I'm glad you're making the decision to try to distance yourself from this guy. If you don't, you're right, some really bad things could come out of that.

It sounds like you don't want to be friends with him at all anymore, but it also seems like he might not let you go so easily. In that case, have you tried to talk to him about why he does what he does? I mean, I know it's probably a delicate situation, but do you think that there's any way that he can get out of his business? If you do decide to talk to him about it, don't just say, "Back off!" You've got to be calm and sensible about it. Tell him that you don't want to get hurt and that you've got other priorities to focus on instead of getting in trouble.

You'll have to use your judgment and decide whether it would be better for you to talk to him about how you don't think you can be friends with him anymore or just leave him without saying anything. Both could potentially make the guy upset, but you'll have to chose which one will make the situation better for yourself.

If I were you, I would slowly start to hang out with some other people. If he asks you to come over, tell him you have other plans. If you do want to stop hanging out with him, you should probably gradually end the friendship. Leaving right away would probably make him suspicious of you... which might not be good.

If it really gets out of hand and someone threatens you, then you need to tell your parents and talk to the police. Even if it means getting that guy in trouble. Believe me, that guy will be afraid of the cops when they come knocking on his door to arrest him. He's probably smuggling so he can get rich, right? Well, he's convicted and has to spend time in prison, there's not going to be any cash left for him. He's just putting up a front for you so that everyone thinks he's a badass.

Good luck, and I hope everything ends up okay for both of you guys.

Take care,
Rachel

Posted at 11:20 am on Oct. 11, 2008

 If he tells you people are looking for him, what's it got to do with you? Are you his only friend? Is that why he's telling you all this stuff? Are you supposedly the only one he trusts? 'Cause if you are, then it's kind of...ironic how much you want to get away from him.
 However, that's not the point. Staying away from him doesn't necessarily mean you are going to piss him off. You are not going to directly go up to him and tell him to stay away from you. You are simply going to hang out more with others so you are "busy" and don't really have time for him. You need to "study" since you are concerned about your grades. You've got "family activities" on weekends or you are watching some movie or whatever.
 But don't be too obvious about staying away from him. Don't look relieved when telling him you are busy or something. And if you guys usually walk home together, try to stay back for a little while till he leaves first or you can go earlier. You can also simply plan more activities with your other friends so you don't have to look for fake excuses to hang out less with him.

 Are you not worried for him though? I mean what he's doing is pretty dangerous and how he is suspicious and alert at all times, it's like he can't relax. Do you want to, maybe, try and help him get rid of the business? But then again you guys don't seem to be that close so I reckon if you ask him you are kind of offending him. Basically just think he's just another kid from school and we don't have much in common so don't be much bothered about his business, it's his after all.

 And just be careful in case he tries to get you into his smuggling business, either intentionally or by accident. It's not good to be in such a state.

Good luck.

Posted at 11:44 pm on Oct. 9, 2008