Short Lines
justifiable
tradethatheartofgold
fawksee
Next thing I knew, I was on a plane on my way to LA.
Carter promised he would be waiting for me when I got off the plane, but nervousness still bubbled in my stomach. What if he wasn’t there? What if I got lost trying to find him?
The flight attendant announced that we were beginning our descent, and I my grip tightened on the arms of the seat as I took a few deep breaths. I was glad I had brought my anti-anxiety meds; I was going to need them.
Once the plane touched the ground and stopped at the weird accordion tube thing, the doors opened and the other passengers began grabbing their things and filing out. Eager to get out of the cramped space, I pushed past everyone as fast as I could and emerged from the doorway, a loud shout greeting me.
“AVERY!” Carter yelled, sprinting toward me like a marathon runner and sweeping me up into his arms in a tight, spinning hug.
I laughed, begging for him to put me down. “People are staring doofus. They’re going to think we’re married or something.”
“Let ‘em talk,” he grinned, planting a quick kiss on my cheek. “Besides, I’m entitled to smothering my best friend with affection after not seeing her for months.”
I rolled my eyes playfully as he slung an arm around my shoulders. “What’s the plan for the rest of today?”
“Well, after we grab your bags, I was thinking we could go back to my place and let you take a little cat nap-” he began.
“I’m not a cat.” I interrupted.
“Hush, child. Anyway, after you rest up, we’ll head out to the mall and meet the greatest band to grace the planet Earth. It’ll go off without a hitch,” he explained as we strolled to baggage claim.
“If you just jinxed us, I swear to God I’m gonna kill you,” I said.
Off to the Outlets, Crosby and I wanted to make sure this thing wasn’t going to be totally packed, and with less to no luck, it was terribly packed.
After a quick power nap, my jet lag drained batteries were partially recharged, and Carter was speeding down the road towards The Outlets at Orange. I picked at my fingernails nervously, gazing out the window at the passing cars and the bright California sunshine reflecting off of them.
Carter pulled into a oversized parking garage, driving around for a few minutes until he found a good place to park the car. He grinned at me as her turned the ignition off, his eyes giving an almost too hopeful glance towards me. “Come on, babe. Let’s go make history.”
We entered the mall, taking in the overcrowded atmosphere before trying to find the area where the signing was. I had one clinging to the sleeve of Carter’s shirt so I wouldn’t lose him in the sea of people, and the other gripped on a copy of one of All Time Low’s albums. Up ahead, we could see a large group crowded around the outside of a Hot Topic, just standing there waiting. This had to be where the signing was.
“EXCUSE ME! PREGNANT GIRL COMING THROUGH!” Carter screamed, brushing past people with ease as they moved out of our way.
“I fucking hate you,” I groaned, tightening my grip on his shirt.
He shot another mischievous smile. “Yeah, but at least I got us up closer.”
We stood behind a metal barricade, gazing at a plastic white table set up with 4 chairs and a whole stack of black Sharpies. There was a poster showing a clear picture of the band pinned to the wall, and I smiled, thinking that I had finally made it. Then, like magic, the band emerged from their hiding place and the crowd erupted into cheers, Carter and I included. There were here and they were REAL. I threw my arms around Carter in hug, thanking him for bringing here and making one of my dreams come true. It was like a euphoria, being around my favorite band. I couldn’t imagine how anybody else was feeling.
Crosby and I moved through the crowd, trying to figure out who the hell was here. My eyes finally landed on a poster and a table of four men, All Time Low.
“All Time Low, huh? They’re pretty cool I guess.” Crosby seemed slightly disappointed, but I was okay with it. I used to listen to them when they first came out but I stopped when I moved in with Crosby.
They got attractive, hm.
As I moved closer, I felt myself bump into someone; she was cute, freckles and glasses, an anxious look in her eyes.
“Sorry,” I mumbled with a slight smile before carrying on the move as we were all filed into an orderly line.
The noise settled down into a dull roar of talkative teens and young adults. Crosby and I were chatting casually as we stood in line when across way at Starbucks, I saw a familiar pink tramp.
