Chapter Text
Potter.
It's been a week since he left. Sometimes I forget and go tell him about something funny that happened just to realise he's not there. The past week I've been staying with Xandra, it took awhile for her to let me in, and hanging out with Kotku. The nights I stay out in the empty desert at the playground it reminds me of him. The dark brown desert reminds me of his eyes, just not as alive or pretty. That's how it usually starts with the eyes then the glimpses of the year and a half before. Those nights we would never talk about but both remembered. Getting high at the playground and watching the desert change into swirls of colours and hallucinations. The more I think the more I see how I left him first by spending time with Kotku for about the last year.
Two weeks now.
I’ve gotten into a routine of spending the day with Kotku or at Xandra’s house, going to the playground at night then passing out anywhere. One morning Xandra found me out on the carousel, but after that she said I should at least sleep under a roof. I never realised until now how much Potter affected my day. Now that I have so much time to think, I remembered why I needed one more day before leaving; the painting. It was still in my locker. I wonder if Potter even realised I have it.
One month.
One long gruesome month. School started again and I immediately put the painting in a bag under my bed at Xandra’s. The bag was full of everything I would need if I ever ran, but I couldn't do that until I paid Xandra back. I started selling drugs to anyone and everyone at school, of course overpriced, but kids don’t know any better. I don’t know where I will go once I leave. I could follow Potter to New York and then what; live with him? Yeah, not a good idea.Maybe go to California or any other state where I could blend in and find a distraction from Potter no matter how hard it seems.
Two months.
I only need a little more money before I can get out of this desert. Xandra was being bankrolled by a couple that came over after Larry’s death and is going to move back to Reno in a few months. I won’t be able to come so I guess I’ll have to make up my mind where I’m going.
Two and half months.
I got the money and have everything I need. I placed the stack of cash and a note on the island and left with my bag in hand. I left all the drugs behind. The taxi ride to the bus station was short but the wait for the next bus felt like forever. The lady at the ticket booth didn’t ask any questions, just asked where I wanted to go and told me the price. I think only my subconscious knew why I responded with New York.