On the Run

7- Everything's changed

It's June 7th today. Graduation day. It feels different. Vinnie hadn't been in school ever since I visited his home. He wasn't home either. His parents had missing posters out for him everywhere and a ten thousand dollar reward for any information towards his disappearance. Rumors spread like wildfire, like he was in an underground boxing ring and passed away. The rumors were idiotic, it's like I was the only one who had seen what was going on at home. Other rumors was that he killed himself and no one can find the body, some others were plainly that he was kidnapped and killed. They made me sick. I didn't go to school for a week when the news hit. Now we were sitting in a dumb venue. Flowers were in the seat Vinnie would've sat in.
**
I tried to visit Annie sometimes incase she needed someone. The fights in Vinnies home died down a bit but only because his father was only beating on one person instead of two.
**
"Next up is valedictorian, Aurora Strued."
I walked on the stage and the lights blinded me. My heart beat pulsed for my speech. I wasn't sure whether to thank my teachers or give a good big fuck you to my counselor.
"Hi everyone, I'd like to give a quick speech because in reality everyone wants to get out of here. First in foremost, I dedicate my speech to Vincenzo Romano. My best friend. I love you Vin. If you're out there come home. Secondly, this school system is pathetic..." The mic cut out. Of fucking course. My principal took over the mic, "Sorry folks, speeches have to be shortened we're running low on time. Thank you for your time Ms. Strued."
I walked off stage to see two sets of disappointed eyes staring at me, my mother and Kendra.
I waved them off, "No nuh uh, I meant what I said."
My mom yanked my arm, "What were you thinking? Do you know how bad this'll look for me?"
I scoffed, "I told you what was happening and you did nothing. Now you're worried about your stupid reputation. Fuck your reputation."
I left the ceremony early. When I got home, I stared at Vinnies window for awhile. Hoping to see any sign of him. There was nothing. His mom would occasionally come in and touch his belongings and leave. I watched for hours until I could barely stay awake. I went to bed crying. I missed him more than anything.
**
I woke up to a figure touching the music box on my dresser. It scared the living shit out of me. The figure walked to my bed side and flicked on my lamp. I froze in place.
"You love me huh?"
It was Vinnie. In my room.
I rubbed my eyes, "What are you doing here?"
He shrugged, "I thought you missed me?"
"How did you even get in here?"
He pointed to the window, "It was unlocked. You should lock that more often."
His shirt was covered in a dark substance.
"What's that?"
He grabbed at it, "Glad you asked. Blood. That's why I came here."
I sat up, "Blood from where Vinnie..?"
He got closer, "When I tell you this, don't freak out. Okay? Because if you freak out, I'm gonna freak out and we literally can't both freak out or else shit is gonna hit the fan."
I felt knots in my stomach, "I won't freak out."
Vinnie let out a small laugh, "He's dead."
I scooted closer to my head board, "Who's dead?"
"My dad. He's dead. I killed him. It was an accident. Or on purpose. I don't know."
"WHAT?"
Vinnie leaped on top of me and put his blood stained hand over my mouth. "No don't freak out. Please."
I gripped at his hand and nodded.
"Are you insane? ARE YOU FUCKING INSANE?"
"I don't know Lauren. I'm trying not to flip out and you aren't helping. I need to hide the body and I need your help."
My jaw hung open, "What?"
"I'm sorry. I need your help. I don't know what to do. Just follow me."
I stared at him for a moment.
"Can you just like turn around, I have to put on pants."
It's almost ironic that my neighbor just murdered someone and I'm worried about my pants.
**
The car ride to the body was long and tension filled.
This was a horrible idea, "How did you do it?"
"I, uh, I've been hanging around here with a stolen car. It was never my intention. I noticed his car was patrolling tonight so I took it slow. But he musta ran the plates and saw the car was stolen.  When he walked up to the car, I knew I was in deep shit. He realized who it was, he flipped and told me to get out of the car. We purposely walked out of the view of his dash cam and I put my hood up. He started smacking me around and reached for his gun. I pleaded and told him not to. For a second I thought I saw remorse flash through his eyes. He drew the gun and I grabbed it out of instinct. He was stunned and so was I. Then I shot him. It was nauseating seeing the life disappear from his eyes. He was still my dad you know?"
I nodded.
"We're here. Come on."