Lunch with Aunt Epiphany Proudfoot

NOT EDITED

Wednesdays I always like to have lunch off campus if I can. It frees my mind and makes the week at school a little easier to deal with. I got five pages today; three from tricks and two from people I knew.

One was from Sahara. When I called the number (long distance) she wanted to know if I knew where her sister was. [I thought she was with her at the Rehab place in the mid west.]

“We hadn’t seen Rain since she left LA to see you,” I said.

“Rainbow left a week and a half ago and should have been back by now,” said Sahara.

“I tried to remind her that her sister was strong and smart and did things her own way. Maybe she got off the bus because she saw something cool”.

“Probably you right, please could you make her to call me when she gets to LA” she asked in that way she does.

“I’ll ask her, as you know no one makes your sister do anything she doesn’t want to.”

“OK I’m doing great and I hope all of you are doing good to,” and she hung up. Well that is Miss Sahara. I hope she is doing better this time, she almost died the last time she over dosed.

I’ll return the other numbers later; the tricks will have to hold it until I feel like setting up a new date.

The day was gorgeous and warm, not hot and I think I want Mac-n-cheese from Michael’s deli on Sycamore off Franklin. They have the best that I’ve found in any place around here. Sometimes I just feel really happy but the bad thing about it is that I can’t just enjoy it I have to analyze it for reasons. Why am I so happy today? Why am I happy when I’m living this life? Why am I letting myself be happy right now? Then it will be gone soon. So while most people are fighting to find happiness I’m fighting to keep the happiness that I have naturally, Oh boo.

There were not many people on Sycamore at this time. Only a few cars drove by and they took no notice of me. So I was deep in thought when a hand almost grabbed my left shoulder. I jumped to the left and turned with my ever-ready box cutter in hand and thank the Goddess I didn’t follow it through because it was my wonderful witch friend Ms. Epiphany Proudfoot.

“Hey back the hell off! I screamed. “Lady Proudfoot it’s you” I said as soon as recognized the petite lady.

“Because I thought you would feel it was me Theodore.” She said never bothered.

“Auntie, I told you I am always armed and ready and I’m not that good with my senses yet to be sure,” I said. (I always call older women I like Auntie)

“Theodore I am never worried besides my time is my time and that will not end today,” She said.

“Auntie these streets are dangerous and I don’t want anything to happen to you it would break my heart,” I said.

“That is sweet of you but I am protected as you are.”

We pause to agree and look up for protection from the spirits and then hug one another.

“What brings you this way Ms. Proudfoot?” I asked breaking the silence.

“Maybe you did but also I was just out for a walk on the side streets.”

“Funny you should say that I was thinking I wanted to see you this week.”

“Well that is why I’m here. You know how powerful you are.” She said giving me the don’t denigh it look.

I’m not touching that one or we will be here for more than an hour with her trying to convince me I’m some spiritually super powered descendant of a long blood line. So I invited her to eat lunch with me instead. She accepted claiming that it was only to spend time with her favorite young old soul.

Michael’s deli was not crowded yet so I was happy not being in the mood for a crowd.

As soon as we got in the guy behind the counter saw Ms. Proudfoot and came out from behind the counter to give her a big hug.

“I was hoping you would be in today… do you want your regular?”

I looked at her and she smiled sheepishly.

“That would be great Jr. and whatever Theodore wants,” she said without looking at me again.

“I thought I was taking you out?” I said trying to sound hurt.

“Well I’m sure if you want to pay Michael Jr. will be glad to take your money,” Ms. Proudfoot said still not looking at me.

“No I will always be happy to be a guest of you, Auntie.”

“Is this your nephew Ms. E.?” asked Michael Jr.

She looks at me and smiles-

“No I’m not she is just very special to me.” I said knowing what she was thinking.

“Theodore this is Michael Jr., his father and grandfather are the Michael’s of the Michael’s deli. I have known This Michael since he was born.”

