200 MILES AWAY

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: CRIMINALS AND CORRECTIONS

Gem

Bruce: "Well, I guess you can go home. I'll miss having you as a roomie of course. But what about your parents' issues that you need time away from."
Gem: "It's not about that."

I looked down. I was thinking of not saying it to him thinking he'd get mad.

Gem: "Well, my family is holding charges on yours for kidnapping...me."
Bruce: "What?! So we're now criminals?!" I said in a loud and skeptic voice. "You guys can't be serious. I was just being a good friend."
Gem: "Well, I guess that means being a criminal at the same time?" Gem then chuckled softly and nervously.
Bruce: "Do they know where we live at the most?"

I heard police sirens and looked out the window. A squad of policemen came out and stacked up by their front door. Suddenly, we heard an explosion.

Bruce: "What the fuck, Gem?!" You didn't tell us about this sooner?"
Gem: "I only knew about this now!"

I peeked out the door and I saw them entering a room, Bruce ran to make sure they're not hurt.

Gem: "Are you crazy? They'll arrest you too."
Bruce: "Well, at least I'm not a traitor!"

I actually felt sad and guilty. Bruce had never been this mad at me. Sure, we'd have fights along the way, but I doubt that he'll....we'll get through this.
After a few minutes, I heard the commotion was over. I noticed all of them ipincluding Bruce restrained. Police pushing them into the car for trial. I looked and saw Bruce looking at me with his eyebrows meeting downwards. Then looked away from me. As the police drove away, I sat on the front porch crying.

This was all my fault if I had only respected my parents' decisions and went home with them, this would've never happened. I should've went home and talked to them about my true feelings and dealt with this myself and brother. Worst of all, Bruce and his family were dragged into this and now will face the consequences of my own actions. Not only will my family break apart, but because of me, so will my friendship and relationship with Bruce.

Seeing as Bruce might not speak to me, I decided to confront my parents about this matter,
Riding a cab home withour Bruce is lonely actually.

Gem: "Come on, Mom! Why do you have to be such a..."
Gem's Mom: "Such a what?"
Gem: "Nothing. Why do you do this? You do know that this is your fault for not being a mom."
Gem's Mom: "I gave birth to you and raised you. Nothing changes that.

It frustrates me that she doesn't want to admit she's wrong. Seeing that I can't do anything to get rid of her smug attitude, I might as well take Bruce's advice and give in to her and respect no matter what.
Despite Bruce being a minor, his parents will go to jail because of me. Maybe, there's a way?

Bruce

Screw Gem. Because of her, my parenrs are going to jail on charges of kindness and comfort. Seriously, this worl's messed up. Good people go to prison for no reason.
I was brought home by police seeing as I had nothing to do with this. But that doesn't change anything. Anyways, tomorrow is the trial and I pray that a miracle will happen,or else my parents will be convicts.
It's now 4:00 AM and I can't sleep. My eyes are wide open staring into the stars out of my window. I know, it's not real that you just make a wish upon a star and it will come true.
But it's better than nothing.

-= The next morning=-
Bruce
Well, another BAD MORNING. I wish I hadn't woken up. Damn it, I'm late for court. This may as well be the last time I see my parents as free people with rights.
I got into a private car and rushed to to the court. But as I was about to go in, Everyone exited. I don't get it, I'm pretty sure I'm not that late. I was filled with joy as among the crowd walking out, I saw my parents.

Bruce: "MAMA PAPA!" I rushed to hug them. I was filled with tears. "How did this happen?"

I saw them gaze at the left and I too with them. I saw Gem, she was smiling at me, I can see she was happy. I don't know what she did, but this doesn't change anything. I trusted her, and she let me down.
I quickly left my parents and avoided her the entire time.

I rushed home and had dinner with them outside to celebrate. My treat.
After that, my parents rushed upstairs to tell our relatives about the good news.
While I was untying my shoes, I heard voicemail. It was Gem. I rushed to pick up the phone

Bruce: "What the hell do you want?"
Gem: "You unforgiving piece of fat shit. I already made amends and still you don't forgive me."
Bruce: "Well, I'm sorry, but I don't think I can forgive someone so quickly for framing my parents."
Gem: "My parents did it, not me! For someone who was the top, you're pretty dumb."
Bruce: "Well, at least I'm pretty. And you're just jealous that I'm the top."
Gem: "This isn't about your achievements!"
Bruce: "You're right. This is about what you haven't achieved!"
Gem: "Ugh. I've had enough of this."

And then I heard her slamming the phone. Damn her.
I don't want to hear a word from her ever again. I quickly went upstairs and took a shower. After that, I used my iPad to play a little Clash of Clans. I then heard a phone call.

Bruce: "Yo"
Gem: "Hi..again."
Bruce: "Hi. Fuck off."
Gem: "No, I won't. And if you actually have a brain, try to process what I'm going to say."
Bruce: "I don't need a brain to process what you say. What is it? And make it quick, I want to do Math."
Gem: "Really? You want to do Math?"
Bruce: "Either that or I have a conversation with you."
Gem: "You are having a conversation with me."
Bruce: "For fuck's sake, what the hell do you want?"
Gem: "Oh my god.'
Bruce: "What?"

No response. Just heard a long beep. Is this her plan of wasting my time?
Whatever the reason, I'd rather not talk to her for the meantime.