New Rogue

Chapter One

I try not to breath too deep as I step over my mum on the floor. With a sigh I crouch down and feel for her pulse, it thrums under my fingers. I roll her onto on her side and call her name.

“Mum. Mum can you hear me?” She doesn’t respond.

I open her mouth and push my fingers into her throat, she gags a little before coughing. Vomit flies out her mouth and lands on the carpet before her. I take her hand and pull her up off the floor with a humph. She is still limp but she is glancing around. I drop her onto the sofa and make sure she’s on her side again. Then I throw a blanket over her.

I go on the hunt for my dad next, I find him sitting at the kitchen table but slumped over. I check his pulse and he is okay.

I wash my hands and fill a bowl with soapy water. After scrubbing the vomit off the floor I grab my bag and head out to school.

-

Walking through the gates of Heathcote School is always overwhelming. Everyone speaks to you, everyone is equal. There are no cliques here like at other schools. Everyone is deprived, everyone has nothing. It makes everyone respect each other.

I reach my locker before an arm drops over my shoulder and I am pulled into a kiss.

I push him away from me, “hello to you too. You could warn me before doing that.”

Tristan smirks at me, “that would not be as fun.”

“Get a room,” Sammy says as she stops beside us and makes a gagging noise.

“Jealous Sammy?” Tristan asks smugly and ruffles her hair.

She bats his hand away and rolls her eyes. “Oh sure. Love me Tristan, love me.”

The bell rings and we all groan before heading to our class. Tristan keeps his arm draped over my shoulder as we walk.

-

Luckily the day goes by quickly and I am soon heading home again. Tristan is going to fetch me later as there is a bonfire at the racetrack. It is our usual hang out spot for a Tuesday night.

My mother and father are sitting at the kitchen table when I walk in the house. I have not seen them look so sober for a while, it’s weird.

“Hi,” I say to them both and turn toward the stairs.

“Actually Radleigh, can you come here please?” My mum says and I freeze.

I turn on my heel and step into the kitchen. For the first time I notice someone else is in the house. The guy is leaning against the kitchen countertop, sunglasses resting on his head.

“Radleigh, this is your cousin Luke.” My mum offers in explanation but that still means nothing to me.

“But neither of you have a sibling?” I raise my eyebrow at my mum. Neither her or my father have siblings, or parents for that matter. Their parents died before I was even born apparently.

“Actually,” my dad starts this time. “I have a sister. Technically she is my half sister, on my father’s side of the family.”

I look at Luke before leaning over and offering my hand. “Nice to meet you?”

He smirks when it comes it out like a question and shakes my hand. “How was school Radleigh?”

“Fine.” Silence stretches out. “I have to get ready to go out tonight.” I gesture behind me but my mum interrupts instead.

“We need to tell you something Radleigh,” she gestures for me to sit. I slide into a chair with a sigh. “Luke has come today to take you with him. You will be going to live with him in Santa Clara.”

I stifle a laugh when no one laughs too. They are joking?

“No offence cousin Luke, whoever you are, but I’m not going anywhere.” I tell him sharply.

“Look,” he leans off the counter. “I am paying for your parents to enter the best rehab facility in the state. You either come and live with me or you go into foster care. I have substantial money and you can live a comfy life Radleigh.”

“I don’t even know you,” I point out to him.

“You don’t know random foster parents either. Do you really want a power hungry social worker telling you what to do?” He challenges.

I have to admit, he does have a point.

“You can’t just walk in here with your ideals and expect everyone to fall into line either.” I raise my brow at him in challenge. “You offer me financial comfort but I am not uncomfortable where am I.”

He nods at me in acknowledgement. “I am not judging Radleigh. Your parents want a better life for you.”

Myself and Luke have a little stare off, I soon realise he is not backing down from this.

“When?” I ask finally.

“I have a hotel room nearby, I will come and get you in the morning.” Luke explains. “We have a flight booked for lunch time.”