“Maybe they forgot about you?” I suggested
“Not likely.” Vic replied
“There has to be a way around this. Surely, there’s something they want more in life than somebody’s life.”
“You would think.” Vic murmured
“I don’t see why we can’t pay off Paige’s debt.”
“Where would we get the money?”
“Well how much are we talking?” I asked curiously
“About $800…”
“Fuck.” I breathed. “How much did she fucking buy!?”
“It’s not cheap stuff.” Vic sighed
“Well… We’re gonna have to work hard.” I stated
“What?”
“It’s not like there’s any other way. We’re gonna have to find a way to come together with $800.”
“They’re going to want interest.” Vic groaned
“I’m going to guess double?”
“Probably…”
“Vic… Your life is worth more than $1600 to us. Whatever it takes, we’ll get that money.”
“Thank you.” Vic whispered, as I pulled him into a hug
Suddenly there was banging on the door, causing me to jump back away from Vic in fear.
“What?” Vic called out
“Is Ari with you?” Mike asked
“Yeh, I’m right here.” I said as I opened the door
“I think we need to talk…” Mike whispered to me
I nodded.
“See you later, Vic?”
“Yeh.” Vic nodded, as I left the room

Mike dragged me into the back garden and we sat on the grass together.
“Jaime gone?” I asked
Mike simply nodded whilst looking in the other direction.
We sat in an awkward silence, for about 5 minutes, without Mike taking a single glance at me.
“Mike, look at me.” I demanded
No movement.
“Mike!” I shouted
“What?” He growled
“What’s up? Why are you acting like… Like this?”
“I… I just can’t.”
“Can’t what?”
“Don’t make me say it.” He pleaded
“Say what?”
“I can’t be with you…” He said, barely above a whisper
“You can’t be with me.” I echoed
“I know it’s a bit…”
“What makes you think I want to be with you!?” I shouted at him
“Look, I was just getting to that if you would let me…!
“NO! You cocky, toe sucking fucker!” I screamed at him before running off
I don’t even know what came over me. I was just so embarrassed and hurt that my emotions all just slipped out. Vic had come running out to see what I was screaming about and grabbed me whilst I was trying to run away from Mike. We toppled over, as Mike came running after me. I choked back my tears so he wouldn’t see that I was hurt by what he said.
“Please Ari, you don’t understand…”
“There’s nothing to understand, you knob head!”
“Ari, you know I’m shit at phrasing things. Please, just give me a chance to explain?” Mike begged
Vic looked between the two of us, completely baffled.
“Yeh, I know you can’t phrase things and it’s caused me more pain than you’re worth.” I spat

Instantly, I regretted what I had said. Mike was completely shocked and Vic looked very uneasy. Quickly, I scrambled to my feet and ran. Nobody tried to stop me nor did they call my name. I’d really fucked up this time.

Notes