Shameless

Emma's Point of View

It was warm outside and the sun was starting to set. My book bag was stuffed with clothes and essentials.

I made the selfless decision. If I left no one would get hurt.

I fuck up everything.

There's no where to go so I'm back to being a street kid again.

Well this is just great.

As I headed deeper and deeper into the south side away from my house, more and more people appeared roaming the streets.

Most of them were homeless. Smelly and older.

Some of them were drug dealers and you could tell by the way they looked over their shoulders every couple seconds.

I probably shouldn't be out here pedophiles an such. I think I'll be alright.

I found an empty bench and took a seat.

Looking at my phone I had 27 missed calls; 11 from Carl and 16 from Ethan.

I also had 52 text messages. 23 from Carl. 10 from Ethan. 11 from Debs. 7 from Fiona and one from my mother.

My phone began to ring in my hand.

It was Debbie.

They need to know I'm okay. I'll answer and not talk just so she knows I'm alright.

I answered it and breathed into the phone.

"Hello? Emma? Emma I can hear you are you okay.." I heard her yell to someone and then the phone shuffling around.

"Emma." Carl spoke into the phone.

My heart dropped with remorse. What I would give to kiss him one more time.

But I'm too dangerous, too reckless.

"Just say something. I need to know you're okay. To tell your brother you're okay. You didn't have to go Emma." He said a his voice cracked.

He was crying.

"I'm- okay" I said Shakily into the phone.

I heard him take a breath and he began to talk but I hung up.

I couldn't allow him to distract me or make me change my mind.

What I was doing was the right choice.

I looked around and saw a patrol car heading my way.

Shit.

I picked up my stuff and started walking quickly away.

Towards the apartments across from the park I was at.

The police car rolled up next to me and the officer inside told me to stop.

"Hey officer im going home right now right over there sorry I'm out so late" I said pointing to the apartments.

"Just making sure you get home safe" he said smiling.

I nodded and headed towards the apartments.

He parked and watched me as I opened the door into the building.

I waved and walked up the stairs into the air conditioned building until the car could no longer see me.

I sat down and sighed.

This is going to be a long night of many.

I leaned against the railing and closed my eyes.

Suddenly a door opened next to me and a younger black woman opened the door.