Bloodshed.

2

The clock hit 8:30 as I pulled into the parking structure of the courtyard Marriott. I sent Jill an email that I had arrived as I walked into the lobby of the hotel with my backpack slung over my shoulder and my duffel in hand. I wait just past the door until I see Mrs.Ellis step off the elevator with Alyssa right behind her. She spots  me and walks towards me. "How are you feeling?"

"Good. A little tired."

"Okay. Well Alyssa is going to show you to your room and your meal will be sent up very soon."

"Okay thank you." I say as I follow behind Alyssa.

"Do you need help with any of your bags?" She offers awkwardly.

"Thanks but no thanks. I can manage." We fall into an awkward silence as we board the elevator.

Arriving to the room was awkward to say the least I had the bed furthest from the door. I placed my two bags under the bed and grabbed the spare key card from the night stand.  "I'm going to go for a walk. I'll be back in like an hour." I say as I stuff my belongings into my various pockets.

"Where are you going?"

"I don't know yet. I saw a park about 3 miles away so probably to there but I don't know." I say shrugging off her protective tone.

"Can I at least come with?" She hurriedly says. Worried I'm going to run off.

"You a snitch?"

"Not that I'm aware of."

"Sure." I say as I go back to my and switch the bag of powder with a pack of fags.

I make sure everything is covered and hidden to the best of my ability before leaving the hotel with Alyssa right behind me. Once I get a mile away I light up the first cig.

"So when you asked if I was a snitch you were talking about openly trying to kill yourself?"

"One isn't going to kill me."

"That's what they all say."

"Look. I have a headache, I smoke a cig it lessens. I'm just trying to stop myself from puking."

"Ok. And let me guess you have a concussion?"

"No. Just have a bad migraine thing."

"Look I'm not going to tell. I just need to know if I need to look out for you."

"Thank you for your concern. But a little headache isn't anything. You don't need to worry about me."

"Ok I understand you want your personal space but please just tell me if you have a concussion. No one will know. I promise." She says as I shake off the ash.

"Fine it's a little one." I say still lying. That's when I feel her hand squeeze the shit out of my arm.

"We should go!" She says worriedly.

That's when I look up and notice the face of one of the three boys walking toward us. It's Jaxx's brother and his two friends. "I know them. They won't touch you if I'm here. I promise." I say standing mostly infront of her.

"Ayy- holy shit Hollywood." Jaxx's brother Tyler or TJ states causing his two friends to calm down.

"Yeah TJ."

"Well Jaxx gave me a heads up you would be in town and to watch over you. Make sure you good and all."

"Thanks bro. But I ain't doing anything here." I discretely point towards Alyssa to tell him to not say anything."

"Okay well;word to both of you don't go to any parties and definitely don't take any powder from round here it's all laced with TNT."

"Thanks brother but we don't mess with that."