“- even before I think. I’m told when I was a baby she was the only person other than my mother I would let hold me. She also knew my Grandfather and Grandmother. She has eaten here for free as long as my Dad can remember. But no one can remember why,” Michael Jr. says eyeing her lovingly but suspiciously.

I made my order of Mac-n-cheese and well done French fries. “I knew you been here before, that’s the kind of you don’t forget.”

“I’m Ted Kingston; I’m on lunch break from double HH up the street.”

“Cool I went to X grad in ’72 as you heard I’m Michael Leonardo Sartini, III but everyone either calls me MJ or Junior.”

“And what would you like me to call you?” I asked directly.

“MJ is cool and you’re Ted- solid.”

“-yes anything but Teddy, he hates that for some reason. Past life trauma I think,” said Auntie.

We sat in the back so I could tell Auntie about William Randolph Rapherty aka Billy the ghost and what I hoped she could do for him. Of course she knew of the witch Rosarita Maria Rosales-Marquez. (how old is she anyway?) She thought about it while she ate her deconstructed pastrami sandwich sands the bread. Told her more about the crystal and how I got it. She wanted to know what I felt from it when I held it. She asked if I held it and concentrated on the truth. I said not really, but I did let Billy show me a bit of his life before he died. It was very interesting. She wanted to know if I felt anything confusing or wrong when I touched the crystal or when I spoke to Billy.

“Oh you want to know if I sensed any dark or demonic energy with it or him, no I looked for that.”

“So you think he is just a ghost trapped and misused by Maria,” she asked with her finger on her chin.

“Yes but you will know more when you check it out.”

“Maybe, maybe not. Maria was definitely a greedy woman; some say she used magic to turn herself into a woman long ago.”

I finished my meal and kissed my witch Auntie on both cheeks and put a tip in the jar for MJ. I made plans to bring Billy and his crystal cell to Aunties apartment around 10pm tonight. That gave me time to have a date and make some money. As I walked back to school I could smell sage but I didn’t have anything with sage in it. Then I stuck my hand into my sweater pocket and came out with a small bundle of sage tied up with red string. Auntie must have slipped it in sometime when I hugged her. It’s a talisman to protect the holder from negative energies. She worries about me all the time. I put it back and it made the day even better.

₮₳₮

SO WHATS YOUR TRICK?

NOT EDITED

The evening seemed to be coming on faster than I realized which was strange. I had been here for the conception of most nights for the last two 3 ½ years. Some nights birthed easier than others. This one felt like it might be trouble.

It was starting to be a clear night with a slight chill, which was a nice change from the hot dry nights of LA. I felt like I earned the right to call her LA. Los Angeles seemed too formal for what we’ve been through in our short relationship. We were tight.

As the city darkens I was just leaving my drop spot that was at Jerry’s Deli & Liquor Store, on Fountain Ave. They let me keep my stuff in one of the un-used employee lockers as long as it doesn’t smell or cause any trouble. It open 24/7 which is good for me. The original Jerry liked to be open because everyone was like family and people came around at all hours to hang, chat and buy the stuff they needed. The current Jerry who’s his real name Bedros, but most people called him Jerry. He kept it open 24/ 7 because the neighborhood was always on and he wanted to be able to make every sell he could. He once said I reminded him of his youngest brother who was in school back in Armenia. So I got privileges that the others guys didn’t. I’m working on him to let some of my guys use the shower in the storeroom from time to time. But for now his say no. Maybe his Armenian soul sees something special in my African American eyes? I always tried to be cool with him for it. I even learned his real name and called him Bedros. I feel like I need as many cool people in my corner as I can get. After leaving home the first time about 2 ½ years ago, it’s been a quick and constant learning process. I have some good teachers.

So I’m walking towards the door past the register where Jerry #2’s real younger brother Ohanness, Ohan for short, is sitting in ripped jeans with the crouch that looked like termites have been through it already and a t-shirt with the store logo on it.

