Vacant Chapter 4 Questions

We sit in silence for quite some time, and I can tell shes nervous near telling me whats going on. I dont wishing to force her. When shes ready, shell let me know. As I wait, I realize its the first quiet night Ive had since she moved in.I really dont want to make assumptions because things arent always what they appear. However, as I sit playing protector to this girl, scenarios run rampant through my mind. She has very few clothes. insurrectionist bathing does not bother her. She is careful, but trusting not at all shy. Shes young and al atomic number 53 she has no furniture and no utilities. All render points to her being parentless and homeless.I can relate.Dont get involved.Keep things simple. defer care of yourself_Dont get involved.Keep things simple.Take care of yourself_Dont get involved.Keep things simple.Take care of yourself_No matter how many times I recite the mantra in my head, its useless. This manners isnt suited to girls who are alone, no matter how equipped they are to deal with the shit life flings at them. Women are taken advantage of in the blink of an eye when the opportunity is given. I make a psychogenic note to be sure Emily doesnt suffer the same fate, particularly by my hand. Im sitting on Emilys mattress, my head against our shared wall. Shes leaning into my side, quiet, in what I hold is peaceful sleep.After thinking this situation over for a while I shake my head, realizing Ive already talked myself into this, into helping Emily I find it nearly unsurmountable not to now. Eventually, I drift off with determination and the realization Ive opened a big-assed can of worms for both of us.Hours later, my inner alarm clock wakes me. There is a little drool on my shoulder and its kind of gross. I lay Homeless Girl down on her bare mattress and make note to crop over an extra set of sheets. Who knows where she even got the mattress? Im sure its infested with who-knows-what. I may be poor, but I like clean. There are some things that shouldnt be bought in used condition. Shoes, underwear, and mattresses quickly spring to mind.During my run, I think to the highest degree the upheaval Im getting myself into, and the reality of the situation is weighing heavily upon me. As a kid, I was lucky enough to be moved to a safe place where all my basic needs were met. I never had to fend for myself in the physical sense emotionally, though? That was another story. I run an extra two miles trying to process everything. I decide this is my chance to pay it forward. I ignore my mantra as it only serves to confuse me further at this point. The fact remains Ive already gotten involved, and I try to rationalize how much trouble one small girl can really be. Part of me feels like its none of my business what her personal situations is, but if Im going to help her, then(prenominal) I want some basic information. She doesnt have to tell me her life story, but I need to know her circumstances.After I get home from mesh and pat on the bedroom wall, I chuckle to myself thinking it may as well be a shower curtain for all the privacy the thin, unconvincing wall provides. I yell, telling homeless neighbor girl Ive ordered pizza and she should come join me for dinner.Youre the best I cant believe you got us pizza She wont stop gushing about how nice I am or how awesome the pizza is. When she came over, she looked a bit skeptical, like she wondered what I wanted from her in return, but I didnt even want to think about what that might mean.Food, clothes, shelter. Thats allAs we eat, I try to think of the best way to let up her state of affairs. I find that being direct is the best solution. I watch as she inhales her third slice of pizza, I rationalize I need to start referring to Emily by name. Calling her Homeless Girl and Neighbor Girl isnt helpful for either of us. I need to see her as a meaningful person, not a problem from next door. Emily needs to hear her name, if for nothing else, so she knows she exists.So, I have a couple questions. Ive been thinking about this since last night, I pause making sure she is receptive to my inquiry. She nods indicating her permission. Question number one Where are your parents? She eyes me quickly, and then takes a bite of pizza, chew slowly.Shes stalling.I dont know my dad, and my mom passed away recently, she says quietly. I take her answer at incline value because I know how difficult the loss of a parent is.Where were you living before?This time shes a little quicker to answer. We lived in shelters for a while. Then my mom got sick. She takes another bite of her dinner then continues. I know how things work. Since Im almost eighteen, there isnt too much the state will do for me. I would live in a home for a few months then get tossed out on the street. I figured I might as well get a jump on living, you know?I wonder how shes able to be so light-hearted about this. Emilys smiling which she tends to do on a regular basis. This girl almo st womanhood has had some terrible circumstances, yet almost every time I see her, her smile brightens the room. I find her positive outlook on life is rubbing off on me.My next question was your age, but youve already answered that. When do you turn eighteen?In a month, she replies. I take several(prenominal) minutes to think about the information shes dependable told me while finishing my own slice of pizza. Living in a shelter would explain her wishing of inhibition. There is no such thing as privacy when you live with fifty other people. Shes used to being watched.Hey, I went to the grocery store you work at today and filled out an application. I looked for you, but you must have been on break or something. I just nod I dont need this complication spilling over to my work. As soon as I think it, though, I regret the thought. I cant think of Emily as a complication.They tell they werent hiring right now, but will let me know if something comes up. On my way home I stopped at the convenience store on Jamison. I found out they are hiring, so if the grocery doesnt work out, I could do that instead, she finishes, and then takes a fourth slice of pizza. I know my face pales, and she doesnt have a clue why. I have no idea how to tell this girl I dont even really know, occasionally uses my shower, and who I just referred to as a complication, that I dont want her to work in a convenience store because Dad was shot in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven.