After the Boys of Summer

Chapter 8- Danny Says

I think I ran every red light on my way to my house. Every bad scenario from Desi being hurt in an accident to my mom setting the house on fire flashed through my mind. A memory of my mother laying in a hospital bed, pale faced and crying, ran through my mind as well and made me sick to my stomach. I pressed on the gas pedal harder.

When I reached my driveway, I jumped out of my idling car and ran to my front door. Sitting on the door step with her elbows propped on her knees and a bored expression was my sister and next to her was my mother fumbling with her purse.

"What happened? Are you ok?" My voice came out frantic as I inspected my sister for any signs of injury.

"Mom locked us out of the house." Her tone matched her face.

"What?"

"She left the house keys on the counter."

I dropped on my knees and exhaled deeply. My heart rate began to slow down as I tried to wrap my head around how this was even possible. "So you're ok?" I needed to be reassured. Desi nodded.

"I could have sworn I grabbed them on my way out. My mom was still digging in her purse looking for something we all knew wasn't there. I pulled my keys out with saying a word and unlocked the door.

"Desi," I said as soon as we got in "go upstairs. I'll be there in a minute."

She looked at my mom and then back at me and went upstairs without any argument. Once she was out of earshot, I went off.

"911? Really?!" I yelled. "Who texts 911 when they leave their keys at home? You left no explanation and I nearly had an aneurism worrying about what might have happened!"

"Well. I had to make sure you would make it home quickly."

"I would have left immediately if you told me the truth, especially knowing that Desi was with you."

"You're too pretty to worry so much Layla." She lit up a joint and happily puffed away. Everything I said went in one ear and out the other. It was like talking to a brick wall.

"Do you ever think about anyone but yourself?" She stayed quiet. "I thought so. The next time I see a 911 text, you better be dying." I turned and stormed off.

"I was dying!" She called out as I slammed my bedroom door.

I checked on Desi as soon as I calmed down. It was no surprise that her earbuds were tucked securely in her ear. She loved getting lost in the music.

"What are you listening to now?"

"The Ramones."

"You're a weird kid...with great taste in music." I sat on the edge of her bed and collapsed.

"I didn't know she texted you that." She said after a few minutes of silence.

I shrugged. "I freaked out when I saw it. I was worried something happened to you."

"You were worried about mom too." She stated. "That means you still care about her."

"I wish I didn't." I admitted. "But I can't help it."

She nodded in understanding. "Whats going to happen to me when you go to college?"

"Hey," I sat up and scooted next to her, "you don't have to worry about that. Where I go, you go." She seemed reassured by that answer. "Now hand me a bud so I can listen with you." Desi obliged.

We sat there for hours, listening to various artists until Desi fell asleep. I was on the verge of passing out myself when my phone buzzed.

"Ruby?" I answered.