“Hey lil’ T, What are you doing tonight? You’re not old enough to get into any clubs. So what could a little guy like you have going on a week night?”

[I secretly loved his accent, even if he was talking stuff to me]

“Hey lil’ O, I’m off to work, to make a Million and have a wonderful life.” I said trying to sound light and older. “What about you?”

“What does this mean, ‘make a Million?’ “What are you going to do rob a rich family?” he asked.

“NO! --- It’s just an American saying. I’m going to work on Santa Monica Blvd. and Orange tonight”, I said.

“Oh My God!!! to sell your little young ass? I can’t believe your still doing that? Who would pay for sex with a little boy like you?”

He could not wrap his mind around an underage male prostitute.

“Well Ohan, like I tried to explain before there are a lot of horny men looking for a hot young guy just like me. I’ve been doing this for 2 years and in the end we all have to eat.”

“T- What kind of trick could you do anyway?”he asked incredulously

“Later Ohan, I’m late, we’ll talk another time.” I said moving toward the door.

“Why can’t you tell me now?” He screamed after me as a customer came in for his evening snack.

Ohan was cool but Bedros seemed to understand the idea of taking care of yourself. Ohan was 25 and Bedros was 30 maybe that had something to do with it.

As I walked to meet my friends a few the blocks away I thought about the last time someone asked me the same kind of question. So what’s your trick?

I was coming out the alley behind Circus of Books on to Santa Monica, when a car stops and the window comes down. A sexy dark haired man in his thirties is fidgeting behind the driver’s wheel and trying to smile. Hi, he says. I stop and throw on my best Freddy Boom-Boom Washington Smile/Flex and say, Hi There. We chatted about the night and what we were up to and he invited me into his sports car and I suggested we have a date, to let him know this was a pay service and not a quick stick and go. He looked a little shocked and said, Oh, So what’s your trick? He acted like he was ordering off the specials menu. He ran through a short list of things. I was a little taken a back, but as any good street student I kept my face on.

So I said, “Well I have more than a mouth full and there’s very little I have not tried.”

But I knew he was looking for a one trick pony. The way he was gripping the steering wheel and grinding his teeth I also knew he was living in the Crystal palace and the folks that lived there were always a problem. They usually had the attention span of a field mouse and staying power of taffy in LA Sun.

So I said, “You wanna know my trick? My trick is that I can cum faster and farther than anyone I know and it gets everywhere. If you want to see it’ll cost you $40 bucks?”

He had me out of his car before I could unbuckle my pants. I knew he would, it probably wasn’t his car anyway. So what’s my trick? Pfss. I am so tired of Crystal Queens. But that phrase keeps coming up tonight.

What’s my trick? Ugh---Well I like to fuck and take long walks on the beach. I love small animals but I hate small minds. My dick stays hard for hours, but hey I’m only 14 so I guess that’s not so special. I guess my real trick is that I was 14 years of age and I made men believe I was 18 or 20.

As I made it over to Orange St. to meet up with Colt and the rest of them the night seemed to smell of a little trouble, but trouble was something that I could handle. Hey maybe I’ll get it tatted on me, “Trouble T”. I’ll run it passed the guys, it might work. Anyway tonight I was ready to make a Million and have a wonderful life, one night a time.

TAT

SCHOOL DAZE

NOT EDITED

My night with Barry was great and getting the crystal was easier than I thought.

On my way home I was actually smiling and singing the words to ‘Hot Butterfly’ by Chaka Khan and Gregg Diamond I heard on the car radio.

[A faded photograph I mailed to you
With feelings I don't want to face
And a long song of surrender in blue
I remember when you took my breath away

Chanson papillon, we were very young
Like butterflies, like hot butterfly
Chanson papillon, we had just begun
We let it slide on by
We didn't realize

All our memories are burning in time
Like a bittersweet perfume
Can you tell me how a love that's so fine
Could have climaxed in a single afternoon

Gone are the days of instant romance
And the nights of slow goodbyes
That was a time of life when foxy was the dance
But then you got wise to all my lies].