Crosby instantly saw my expression of disgust and followed a beeline to the location, “Margaux?”
Anger bubbled up in my blood as she grinned that wretched grin and made her way to us.
“Hi, Crosby,” she giggled then gave me a once over with a smug look, “Elizabeth.”
“Marla.” I gave her my harsh acknowledgement.
“What are you doing here, Margaux?” Crosby questioned with bewilderment.
“Just thought I’d do some shopping silly.” That stupid giggle again.
“Seven hours away from home? Yea, okay.” I snapped, rolling my eyes.
“So, Crosby… wanna get outta here?” I couldn’t believe this bitch.
Before Crosby could even speak, I shoved my hands against Marla, “Are you fucking kidding me?” I yelled louder than expected, the crowd hushing and drawing eyes on me. “Are you so much of a cunt you have to fucking come onto my best friend right in front of me?”
My eardrums were nearly blown out as a girl standing nearby began screaming, but it wasn’t for the band. She was beautiful, even with her face contorted into an expression of pure anger, and she wasn’t very big, but looking like she was going to knock somebody’s teeth out. Her gaze was fixed on some underdressed, plastered with makeup girl with bright pink hair, and I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on.
Everyone was dead silent despite the band’s presence, focused on the brawl that was bound to happen right before their eyes. Carter took a protective step in front of me, shielding me as if I were too frail to handle what was happening. “Hey, what’s the deal here?” he asked.
Marla didn’t seem fazed, which only sent me into another round of fury, pushing her back once again. Hearing a voice close by, obviously ask a question in our direction, I graciously responded.
“This bitch right here is getting on my last nerve.”
“You’re just jealous, it’s obvious you like Crosby.” The audacity of this one, I swear.
“I don’t like Crosby, I love him, he’s like my brother you dumb piece of trash. But your delusional psycho bitch brain doesn’t know what that is like cause you fuck anything you get close to.” Laying on insult after insult, I stayed as calm as I could.
I had no idea what the pink haired girl had done, but it had to have been something bad with the way this girl was acting. I cowered slightly behind Carter, wanting nothing more than to escape from this confrontation. Unfortunately, my best friend was all too determined to put a stop to this.
“Look, I have no idea what’s going on between, but we’re in public. Pulling that kind of shit is going to get you into serious trouble,” he explained.
“If I told you all the things she’s done, you’d find it justifiable.” I grumbled trying to relax. A soft hand collected my arm pulling me back slowly.
“Let’s chill out, Libs.” Crosby’s soothing voice was surprising to hear, he usually would throw an even bigger fit when he saw me pissed.
“You know I’m right.” I argued with a huff.
“Shhh.” He hushed softly into my ear.
Looking around, I finally noticed all the eyes on me, distracting me from Marla.
“It’s time you shut up, twat.” There she goes again.
My eyes flashed red, anger spilling over my barriers; pulling away my arm my fist clenching as everything slowed into a blur.
I watched with gritted teeth the force of my balled hand clashing with Marla’s mouth, a loud smacking noise echoing through the Outlets followed by gasps of shock.
It was a blur after the punch was thrown. The unmistakable sound of fist colliding with jaw echoed through the mall, followed by panicked gasps and yells. Carter got in between the two girls, along with a guy who seemed to be the cause of the tension between both women. In a flash, security guards pounced on the scene, seemingly coming out of nowhere and startling me. Everyone was screaming so loud, I couldn’t hear Carter trying to explain to the guard that we were not involved. The burly man didn’t bother listening to him, and pulled both Carter and I from the crowd hastily. Carter grabbed my hand, trying to keep next to me before I completely freaked out. Though, I wasn’t really sure what was happening.
All the sounds sped up again as I was being dragged away from the area, a scowl on my face as I fought against the security, yanking my thin arms as hard as I could trying to get out of his grip.
“Way to go, Libby.” Crosby muffled behind me with a disappointed look on his face.
“Shut up, you’ve done worse.” I barked, furrowing my brow.
I noticed the girl with glasses, why she was with us I didn’t know, but I instantly felt responsible, “sorry..” I mumbled once again to this innocent soul.
