Chapter 4 ASHES OF THE BOY

On a gloomy day as the sky looked cloudy with the promise of rain, Sam can remember how he felt the first few months in Laos International High School, he remembered how he would go for days without ever talking to anyone in class, he had secluded himself from other students at the time, then comes Troy one of the few people who actually went out of their way to talk to Sam.

Troy has always had a funny way of getting people to open up to him, he was one of people he can call an acquaintance that made sure to keep him on the loop regarding the customs and norms of the school as well as the city at large. Troy spoke a great deal of his childhood trauma which prompted Sam to be more open to Troy about his own emotional trauma.

The pair instantly got along on the precipice of shared trauma but Sam remained wary of Troy because he is still new to town. Sam hadn't known Troy for long to build trust in him. Sam asked Troy again in school what the gig was all about, Troy replied are you ready to skip school now? Sam reluctantly nodded yes. Okay, I'm only letting you in Sam cos you are my pal okay? This has to stay between us. Troy swore Sam to secrecy and Sam nodded back in approval. There is a man named Mr. Reddington, that's the name of my boss I work with so basically the job is very easy. We skip school just two times in a week at random times to avoid suspicion then we help Mr. Reddington carry a package around the city and he pays 100 dollars per delivery.

What!!!!??? Sam exclaimed. I haven't even gotten to the best part, listen after the package is delivered after the weekly audit, he sends a bonus of 300 dollars weekly. Can I ask what is inside the package? Troy replied listen, the less you know the better, just get your money up doesn't matter what is inside the package man. He looked at Troy for a minute and said I can't do anything illegal Troy plus I'm new to the city I don't know that many places to go around making deliveries. What if we get caught by the school or worse by the police, we aint adults yet if we are caught my uncle could get in a lot of trouble for child negligence and I can get in a lot of trouble too. Troy was becoming visibly angry and said to Sam if you know you wanna make money you've gotta man up and stop being a pussy, you spoke about how great your dad was Sam but remember this is not Neverland, this city is unforgiving and unkind to the poor and you need money trust me if not for yourself think about your little sister, you can literally get her a nanny and also finance your school tuition for any top universities. All you've gotta do is deliver package around the city man, and as for the directions don't worry ill hook you up with the way we move around every nukes and cranny of the city. You won't get caught, look I won't tell you to what I myself wouldn't do now quit whining and act like a man. It is on you now to make a decision Sam.

John being the only male figure of the family Sam looks up to; Sam wondered at times how hard it must be for his uncle to foot the bills of the family without complaining or making a fuss about it despite the fact that they have nothing to show for it. He wondered if getting this money Troy suggested can help mitigate the effect and the load of responsibility on his uncle's neck. They live in a rented apartment with the house looking empty and empty as days go by because John sells the house appliance just to make up for the debt the family is into. He took the time clock from his pocket as he ruminates in his room, pacing back and forth the room, the time clock signifies a point in their family history, perhaps this was the time he started taking actions and trying to force back the cold hand of life's cruelty and give the family a hope out of this financial dilemma. He then concluded that in the next day, he would tell Troy to give him time to think about it.

The next day, Sam saw Troy in school and told him to give him a little time to think about it, then troy replied the window is closing think about it fast, Mr. Reddington is a very busy man. On the busy road near the entrance of school, Sam spotted a beautiful girl with hair golden by the ray of the unforgiving sun as her smile radiated such cadence but this feeling is somewhat familiar as his heart started making a thumping sound that became apparent to his own ears as they moved closer to this figure, Sam began to make sense of the face as it looked familiar unsure where he had seen the face before. Suddenly, a voice came out almost angelic calling out Sam's name as she crossed the road over to greet him, Sam still trying to figure out who this mystery girl is and the closer she got the harder the drums in his heart beat out rhythmically. Then a picture came in his mind and he jolted himself out of thought and replied, Maya!!!!!!