Ain't No Rest For The Wicked.

Story 8: No Rest For The Wicked

I woke up, my neck ached, a horrible night's rest like usual. The glow of the sun peeked through the windows, I sat up slowly. I ran my fingers through my hair, glancing over to the bathroom. I sigh slowly, I had to get to work soon. I glanced down to the side, my dog sat there, waking up just like me. I got up lazily, grabbing a shirt to put on. A dark military green, good enough. I toss it on and walk over to the bathroom, might as well use it before going. I looked into the mirror, I had a short chin beard- stubble on my chops, and a slightly thin mustache. By no means was I an ugly guy- at least I like to think. I had gentle green eyes, dirty blonde hair. It ran to my shoulders, stopping sharp- just how I liked it. I had a lean build, standing to the side, I could tell my body was still firm as always. I glance down, turning the faucet on and rinsing my face and hands and finishing my business in the bathroom.

When I stepped out, I looked towards the kitchen, I should certainly eat. I sigh as I step into the kitchen, I had recently fixed up the dishwasher, I peek inside, still looking good. The sound of the town waking up heard as footsteps trailed outside. I owned my house, I was proud of that at least. I grabbed a bowl, some cereal, and the last little bit of milk. “Hrm… I should buy more, good thing I got a job today.” I poured them into the bowl, tossing the carton out. My dog strolled over, its spotted brown and black coat looking sleek in the morning glow. The sound of commotion broke out, I just nodded slightly and yawned. “Guess they are fighting again… The usual.” I reached down to give my dog a cut of chicken, it ate it slowly, content with it.

Curiosity poked at me, I peeked out the window, one of the younger guys had another man held at gunpoint- spouting threats of all kinds. “Thought so…” My eyes scanned over the cobblestone path they had paved. Faded crimson stains on the side of the road. Nobody bothered cleaning them anymore, even when they did, they were back in moments. I closed my curtains, stretching my arms now. “I’ll be back, Art.” I crouched down, petting my dog softly, kissing it on the forehead, to which it let out a satisfied groan. It walked away, climbed onto my bed and curled up to go back to sleep. My dog’s name- Art. I named him that because he really was Art to me.

I stood by my door, waiting for the commotion to stop and for the fighting to go somewhere else, I didn’t wanna be part of it. I decided to kill a little time by doing a short work out- I did this a lot now that I think about it- maybe that's why I am so lean. I grin at the thought before kneeling and then falling forward onto my hands. Starting to do pushups- 20 of these, then I’d get to doing 20 situps, then stretch some more. It was enjoyable, I won’t lie. After repeating this routine 3 or so times- I heard them finally walk away. I stood, glancing over to my dog- still sleeping. Adorable to me as always.

I step out of the house, some clouds swim through the sky, occasionally dampening the light from the sun. I checked my watch- I had 2 hours before I was needed at Gregory’s place to fix his fridge. Time to kill, I glanced at the bar, considering grabbing a few drinks- but decided against it. “Nah… if them kids were fighting this early, I’d take a guess they're in there.” I mumble to myself. Ahead, I saw a rather pretty woman- though she was wearing rather revealing clothing, I knew what she was up to. “I never seen a man who looked so all alone could ya use a little company…” Her sultry voice audible as she approached, swaying her hips. “If you pay the right price your evening will be nice and you can go and send me on my way…” I groan slightly, far from amused. “You're such a sweet little thing- why do you do this to yourself?” I inquired with her, hopefully she’d leave me alone after I poked personally. She responded though… “Well, there ain’t no rest for the wicked, money don’t grow on trees you know. I got bills to pay, I got mouths to feed, ain’t nothing in this world for free.” She responded again, resting a hand on my chest, I made a grossed out face, rolling my eyes. I reached into my pocket- taking out a 10 dollar bill and handed it to her. “I don’t want your time, just stay safe.” I gave her one last wave before continuing down the street.

