Down The Cobblestone Lane

Chapter Two (L)

Down The Cobblestone Lane - Chapter Two (Lucid)

Saturday, 6:30

     Monica. A regular hook up of mine. She had reassured me her mom wouldn't be home for another hour and a half. Yet, here I am running down her street....with my shirt half on and shoes untied. Y'know this wouldn't be the first time I'd been caught by some girl's parents. Probably not the last time either. I had to run about 5 miles back home, Monica is full of shit.

     I could have just driven but it was nearly track season and I needed the exercise. I let out a sigh of relief, I remembered my "dad" was out for a few days on business and mom had a 12 hour surgery at the hospital. Neither of them would be home for a while. I love my mom, Alice Beck Scottford, she works too damn hard. But my "dad" is a piece of shit. You would think an abusive husband and father would try and hide that fact, right? Well being the best lawyer in the state has its perks. 

     But having parents who aren't really around also has its perks. Parties, an empty house, and I come and go as I please. That's one thing you should know about me, Oakley Darren Scottsford, I live for a good party. Some would say I take advantage of these perks, I say fuck them.

     I quickly typed in the code to my front door, I ran so damn fast up the stairs. I headed straight to the bathroom, I needed a shower and a fat nap. I blasted The Neighborhood while I showered singing the words to every single song that played. I guess you could say I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to The Neighborhood. I jumped out of my shower already feeling the exhaustion of the day taking a toll on me.

     I put a pair of boxers on and slid into my bed. The sheets were cold making me just about pass out on the spot. I didn't even bother to put my phone on the charger, or even put my AirPods in. The second I rolled over I was out.

     A sudden ringing noise woke me. I'm surprised I was able to throw on some sweats and a hoodie as fast as I did, seeing as I was completely exhausted. I walked downstairs practically half awake. I pulled my front door open. Aspen? I've known her since the 6th grade. They are my best friend, well right up there with Aiden. Something seemed wrong. Play it cool. I thought "Oh Hi, Aspen. What's u-" Before I could even finish my sentence she wrapped her arms around me so tight I nearly ran out of breath.

    "Well shit, that's one way." I mumble hugging them back. I looked up, noticing Aspen's small mini-me standing just behind her. Something is definitely wrong. "And you have Raya with you...is everything alright?" I noticed the rain and how it started to soak through her lavender cardigan. "Come in. You're getting soaked." Aspen grabbed Raya's hand, pulling her inside.

     I walked them both into the kitchen. I quickly grabbed some towels for the both of them, and an extra hoodie for Aspen. "Get anything you need from the kitchen. I promise you there is plenty to go around." I assured her. Leaning back on the island that sat in the middle of my kitchen, waiting for an explanation. "Thank you, Oakley. I'm sorry for coming over on such short notice." She said, stirring a pot full of tomato soup. I gave up on waiting for Aspen to talk about what the hell is going on. "It's alright, Aspen. Now, could someone please explain what's going on?" I finally ask. A usually quiet Raya finally spoke up, "Our mom's getting arrested."

     I wasn't sure what to say. I knew Aspen didn't necessarily like her mother but jail? "Oh. I'm so sorry. That must be..." I thought for a moment, what word should I use to properly fit this situation. Confusing? No, that doesn't feel right. "...stressful." I finally said. "You can stay here as long as you need. No pressure to rush back home."

     "Thank you, Oakley. Seriously. I don't know what I'd do without you." Aspen hugged me again, but they allowed me to actually breathe this time. But if I'm honest the hug caught me off guard. "It's not a problem, r-really." I cringed when I stuttered, now I sound like a fucking moron. I suppressed my embarrassment, "I can set Raya up in an extra room. Aspen, you know your way around this shit hole, do whatever you want. Plus my dad is out for a few days, so don't worry about him." I said, letting go of our embrace. I waved Raya to follow me upstairs.

     I put her in the most 'kid friendly' guestroom I guess you could say. "Is this room alright?" I ask. Raya just silently nodded, walking into the room. "Uhm...okay." I wasn't sure what to say, little kids make me feel weird. "Aspen will probably be in the room to your left. And there's a bathroom right through that door.." I said, pointing across the room to a closed door. "I'm all the way down the hall to your right, so if you need anything ask me or Aspen." I explained. She just nodded her head. I shrugged it off and headed back towards my bedroom. 

Word count: 918

a/n from Lucid: Hey!!! I just wanted to thank you for reading the chapter and the previous one! I'm super excited to see where this story goes! I'm genuinely so hyped to write one large story with some of my closest friends! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the previous one! Look out for the next chapter written by Lee!