The Walter Boys Assistant

Chapter 23: The Aftermath

Alex didn't speak much on the ride back home. Come to think of it, nobody did. The sound of the radio lightly filling the air is all you remember; and how occasionally it filled with static from the terrible reception on the country roads back.

It's nearly midnight, and everyone is exhausted. Once Cole parks under the cover of the barn, he turns back to face his siblings. You find it peculiar he doesn't even acknowledge your existence.

"Not a word to mom and dad that there were no chaperones. Do not give them any reason to believe anyone drank. Is that understood?"

Murmurs of confirmation flutter around before he shoves himself out of the car. You glance at Alex, seeing him fast asleep. His face is pressed up against the windowsill, sliding down slightly. His hot breath leaves a moist fog overlaying the glass. If you weren't battling your innermost anxieties and struggles, you would find this absolutely adorable; maybe even take a picture.

"Out. Go." Cole shoo's the others out upon opening the door. They file out, refusing to argue with the frustrated driver. When they are all out and heading back to the house, you look to find Cole studying Alex.

"I'll get him." He cuts you off before you can find the right words to speak. "Can you manage getting yourself in?"

"I'm not drunk." You huff.

"Good. Then you can leave."

You climb over the seat, biting down a curse word as you drop down and land awkwardly on a seat-buckle. Rubbing the sore spot on your hip, you venture back to the house, not even looking back once to see if Cole is capable of managing Alex.

Without a sign of the parents, you duck into your bedroom in one swift movement. Just when you think you're out of the woods, Jackie is the first thing you see.

Her eyes are trained on you, wide with curiosity and wonder. You take immediate action and turn away long enough to focus your entire energy into closing the door without a peep.

"Can we talk about it tomorrow?" You fake a yawn. While you are undoubtedly tired, you know for a fact you will not get a good night's rest.

"You mean the fact that you and Alex kissed?"

"Yeah... that." You plop onto your mattress, unbothered by the fact that your worn-out sneakers are still on.

It's disturbingly quiet and you groan. "I can feel you watching me."

You perk up, and sure enough, she is still watching you.

"What?!" You bark in a hushed manner.

Jackie's face contorts with perplexity. Her posture slants forward, preparing to get into a round of gossip with you.

"Wasn't it a big deal?"

"Jackie, please. I really don't want to discuss this with Alex's ex-girlfriend." The words may come out harsher than you anticipate them to, but it's the truth. By this point in the night, your head is throbbing. Both eyes are burning. An ache settles in your chest.

Her lips purse. "Okay, then what about Alex punching Dylan after that kiss?"

"Alex has a hot temper. What's the big deal?"

"The 'big deal' is the fact that he was ready to kill Dylan over it."

Talk about over-exaggerating.

Is she going to argue over every point you make? Talking about all of this is not helping. Not when you haven't a clue where you stand after tonight. Just thinking back on spin the bottle has an assortment of emotions bewildering your heart.