“Shut up!” The security guard yelled at me, causing me to scoff as I noticed two police vehicles parked outside the movie theater. Two police officers stood smug, arms crossed and back seat doors open.
“Cops? The fuck? Are we going to jail?” I begged in pure shock.
“That’s right little missy, here at the Outlets, we always send troublemakers straight to the station.” The security guard informed me, cocking my head down, pushing me into the police car.
“Ow, fucking pig.” I snarled, watching freckles being slid into the car with me.
I wasn’t handcuffed, but it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out I was being arrested. I had been shoved in the back of a police car with the girl who had started the fight, and it was taking every fiber of my being not to scream. I focused on keeping my breathing stable, but as the car pulled out of the parking lot, I found myself hyperventilating slightly. My anxious habits began taking over, from fingernail biting to tapping my foot on the floor of the car like I was keeping a beat. I didn’t want to face the feisty girl for fear she would think I was weak, so I focused my attention to the scene passing by in the window.
The car was quiet, the boys were shoved in a cop car behind us and I didn’t know what was being discussed, which I disliked thoroughly. I could hear and feel the girls panicked state, her aura literally screamed, ‘get me out of here!’ the tension in the vehicle suffocating.
“Are you okay?” I inquired, my nerves already relaxed being away from Marla, hoping my calmness would chill her out.
The girl’s voice was much quieter than it had been before and had a soothing, motherly sort of tone to it when she asked if I was okay. I glanced at her, noticing a look of true concern on her face that surprised me. “I...I don’t know,” I replied, my voice coming out a little choked. “What about you? That girl didn’t hurt you, did she?”
The fact that the girl was concerned for me caused a smile to form on my lips, “No, she doesn’t have the balls to touch me.” I grinned softly looking down at my reddened scratched up knuckles. “I’m Elizabeth, by the way. You can call me Libby.”
I laughed a little, pleased by her confidence. I could feel my nerves calm down ever so slightly, and it was like I could breathe again. “Nice to meet you, Libby. I’m Avery.”
“That’s a really pretty name, I’m truly sorry I got you and your friend caught up in this mess,” I smiled meekly, “I lose it sometimes.”
I shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. I’m honestly not surprised that this sort of thing happened. What did that girl do to set you off? I mean, right now you’re so chill, like nothing even happened, yet I think you just broke her nose. She must be terrible.”
“She’s a slut that toys with Crosby’s feelings, he likes her and I know he can’t help it, but she’s done terrible things, and you know, she’s a crack swindling whore.” I said nonchalantly, waving about my hand as I spoke. “I protect my own, and he’s my boy.” With a smile, I looked to Avery already finding myself oddly comfortable with her.
I nodded, relaxing and turning my full attention to her. Maybe becoming friends with this girl would be a good thing for me. “I get that. Carter and I are the same way, except I think he protects me more than I do him. But, I assume Crosby was that guy you were with? Did he get taken away too?”
“Mhm, he’s with your friend Carter.” I stated softly, looking to the police officer escorting us. Who was eyeing me through the rear view mirror.
“We’re here, ladies.” He seemed nicer than the security guards.
As we were escorted inside, they didn’t put the cuffs on us, but they had them close in hand if something happened. It was surprisingly quiet and there were very few people in here, being placed in a cell, we sat in silence for a moment, Crosby ignoring me.
Carter hugged me tightly once we were all in the cell, relieved that I was okay. “I’m so sorry, Avery. I shouldn’t have gotten involved and we wouldn’t be in this goddamn mess. Don’t hate me, please.”
“Carter, chill out dude. I’m fine. It was actually...a really nice car ride,” I assured, smiling at Libby.
Carter glanced over to the girl, sizing her up as his gaze swept over her. “No way. Violent McPunchy here is your new best friend?”
I shook my head, rolling my eyes. “I never said best friend, but I like to think we’re well acquainted. Besides, she prevented a panic attack. You have every reason to thank her.”
He looked at her again, bewildered. “Are you some sort of magician? Jesus, even I can’t calm her down that fast.”
