This boy next to my room

31

༄ A FEW DAYS LATER
                After the trial.

June

After spending the previous few days stressing about Jacob's trial, it's finally over. Let me sum it up for you; I was released for a full day in court with my father. I don't need to give you the details because our reunion was anything but good.

He was as disappointed and annoyed as ever that I was there, which confirms to me that even after spending several months here he is still not ready to draw a line under the reformatory and bring me back home. I let you imagine his reaction when I denounced myself by testifying, he didn't know the whole story I just told him that we had tried to rob the kiosk but I spared the fact that we were in possession of weapons and under the influence of drugs.

Josie's brother, the one who put us up to it, was also arrested and he needs to get a lawyer as soon as possible.

The judge has not yet given his decision so we will have a next meeting again and this time with Josie's brother and Josie.

On the way home I could see from my father's creepy expression that he was deeply upset but he didn't say a single word, that was the most disturbing thing. He drove me back to this juvenile prison and the only thing he said to me was 'I'm very disappointed in you June. I wish you were with your mother.' It was really hurtful but I know deep down he's right.

I always got along better with my mom than I did with him, but I think it was a one-way street or she wouldn't have left me with my dad.

I have to say that this story left me and still leaves me feeling a little melancholy and isolated in my room. I only go out for classes and lunch. Kat noticed my lack of enthusiasm and energy and I explained the situation to her. Fortunately, she is a really understanding and good listener so she supported me and often comes to my room to keep me company.

As for Connor, I have nothing more to say to him. It's very good that he doesn't try to finish the discussion from the last time because I don't have enough energy to fight with him. Besides, I haven't seen him for a long time, not even in the bathroom. I have to admit that it's a bit worrying because a calm Connor, who doesn't come and bother me all day long, is weird.

Today I have no plans other than going out for lunch in an hour. Right now I'm lying on my soft bed and snuggled up in my sheets. I feel like my legs are tingling which is usually a sign of a blood circulation problem.

I need to stretch my legs.

Reluctantly, I decide to get up. I'm in my shorts and t-shirt, to be clear, in my pajamas. I'm not going downstairs anyway and my guess is that the others are probably busy in the big courtyard or the game room downstairs.

My legs guide me to the outside of my dorm, specifically to the stairs. As I predicted, there is no one there but me.

To stretch my legs I go down five steps and back up. I do this in a loop, at first it's a bit boring but after the tenth time it's fun. It works the muscles of the thighs and calves.

"What are you doing beautiful?" I hear

I literally jump and almost miss a step as I climb up. By reflex I explode with laughter and turn around, it's Tyler. He has wet hair that falls on his forehead. His brown eyes look at me with an amused air, I had almost forgotten that one.

"Oh uh... Exercises for... Legs I guess?" I say, laughing at my disbelief.

"You don't need it June, your legs are perfect as they are." He compliments making me smile. Unlike Connor this boy is much more gentle and kind to me. He is incredibly handsome by the way. I like him a lot and I could even say that he is my crush from the reformatory. Just like in high school when we had sort of little crushes. It's exactly the same with him.

"Thanks Tyler." I say without much thought. He's beaming, he's the perfect guy. I really wonder why there isn't a girl hanging around him.

"You know June, you're really pretty and I really want to ask you out on some sort of date but it's not possible in this prison." He admits, shrugging his shoulders.

And for the first time, Tyler tried something since we met.

"So what? We can do it just fine inside the reformatory hall." I reply, touched.

"You're right, then. Do you want to go out with me? Inside the reformatory?" He asks with a wide smile.

"With pleasure."