It's Billy's Favorite

Chapter XXVI

   | Warning: Mentions of alcohol abuse, and child neglect. Viewer discretion advised. |

      I think I didn't go home for three days but I was fine with it. I just kept spending time with Julia. We drove around in my car listening to music, skateboarding, smoking, drawing, we even swam together in the lake. I never asked her if she wanted me to take her home. She seemed just as lost with me as I felt. I felt lost but I didn't feel alone. When I was with her everything made sense. I knew I was starting to fall in love with her, but I didn't know if she felt the same.
  "Shouldn't you be home with your family?" She asked. "I'd rather be with you." "Oh have I got you wrapped around my finger now?" "I guess." "Well, want to go for another swim." "Sure."
I knew it was wrong to leave my family alone just for some girl, but she wasn't just a girl. She felt like methadone to me or any drug that has their claws deep inside your heart. The next day I thought about my family for a little. It has been awhile since I went home, I left Jane alone. Shit I left her alone. In the next hour I drove Julia to her house and she made sure to kiss me before letting me go. When I got to the house, April's car was there. She was sitting on the couch intoxicated and mom was on the floor with her. I couldn't care about them, but my god facing Jane; she might as well stick me with a knife or a fork just to teach me a lesson. I went into her room and there she was, smoking a cigarette while reading Crime and Punishment.
"What the hell are you doing?" I snapped. "Reading." "No, I don't give a shit about that I'm talking about the cigarette." "I was stressed don't act like you're the perfect angel. Just like you've been gone for 3-4 days. But I was able to fend for myself don't you worry." "I know I'm sorry-." "You we're with Julia? I know. For your information I was with grandma the past two days since you know mom ran off with April again." "I'm sorry for leaving you." "I'd rather you leave me for months instead of parenting me." "I'm sorry." "Good you should be."
She's punishing me. She hates it when I parent her or even tell her what to do. Her trying to guilt trip is fair for her.
"I mean most of the time you leave me here go off to fuck your little toy or go to some party with Enzo. Or even head off to work. Then you disappear for a few days without informing me, come back and when I do things like smoke a cigarette you jump down my throat like I'm the piece of shit." "You're right I'm sorry." "You already said that. I don't need your apology Robert. Just let me do whatever I want, and I'll let you do whatever you want."
  She tried to walk out the door but I stopped her.
"What now?" "I feel awful for leaving you with her." "It's fine." "No it's not. Get in my car we're going for a drive." "I have things to do." "Shut it. I need to show you something." "Fucking Christ."
I waited in my car until she came out of the house. She stomped on the steps and slammed my car door.
"So where you taking me?" "I have the day off from work but I can still go there and show you my ropes." "I really don't want to see you working." "You don't have to. The theater is closed today." "Then how the hell are you gonna get in?"
I pointed to a silver key on my key chain.
"I have the key to the place that's why." "Fine whatever." "Trust me. You're gonna enjoy it." "Yeah sure."
We drove to the theater and I poured her a drink, some popcorn and left money under the register. I took her upstairs to where I work and began setting up the films.
"I'm just going to set the film up but when it's all set, we will be watching....The Good The Bad The Ugly."
Her eyes softened and I could see her fighting a smile.
"I haven't seen that movie in forever." "I know. It was dad's favorite, I know it became one of yours?" "Maybe." "Well I know it's one of your favorites. So go sit down in the theater, I'll have this playing for you in about ten minutes." "Am I going to be by myself?" "No no. I just need to set up. I'll be down there with you, I swear." "Alright."
  After a little I headed down to the theater which I realized I never sat in these seats. I'm always used to sitting up there instead of down here. Jane sat down watched as the movie began, I could see her eyes light up; I haven't seen her smile in a long time. She wouldn't even let me talk, when I tried she would shush me and tell me " Be quiet Clint Eastwood is talking."
  Dad would also do that with me if I talked during any of his movies. These kind of films brought the man peace. He always enjoyed being in the south. I think he wanted a simple life instead of a crazy life in the city. That's why he chose Washington. Where we live is depressing now, but when he was alive it felt like a little cottage you see in movies. After the movie was over Jane hopped up and smiled.
"I know where we should go." "Where?" "Grandma. She hasn't seen you in forever." "Mo-." "Oh shut it. She won't realize we're gone. Let's hit it!"
  She put her hand up and I grabbed it. We drove to grandma's house, I almost forgot what it looked like....