“I’ve been told I’m magical, but that was by a dude tripping on shrooms.” I chuckled nervously not knowing how this guy was judging me. “And really? Violent McPunchy? That’s very.. interesting to say the least.”
I looked over to Crosby, wondering what the two talked about on their car ride, if they talked.
Carter took a seat on a long, wooden bench in the cell, and the rest of us slowly following suit. “Why the hell did they bring all of us in here? This is so ridiculous,” he commented.
“I guess it’s an assault case, and we were sorta involved,” I mentioned, before my eyes widened as a worrisome thought crossed my mind. “My dad is going to fucking kill me.”
“I’ll handle your dad, okay? Just, please don’t worry. That girl finally calmed you down,” Carter begged.
I stood up again, beginning to pace up and down the small cell. “He’s going to be so pissed, Carter. I’ll get kicked out of college, and he’ll always tell me how I ruined his hopes and dreams and I’m a disgrace of a daughter.”
“Avery. Look at me,” he said, and I did as told. “We can’t focus on what your dad might think right now, okay? We need to figure out how the hell we’re getting out of this. Maybe he could bail us out?”
“But what about Libby and Crosby?” I wondered suddenly, knowing very well my father wouldn’t help them out.
Carter looked at the two, sighing dramatically. “Looks like you’ve already got Avery on your side, so congrats on that. Do you guys have anyone to help you out?”
“I don’t want you getting into trouble though either,” I said, facing Libby.
A burly guard came to the door, unlocking our cell and holding it open for us. “You’re in luck, kids. Nobody’s getting in trouble as of yet. Someone had been kind enough to bail you out.”
We all looked between each other, confused expressions crossing our faces. “But...we didn’t call anyone.” Carter said.
“They say they’re friends of yours, that they were there when the whole thing happened. They seem to think the lot of you did nothing wrong,” he replied before turning and shouting down the hallway. “Boys! They’re ready for you.”
Nothing could have prepared for what I was about to see, and I swear my heart stopped when I finally did.
fawksee
Next thing I knew, I was on a plane on my way to LA.
Carter promised he would be waiting for me when I got off the plane, but nervousness still bubbled in my stomach. What if he wasn’t there? What if I got lost trying to find him?
The flight attendant announced that we were beginning our descent, and I my grip tightened on the arms of the seat as I took a few deep breaths. I was glad I had brought my anti-anxiety meds; I was going to need them.
Once the plane touched the ground and stopped at the weird accordion tube thing, the doors opened and the other passengers began grabbing their things and filing out. Eager to get out of the cramped space, I pushed past everyone as fast as I could and emerged from the doorway, a loud shout greeting me.
“AVERY!” Carter yelled, sprinting toward me like a marathon runner and sweeping me up into his arms in a tight, spinning hug.
I laughed, begging for him to put me down. “People are staring doofus. They’re going to think we’re married or something.”
“Let ‘em talk,” he grinned, planting a quick kiss on my cheek. “Besides, I’m entitled to smothering my best friend with affection after not seeing her for months.”
I rolled my eyes playfully as he slung an arm around my shoulders. “What’s the plan for the rest of today?”
“Well, after we grab your bags, I was thinking we could go back to my place and let you take a little cat nap-” he began.
“I’m not a cat.” I interrupted.
“Hush, child. Anyway, after you rest up, we’ll head out to the mall and meet the greatest band to grace the planet Earth. It’ll go off without a hitch,” he explained as we strolled to baggage claim.
“If you just jinxed us, I swear to God I’m gonna kill you,” I said.
Off to the Outlets, Crosby and I wanted to make sure this thing wasn’t going to be totally packed, and with less to no luck, it was terribly packed.
After a quick power nap, my jet lag drained batteries were partially recharged, and Carter was speeding down the road towards The Outlets at Orange. I picked at my fingernails nervously, gazing out the window at the passing cars and the bright California sunshine reflecting off of them.
Carter pulled into a oversized parking garage, driving around for a few minutes until he found a good place to park the car. He grinned at me as her turned the ignition off, his eyes giving an almost too hopeful glance towards me. “Come on, babe. Let’s go make history.”
