In A Home, In A Heart Beat [Ruby Da Cherry // $uicideboy$]

Plans

The bell rang dismissing us from class. Leigh Ann and I walked together, and as we walked we got to know each other a little more.
Leigh Ann had lived in New Orleans her whole life. She was an only child, Her dad owned several successful businesses in NoLa, including 4 well established restaurants. Her parents divorced several years prior and she had not seen or heard from her mother in 3 years, leaving Leigh Ann behind to be raised and cared for by her father.

Leigh Ann confided in me that despite her fathers success, he was dealing with depression and a crippling alcohol addiction. I felt a small sense of relief knowing her life wasn't perfect either, then felt guilty for even thinking that way. But it made me feel more connected to her.
"My moms got a drinking problem, too. It's .. pretty bad.." the image  of mom passed out on her mattress this morning came to mind. I decided against trauma dumping and avoided giving too much detail about my life and current living situation. I'd just met Leigh Ann and although I liked her and she felt safe I needed to trust her more.

Leigh Ann and I sat next to each other at lunch with her friend group. She introduced me to her friends and gave them a brief introduction about me, which I appreciated. I noticed right away how good Leigh Ann is with social interaction. She's a very good communicator and is amazing at keeping the conversation afloat.

"... and you won't believe what that fucking ass hat did. He was literally firing spit balls at her. spit balls! " Leigh Ann recounted what Ari had done in 1st period
"Girl- ignore him, he's always been a cunt. Him and his little friend group are all a bunch of dweebs," Leigh Ann's friend Chelsea explained through a mouth full of French fries.
"Yeah, normally I just ignore shit like that but I won't lie it made me an emotional wreck. I had to excuse myself to go cry in the bathroom," I admitted, then let out a nervous laugh.
" Yeah when you came back from the bathroom I knew I had to say something to you. I couldn't stand seeing you like that, ya know? Especially not over something that dumb ass did. Plus, I could tell just by looking at you that we'd get along."
"Really? You could tell just by looking at me?" I playfully replied.
"Well yeah, I sort of have a 6th sense about these things." Leigh Ann forced her left eyelid to wink, and I laughed.
"Well, I'm very grateful you stepped in when you did. I really mean it, thank you."

I glanced around the cafeteria during a brief pause in conversation and saw my tormentor from 1st period sitting with a group of guys toward the front of the cafeteria. They were being loud and obnoxious. One guy said something to Ari, and he erupted with laughter, threw his head back and laughed so hard. I wondered what was so funny. The vibe I got based on their clothing choices and outward appearance made me think they were sort of outcasts, definitely weren't the type you see on the football field or on debate team. They also seemed... unkept and unshowered.

Ari had been laughing so hard he had tears rolling down his face. I watched him wipe the tears away and then adjust his hat, which had made a reappearance. He then glanced in my direction and before I knew it his eyes were locked in on me. I watched a sheepish grin spread on his lips as he maintained eye contact. It happened so quickly! I inhaled sharply and decided to return my attention to my Leigh Ann. She was going on and on about something but I couldn't hear her over my own heart beat. I hated how easy it was for this guy to illicit such a strong physical response from me. One look is all it took...

I mingled with Leigh Ann and her friend group while we finished lunch. I was glad to have met her and was glad to be making connections. It helped me not feel so alone. It seemed like her and Chelsea were really close, best friends. I could tell Chelsea had a feisty personality; quick witted and sarcastic which I really enjoyed. I hoped my new connections would blossom into friendships.

The rest of the school day seemed to float by like a dream. I had assignments to complete and lots of homework for every class - I had my work cut out for me but I didn't mind. Homework helped keep my mind occupied and gave me a perfect excused to stay locked up in my room. I truly love my mom dearly in spite of her flaws, but she was so hard to deal with when inebriated. I learned at a young age it was best to avoid her when she was drunk.

The final bell rang, Leigh Ann and Chelsea walked with me to the bus stop. Leigh Ann explained that they both had choir practice after school Monday -  Wednesday- Friday.
We exchanged phone numbers, and I promised them both I'd text them that evening.
"You'd better!" Just then Leigh Ann engulfed me in a big hug. We said our good byes and I boarded the bus headed towards home.

________________________________________

"Mom! You up?" I walked inside the house and tossed my heavy backpack to the ground.
"Mom?" I peered into her room and saw her asleep in bed like before. Had she even got up once today? Unlikely.
A pair of moms blue jeans laid atop a dirty clothes pile on the floor, I pilfered through the pockets and found $7 in crumpled bills and some change. I needed food, and decided a trek down to the corner store was a good idea since it was just a couple blocks from the house.
Once at the corner store I was surprised to see they had a small produce section and decent frozen food section. I bought an Amy's frozen dinner, a bunch of bananas, and 2 water bottles.
I returned to the house and heated up my meal before getting started on my homework. I was working on chemistry homework when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. It was a text from Leigh Ann.

Leigh Ann: Wanna go to this venue/ party this weekend?
Another text from her came in. It was a flyer for the party, apparently this party was a big deal as several local punk bands were scheduled to play.
Charlotte: How much are tickets??
Leigh Ann: Don't worry about that I'm buying tickets- do you wanna go? If not it's cool I know you're probably overwhelmed. But I'm for sure going, Chelsea too.
Charlotte: I wanna go! It sounds like fun
Leigh Ann: Yay! Wanna meet at my house before we go and get ready together?

I agreed to meet her at her house on Saturday before the event. I was excited to have something to look forward to Saturday. It had been forever since I'd been to a show - and a REAL punk rock show?  this was right up my alley.

I opened the browser on my phone and google searched the band names from the flyer to see if they had any social media accounts. I hadn't heard of them before and I wanted listen to some of their stuff and see if it was any good. Although I have varied musical interest, I'm pretty picky when it comes to punk music. There's a fine line between good punk rock and well, hot garbage.
I clicked on the first link - it was to a Facebook page for the band "Vapo-Rats". Scrolling about halfway down, I stopped on a band photo when a familiar face caught my eye. No fucking way! It was Ari. I stared at the picture for a moment. Partially in disbelief, but also in a sort of trance. In the photo he was seated behind a drum set, a pair of drum sticks raised above his head. He had beads of sweat dotting his forehead and cheeks. His brow was furrowed, he looked so serious.

I thought about not going, but I had already agreed to go to the event...and now I was nervous about running into Ari there. I mean, what are the chances? Am I ever gonna escape this guy?