I was enjoying the after-glow and I’m even letting BMW Barry give me a ride home this morning. I decided to not tell him that I was only 16 and he was a willing child molester.

That is always so weird to me that someone can be considered a child molester of a kid like me. I could see it if they were forcing kids to have sex or if the kid in question was way younger than me but I look and act older most of the time. Most of the Tricks don’t really care how old I am as long as I look younger than them. I was never molested as a little kid and now I do all the molesting- period.

Barry was smiling so big I thought he would break his face. I actually kissed him goodbye in front of my building. It was a great kiss. I never do stuff like that. Then I ran inside and to put the crystal in my dresser. I told the ghost inside it named William Randolph Rapherty a.k.a Billy that I would talk to him when I got home and that he could not visit me at school. I showered at Barry’s and now I need some lotion. Why is it that white guys rarely have lotion and when they do it’s usually the watery kind? I quickly undressed and lotioned up. Now it’s time to picked out a couple of outfits for the day (one for now and one to change later, I have to be fresh!) The easy look for the day is as follows:

Long blue sweater (to the knee).

Fresh white T (oversized).

Daisy Duke (short-short).

Blue tights (to the knee).

Blue and white stripped socks (to the knee).

Spray painted navy blue Army boots.

Long blue silk (to hold my hair back) [boosted from Mother on my last visit].

I packed my shoulder bag and peeped at the clock. I have about an hour before first bell and my silly roommate is still out of town it seems. When I opened the front door there was a dozen pink roses in blue crystal vase with a little envelope that only said, Sweet Ted in pink pen. I opened the card and it was from Barry and it said;

Thank you for a wonderful night

and sweet morning.

I hope we can do it again real soon.

Sincerely, BMW

It is so very, but maybe I put too much on it. Cole always told me to not let them fall too hard for me, but I don’t know how to control that yet. I think Barry will be fine if not I’ll enjoy it until there is a sitch. I put the flowers on the table in my room just in case my roommate gets some strange idea they were for him. OK time to go for real now. I did a quick re-check; home work, music, sunglasses, extra cloths and then I remembered I’m having dinner with Rowley and Cliff-a-tina tonight. Back inside to change what is in my bag. The look goes as follows.

Navy Sport coat w/ travel patches from all over.

Pale blue silk button down shirt (size L)

Loose silk pants died many shades blue.

Spray painted navy blue Army boots. (I’m already wearing)

Around the neck and wrist gold chains (I got three for Xmas and two bracelets from school friends like Cliff-a-tina.

This outfit fits easily in my bag and I’ll stop by Home Ecc to steam it before this evening. So I’m finally off to school and now I only have 25 minutes until first bell. I still have plenty of time since I only live 10 minutes away from the front gate. I looked up and down the street\alley to make sure Barry is not waiting around for me. Maybe I’ll go to Mickey D’s for something before school and then I could really make sure Barry is not following me. If he can’t know that I’m 16 he really can’t know I go to high school. I took the long way around and then back through an alley and across the street. I saw three BMW’s but not one was Barry’s.

At Mickey D’s I saw Jessie James and a female friend. I didn’t ever think she had school friends. I said hey and asked if I could sit with them. Jessie said sure and the other girl looked confused. I stopped mid stride and came back. I hate to intrude.

“You’re Leda Velasquez, right I’m Ted. You hang with Tamila and Yolandra during first lunch and last week you wore a Bitchin’ red sweated with matching red boots to the noon dance, right?”

“Yeah I guess, how did you remember that?” asked Leda looking even more confused.

“If it had something to do with Fashion, Music or Art Ted remembers it” said Jessie James with a smile. – “We have 7^th period Art together.”

“Am I intruding, if I am I can sit with someone else, no problem” I said directing my words to Leda.

“No if J. J. thinks you’re cool then I’m cool with you” said Leda looking at the floor.

“J. J.?” I said looking at Jessie James.