We entered the mall, taking in the overcrowded atmosphere before trying to find the area where the signing was. I had one clinging to the sleeve of Carter’s shirt so I wouldn’t lose him in the sea of people, and the other gripped on a copy of one of All Time Low’s albums. Up ahead, we could see a large group crowded around the outside of a Hot Topic, just standing there waiting. This had to be where the signing was.
“EXCUSE ME! PREGNANT GIRL COMING THROUGH!” Carter screamed, brushing past people with ease as they moved out of our way.
“I fucking hate you,” I groaned, tightening my grip on his shirt.
He shot another mischievous smile. “Yeah, but at least I got us up closer.”
We stood behind a metal barricade, gazing at a plastic white table set up with 4 chairs and a whole stack of black Sharpies. There was a poster showing a clear picture of the band pinned to the wall, and I smiled, thinking that I had finally made it. Then, like magic, the band emerged from their hiding place and the crowd erupted into cheers, Carter and I included. There were here and they were REAL. I threw my arms around Carter in hug, thanking him for bringing here and making one of my dreams come true. It was like a euphoria, being around my favorite band. I couldn’t imagine how anybody else was feeling.
Crosby and I moved through the crowd, trying to figure out who the hell was here. My eyes finally landed on a poster and a table of four men, All Time Low.
“All Time Low, huh? They’re pretty cool I guess.” Crosby seemed slightly disappointed, but I was okay with it. I used to listen to them when they first came out but I stopped when I moved in with Crosby.
They got attractive, hm.
As I moved closer, I felt myself bump into someone; she was cute, freckles and glasses, an anxious look in her eyes.
“Sorry,” I mumbled with a slight smile before carrying on the move as we were all filed into an orderly line.
The noise settled down into a dull roar of talkative teens and young adults. Crosby and I were chatting casually as we stood in line when across way at Starbucks, I saw a familiar pink tramp.
Crosby instantly saw my expression of disgust and followed a beeline to the location, “Margaux?”
Anger bubbled up in my blood as she grinned that wretched grin and made her way to us.
“Hi, Crosby,” she giggled then gave me a once over with a smug look, “Elizabeth.”
“Marla.” I gave her my harsh acknowledgement.
“What are you doing here, Margaux?” Crosby questioned with bewilderment.
“Just thought I’d do some shopping silly.” That stupid giggle again.
“Seven hours away from home? Yea, okay.” I snapped, rolling my eyes.
“So, Crosby… wanna get outta here?” I couldn’t believe this bitch.
Before Crosby could even speak, I shoved my hands against Marla, “Are you fucking kidding me?” I yelled louder than expected, the crowd hushing and drawing eyes on me. “Are you so much of a cunt you have to fucking come onto my best friend right in front of me?”
My eardrums were nearly blown out as a girl standing nearby began screaming, but it wasn’t for the band. She was beautiful, even with her face contorted into an expression of pure anger, and she wasn’t very big, but looking like she was going to knock somebody’s teeth out. Her gaze was fixed on some underdressed, plastered with makeup girl with bright pink hair, and I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on.
Everyone was dead silent despite the band’s presence, focused on the brawl that was bound to happen right before their eyes. Carter took a protective step in front of me, shielding me as if I were too frail to handle what was happening. “Hey, what’s the deal here?” he asked.
Marla didn’t seem fazed, which only sent me into another round of fury, pushing her back once again. Hearing a voice close by, obviously ask a question in our direction, I graciously responded.
“This bitch right here is getting on my last nerve.”
“You’re just jealous, it’s obvious you like Crosby.” The audacity of this one, I swear.
“I don’t like Crosby, I love him, he’s like my brother you dumb piece of trash. But your delusional psycho bitch brain doesn’t know what that is like cause you fuck anything you get close to.” Laying on insult after insult, I stayed as calm as I could.
I had no idea what the pink haired girl had done, but it had to have been something bad with the way this girl was acting. I cowered slightly behind Carter, wanting nothing more than to escape from this confrontation. Unfortunately, my best friend was all too determined to put a stop to this.
