart dropped to my stomach and I was back in hell. I hurried into the room, ready to tear my father away from her, knowing that whenever she screamed, his fists were finding their way to her soul.

But when I stepped into the room, she was alone, having a panic attack. She aggressively scratched at her skin causing it to turn red. “Get off of me! Get off of me!” She hollered louder and louder.

I held my hands up and walked in her direction. “Ma. What are you doing?”

“They’re all over me!” she screamed.

“What’s all over you?”

“The roaches! They are everywhere! The roaches are all over me. Help me Kellan! Get this shit off of me!”