The Beats In Rift

Chapter 5

JUSTIN

WORKOUT WITH COACH was killer. Every muscle aches but it will be worth it. Dad has already been talking with scouts and colleges that are interested in me. He keeps me focused with his belief I'm going all the way.

I make it home around nine, expecting people to already be here, or at least be arriving. I notice the drive has only Mom's truck on the forecourt. I'm surprised but relieved I can shower and change before people get here.

Opening the front door, I almost knock straight into Jared, our faces an inch apart. He's pale and his eyes are downcast. The hairs on my neck rise. "What's wrong with you?"

"We're leaving." He speaks with authority, like it isn't a choice, it's happening. I follow him as he anxiously gathers suitcases and piles them at the front door. My whole body goes rigid.

"What's going on, Jared? Where's Beats?"

"Fuck Beats."

I actually flinch and stumble backwards with the venom in his voice. "What did you say?"

Stopping in front of me, his face contorts in disgust. "Dad's been fucking her Mom and Beats knew. He's also been knocking Mom about and threatened her life. I'm taking her out of here. I never should have let it get this far. I knew she wasn't right."

Shock settles in at what he's saying; the room spins. When I finally refocus I reach out for him, stopping him from getting more stuff.

"Jared, seriously. What the hell? Dad would never hurt Mom. She's been depressed, she doesn't realize what she's saying."

Shoving me backwards with a snarl he carries on moving things. "I knew you would stick up for him. I just caught him in the act, Justin."

I shake my head. "Caught him doing what exactly?"

Jared's temper is like a fire cracker and I can see it blowing. "I caught him fucking Beats' whore of a mother."

I mind can't keep up, my Dad wouldn't do that and Jared worships Beats and has never, ever put down her mother or her. Nothing was making sense. Our Dad couldn't stand Meadows Mom. "Where is Beats?"

His glare penetrates me, pinning me to the spot. "Are you listening to me? Dad's fucking her Mom and hitting ours. I left Beats where she belongs, with her mother. I'm taking Mom away from here, Justin. You coming or not?"

"Don't be stupid. Where are you going to go?"

"I don't care but I'm leaving now. I'm not sitting around here waiting for him to beat the shit out of her."

He brushes past me and out the front door, loading Mom's truck. Headlights beam up the drive, highlighting us in a glow.

Dad leaps from his car. "What are you doing?" he bellows at me. I shrug my shoulders and hold my hands up.

"Jared's packing up and leaving with Mom." I almost want to laugh at the absurdity, this couldn't be happening. Disbelief settles itself in my bones unmoving, letting me watch everything play out as if it wasn't happening to us.

Jared throws another suitcase into the truck then turns to me.

"You're not coming?" His voice is strained. He's serious, he's really going to leave.

"No, he's not and you're not leaving either. You have the wrong idea. I was only at Meadow's house to speak to her Mom."

Jared's laugh is ice cold. "Yeah, sounded like talking. What about Mom?" He squares up to Dad, flexing his neck, his hands balling into fists. "The bruises? Dad?"

"Your Mom's depressed. She's been brainwashing you."

Shaking his head and walking back into the house. He appears a minute later with Mom, helping her into the truck and shutting her door. "Justin, get in the truck," he commands.

"No way is he leaving, Jared. He has a game on Friday. You're being ridiculous, and you're really pushing my patience."

He ignores Dad and looks at me. "I'm not coming back, Justin. Come with us, please."

I shake my head. Where will he go? He isn't old enough to just take off. He'll be back when he cools off. He'll never leave Beats or me.

"I can't. I have a game."

"Fuck the game. Get in the truck."

I step back and Dad's hand lands on my shoulder. "My life's the game, Jared," I tell him, hoping he will understand. I can't risk missing the game for his tantrum.

Pain washes into his eyes, distorting the color, but it's fleeting. Anger replaces it as he gets in the truck and leaves.

It isn't just a tantrum.

***