Smoke Break

Violet asked me to step outside with her on her smoke break. She figured that the bums wouldn't hassle her for change if I was out there with her.

“So where you go to school?” Violet asked.

“I'm junior at Lane Tech. I actually ditched school today.” I said trying to sound rebellious.

“Why would you do that? Ditching is stupid. I wound up in summer school a few years back because I ditched a lot. You're smarter than that.” Violet said.

“It's the first time!” I rebutted.

“Well, don't make it a habit. I'm talking from experience. I'm not trying to be your Mom or something.” Violet said.

“How about you, where do you go?” I asked.

“I go to DePaul. I’m a freshman. I’m gonna major in business management. My minor is in art. I like to paint.” She said.

“That’s cool. I want to be a photographer.” I said.

“Do you take pictures of your dick or something? Just kidding!” Violet said flicking an ash off her cigarette.

“I would really want to become a documentary photographer. My teacher has been showing us photographers like Henri Cartier Bresson and Diane Arbus. I really dig that style. Especially Diane Arbus’s work.” I said.

“Arbus is the shit. If you’re looking for source material then sit in the donut shop parking lot over on Belmont and Clark on a Saturday night. If you like photographing weirdos, then that’s your spot.” Violet said.

“You ever go to Medusas?” I asked.

“Not too much anymore. Once and awhile I go to Late Night, but I mostly use my fake ID to get into Neo and 950.” She said.

“They play the same stuff there?” I asked.

“Way better, I think.” She said while taking another drag.

“You know anyone who can make me a fake ID?” I asked.

“Whoa, wait kid. Don’t jump the gun. There’s no way you’ll pass for twenty one. You probably only shave once a week. Maybe in a year or two.” She said.

“You think I’m just some dumb kid don't you?” I said looking down.

“No. You’re definitely cool. Enjoy going to Medusas right now. Let that be your world.” Violet said.

“One day, maybe I’ll be able to see you at Neo.” I said proudly.

“And one day you probably will. You got some things to learn about life. I bet you come from a nice neighborhood.” Violet said.

“Northwest side.” I said.

“Yup. My cousin Max and his friends live down that way too. I grew up around Belmont and Milwaukee before I went to college and got an apartment down here.” She said.

“You live down HERE?  That’s so fucking cool!” I said.

“It’s decent. It’s rough but, I'm close to work and school.” Violet said.

“Maybe after I turn 18, I can move down here. I was thinking about going to Columbia College to major in Photography.” I said.

“Sounds cool. My advice…follow your dreams. And don’t let anyone take them from you. I hope you find your dreams.” Violet said stomping out her cigarette.

“Thanks. I appreciate that.” I said.

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