Within that horrid wind was enough energy to raise the temperature here above 95 degrees.

At this point you can imagine an audibly disgusted sound made by me. Knowing that previous fact, I had to venture out in those conditions to register for summer school. And of course, registering just wouldn't be the same if it weren't made needlessly complicated by some degenerate asshole who looks (and sounds) like he should've retired several years ago.

Though after observing some of the hooligans in that room, I must say I can't blame him for his demeanor. The poor soul.

Then it was off to another school, to register for another class. After traveling through that horrid heat once more, I entered the building a sorry sight indeed. Several people immediately noticed me as I sat down on the stairs wearied from the heat. A few compassionate souls even bought bottled water for me. Needless to say, registering there was a comparable delight.

After hydration and registration, I returned home to my wall-mounted AC unit, and an anticipated second (cold) shower.

I put on some fresh clothes, and felt the urge to even tidy up my room a bit. When I had nothing left to occupy my time, I just sat down, on the floor.

No one was home, I was alone. I looked at my viola and the notion of practicing had crossed my mind, but I had not the energy. I must've been there on that floor for at least half an hour, until finally it occurred to me: I'm alone.

I picked up the phone, "Hey Jen? What's up?"

"Hi David, nothing much."

"Wanna come over?"

Two minutes later she was here. We went into my room-

The phone rang. When I picked up I heard an apologetic voice, "Sorry about yesterday..."

"Oh hey! No it's quite alright..."

The sudden segue caught me very off guard indeed. I did want to continue the conversation, but I had other, pressing matters at hand.

I hung up the phone, and went back to my room-

My sister Ingrid walks in, and pauses for a moment, "Oh hey bro, I didn't know you were here," another pause, "hey Jen."

We wave back.

She starts to walk off as Jen and I compose ourselves and then says, "Mom just called me downstairs and asked me to start the grill outside," at her mention of mom I listen more intently, "she says she's just down the block."

Jen and I get up and run to the back. At the door, we hugged each other and made tentative plans for tomorrow. When I saw her walk out and go through the alley, I turned back and went inside to see my mom collapsing onto the couch.

"How was the registration?"

"Oh, um... good."

"Go clean your room before you make me nervous again. It's a mess."

I went into my room, locked the door (which didn't occur to me earlier), and just yielded to my bed. I spent another little while there just staying still and reflecting on the events of the day. I almost got caught.

I walk on the wild side, baby.

back / forward

best viewed in 1024x768