"I'm trying!" I said, shuddering violently as the harsh winds began to blow.
The dark, ominous clouds hung low in the air, releasing a sudden clap of thunder as I tried to shove all my spray paint in the duffel bag below. The wind was freezing– my breath steaming the air as I pulled up my hood. I then threw the bag over my shoulder and turned to my friends.
"Alright let's go." I said as the thunder rumbled once more. I suddenly began to hear police sirens in the distance and my eyes widened, looking between the two of them.
"We better make a run for it." Amyr replied. Imani agrees, looking around frantically.
"Be safe. I'll text you when I'm home." I tell them as they take off into the night.
I began to sprint in the opposite direction. Adrenaline coursed through my veins as a thin layer of sweat covered the nape of my neck. I see another flash of lightening in the distance as it began to slightly rain. Focusing on the building ahead of me, I sprinted a bit quicker. The cold air bit into my lungs as I forced my legs to push harder. I could still hear the sirens as I felt my bag slipping from my shoulder.
Then it drops. I nearly trip, but keep going as I leave my bag behind. My mind was frantic with thoughts as I kept running. The rain fell heavier, and with it others began to run for cover as well. I eventually make it to my apartment building and rush inside. Felix, the doorman, gives me a concerned look.
"Do I need to ask?" He inquires as I frantically look around.
"Oh um, I just finished up a run. I need to go." I said breathlessly as I bolted toward the elevator doors. Once inside I pressed the button to sixth floor and waited for the doors to shut.
I make it to the front door in less than two minutes, quickly grabbing the spare key from under the mat. I unlock the door and quietly make my way inside, letting out a sigh of relief as I lock it behind me.
I glance to the left, the clock on the wall reading 3:37am. I kicked off my shoes and made my way to my room before pulling out my phone. I send Amyr and Imani a quick text before throwing my phone on the bed.
Fuck! I'm such an idiot.. I knew should have–
The abrupt sound of banging at the front door interrupts my thoughts as I hear my parents wake up. I peep through my bedroom door as they answer it. Then I damn near shit myself as two police men stood at the door, holding up my black duffel bag.
"Alani Rei Taylor! Get your ass out here now." My father bellows.
"What?" I asked trying to play it off.
"This yours?" One officer questioned in a flat tone.
I shake my head. "Mm.. no."
"Right.. well one of my officers got a call stating three delinquents were out past curfew tagging different buildings with spray paint." He informs my parents.
"How do you know I was one of them?" I questioned in return.
"A witness placed you at the scene, however this is not the first time it has happened. Did you know that graffiti is a form of property damage? vandalism, if you will. It is illegal and now someone has to cover the cost to have it repaired." The officer informs.
"It's seen as artistic expression though.."
"Did you miss the part where I mentioned it was considered as vandalism? I could have you arrested for it.."
I couldn't focus on anything he was actually saying, just his annoying, adenoidal voice.
"It isn't mine." I lied.
I watched as the officer slowly unzipped the bag and dump out the cans of spray paint, along with some of my other personal belongings. I notice my sketch book and quickly bring it to my chest.
"I thought it didn't belong to you, kid." The officer states with a sly grin.
"Whatever."
"I'm going to let you off with a warning." He grumbled as he tosses my duffle. I snatch it from the ground and put all my things back inside.
"It won't happen again, officers. We will definitely be having a discussion with her about this." My mother informs them.
"I hope so.. have a good night and stay out of trouble." The officer states before walking off with his partner. My mom closes the door behind them and turns to me with her arms crossed as my father shakes his head.
"Why can't you just stay out of trouble?" She inquired.
"It's just art."
"It's illegal! Just last month you were caught doing drugs on school grounds with your so-called friends! you were almost expelled and it's merely the beginning of the semester!"
"We were smoking a joint.. and that was Amyr's idea, I just went along with it." I shrugged.
"And I suppose hacking into your teachers computer system to change your math grade was also Amyr's idea.. or what about when you threw rocks at the man's car?!" She asked angrily.
I examined my nails. "Nah, Imani actually gave me that idea.. she even wanted me to put sugar in his gas tank but–"
She interrupts, "Enough! I'm am tired, Alani, really I am. I've tried my best, and I just– I have yet to see any changes in your behavior. We didn't want to do this, but it seems you've left us no choice. Your father and I have come up with the decision to send you to Ridgeview Academy. It's a school for troubled youth and adolescents. This place will help you–"
"Uhm no.. if you actually think–"
"I don't want to hear your pathetic excuses anymore. It has already been planned, and you have already been enrolled for this semester." She interrupts, crossing her arms.
"You're joking, right?.. Dad?" I questioned, looking for some sort of help.
Instead, he looks at the floor in response. I felt my body grow with irritation as I let out a groan. I watch as he disappears down the hall, the sound of his office door slams shut.
My mom gives me an irritated expression as well before I storm off to my room, slamming the door behind me as well.
