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Travis was in charge of passing around the offerings basket at church. Normally, he would be annoyed at this. It was practically extortion. But today was different, Sal's birthday was tommorow and being in charge of so much money, made it easy to steal. Once the basket had made it's way round, Travis took the heaps of money to the back rooms, where they belonged.
He quickly looked in all directions before pocketing a green twenty dollar bill. Just like he'd done for the last week. Although immoral, he had no other means of making money. His father wouldn't let him get a job because, "You already work at the Church", and it would be a cold day in hell before Kenneth gave him money, especially not so he could buy his boyfriend a birthday gift. Trying not to look suspicious, Travis walked back into the main room for the rest of the service.
Kenneth was long asleep before Travis decided it was safe. Not that it mattered anyway, his father was always busy with something and seldom noticed when Travis was missing. As long as he finished all his chores, and went to church when it was time, Kenneth ignored him.
He began his walk to the record store. Recently Sally had introduced Travis to this band called "Sanity's Fall". They played what Travis was taught to be the devil's music. The blonde was going to get Sal his own CD. That way, he would no longer have to borrow Larry's.
The old shop had been there since Travis was born. He was convinced it was some sort of money laudering front. Not once has he ever seen them busy. Usually, the boy was the only one there with the exception of three to four people. He didn't mind the peace though.
The bell rung when he pushed open the door, awakening the overworked cashier. He quickly recognized her as Lucy, a girl who he went to Church with. Travis didn't remeber every churchgoer, but the Anderson's made it a point to talk to Kenneth after every service. Being the pastor's son, Travis has to entertain their presence. While her parent blabber on about boring adult stuff, Lucy always makes sure to make conversation with Travis.
The girls sleepy eyes scan the room. "Hi Travis," she yawns, "Whatcha doing here so late?"
"Hey Lucy, and I'm just looking for a CD," he responds humoring her.
Obviously that's what he was doing, all they sell is records and CD's.
Lucy opens her mouth and simultaneosly droops her eyes closed, as if she were going to sneeze. Travis figures she wants to say more, but is too tired to do so. Her head drops back down onto the counter. The boy continues to walk in.
A few days ago, when Travis was in Sal's apartment, he took a polaroid of the packaging to make sure he got the right one. Looking at the picture, he skimmed the records for a match. There were at least fifty CD's on one wall alone. The song finally met his eye and he rushed over to grab it. Travis imagined the way Sally's face would light up when he gave it to him.
"Whoa Trav, I did not expect you to listen to this kind of stuff, ya' know, being the pastor's son and all," Lucy unnecessarily commented while holding the music.
Travis hated how his father was apart of everything he did. He could never be his own person.
"Well it's not for me anyways," He mumbled.
"Oh? Who is it for then? One of your little sinner friends?" Lucy teased, "That'll cost ya twelve twenty-five, and your soul. Would you like a receipt?"
Travis scoffed at her pathetic attempt at humor and gave her a twenty. Lucy handed over the bag and started to get out change.
"Just keep it," the blonde asserted. He didn't want to be in there any longer than he had to.
Travis was pissed his entire walk home. Lucy had reduced the love of his life to a "little sinner". She knew nothing about him, she doesn't know shit.
Aware of the fact that he needed to be careful, Travis let his anger subside and snuck back into the house. Returning to his room, he hid the devil music under his mattress. He was tired, exhasted even, but he could not sleep. He pulls out his phone to check the time.
~23:57~
Fri, December 12
Three more minutes until Sally's birthday. Travis had to be the first to wish him a happy birthday. He sort of made it a competition between him and Larry after Sal mentioned that Larry was always the first to tell him happy birthday. It was never officially agreed upon between the two boys to compete, Larry wasn't even told he was competing, somehow though, it was like he knew.
Travis pre-typed his message:
Happy birthday Sal! I love you so much and I hope you have an amazing day
He cringed writing it. Growing up, Travis was never once told "I love you" by anyone but his mother, and she was long gone. No matter how much he ment it, showing affection always felt weird. Like it was unnatural or bothersome.
Travis reduced the text to just "Happy birthday Sal"
~00:00~
Sat, December 13
He sent the message and could finally rest. He turned over and passed out.