Choices, to say the least, are important. The choices you make define you as a person. One little decision could ruin you, but it could drastically change you and your life. Most people would like to believe choices are simple. There’s a bad choice and then there’s a good choice. This isn't always the case. I like to think that choices I make aren’t necessarily bad, but they also aren’t that great. Sometimes I just do what I have to, but other times I do something and I just can’t explain why.
“It was too easy,” I grinned.
“It’s always easy for you Peter,” Johnny replied.
Johnny has been my best friend ever since I was introduced into the foster program. He is the only, well second person I trust, not since my parents. Under Johnny’s blonder hair, baby face, and scrawniness hides a boy with a brain to challenge mine. He actually is, or was, the brains of our operations. He’s the guy that knows the guy that can get anything. He’s got all the connections.
“I mean who just leaves a perfectly good IPhone lying around,” I teased, “Now get this to your guy during homeroom ASAP so he can wipe it and sell it before they start to worry.”
“You have the stickiest finger I have ever seen,” Johnny admitted.
“Imagine if we hadn’t stopped for a bite to eat before school,” I declared.
“That still means I get a cut, right? I’m the brains and your the brawn,” Johnny asked.
“You have to be smart to be called the brains. We should hurry, it’s almost eight,” I mocked.
“Not cool man, not cool.”
I normally don’t like school but today was my good schedule. Every class I had was with Sam. She is the second person I trust. She just doesn’t know about my not so great choices I make, such as the Iphone this morning. She knows that I’m a problem child but she doesn’t care about any of it. She just cares about me. That’s why I’ve made a promise to stop. No more burglary for me. Even though my blue eyes and being 5’11 made it easier, but my blonde hair is very reflective.
I walk into homeroom and it’s like seeing her for the first time again. Her brunette hair flowing over her shoulders. Her blue eyes, an endless ocean of joy and love.
Act cool, I think to myself. I may be able to sneak into a house, take everything of value, and get out without them ever knowing I was there till they wake up, but talking to a pretty girl is still impossible.
“Hey,” My voice cracks. Why now? Of all the times why now?
“We’re already a thing there’s no need to be nervous anymore,” She giggled.
“I may be sixteen but apparently you’re never too old to go through puberty. Again,” I joked.
“Some people are just late bloomers,” she teased.
We both start laughing as the announcements come on. Pledge of allegiance and other important stuff I should but don’t listen too.
“So, I was hoping we could do something tomorrow. Grab something to eat, catch a movie, or we could just hang out,’ Sam asked once the announcements were over.
“Why not all three.” I answered. Usually I would be busy on a Saturday but since I don’t burgle anymore I’m free.
“Sounds like a date,” She replied.
When we get to first period Algebra of course we have to have a pop-quiz. I find math relatively easy. I like to think myself as intelligent, not a genius or anything but I don't struggle and I’m definitely above average.
“Mr. Arnold I don’t really understand number 8, what chapter is it from?” I inquired.
He glances at the door, a teacher is outside waving. “ One minute, Mr. King” He snapped. I may be smart but like I said, problem child. Most of the teachers aren’t exactly president of my fan club. That’s when I see it. One of those cases that has a ring in it. All the other worker bees are too busy laboring over the quiz, they wouldn’t know. I knocked the case into the trashcan. I reach down to dig it out and as I do I pluck the ring from its sleep in its velvety bed. I put the case back behind the photo of his fiancee-to-be. That's a kick right to the guilt and morality.
I met up with Johnny at lunch and give him the ring. He just takes it and doesn’t ask questions. Johnny’s blonder hair, baby face, and scrawniness hides a boy with a brain to challenge mine. Besides that one slip school was normal for the rest of the day. 
Johnny drives me home to my current foster family. I’ve been trying to not get on their bad side, unlike the others. I’m tired of bouncing between families and since my parents aren’t coming back anytime soon and nobody will adopt me I’m here till I’m an adult. They treat me like family.
“Mom are we almost home yet,’’ I ask. I’m falling asleep in the back of the car. I was getting a serious case of Déjà vu. Something isn’t right.
“Almost sweetie, almost,” She replies.
“Remember to go right to bed when you get home so Santa can come.” My dad says.
That cold feeling of uncertainty and stress begins to climb up my back and give me a bear hug that chills my entire body, destroying that warm and cozy feeling. Then it happens.
Car crashes in real life aren’t anything like in the movie. Time doesn’t slow down and  you usually don’t walk away with just a few bruises and scrapes. No, it's much worse. It all happens so fast you get thrown around, and debris is flying everywhere. Little six year old me was terrified. It all happened so fast that I barely had time to scream. Then everything just stopped and fell back to earth. Both my parents died instantly. I spent the whole of Christmas Eve night on an icy back road of Massachusetts, warmed by a fire that had started on the car.
“Wake up dude,” bellowed Johnny, hovering over me.
Half asleep I punched him in the arm and said “Not in the mood right now,” I was used to Johnny sneaking in at this point.
“Another bad dream, wanna go eat ice cream and talk about it,” Johnny teased.
“Shut it Johnny. It’s gonna be ten years next week. Anyways what do you want?” I asked.
“Many things my dear boy, many things, ” mocked Johnny
“Get to the point,” I replied.
“I’m just messin but I’ve got something that will cheer you up, come with me,” said Johnny.
He drives me a couple blocks to this old, creepy looking house.
“My mom probably would’ve called this haunted,” I recalled.
“Well it’s not and you know what to do, get in there and rob him” Johnny said.
“I don’t rob people, robbery uses force, therefore I burgle. I burgled, not anymore,” I replied.
“Calm it down Robin Hood. Just one more,” He begs.
“Fine,” I say as he hands me an ear piece.
The house is just as old and creepy inside as out. It reeks of old people and there’s dust everywhere. It’s pitch black and every step makes a creak on the floor.
“Big game hunter of the year award goes to…” I say over the mic to Johnny. The house was filled with taxidermied buffalo, moose, and even giant snakes. I wouldn’t be surprised if this guy stuffed his pet hamster. I make my way down to the basement to find this old, massive safe. I had to open it so I used liquid nitrogen to freeze the locks then the metal expands and pops off the safe door. Luckily the owner was on vacation so he did hear anything. I walk in.
I have never seen more money in my life. Pallets on pallets of dollars. I hesitate to take it. Did I really want to do this? If I took the money I would always have to be on the run. I wouldn’t be able to settle. I thought about Sam and my promise. She would be devastated if she found out about me. But I could move away. Live the life. Beaches, cars, mansions. It wouldn’t last me long but I could steal more. I could live the dream. But my promise to Sam and myself. Johnny would never know about the money. I can’t hide this much money.
“Johnny you won’t believe,” I mumbled .
“What dude!” He yapped, cutting me off.
“There’s nothing in here, absolutely nothing,” I replied as I left the house.