She was always very particular about how you said her name. I was going to have to ask during 7^th.

I almost grabbed my stuff and walked away. I can feel the ‘Go away weird kid vibes coming off of her. But if she is not going to be brave enough to speak for herself, then why should I?

“OK coolness, I’m going to the counter because I’m craving ‘hash browns’ like a Mother-” I said as I turned.

“Yeah get me one to” said Jessie James and Leda said nothing.

If they were having a Lesi breakfast talk then someone should have said.

Girls are weird sometimes.

After we ate our hash browns over some awkward convo, I left early saying I had to drop off my bag in my locker.

________________________

Classes were a blur until lunch. I was standing waiting for anybody but trying to look like I was waiting for no one. You know the look. Nicole and this guy named John Adams Espinoza walked up. [All I knew about this guy John was that all 6 of the kids in his family were given as their first and middle names the first and last names of Presidents. It was kind of odd but not in a school like this.]

“Hey party people, what’s the D?” I said as they walked up.

“Can it be all about you Mr. Kingston?” said Nicole with a smile.

“Not me, I’m just a squirrel trying to get a nut,” I answered back.

“Me and my friend John were about to kick it over to the diner for lunch would you like to kick it or are you waiting for someone?”

“John Espinoza right? You were in that play last semester right? You were good, I appreciated your Irish accent” I told John leaving out his middle name on purpose.

“Yes that was me, thank you, your too kind” John Adams said with an odd modesty for this school, area and city.

“So you in Ted?” Nicole said bringing up back on point.

“Naw I’ma chill, you two enjoy and I’ll stand here and how up this wall,” I said leaning back in the coolest pose I could manage easily.

Now if this was Nicole’s Big brother Rocky I would have seriously considered going. For some reason I have developed a soft spot for Nicole’s brother Virgil “Rocky” Tortuga, what’s up wit’ that? I don’t usually press with other high school guys. What eve’ he’s a cutie to the max.

I went to the lunch line and got a BBQ cheese burger and as soon as I took a bite I wished I went with John Adams and Nicole, damn!

The bell for next period sounded and on to the gym I went. School can be soo boring if there was a way to get out already I would. I feel like I’m in L7. Well maybe gym/ locker room will hold some promise.

Gym boring, I was so bored I played volleyball and we won. There was a fight in the locker room that had nothing to do with me but it made Mr. Chuy came running out of the coach’s room in the skimpiest little green undies I’ve seen since I was at the International Male on Santa Monica blvd. That man could wear a anything and I’d like it. Coach Tanner noticed me looking and gave me a grin. Is Coach Tanner a Home Owner? I filed that away for later.

On to Art class at least I will enjoy that. I should stop by and get someone to steam my clothes for tonight. Maybe I’ll ask Tabitha Park-Moon, the daughter of one of the owner and chiefs of the restaurant chain Hernandez Chan’s. (As I am told neither owner is named Hernandez or Chan). She has some kind of crush on me every since I went to her birthday party. I know she has Home Ecc this period.

Art is cool Mrs. Gabriella Goldstein aka Grace is in today. She is one of my favorite teachers and I love this class. Today I think I will finish my sculpture “Venus de Mano”. You can figure that out, I’m like so sure.

I dropped my clothes off and Tabs was on it before I could ask. I’ll have to do something nice for her, but not too nice. (girls?)

On way to class I run into Ms. Jessie James aka J. J.

“Hey J. J., What’s happening?” I asked.

Her eyebrow went up and she gave me such a look.

“Oh is that name reserved for one Ms. Leda Velasquez only?”

Jessie punched me in the shoulder so hard. I almost hit her back.

“Damn girl, why you hitting me? It’s not my lesbian affair,” I said rubbing my shoulder.

“Ted I am not having a lesbian affair, we’re just friends,” Jessie said looking around as we walked.

“Tell that to your girl, she was way twisted that I sat with you guys this morning.”

