ON THE RUN

Getting to know him

“tell me about your childhood.” I say. He clears his throat first. That makes me chuckle

“I was born in Venice, Italy. Spent fifteen years of my life there.” He starts

“how come I don’t here an accent.” I cut him off puzzled. Monty speaks flawlessly you would think he was born English but gosh this guy is Italian.
“good that you don’t hear it; I worked hard to lose it.” He explains

“continue.” I say

“I had a perfect family until my dad got fired from his job. Mum was working in a library that time so the money she got wasn’t enough for us. Dad started drinking a lot.
He would come home and beat up mum while me and Marie watched. I couldn’t do anything about it, I was just a kid. Every time I tried to defend mum I would end up getting a stiff beating and the he would send me to bed without dinner” He explains with a broken voice.

Maybe I shouldn’t have asked this is just too much for him.

“later on dad joined a gang, he became worse than before. He became involved in killings and robberies. He was never there for me and Marie. Mum was the one struggling for us to have a better life.” Monty continues.

He is now squeezing my hand so hard but he doesn’t even notice it. He has so much anger towards his father I can see it in his eyes every time he talks about him.

“am so sorry you had a rough childhood.” I say softly

“Marie…. Marie died.” He stutters

“Ssh don’t say it.” I cut him “am so sorry you lost your sister at a young age. I feel your pain. She isn’t here physically but she will always be in your heart and the memories that you have of her should always give you joy and not pain.” I say soothingly

“but I failed her.” He says

“No you didn’t. am sure wherever she is. She is proud to have had a big brother like you.” I tell him assuringly.

Monty doesn’t say another word, he just nods. I hug him so tight. I want him to know that am here for him. Monty has been of great help in the past weeks.

I don’t even know how I can repay him. I never want to see Monty so broken like this. Some minutes pass by while we sit there in total silence in each other’s arms.
When we go to bed I feel closer to Monty than ever before. He places an arm over me protectively. Am loving this feeling. I wake up at 4am as usual for my workouts with Monty. He’s been so worried about meeting his dad. He barely did his push-ups. I feel so sorry for him. After my shower I go down for breakfast, surprisingly he isn’t there.

“Where’s Monty?” I ask

“he just went out without a word.” Sage answers

“ooh.” I answer blankly

“chill he’s gonna be back soon.” Xander says while punching me. I give him the death stare.

Time goes so slowly. This day is so boring. Monty hasn’t returned till now. I quietly make my way to the library. A book could clear my mind right now. I pick up some random book without looking at the title clearly. Am holding a book but my mind is somewhere else. Monty. Monty. Monty. Monty. Monty.
That’s all I keep seeing every time I look at the words in the book. Frustrated with my thoughts I decide to listen to music. Monty still hasn’t replied the one million texts I’ve sent him. I listen to Drunk by Ed Sheeran.