Erik Lehnsherr Aesthetic
Erik stood in front of the burly man, waiting. He was hungry and desperate, so he propositioned him $50 for a blowjob, and he was willing to let him cum in his mouth. The outrage he received, was enough to realize that he was likely going to get a beating and his body dumped in the side alley.
“How old are you?”
“Old enough.” He answered with a shrug. “Look you want it or not, I got other clients.”
“That didn’t answer my question.” He crossed his arms over his chest, showing off his tattoos.
“Seventeen.” Erik licked his lips, he knew he was a looker. Maybe not cute, but he had a hard edge most men liked. “I can be younger if you need me to be.”
“How did you end up here?” It was the tone that startled him. It wasn’t the self-righteous pity that some of the churchgoers gave him. It was true concern. He had only heard that from that Priest who was trying to build up some organization to help gang kids, and those at the LA Mission, they actually gave a shit.
“Why do you care?”
“Because someone sure as fuck needs to.” He nodded towards his truck. “Come on, get in.”
Erik hesitated for a moment, but he was desperate for money. He hadn’t eaten in days, and the kids on 5th were even hungrier. Besides it wasn’t like he didn’t have unique skills that could crush the truck if need be. “You want to fuck me? I can do that, but it will cost you more.”
“Fuck no. I got a wife who gives better blowjobs than you punk.” He opened the door, and practically dragged Erik into the cab. “Look God sent me down here tonight for a reason. You’re that reason.”
“You believe that.” He gave the guy a disbelieving expression.
“You believe in that?” He pointed at the Star of David around his throat.
“I shouldn’t.”
“Well then, boy it’s time you experience some Faith.” He closed the door, went around the front of the truck and got into the drivers side. “I’m Jorge Oscar, and you are?”
“Erik.” Jorge gave him a look. “Erik Lehnsherr.”
“So Erik, why are you on the streets?” He started the car and headed out of the neighborhood, leading not necessarily to the good area, but better than where he was at.
“You want the truth or some sob story.”
“Truth.”
“My stepdad hated my guts, kicked me out of the house when I was twelve.” He knew it sounded like a sob story, and most didn’t believe him.
“Asshole. Let me ask you Erik, are you gay?”
“Sex is a job not a pleasure.”
“Didn’t answer my question.” He gave him the side-eye.
“It doesn’t matter, I mean if it’s good its good. I doubt there’s a loving relationship in my future so why limit oneself when it comes to getting money for food.” He pulled up his legs, letting his threadbare shoes settle on the seat, arms wrapped around his legs. “Why do you even care?”
“Are you Jewish?” Jorge glanced back at the small Star of David, it looked old and worn. Erik would’ve had to fight to keep it over all these years.
“Yes.” He answered, giving him a glare. “You anti-semitic?”
“Far from it, just curious. Where did you get it?”
Erik glared at him, not sure what the guy wanted, but if got something out of this whole mess it would be worth it. Even if he ended up dead, at least it would be over. “It’s the one thing I have from my birth father. Supposedly he gave it to my mom, but she didn’t want it when he left, so she gave it to me.”
Jorge nodded, then stayed silent as they drove. It was another ten minutes before he pulled into a auto shop yard. Erik could see that the building was old, but well maintained. He reached out feeling all the metal on the property.
It was how he realized there was a house in the back. He wondered if that was where the family lived.
Jorge turned off the truck and turned to look at Erik. “Twenty-five years ago a good man, gave me an opportunity. I wasn’t in your situation, I was a stupid punk kid who thought he was rockin’ his gangster ways.”
Erik snorted slightly, but continued to listen.
“I was seventeen, and was one drug deal away from jail time. He gave it to me straight and offered me a job, a real one. I learned to be a mechanic, and in time built my own shop. Got married, and have four kids. The oldest is thirteen, the youngest barely two.”
“Why are you telling me this?” He demanded.
“He died a few days ago, matter of fact his funeral was today. I stood there looking at his coffin and thinking did I do enough? And I realized despite the fact I was thankful for what he gave me, I never passed it on. Paid it forward.” He looked back out the front of the windscreen, and was quiet for a few moments. “So I prayed. I said Lord show me what I’m supposed to do. After the party we had in his honor, I started driving just driving. Saw you on the street corner, the light was coming down onto you and I knew. When you offered to blow me, I knew God sent me to you.”
Erik wanted to scoff, wanted to hate him, wanted to get out of the truck and leave, but something kept him sitting there.
“So Erik, I’m offering you a job. I’ll teach you everything you need to know about Mechanics. You can live above the garage, and I’m sure once my wife takes one look at you, you’ll be adopted.”
“I’m Jewish.”
“And?”
“Your Catholic.” Erik pointed out the rosary tattoo on Jorge’s forearm. “The two usually don’t mix.”
“Helping your neighbor shouldn’t stop at religious borders. Might need a dummies guide to Judaism, but I’m willing to learn.”
He held out his hand.
Erik reached out and took it.
Great look at young Erik and how he met Jorge. A really nice scene.
—-Naj 🙂