“She has some issues, but that had nothing to do with her and me. Now get that right and don’t be starting any rumors,” Jessie said giving me her I’m not playing face.

“Please girl I don’t need to start a rumor about you. As long as I’ve know you, you have not worn one piece of visible female clothing. The summer before 9^th grade, I’m told you had long hair down your back and then you showed up to school with your hair in the Swiss-boy cut. I like you so I wouldn’t say anything bad about you. But if you hit me like that again I’m gonna have to drop you like something touched by Miss Know-it-all Tiffany G.”

We both laughed it off.

“I’m sorry Ted; I guess I’m a bit touchy about the Lesbian stuff lately. My Mom asked me if I was one earlier this week and she wasn’t kidding,” Jessie looked around again.

“Damn girl you got the Rents coming at ya! What did you say?”

“I told her I wasn’t but Ted I’m not totally sure.”

“Jessie from the little I know girls, some female sexuality is fluid. Maybe you need to experiment.”

“I have not experimented, Ted Kingston!” She said a little too loud.

“OK girl that is your own damn biz. Remember I’m cool with whatever,” I said quickly before she started swinging again. (One per customer)

“OK I just don’t know what I am, but I am not with Leda Velasquez that’s for sure!”

“Let’s go in and do some art to relax you,” I said opening the door to room 103-A.

“Does everyone think I’m a Lesi,” She asked quietly.

“I guess, does everyone think I suck dick for A’s?” I asked not really caring.

“Maybe, But you don’t do you?” she asked uncharacteristically timid.

“Girl please, you know I owe you one in the arm. Don’t make me cash that check.” I said a little embarrassed by the question.

I walked over to our closet to put my stuff down and pull on my smock. So some people think I suck dick for grades, damn! I would be a straight ‘A’ student on the Honor roll and no home work if I did that. I guess they don’t know the boy has skills.

TAT

Saturday Night Magic

NOT EDITED

Its 9 pm on a boring Saturday and it is almost a week after the fourth of July and I am too hot and too bored to be out here with some of my Family and none of them are getting any work. I think it’s too hot and people spent all their money during the big weekend. I haven’t really worked on the street for about a year now and I don’t really miss it. I’m just here to hang out and see everybody, well if someone choice comes through, then like people say, “Never say never”.

We are there for about an hour with nothing but Peeping-Peter’s. I start sighing and

Colt says if you are bored and want to go it’s cool with me.

I say no I just wish something would happen.

Well it seems like a slow night said Kenny

Maybe if we say the money chant, we haven’t used that one in a long time I say.

Colt and Tim look embarrassed that I said it in front of other people. I’m 16 so Colt must be almost 19 by now. But Colt being ever the supportive big brother pushes past his embarrassment to join in.

Yes six times “Bring us money”. OK everyone join in.

Yes it doesn’t work unless everyone is in I say.

Fuck it, said Marky and Blue (who were working this block with us)

James and Pharm- Boy had just walked up when we were beginning to form the circle.

What’s happening Fellas and Ladies said Pharm- Boy.

Colt told the two of them to join in and we would explain.

So we all got in a circle and held hands. I looked around at all 7 of the young men in the circle, they all needed money, whether it be for food, drugs or a place to sleep tonight they didn’t have the luxury of just skipping it. I say they because with the change in my method I had a regular income, heck I was even starting to save some Freakin’ money.

Colt looked at me to explain the deal.

So this is like positive thinking for Hustlers. We used to do it in our family all the time and it always made something happen.

Pharm-Boy looked like I was about to levitate.

Is this like, you know some sort of Fuckin’ magic because I don’t fuck with no fuckin’ magic said Pharm-Boy. [why are some addicts so superstitious?]

It’s not magic I said not looking at any of my family.

James asked, So what do we have to do?

You all say the chant one time for each person out loud and there are 8 of us here, so we say it 7 times then you close your eyes and think of what you want to use the money for. This part you say to yourself quietly and I will count to seven out loud and then we’re done.

