Never Grow Up (#Wattys2016)

Chapter 6

:Elias:

"What the hell did you do Elias!" Shouting at myself as I pace back and forth, my shoes sinking into the wet sand, panic starts to set in.

You attacked Carl.

Carl.

Of all people you chose Carl, your mom will never love you again! They're going to send you to juvey but this time they won't take you back.. Maybe they'll send me to the whack shack?! Oh god no...

Stopping in my tracks I take a deep breath and look around, the ocean water is still and silent, the wind is almost nonexistent. The sun is just about to set while people walk about the town, completely unaware of the new runaway.

Soon everyone is gonna know what I did, I need to get out of here.

Gathering up what courage I had left I made my way towards home to face whatever wrath awaits.

"What the hell lady?! Watch where you're going why don't you!" Looking down at the mess of a girl, Kailey looks right back up to me with eyes full of hatred.

"Well Elias, how sweet of you. If you haven't noticed yet you're the one who wasn't watching where they were going." Slowly pocking herself up she gathers all her fallen trinkets.

"Look little girl, I don't have time for your dumb shit. Move so I can leave." Without looking a nothing glance I move past her.

"At least i'm not the one fucking the school slut." Kailey practically whispers the last part before continuing her walk home.

Stopping dead in my tracks I turn around, fire in my eyes.

"You don't know anything about Casey so why don't you piss off! For all we know you're the school slut." My fists started to shake, how dare she judge someone she doesn't know?!

Kailey stopped and turned slowly, her face with a look of determination but her eyes said differently, she was hurt.

"I know more about her than anyone in the entire school, we used to be best friends! Besides what the hell do you know? You just moved here, I don't know what I did to make you so mad at me but why don't you just leave me alone and go home!" Her voice echoed throughout the beach, faces had turned to see the commotion.

Kailey turned back around and stormed off, a feeling of regret slowly forming in the the pit of my stomach.

"Damn it Elias, you're making everything harder." mumbling to myself I turn around and continue my journey.

The town was small, little shops and businesses littered the streets, birds chirped in the trees above, kids played at a nearby park filling the air with laughter and screams.

Watching the kids play made me think, I thought about how normal everything was how they were probably going to grow up to be famous or have amazing careers...

Watching a little girl play her blonde pigtails swayed in the wind, her bright eyes lighting up anyone's day.

"Yeah whatever, she's cute now but someday she'll grow up with pills in one hand and a bottle of jack in the other." Lowering my head, tears started to fill my eyes as the thought filled my head.

*

"Elias come play with me!" A sweet voice calls from behind me

Turning around green orbs stare back at me, Black hair bordered a pale chubby face with a beautiful smile.

"Okay Dawn, I'm coming just give me a minute." Smiling the six year old girl runs away towards a swing set.

I loved my little sister to death, she was my pride and joy. Ever since Dad left I made it my personal goal to watch out for Dawn and if anything ever happened to her I'd never forgive myself.

"Push me on the swing Eli!" Plopping down onto a swing she starts kicking her legs rapidly, not quite understanding how a swing works.

A smile crosses my face as I jog over to the playground and start to lightly push her swing her screams and laughter fill the air as she climbs higher and higher into the air.

"Okay okay! I'm done Eli I'm done!" Her little voice echoed into the warm summer air.

Her little feet hit the ground before running into a green field filled with flowers, cottonwood floating around with the sun hitting her just right. She turned around and her eyes were full of light and happiness.

"I love you Eli!" She shouted back to me before continuing to run farther into the field.

*

:Kaylie:

"Tonight's top story, a man attacked in his own home. Police say that 17 year old Elias Thompson attacked his stepfather Carl after being told he was grounded for skipping school. Elias is now currently wanted for assault and is running away from authorities, police say to be on the look out and do not apprehend him yourself for he may be dangerous."

Turning off the T.v I stare at the empty wall processing the information, Elias attacked his step dad.

I saw him, I talked to him... I yelled at him. I could've been attacked.

Fear rushes through me at the thought of Elias attacking me, I could've been his next victim for all I know.

Suddenly my phone blinks, a new message from Lauren.

"KAILEY! HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEWS!?"

"Lauren, I talked to him.... by the beach he knocked me down."

Quickly placing down my phone I chew on my thumb nail, waiting for Lauren's response.

"I'm coming over."

Anxiety fills my head, should I tell my mom? Do I tell anyone about the encounter with him?

Why was he so mad?

All I know is there is something definitely wrong with him, he was so mad when I ran into him. A part of me feels bad for him, he's just a kid facing a few problems but another part of me thinks he deserves to go to jail.

Why do you always feel regret for bad people?! God kailey....

Thoughts filled my brain until a loud knock sounded on my bedroom door, Lauren walked in and plopped herself down onto my bed.

"Sure come on in, make yourself at home..." Saying sarcastically I roll my eyes before getting up and closing the door.

"So, what happened?! Did he come after you?" Lauren's eyes were filled with curiosity, she watched me like a hawk.

"Nothing happened Lauren, I just ran into him and he got a little mad. He seemed to be in a hurry though..." Sitting myself down on the floor I play with my fingernail.

"You could've been killed you know, You're a survivor maybe you can get a book published," Lauren's laugh filled the room before looking at me again, "No but for real dude, are you okay?"

"I'm fine Lauren, just tired." I said in a low voice before drifting off into my imagination.