Simon's POV

I stood there, dazed. Arms covered in scratches and my shirt slightly torn. Tears spring to my eyes as I realise what I've gotten myself into.

I cover my mouth with my hand and let out a choked sob, turning away from Tobi and Vik.

"Simon? What was that?" Tobi asks. I don't reply, tears streaming down my face. They don't know that though.

"Simon?! Answer me!" Tobi yells and spins me around by the shoulders. He moves his arm away when he sees my blotchy face and tears.

"G-get out o-of here! They might come back a-and I can't have you involved!" I stuttered through my crying. "They're trying to kill me, because I need money. And I do bad things, and you might think I hate you, but I don't, so leave before they realise you were here too!" I whisper hastily, pushing Tobi's chest backwards. "Go!"

And their last image of me for the night was a scared boy, with a red face and a scratched arm. Different from the boy they thought.

I started to run. Back to the boss's place. To leave.

When I arrive, the boss is there.

"Ah, Simon. Weren't expecting you tonight." He taps his cigarette with his finger. "What happened?"

"They, they tried to kill me. They think I'm dead, and and-"

"Simon, boy. You are too young to be caught in this life." He puts his hand on my shoulder. "You will forever be my best runner, one of my best men. But you have a life to live, away from crime. If you ever need to return, you know where to find me. But for now, good luck." The boss pats me on the back. Es a nice man, always had been kind to me. Maybe he knew I worked to give money to my mother and brothers: maybe he knew my father couldn't be here.

----
Mum said she'd been really worried, especially when she saw my arms. I told her I couldn't get anymore money and she smiled and told me it was okay, we'd manage. She cleaned my arms the best she could, and we both left for bed.

Miraculously, that morning, we received a letter in the post. Addressed to my mum and me, containing 300 pounds. From my dad.

Maybe he finally learnt his lesson, maybe he finally learnt that he can't just leave us with no income.

I thought about it all on my way to school. And that's when I caught sight of him, the most beautiful boy I'd ever seen. My mind went blank as I stared at him while crossing the road.

He joined his friends, and pointed me out. I felt my heart flutter.

"OI! FAGGOT! Stop staring at my mate!" And then I felt a rock collide with my eye.