Yea Ted kind of made it up one day when we were bored and it worked and changed everything that day said my other brother Tim.

It goes like this:

These are our streets, this is our way

If you want to play you have pay.

You know you want us because we are the best.

Bring lots of cash because we don’t take checks.

It’s like positive thinking and it puts in a fun money making mood and all know that when you’re in a good mood money comes easier.

Marky says I always make better hook-ups when I’m in a better place.

Hey Kenny remember when you wanted all of us to go to Disneyland for your birthday? It worked then real good said Tim.

Yea and we had such a good time I will never forget it.

Everyone was in no matter how they really felt about the little ritual. Who could afford to turn away from a good thing that cost them nothing? I started to speak the words along with Kenny, Tim and Colt. Before we finished the first sentence half the group joined in and then the rest, 8 times and we were done. Everyone closed their eyes and I started counting one, two, three I looked around to see if everyone kept their eyes closed four, five, six, seven and eight.

They all opened their eyes and Blue looked around to see if anything was happening yet.

Blue it’s not automatic let the good feeling spread I said with a smile.

He busted a big smile at me and said he liked it. It made him feel all connected and warm on the inside.

That’s later hoe when that big dick inside you said Pharm-Boy. [No one laughed and he immediately felt bad about saying and hugged Blue in apology]

I noticed that after Blue and Pharm-boy hugged they went right back to holding hands with everyone else. We were all kind of grinning like kids. We didn’t even see the silver Mercedes pull up. He honked and rolled down the passenger side window. We all finally let go with our peaceful bubble broken.

He said hey I need two hot boys for a party. Do any of you know a cute blonde boy with dark roots and a punk style named Robbie?

Blue said I know Robbie but I don’t know where he is.

He’s is at the party I told him I needed more boys and he told me some places to go. I’m looking for three boys [he turned on the car light to see a piece of paper] Marky, Tim and I think the name is Blue? Do you know those guys?

I looked at Blue and he was already moving towards the car.

Tim learned from Colt just like I did so he stopped Blue and asked what kind of party and how much was the fee. Colt smiled at me and Blue frowned.

The guy said it was a midnight pool party at the back pool at the Château Marmot and the fee was $500 to start.

The three guys conferred that it sounded good. Marky said it sounded too good, but he would be in if they were. Blue said he was a good friend of Punk Robbie and he would do it. Colt walked over to the group and said it sounded good and the guy had all three of their names how likely is that. They were in.

As they ran towards the car Blue stopped and ran over to me for a hug and whispered in my ear, thanks for the magic. I just smiled. Marky and Tim came over to hug and I slipped some “Red Hots” in his back pocket. I was going to give them to him anyway. They are his favorite pick-me-ups. I still had some for Colt and Kenny also. Some girl at school traded $40 and a bag of “Red Hots” for a T-shirt I made for her. I don’t do any drugs since the overdose. So I give them to my friends. They jumped in the car and were off with a vroom.

Everyone was talking about how cool that was when a black van with thunder bolts on the side pulled up. It was Pharm-Boy’s cousin Ricky. He jumped out and said hey. Then he pull Pharm-Boy to the side and they chatted. While they talked a man walked up from the side street and it was one of Colt’s regulars. The guy has been coming to Colt for about 8 years [8 years hmm]. He showed Colt a key and they both smiled. Colt turned to Kenny and me and said he would be at the Sunset Motel in Santa Monica, would we be OK?

Of course we would you raised us well.

He smiled and walked away with Mr. Taylor.

It was down to James, Kenny and Me. James is 20 but he looks like a grown man most of the time.

Kenny heard some RG’s [real-girls] yelling Jimmy from the corner. He poked James and pointed. He squinted and yelled. Three sassy looking chicks came towards us and loud and happy. James introduced us to three members of Late Night Satisfaction, a rock and roll band that James sometimes sang back up for apparently. They needed him for a gig but didn’t know where to find him and was on their to eat when they saw him down the street. James looked at me and mouthed the words I owe you and grabbed his stuff.

