Took me a sec. to get this one done. I thought about this story the last time I drove to Ventura solo, about a month ago. Shit, and we thought we had it bad as kids.
Down town Santa Barbara was quiet when I stepped off the bus with my duffle bag containing every earthly possession I had. The mist hung thick and low to the streets, illuminating the street lights with a static orange glow that was eerily audible, that was the only contrast to the silent silence. It was early and the sun had not even begun to rise. I wanted to take some weed down to the beach to watch it rise, but no such luck since I was dry. I walked over to the AM PM gas station/mini mart to try and get a pack of smokes, I was only fourteen, so I figured if someone was going to sell me cigarettes it would be at four a.m. But I was wrong. On my way out of the store I noticed a brand new Saab drive by, the bright lights from the gas station reflected of its shinny new dark blue paint job. I walked back to the bus station, and sat against the wall and pulled out my copy of Watership Down to read it under the light. I had change to call Sean at home to come get me, but it was still so early I did not want to wake him. My bus was early anyway. Before I could open my book to start reading the dark blue Saab pulled into the bus station and pulled up next to where I sat on the ground.
Inside was a man, maybe...late thirties. He rolled down his dark tinted window. He had the devil's curly hair, jet black; must have been dyed. He had a flat face and with salt and pepper stubble, and glasses rested on the bridge of his short stubby nose. His mouth was smiling when he looked at me. Hey you need a ride? he asked me. I thought about it, I had an unsettling feeling in my gut, but I was not scared. Sure, I said, and stood up off the cold pavement. I heard a clicking noise and then he opened his door and got out. Here he said, and picked up my bag and put it in the trunk. I could tell he was a demon; I could tell because he was dressed well, expensive loafers, polo shorts, tailored shirt; his jewelry shone crisp in the nite. I saw you at the gas station, thought I would try and help you out, he said real friendly like. Yeah I was trying to buy some smokes, but the guy turned me down, I replied. I could tell right then, that this guy was a creep, why else would he follow follow me and offer his help so early in the morning?
We got into the car. I could feel his vibe; dark, erotic, predatory, which alluded to his intentions. Oh, he said, as we drove passed the gas station. I will get you some smokes, he said pulling into a dark parking lot. He parked in front of a store that had a neon sign that read 24 HOUR in bright red. Looking inside through the big glass windows I could see all different kind of donuts under a row of glass cases. What kind of cigarettes you want? he asked politely. Uh, Camel Lights, please, I replied and reached into my pocket for some cash. No, No! I got it, you want anything else? he asked and jumped out of the car, the cold sea air blew in to keep me alert. I shook my head. He came back with two packs for me. May I? I asked opening the pack. Of course, just crack the window won't you? But he did it for me.
He opened the engine up when he got on the 101 South. I smoked my cigarette and tossed it out the window. Thanks for these by the way. I said. Sure, he said, You're nice. What were you doing out there all alone at the bus stop? he asked me. So I explained all the shit I had been going through, but as briefly as possible. There was no way I was going to trust this guy. After I told him he became silent for a moment. So would you ever have sex for money, man? he asked. I could see that question coming from a mile away. At that moment I realized how dark it was, I looked out my window out passed the ocean to the horizon; for the rising sun. But all I could see was dark fog and thick grey clouds above the restless sea. I don't know, I guess I never thought about it before, maybe if it was a hot chick or something. I said with a chuckle. This guy is a sicko. I imagined him as if he were a dog; he could smell my fear. He seemed surprised that he could not sense any.
He put his hand on my thigh. Well would you ever let someone give you a blowjob for like a hundred bucks? he asked sincerely. Yo dude! get your fucking hand off me man! I told him, and brushed his hand away. Besides man, I'm fuckin straight man. I'm not gay, or bi. I said, and lit another smoke; if this fucker was gonna try something like that again I was gonna put the smoke out on his face, then give him hell. Sorry, man, he said. I just thought I would ask, he said, and put his hand back on the steering wheel.
Pull over man, I gotta piss hella bad, I said. He exited off the freeway and pulled over on the shoulder of the road on the shore of the beach.I got out off the car and took a fat piss, and reflected on what had just happened to me. I turned to go back to the car, and I could see the fuckin petter-ass sniffing my seat, he took a deep wiff, then looked up at me with a smile on his face; like it was getting him off. He did not seem to care that I had seen him. I lit another cigarette.
Back on the freeway started asking me more personal questions. I tried to be as secretive as I could, and kept smoking cigarettes. By the time we got into Ventura the sun was beginning to rise. I told the demon to let me off at the park around the corner from my Aunt's house, so he could not see where I "live". I could hear the trunk pop just as I opened the door to get out. Look, he said, sorry about what I did again. Every week I take a group of kids, about your age out for pizza, or to the movies, or something. This week we are going to Golf 'n' Stuff, you want to go? I'm cool, man, I said. I got my bag and got the fuck away from the petter-assed demon. Fuck him. I felt bad for all the little kids who go out with that fool. I knew that mother fucker was doing bad things to them, and hurting them too. At least I would have a good story for Katie when I got "home".
In retrospect I should have killed the dude, or at least hurt him real bad. But not for myself, I was a big boy, I could take it; but for the other kids he was taking advantage of. I regret not doing anything about it.
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