I'm a Formerly Homeless Teen, and I Know Too Much

I'm 17, a high school senior, and I was homeless for the better part of three years. For much of that time, I couch surfed, and it was during that time that I ended up at a particular house. It was the home of a family I had never met before, and they allowed me to sleep there for the night. I never expected to end up there that night, and I certainly didn't expect to wake up to the woman I had met the night before screaming at me to get out of her house. I didn't know what she was talking about until she told me I had slept in her son's bed. I didn't even remember it. I was confused, but I did remember that I had gotten into her son's bed sometime in the middle of the night. He was a nice guy and offered me a place to sleep, and I remember him getting into his bed. I was in such a daze, I didn't even remember it.<br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>I didn't know what to do. I was confused, I was scared, and I didn't know what to say. I had been homeless for three years, and I knew how easy it was to get yourself into a situation like that. I knew that I had slept there that night, but I didn't know how I had gotten there. I had a few theories, but I didn't know what to do. I knew I couldn't stay, and I knew I couldn't ask her for answers. I grabbed my backpack and walked out the door, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. I still have no idea what happened to me that night, but I know one thing: I'm glad I got out when I did. <br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>I'm not saying the woman was a bad person. I don't know her that well, and I don't even know if she was involved, but I do know one thing. If you are someone who likes to target homeless people and take advantage of them, know this: I know your game. I know how to get myself into a situation like that. I know how to take advantage of myself, and I know how to make myself forget things that I don't want to remember. I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that it's easy to take advantage of a homeless person. You're thinking it's easy to take advantage of a kid who's been through everything. You're thinking it's easy to manipulate someone who is so desperate. But you don't understand. You think I'm just another homeless person who will do anything to get by, but you're wrong. I may not have a home, but I have a purpose. I may not have a family, but I have a voice. And now, you're on my radar. And I'm not going to let you take advantage of me or anyone else. So let's not meet.