Tears Of London

I don't do drugs

ERIN

I saw the Angel coming to me. The white girl.
Why does she always ends up with me during the worst situations ?
It was like she was following me.
- Ma'am, get back please, a policeman told her. We're doing an intervention.
- Philip ! Philip, I...I know this man...
- Jo, um...can you please get back to the car ? the one she was calling « Philip » interrupted her.
He approached her.
The police man who was maintening my side-cheek on the bumper tightened his grip on my neck.
- Ouch, I complained softly, annoyed.
I moved a little to scratch my nose.
- DON'T MOVE !!! the police man yelled at me, by pressing all the way more my face on the vehicle.
- Chill out, man, I said. Just scratching my nose.
- NO. MOVE.
Philip put his hand on the girl's shoulder while she was stammering :
- Please, Philip. Tell them to stop yelling.
- Jo. We're doing our job, okay ? Now, get back to the car. Please, he added without any kindness.
A tall guy got out of the car in question. He was blond. With extremely white teeth. And an awful turtle neck. He was looking like one of those perfect guys we see in TV commercials.
He was looking embarrassed.
- Hey. Jo. Come, he asked her by pulling her by the arm.
- No ! she yelled by pushing him away. Philip, listen to me...I...I know him.
- You know who ? the blond guy asked.
- Him ? Philip asked with a few disgust.
Well, nice.
All three were looking at me. All three with different facial expressions : the girl was worried, as always – the blond guy was lost – Philip was analizing/judging me.
- Straighten him up, guys, he ordered at his collegue. You're saying that you know this guy ?
- Yes, I do. He's...my cousin.
The cop let me get up again.
I was looking at her straight, trying not to smile.
Will they really believe that I'm black as hell and she's white as hell, but we're in the same family ?
- Your...cousin ? Philip asked hesitating.
- Yes...my cousin-in-law, she rectified. Yes, he is.
- Oh. Okay, I see...
He wasn't trusting her at all.
Cousin-in-law ? Does it exist ?
- You knew about his trafficking ? Philip asked the girl.
- Wh...what kind of trafficking ?
- Drug trafficking.
The Angel looked at me with angry big eyes.
- I swear I don't do drugs, I retorted.
- My collegues just saw your friend with several bags full of white powder.
- That was flour. We were just getting back from the grocery to make a cake for his birthday.
- So your friend ran away just because he was holding flour ?
- You should not find him a reason at all. He is not so clever.
- You should say the truth, you make your case worse, another cop said. What were you doing at 9pm with bags of drugs ? Consuming ?
- I said I don't do drugs. Just selling.
Philip was staring at me strangely.
- What's your name, boy ? he asked me.
- Daniel, I lied.
- How old is he ? he suddenly asked the girl.
Thanks God, she didn't hesitated a lot, and even looked natural :
- He will turn 19 just next month.
Forget what I said, she is the baddest liar of all time. No one will ever believe that I'm a minor.
I saw in Philip's eyes that he did not trust her.
But, fortunately, I also felt like he didn't want to struggle more with her. Like he didn't want her to have problems.
They obviously know each other. And Colgate – the blond guy who is always beside her – is also linked with them two.
- I let you go for this time, he told me. But that's the last time, okay ?
- Yes, sir.
- Next time, we won't be that nice. Remember it.
The cop who was holding me removed my handcuffs. When he was walking away, the Angel came to me. Her arms were crossed against her chest, because of the cold.
- A minor ? Really ? I said, to tease her gently.
- That was the only way to avoid the prison. You have a car, to drive home ? she asked me with a kindness I've had never saw, while looking at the group of policemen.
- This is your way to ask me if I want you to drive me home ?
- Wh...at ? Say it slower so I could understand what you mean, Toxico.
I had never noticed her accent. It is discreet.
I don't know from where she comes, but she's surely not british. That can also explain why she takes so long to answer me, every time.
- No, I have no car. But I walk.
- Are you sure you'll manage to go home ? Drugs and walk do not mix.
She smiled gently. She was actually making fun of me. How dare she ?
- So...you were really selling ? she turns immediately serious. Or Malcolm was, and you spoke to defend him ?
I rolled my eyes and looked elsewhere, because I didn't want to meet her gaze.
- I'll tell Malcolm you accused him ! I threatened her. How do you know him ?
- He is a...it's a long story. I could tell you if you let me drive you home.
I smiled because I noticed how kind she was, even with someone like me.
I don't know if she's like this only with me, but I hope so. A lot of people could hurt her.
- Thank you. But Malcolm is surely waiting for me, in the area. We'll go home together.
Colgate suddenly came between us, avoiding my look. He took out his ugly pullover to cover the girl's shoulders.
I thought he was her brother. But he is acting like a boyfriend.
She thanked him silently.
- Huh...someone is bringing you back, bro ? Colgate asked me without a look.
Who the hell is this guy ? Does he think we're friends ?
- I'm leaving. Good night, I said (to the girl, obviously, ignoring Colgate).
I saw the Angel making a tiny smile.
When I was far enough, I looked at them a last time. They were huging gently.
They look happy.
I fucking smell love from here.
And it smells really bad.