Ahead, more violence, how much could these people dish out before they got bored, seriously… I turned a corner, avoiding the scrapping, but of course, I ran into some dude, scrawny- barely looked like he had strength to lift that knife in his hands. “Give me everything you got!” He demanded from me, I was annoyed, instead of fighting, I decided to press his confidence, using my size against him. “You can have my cash- but first you know I gotta ask what made you wanna live this kind of life?” I asked him, only to get the response. “Well- nothing's free man- I got a family to supply for…” He seemed genuine, lowering the knife, he seemed more sad than anything, I reached into my pocket- I had 30 dollars remaining, a 20 and two fives. I hand him five. “Just don’t get yourself hurt…” The man looked at the 5 dollar bill, dropping the knife like he’d never need it again. “I’m sorry…” I heard the man mumble, but I was already walking away.

“There’s days when we’re all struggling…” I muttered to myself, it was a daily reminder, I considered everyone human, even though it hurt sometimes. I checked my watch again, an hour and a half. I sigh with exhaustion, wishing time would go a little faster. I looked up, tvs behind glass displayed something interesting. A preacher in cuffs- I read the headline, he had robbed his own church? “Ohh man, he stuffed his bank account with righteous dollar bills!” I heard a teen next to me exclaim, I sighed and shook my head. “I can’t say much, I know we all seek out the satisfaction that is thrill.” I mumbled as I walked from the tvs. I furrow my brow, looking down again at my watch- I was starting to do that too much. I took a slow- inhale, calming myself down. I was on edge- hard not to be here. I look up again, two teens, holding skateboards, walking by and talking about their type in women. “Nooo dude, she’s GOTTA be curvy” One offers to the other. “Yeah- but if she’s FIT that's even better!” They debated for a few moments. I chuckle quietly after they pass- it reminded me of when I was a kid- I always thought I’d end up with the prettiest woman in town- I’d impress her with my hands-on skills- I’d be married by this point. Oh man, those were the days… I slowly retreated from my daydream, I still had my friends, Gregory, Henry, plenty others. Just never got a girl, ain’t that funny.

My attention shifts towards a nearby building- ah, a convenience store. I think for a moment, I could use a soda I suppose. I step in, opening the door, the smell of fresh goodies hit me. “Ahh, I’ll say that’s Jay working today?” I slowly broke into a grin. Jay was one of my old buddies, we still talked, but not as much. Jay looks over and grins as well. “Miller!” He exclaimed, waving me down. His face lit up- blue eyes practically lighting up the room. “I saved you a fresh honey bun! On the house buddy!” Jay snickered, his short black hair bouncing slightly, I already took a guess he had tampered with it. I shook my head, chuckling warmly. “Yeah? Is that so? What did you do to it this time?” I stroll towards the back of the store, grabbing an orange can. Setting it on the counter. “Nothing… that you’ll notice at first…” He snickered again. That blue shirt under the apron he wore had some sort of cream on it- I sighed slowly, amused despite myself. “If I die, I’m haunting you. I hope you know that.” He rang up the soda and I handed him a 5. “Keep the change today buddy. It’s always good to see you.” Jay smiled widely- he was a bit younger than me, maybe 3 years. But he seemed so youthful. “Alright man! Have a good day Miller!” I wave back to him as I walk out. Cracking the soda open, I glanced at the honey bun in its package, I didn’t trust it to be normal.

I took a sip of the soda- that sweet orange taste- I loved it. I continued my walk, checking my watch again. I had an hour, it was a short walk from here. Not much more time to kill though. I continued to stroll through the streets towards Gregory’s house. I saw the houses slowly get more sophisticated by the second- the sound of violence and commotion slowly drowned away. It was refreshing, I loved hanging around his neighborhood- nobody questioned me though. I didn’t look like the usual rifraff. At least- I hope I don’t. I glanced down- I looked clean, my face wasn’t covered in blood- I’d say that's a solid checklist. I took a turn, that tall white polished house stood before me. I was 15 minutes early, fashionably early? Or something like that. I take a couple steps up to his porch and knock on his door. He had 2 gnomes guarding the door- it was kinda funny. He had a small pot with a pink rose- I wish I had one. I’ll ask him for some seeds as my pay perhaps… I laugh under my breath.

