Halstead Sister

Caught Vaping

A/N: I am trying to post at least once a month so I don't leave you guys hanging too long. However, I could use more requests, so please send requests my way! I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thank you for reading and favoriting!
Requested by user1480435.

TESS'S POINT OF VIEW (14 years old):

The sweet strawberry vapor curled around us, filling the small bathroom stall with a temporary veil of secrecy. Anna passed the sleek device to Lucy, her eyes shimmering with mischief. Lucy took a puff. Her cheeks hollowed as she held the smoke in, and then she coughed, hacking like a seasoned smoker.

"Easy," I teased, taking the e-cigarette from her trembling hand. I inhaled the fruity vapor. It tingled in my throat and cooled my lungs. This little gathering had become a near daily routine for us over the past few weeks. A few stolen moments of rebellion in the middle of the school day. The hum of the ventilation system above us was the only constant in our otherwise silent world.

But today, the universe had other plans. The bathroom door swung open with a bang, and the laughter died in our throats. A stern voice barked, "What's going on in here?"

It was Mrs. Castellanos, the school's vice principal. She stepped over to the stall, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene. My heart hammered in my chest as I saw the device in my hand, the neon light reflecting off its metallic surface. Time slowed down as she put out her hand. "I'll take that."

Anna and Lucy shrank back, their faces pale. I handed it over, feeling the weight of our rebellion slip away. She took a deep breath, the strawberry scent mixing with her perfume. "Out of the stall, all of you."

My legs felt like jelly as I stepped out. The bright lights of the bathroom seemed to amplify my guilt. Mrs. Castellanos looked at us, disappointment etched in her usually kind features. "I expected more of you girls."

"We're sorry, Mrs. Castellanos," Lucy whispered, her eyes welling up.

"Not sorry enough to not do it," she replied firmly. Mrs. Castellanos's gaze was like a laser, cutting through my excuses before they could even form. She sighed. "Get back to class." We silently turned to go. "You should know that your parents will be getting an email about this and I am writing you up." We nodded and scurried out of the bathroom.

"Well that sucks" Anna sounded annoyed as we walked down the quiet and empty hallway.

"More than you know," I mumbled, feeling the sting of reality set in. Jay and Will were going to kill me when they found out.

The rest of the school day dragged by, each tick of the clock a silent reminder of the impending doom. I couldn't focus on my lessons, my thoughts racing with scenarios of the wrath that would be facing me when I saw my brothers.

As I stepped into the apartment, the usual comfort of home felt more like a lion's den. Jay was at the kitchen counter, chopping vegetables for dinner. "Hey, kiddo" he said casually.

I cautiously walked into the kitchen. "Hey, Jay."

He looked up from his task, his eyes immediately searching mine. Jay had this way of reading me like an open book, and I knew he could tell something was wrong. "What's up, Tess?" he asked, setting down the knife. "You okay?"

I was confused. Clearly Jay didn't know what happened which meant he either never got an email or just hadn't checked it yet. I was torn whether or not to tell him the truth. If he didn't get an email, I'd be digging my own grave by confessing. If he did get an email and I didn't say anything, his anger would be multiplied because I tried to hide it.

"Tess?" I could hear the concern in his voice.

"Uh," I nervously began. "Have you checked your email lately?"