Devil's Pawn (Completed)

12.

"Jolie Beatrice Mitchell. Get in here now!" I closed the front door behind me and sighed trudging my way to the den. I knew I was going to get yelled at. Even worse because Charlie was involved and beat up because of me. It was all my doing.

"Yes mom?"

"Explain this." She said holding up a picture of me sitting between Rivers legs in an empty classroom. I turned crimson at what the picture was insinuating.

"He was fixing my head."

"Oh you bet he was!" She scowled. "This boy has been nothing but trouble. I've allowed you hanging out with him but not only is your involvement with him ruining you, but Luke and Charlie."

"I-it's not like that. I'm not even his friend." I explained feeling suddenly breathless. She thought River was the reason Luke and Charlie got in a fight. "B-besides, Charlie was st-standing up for me. Chloe paid Luke to mess with me in the bathroom."

"Agh. She warned me about that. She also told me what you said to her a few weeks ago and today at school. You're on strike two."

I felt all the breath remove from my lungs. "No." I whispered. She smiled. "Yes."

"You are not to see him anymore. Do you hear me?"

"You can't do that?" I countered. Why was she doing this? I felt the sudden need to defend him but I knew there was no way I could without her rushing the decision to send me back. I was helpless.

"Yes and I will. You are not to speak to him, or engage in any activity with him Joe."

"Mom, it's not his fault-

"Don't get a third strike." She warned cutting me off. I nodded stiffly as I battled with the tears that threatened to escape. There was nothing I could do.

"Go to your room. I don't want to see you. I'll have your meals brought up to you." I nodded and turned on my heel.

"Oh and Joe."

"Yes?" I answered not daring to face her. "Fix your hair."

I nodded again letting the tears drench my face. It was so unfair it made me angry, but fearful at the same time. I didn't want to go back. I wiped my face as I decided, I wouldn't let their tactics to send me away work. I would handle anything they threw at me.

I didn't know this was this only the beginning.