After a few moments- I hear a click of the lock and Gregory opens the door, smiling upon seeing me. “Miller! Finally, I was hoping you’d be early!” He guided me inside, and I followed him. I let out a soft yawn. “Yeah- streets were kinda busy today. But I’m glad I was able to make it!” I smile back at him. I could see Gregory’s hair starting to turn white- what once was some neat blond hair- fell away with age. “How old are you now, Greg? 60?” I tease him, in reality, he was only a year older than me. “For pete's sake Miller, I am HARDLY in my 30’s.” He rolled his eyes at me. “Sure old timer, let me know if I need to grab your cane too.” I tease him once more before he gives me a gentle- playful- smack on the head. “I’m having issues with getting the freezer to turn on, then this door here isn’t shutting fully. Oh and the thermostat is off by a little. Have fun!” He joked while walking, leaving me to my devices.

After 30 minutes or so, I got the freezer on, and it turned out to just be a cooling issue. Typical. As for the door, hinges of course. As for the thermostat- it was dirty, just cleaning it got it to work again. “Greg! I finished!” I called out to him, to which he stepped into the kitchen checking everything. I smile at him, nodding slightly. “Alright, that’s that I suppose.” I turn, preparing to leave, almost forgetting the money. “Miller! How bad is your memory? And you call me old… Your payment.” He extended a wad of cash- the 180 we agreed on. “Ah- thank you!” I smile, taking the money, thumbing through it carefully. I nod at him, grateful. “I’m always here for you, just give me a call when you need it!” I told him, before making my way to the exit. I passed by his wife- she was pregnant, 3 months now. I almost forgot about that. She seemed sweet- her long black hair obscured her face though.

I exited the house, feeling the gentle glow of the afternoon- soon to be night- sun cast on me. “You know what's weird… Crime is less likely at night- I heard it was the opposite before H.E.L.L came about. Maybe that's just because it’s easier to commit any crime any time nowadays.” I think out loud. Ahead, empty streets- with the occasional person passing by. I loved the night, it was peaceful, a respite from the loud chaotic mornings. I felt like I earned myself a drink. Wine, I never really drank beer to be honest, hated the taste, but I hated whisky even more. Burned terribly. On the way home, the mugger from earlier was missing. I actually spotted his knife still on the ground- I wonder if I really had changed that much about him with five dollars… The young lady from earlier was still outside- but she was sitting, smoking a cigarette. Not even approaching someone. Makes sense, it was night after all. She noticed me, and winked. I turn my attention elsewhere though.

The bar was open- I peeked in- empty, except for one older lady. She was stepping out of the door, and dropped her wallet. I reached down, grabbing it for her. I tapped her shoulder- she turned back and I extended the wallet out to her. “Here ma’am, you dropped this.” I spoke softly, she took it back slowly, not saying much. But behind those glasses- I could see the gratitude in her eyes. Not many people performed such acts of kindness anymore- it was almost common for robberies to happen like that. I stepped inside, the bartender, a younger guy, almost like Jay looked. “Lemme just get a cheap wine, I’m cooling down.” I ordered from the man- he reached down- grabbing a bottle that read “Rico’s Red Wine” Guess the cheap didn’t get much special. He poured for me, extending it to me. I took it, taking a sip- I enjoyed the gentle bite, much more than I enjoyed the burn of whisky or beer.

After around 10 minutes or so, I finished, placing a 10 on the table. “Eh- keep the change, but remember me.” I smirk, I might be back sometime. I exit the bar, and the young man waves goodbye to me. Counting out the register. It was dark outside, but not impossible to see. I reach my house, sticking my key into the lock, and entering my house. I took off my shirt first- it was kinda hot inside. I walked over towards my room, opening. Art barked with excitement. I smiled softly. “Who’s my good boy?” I speak playfully to him. Crouching and petting him. He licked me up and down- reminded me that I still had an adorable little baby to look out for. “Alright, let's let you use the bathroom.” I yawn, standing up and guiding him to the back door. He ran out sniffing around for a few moments, before doing his business. He ran back inside, nails tapping against the polished wood under us. I open my fridge, looking around. Another cut of chicken. “Hey, roll over!” I grab it, turning over to him. He quickly did a roll, it was adorable to watch. “Good boy!” I extend it to him- he eats it eagerly. I smile at him. “Alright, I’m heading to bed.” I walk back over to my room, laying down. A few moments later Art ran in and leaped up. Snuggling close to me. It was a good day…