Young and Menace

8

I sat staring blankly at the court in front of me. I rolled my eyes as my father dramatically told his side of the story. I really didn't want to come and hear them fight in public but my mother wanted me there for moral support. So I made Pete come too. We sat in the back. They wanted me to speak as a witness but I just.. I couldn't.

I gripped Pete's hand tighter as my father screamed something at my mother. I zoned out so I didnt even realize what he said.

Pete's other hand set itself down on my thigh and his thumb rubbed the denim covered skin soothingly. I leaned into him more and hoped he wouldn't feel my hands shaking. I took a deep breath and took my hand from his to cover my ears as an officer stood up and started walking towards me. They still wanted me to act as a witness. No.

Pete nudged my side as the officer looked down at me and held out a hand to help me up. I shook my head quickly, my hair whipping around and stinging my pale face as it clashed against my skin.

"No" I muttered. "I-I'm not speaking" I said.

Pete pulled my hands from my ears and every sound can't flooding back into my hearing. I groaned and glared up at the officer. "Mr. Stump your mother told us you woul--"

"No" I said quickly. I stood up. Pete stood up with me. "I'm not saying anything but let those two assholes get a fucking divorce. I hate them both I dont want to be around them. Mom, I'm moving out. Goodbye. Dad, I hate you. You beat my mother and threatened to beat me. You both neglected me. You made me have to fend for myself. We hardly had food in the house. I'm going to Pete's where I'll have clothes on my back, a roof over my head, and a whole family who already care for me. They'll help me when I need help. Thank you for being shitty people. Officer, Judge, Jury, thats all you'll hear from me about my parents. I hate them. They did nothing but fight. They're monsters in my eyes. Pete, let's go" I said.

Pete stared wide eyed at me so I grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the back pew and pulled him behind me as I walked out. I pushed through the doors and Pete was stumbling behind me. I held tightly to his hand as we ran down the steps and walked to the entrance to the courthouse.

I sat down on the steps and Pete sat down behind me, rubbing my shoulders. I sigh softly and leant back on him a bit. He moved his hands from my shoulders to wrap around my waist, squeezing me gently. I move my hands on top of his, lacing my fingers with his. I turn our hands over and bring them to my lips, pressing a kiss to the palm of Pete's hand. He kisses the back of my neck as I set our hands back to their original spot.

"We should probably go get something to eat" Pete said, his mouth against my ear.

"No" I mumbled. "I feel like I'm going to throw up. If I eat something, I think I'll actually throw up" I told him. I felt him nod. "But if you're hungry, we can run through a drive-thru for you."

"Nah. Its okay" he said and squeezed me tighter before letting go and standing.

He moved from behind me to in front of me and held his hands out to me. I smiled slightly at him and let him take my hands again, pulling me up. I stumble into him but he keeps up from falling and we start finishing the journey to his car. I take the passenger seat and he takes driver. I roll down the window and leaned against the door, watching the buildings of the downtown city pass by as we started off.

Once we exit to the highway I put my hand out the window, watching as the winds move it up and down and jerk it around a bit, reminding me somewhat of a loose leaf in the wind. Free to fly anywhere. I turn a little and smile at Pete, who's focusing on the road as he should be.

He glances over at me and smiles a bit before turning back to the highway, eyes intently focusing on it much better than I ever could. I pull my hand back in the window and roll it up a little before reaching over and turning on his radio, tuning it to the local pop station.

I smile as I recognize the song that is playing on it. Pete reaches over and grabs my hand.

"I know I can treat you better" he sings. "Than they did" he whispered before bringing my hand up to his lips and kissing it gently. "I love you so much, Patrick Stump."

I grin back over at him, leaning over the seats to kiss his cheek. "I love you so much, too, Pete Wentz. And I know you'll treat me better. Starting.. Right now."

end.