“Look, I have no idea what’s going on between, but we’re in public. Pulling that kind of shit is going to get you into serious trouble,” he explained.
“If I told you all the things she’s done, you’d find it justifiable.” I grumbled trying to relax. A soft hand collected my arm pulling me back slowly.
“Let’s chill out, Libs.” Crosby’s soothing voice was surprising to hear, he usually would throw an even bigger fit when he saw me pissed.
“You know I’m right.” I argued with a huff.
“Shhh.” He hushed softly into my ear.
Looking around, I finally noticed all the eyes on me, distracting me from Marla.
“It’s time you shut up, twat.” There she goes again.
My eyes flashed red, anger spilling over my barriers; pulling away my arm my fist clenching as everything slowed into a blur.
I watched with gritted teeth the force of my balled hand clashing with Marla’s mouth, a loud smacking noise echoing through the Outlets followed by gasps of shock.
It was a blur after the punch was thrown. The unmistakable sound of fist colliding with jaw echoed through the mall, followed by panicked gasps and yells. Carter got in between the two girls, along with a guy who seemed to be the cause of the tension between both women. In a flash, security guards pounced on the scene, seemingly coming out of nowhere and startling me. Everyone was screaming so loud, I couldn’t hear Carter trying to explain to the guard that we were not involved. The burly man didn’t bother listening to him, and pulled both Carter and I from the crowd hastily. Carter grabbed my hand, trying to keep next to me before I completely freaked out. Though, I wasn’t really sure what was happening.
All the sounds sped up again as I was being dragged away from the area, a scowl on my face as I fought against the security, yanking my thin arms as hard as I could trying to get out of his grip.
“Way to go, Libby.” Crosby muffled behind me with a disappointed look on his face.
“Shut up, you’ve done worse.” I barked, furrowing my brow.
I noticed the girl with glasses, why she was with us I didn’t know, but I instantly felt responsible, “sorry..” I mumbled once again to this innocent soul.
“Shut up!” The security guard yelled at me, causing me to scoff as I noticed two police vehicles parked outside the movie theater. Two police officers stood smug, arms crossed and back seat doors open.
“Cops? The fuck? Are we going to jail?” I begged in pure shock.
“That’s right little missy, here at the Outlets, we always send troublemakers straight to the station.” The security guard informed me, cocking my head down, pushing me into the police car.
“Ow, fucking pig.” I snarled, watching freckles being slid into the car with me.
I wasn’t handcuffed, but it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out I was being arrested. I had been shoved in the back of a police car with the girl who had started the fight, and it was taking every fiber of my being not to scream. I focused on keeping my breathing stable, but as the car pulled out of the parking lot, I found myself hyperventilating slightly. My anxious habits began taking over, from fingernail biting to tapping my foot on the floor of the car like I was keeping a beat. I didn’t want to face the feisty girl for fear she would think I was weak, so I focused my attention to the scene passing by in the window.
The car was quiet, the boys were shoved in a cop car behind us and I didn’t know what was being discussed, which I disliked thoroughly. I could hear and feel the girls panicked state, her aura literally screamed, ‘get me out of here!’ the tension in the vehicle suffocating.
“Are you okay?” I inquired, my nerves already relaxed being away from Marla, hoping my calmness would chill her out.
The girl’s voice was much quieter than it had been before and had a soothing, motherly sort of tone to it when she asked if I was okay. I glanced at her, noticing a look of true concern on her face that surprised me. “I...I don’t know,” I replied, my voice coming out a little choked. “What about you? That girl didn’t hurt you, did she?”
The fact that the girl was concerned for me caused a smile to form on my lips, “No, she doesn’t have the balls to touch me.” I grinned softly looking down at my reddened scratched up knuckles. “I’m Elizabeth, by the way. You can call me Libby.”
I laughed a little, pleased by her confidence. I could feel my nerves calm down ever so slightly, and it was like I could breathe again. “Nice to meet you, Libby. I’m Avery.”
“That’s a really pretty name, I’m truly sorry I got you and your friend caught up in this mess,” I smiled meekly, “I lose it sometimes.”
I shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. I’m honestly not surprised that this sort of thing happened. What did that girl do to set you off? I mean, right now you’re so chill, like nothing even happened, yet I think you just broke her nose. She must be terrible.”
“She’s a slut that toys with Crosby’s feelings, he likes her and I know he can’t help it, but she’s done terrible things, and you know, she’s a crack swindling whore.” I said nonchalantly, waving about my hand as I spoke. “I protect my own, and he’s my boy.” With a smile, I looked to Avery already finding myself oddly comfortable with her.
I nodded, relaxing and turning my full attention to her. Maybe becoming friends with this girl would be a good thing for me. “I get that. Carter and I are the same way, except I think he protects me more than I do him. But, I assume Crosby was that guy you were with? Did he get taken away too?”
“Mhm, he’s with your friend Carter.” I stated softly, looking to the police officer escorting us. Who was eyeing me through the rear view mirror.
“We’re here, ladies.” He seemed nicer than the security guards.
As we were escorted inside, they didn’t put the cuffs on us, but they had them close in hand if something happened. It was surprisingly quiet and there were very few people in here, being placed in a cell, we sat in silence for a moment, Crosby ignoring me.
Carter hugged me tightly once we were all in the cell, relieved that I was okay. “I’m so sorry, Avery. I shouldn’t have gotten involved and we wouldn’t be in this goddamn mess. Don’t hate me, please.”
“Carter, chill out dude. I’m fine. It was actually...a really nice car ride,” I assured, smiling at Libby.
Carter glanced over to the girl, sizing her up as his gaze swept over her. “No way. Violent McPunchy here is your new best friend?”
I shook my head, rolling my eyes. “I never said best friend, but I like to think we’re well acquainted. Besides, she prevented a panic attack. You have every reason to thank her.”
He looked at her again, bewildered. “Are you some sort of magician? Jesus, even I can’t calm her down that fast.”
“I’ve been told I’m magical, but that was by a dude tripping on shrooms.” I chuckled nervously not knowing how this guy was judging me. “And really? Violent McPunchy? That’s very.. interesting to say the least.”
I looked over to Crosby, wondering what the two talked about on their car ride, if they talked.
Carter took a seat on a long, wooden bench in the cell, and the rest of us slowly following suit. “Why the hell did they bring all of us in here? This is so ridiculous,” he commented.
“I guess it’s an assault case, and we were sorta involved,” I mentioned, before my eyes widened as a worrisome thought crossed my mind. “My dad is going to fucking kill me.”
“I’ll handle your dad, okay? Just, please don’t worry. That girl finally calmed you down,” Carter begged.
I stood up again, beginning to pace up and down the small cell. “He’s going to be so pissed, Carter. I’ll get kicked out of college, and he’ll always tell me how I ruined his hopes and dreams and I’m a disgrace of a daughter.”
“Avery. Look at me,” he said, and I did as told. “We can’t focus on what your dad might think right now, okay? We need to figure out how the hell we’re getting out of this. Maybe he could bail us out?”
“But what about Libby and Crosby?” I wondered suddenly, knowing very well my father wouldn’t help them out.
Carter looked at the two, sighing dramatically. “Looks like you’ve already got Avery on your side, so congrats on that. Do you guys have anyone to help you out?”
“I don’t want you getting into trouble though either,” I said, facing Libby.
A burly guard came to the door, unlocking our cell and holding it open for us. “You’re in luck, kids. Nobody’s getting in trouble as of yet. Someone had been kind enough to bail you out.”
We all looked between each other, confused expressions crossing our faces. “But...we didn’t call anyone.” Carter said.
“They say they’re friends of yours, that they were there when the whole thing happened. They seem to think the lot of you did nothing wrong,” he replied before turning and shouting down the hallway. “Boys! They’re ready for you.”
Nothing could have prepared for what I was about to see, and I swear my heart stopped when I finally did.
Notes
Hello loves! fawksee here, hope you guys are enjoying the story so far. :) tradethatheartofgold is a wonderful person to work with, she's an amazing writer. <3xoxo,
fawksee
@vevem thanks so much, means a lot. :)
3/22/14