Kenny said check that out it seemed to work for everybody but us.

Hey the night is still young it’s not ever midnight yet. Do you wanna go to the Golden Nugget for some fries and a soda on me?

OK after that will you over to Highland with me to see there is some work there?

Sure no charge… [we laughed]

The Golden Nugget was almost always full of people, street kids, Hollywood families, Hookers, Pimps and many, many Mo’s. We found a table in Tammy-Lynn’s section she is great and she has worked there for 15 years and loves it. We give her hugs and order a big basket of fries, a cherry coke and a cheery 7up. I can feel someone eyes on my back. I turn around and it’s Red Johannes. He is a guy that graduated from Hollywood about two years ago and his father is making him intern at other companies before he at the family Prop rent business. I know that Kenny thinks Red is a super star so a call him over. He’s OK but not my taste. He and his Sibs are second generation Norwegian but they look like they just got here. I see the spark in about five minutes. It seems that Red was just horning in on some old friends to not have to eat alone. Kenny invites him to eat with us and I say sure. When Red goes to the other table to get his stuff I say to Kenny that I guess the spell is working for everybody.

Kenny looks at me with a little frown, What about you what will get?

Don’t worry about me I’m always Swayze. ( I guess people think Patrick Swayze = cool, go figure).

Well then it’s just you and I tonight, unless you want to be alone?

What the heck are you talking about? It’s going to be you and Red tonight.

Nooo he wouldn’t like a guy like me said Kenny.

Give me your hand before he comes back.

I drew circle with KR/RJ inside and told Kenny to kiss it and then shake hands with Red when he comes back.

Why what did you do?

You’ll see trust, baby trust.

When Red came back I said let me make formal introductions this is my good friend Kenneth Rivera. Kenny this is here is the well known Red Johannes of the now Brentwood Johannes clan. Red looks surprised at me but says it’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Rivera.

Kenny Blushes and says call me Kenny and sticks out his hand for Red to shake. Red shakes Kenny’s and I saw a little jolt and know my work was done.

The fries were gone and glasses were empty and the two guys never stopped staring at each other. I could have slipped away and I bet they wouldn’t have noticed.

When the bill came Red snatched it up and handed Tammy-Lynn a $20. She looked at me, I shrugged.

She walked away.

I said well kids I’ve got places to go and people to amaze.

Kenny looked at me like he was just snapped out of a trance and started to make his exit lines [it was so nice to meet you and all].

I saw the look on Red’s face. I cut in, “What you doing? I’m going to Ultra tonight and you’ll be bored watching me dance all night. Red would be like you know a friend and hang out with my friend tonight so I can go dancing?

Red jumped right in and well if Kenny would like it I would show him the view from my apartment off Sunset?

What do you say Mr. Rivera, dancing with Queens or a view of the ocean with a dashing gentleman?

He blushes and we both know.

Cool for me off to Ultra and a fun sweaty time. Kenny hugged me when I got up to leave and I slipped him 2 $20’s for a cab and breakfast I whispered.

As I walked over to Ultra I knew it was going to be good night. The door made me wait but then Miss Tina’s bff (best friends forever) Cleopatra Williams, saw me next to the door and swept me in with her whirl-wind effect.

What are you doing tonight Mr. Kingston?

Trying to dance myself into a wore out puddle of fabulocity, why?

I’m model dancing some new clothes tonight with some other kids and you would be so on it for this, Also it pays $500 and you get to keep the clothes. Can you get fresh for money?

Are the rags all of that?

They are the latest of the latest Mr. Thing. All you have to do is come to a meeting Tuesday night and tell them what you think of their rags and collect your bills.

OK as long as you give me something really crazy to wear.

I will make you so styling the kids will all pee.

Word. Ms. Williams- Word Mr. Kingston!

So I guess the spell worked out for everyone. The witches will love this.

TAT