Not So Romeo

18

Tatum

“Well this is a nice change of scenery.”  Bailey says from beside me.

“It's a prison cell.” Carter states, rather dryly.

“I was being sarcastic, dumbass.”

The two start to argue as I sit uncomfortably between them.

“Tatum Rose Makenzie! What the hell did you do!” I jump at Tyler's voice and tears form in my eyes when I see him on the other side of the bars, along with Grayson's mom, Sara; Bailey's father, Chris; and Laura Andrews.

“I didn't do anything,” I object. “It was these two idiots.”

Carter and Bailey scoff at me but don't deny it. I mean why would they, Im telling the truth.

*****Three hours earlier******

“Guys what exactly are we doing here?” I question, as we walk up to the big train bridge. “This is really dangerous.”

Bailey and Carter snicker at my wariness. “Awwe, is wittle Tatum scared?”

I punch Carter. “Jesus woman! No need to abuse me.”

I just roll my eyes and walk away from him. I really don't like it here. When they told me we're hanging out tonight I thought they just meant like going to a movie or something. I guess I should have know better though, it is Bailey and Carter.

Bailey runs to catch up to me and hands me a bottle of spray paint. My eyes widen, “Oh hell no!”

Bailey shrugs, “whatever, you little party pooper.” we both snort at her use of words.

“Im just going to sit in the car while you and Carter break the law, since you're my ride and you made me leave my phone at Shawn's. If you get caught and I get in trouble it's all your fault.” 

Carter walks up to us right as I'm about to walk away. “Where you going?”

“The car. Do you really think this is a good idea?”

“Nope.” my two friends answer simultaneously.

“Good, I'd be concerned if you did.”

     *******************************

I've been watching my friends from the car for about an hour and a half. Turns out they didn't just bring spray paint, the brought alcohol as well. So now they're drunk and still spraying provocative words and pictures on, not only the bridge, but the boulders and parked train near it.

Another half hour goes by when I see flashing lights in the reflection of the windshield. Well s**t. I knew this was a bad idea! Why don't they ever listen to me? Ugh!!

*********Present*********

“Thank you so much Sara, for getting me out of there. Im so sorry for putting you through the trouble.” Since Tyler is still under 18 and Sara is my aunt, she had to sign me out. Thank goodness they didn't press any charges on me. The other two though are a different story.

Sara smiles and hugs me, “It's no problem, sweetheart. I know you're a good kid, and this really wasn't your fault.”

After talking with Sara a bit longer, I get into Tyler's car and he drives off. “When you called Sara, it scared the crap out of me, Tatum.”

I take his hand and squeeze it in reassurance. “Im sorry big brother. I wouldn't have even been there if they would've told me what the plans were. I honestly thought we were going to a movie.”

Tyler sighs, “I know, but with everything that's been going on recently, I wouldn't put it past you to act out like this. You already started acting out before everything, so I can see you just getting worse.”

Wow, I didn't realize my brother thought so little of me. “Does everybody else think that too?”

Tyler just nods his head. “I think that's why Bailey and Carter thought you would be willing to do something like that.”

I bow my head in shame. “I'm sorry. I didn't realize.”

Tyler turns off the car squeezes my shoulder, “Dont be sorry, Tatum. You're 16 and have never really had any parental figures, it's expected of you to act out. I did it too when I was your age, I'm just glad you're not as bad as I was.”

I laugh, “yeah, you were pretty bad "

We get out of the car, and I finally look at where we are. “Why're we at Alex's?”

“This is where I was when Sara called me about you. You don't mind chilling here for a bit, right?”

I smile, “not at all.” We walk inside, not bothering to knock and I'm bombarded with questions right away.