My Story.

Hi, my name is Angelo Matthews. I was born on February 14th 1997 to a loving mother and father. Life was simple - nothing out of the ordinary, the typical growing up having differences but having laughs. School like was typical too, sounds kind of boring right? I’d agree but to me it was perfect. It was always the three of us, going on family trips, adventures and just enjoying life together.

My mother and father were high school sweet hearts and through college. My dad said he fell for my mom when he caught her eyes in the hall - blue irises that reminded him of the clear ocean. I guess whats one thing atypical about me, I inherited her eyes. A lot of people we’d come across would comment on them, it was nice. But being a shy kid I was always a little embarrassed by the attention.

When I was 16 our trio welcome my baby brother Jonathan to the family. I was beyond ecstatic! I was a big brother. My mom and dad told me that as his big brother Id help teach him, protect him. I took it to heart and always made sure that I was present for him. Life continued, it stayed fine….at least for a while.

It was winter and we were driving around the town to look at the Christmas lights. We were headed home when my dad lost control of the car from the ice and we collided with a truck on the opposite side. It happened all too fast. The only thing I can remember after coming to was feeling the cold concrete, red snow, and my little brother crying.

Our parents were gone….

The legalities that followed were just as quick. My parents were both only children whose parents passed before Jonathan was born. As a result we were sent to live in a group home orphanage in the city. It wasn’t much but it gave Jonathan and I a roof over our heads, hot meals, and a warm place to sleep. I went back to school and as Jonathan grew up so did he. We were in that group home for 2 years. At 18 I technically would be kicked out and deemed an adult but seeing as how my brother was only 2 we had an arrangement that I can stay so long as I helped around the group home. The staff were so kind to us, I honestly believe that if I had not suggested the arrangement they would have done so themselves.

But I knew this place would not be able to sustain Jonathan and I….

I graduated High School and opt’ed to find work versus continuing into college. I figured that school will always be there but I only have one brother.

The job hunt was hard, felt impossible even. With no experience aside from what I had done at the group home, I wasn’t exactly selling myself. From sun up to sun down, coffee shops, bookstores, retail stores nothing but I couldn’t give up.

One day after getting denied for the umpteenth time, I was sitting at the park, crap coffee in my hand when a man came up to me asking if I was looking for work. I should have known this was suspicious, i should have known better - stranger danger. But at this point I was desperate.

“Yes.”

That one word turned my world upside down. The man handed me his business card that read “Charm Gentleman’s Club”, He told me it was a customer service job, a server were his exact words. Finally, a lead. He said I could start immediately so I went for it.

I followed the man to the address on the card - the neighborhood seemed alright and the establishment seemed busy. The man ushered me in and i started to get anxious. First day nerves right? I walked in and saw tables of young men and women walking around serving drinks and oddly enough sitting with the patrons.

Just like everything in my life, things happened so fast. I was rushed through the main dining area up the stairs into a hallway with what seemed like endless rooms. Call it a delayed reaction but before I could decline, i felt hands on me. I fought back…

“You’ll get used it, theyll pay big bucks to see those ocean blue eyes staring up at them…”

I struggled. When i realized that it was another man who was touching me, it dawned on me what this could be. The man tore at my shirt, i fought back before I started feeling callus hands on me. Who ever this is didn’t like that and i felt my body hit the wall. I was dazed. 

“Get the f*** off me, let me go…!!”

He enjoyed the begging. 

“F*** those eyes…get a good look at daddy… huh? Ill make it worth your while.”

I shook my head before i heard a thud. It was a stack of cash. Most Ive ever seen. Everything stopped - i looked at the cash then back at the man who already had his pants undone. I gritted my teeth and gave him a swift kick to the stomach, but its like he got off on the hunt.

It was like time stood still. I sat up in the bed, sheets loosely around me, my body ached. The man that tore me from reality was gone but the one who recruited me stood at the threshold of the room counting his money before setting aside some on the table.

“Your cut…so, you in blue eyes?”

My body felt a second wind fueled by rage.

“F*** you…”

The man smirked.

“Sorry kid, not my job, its our clients. Welcome to The Host Club.”

Before i could rush him another gentleman came in with a smile, he closed the door behind him and….

“Gelo where ya been…youre stinky big brother..” Jonathan giggled pinching his nose.

My hood was up, and i patted his head and let out a coy smile. As if on auto pilot I walked into the bathroom and looked at myself: a shiner, busted lip, probably a few bruises, my legs were weak, but a giant wad of cash in my jean pocket.

I stripped and stood under the shower for what felt like hours. As if in a blink I found myself standing at the entrance to The Host Club…

I walked in.

Fast forward a year and a half and Jonathan and I moved out of the group home and live in a decent apartment in the city, we had our own place, things started to feel normal again. It was refreshing.

“Ill see you after work kiddo..”

Jonathan smiled as i grabbed my bag and water bottle before heading out the door. Our neighbor was a sweet older couple who looked after my baby brother while i was at work. Least I know hes safe. I made my commute and prepared myself for another late night.

Making my way through the city, I turned the corner and looked up at the bright sign, i clenched my fist as i immediately felt eyes on me. I walked in and made it through the familiar dining area up the stairs toward the hallway of endless rooms. I walked into my room, threw my stuff in the wardrobe as my boss stopped to greet me.

“Theres the star, a year and a half and you’re the sweetest ass at the club.”

“F*** off..”

“Now now tiger, just promise me you won’t hurt the client’s too bad?”

I scoffed but knew it cant be helped. I made quite a name for myself, always fighting clients even though my job meant they could please themselves without restriction. I didnt care, id always leave them with a shiner or busted lip. Doctor visits were frequent but worth it if i could provide.

In the end thats all that mattered to me.