Lights Out Boys

Chapter Nine: The Nonchalant Reply

Thank you ZK_Ghouri for the cool cover, read till the end for EXCITING news!

Song: Things We Lost In The Fire

Artist: Bastille

The Nonchalant Reply

Benny

After our unexpected yet frustrated visit to Parker, I immediately texted Nick. He said we'd meet up at Liam's apartment. Upon our arrival, Liam and I were surprised to find that his parents were home. However, they weren't in the greatest of moods. Apparently, Grandma Sanchez missed her medication which Liam had to remind her, but he wasn't home.

"Can't you ever take some responsibly in your life?" Mrs. Sanchez demanded as she paced back and forth in front of us. Liam and I sat on the sofa while Mr. Sanchez stood opposite us, leaned against the wall and scrolled through his phone.

"You could've called her Liam, or even left a note with her." She added then stopped and looked down at her son. I looked at Liam from the corner of my eye and squinted my eyes because I couldn't tell his exact expression. His lips drew into a straight line, stared at his father as if he didn't even acknowledge his mother in front of him.

Mrs. Sanchez noticed it too when she clapped her hands in front of him. It didn't startle Liam as he slowly raised his head, adjusted his glasses and stared right back at her. Afterward, he continuously nodded then looked down at the floor. "You're right mom, I'm sorry. Won't happen again."

"Again, it's the third damn time!" Mr. Sanchez suddenly burst out as he pushed himself off the wall and neared us. He shoved his phone back into his pocket and glared down at his son. I didn't know what to do or say at the moment, I wish I could've been in the kitchen where Grandma Sanchez blocked out the noise when she turned on the kettle.

"Maybe if you weren't running around late at night with your damn skateboard or isolated in that room of yours, you'd actually wake up and take responsibi-"

"Well, maybe if you two were at home more you'd actually take better care of your own mother!" Liam cut his father off as he quickly rose to his feet. He towered over his father and gave him a look I've never seen on my best friend before.

"I know that you're busy, especially in a city like this but I have a life of my own. It includes that room, that skateboard, and grandma." He said and pointed toward the kitchen. I noticed how Liam's hand trembled as he looked at his parents. "Not once, have you two been included in my life."

Nothing more was said as Liam walked past them and into the hallway. A few moments later, his door slammed. I turned to his parents who seemed as shocked as I was. Liam rarely had outbursts, but it must've been the first time that they've seen it. I slowly stood up, and they turned to me as if they only recognized me.

"B-Benny, could you please talk to him?" Mrs. Sanchez mumbled as she carefully gripped her husband's arm. "We're worried about him because...he's different."

"Yes, and with the things happening lately and the fact that we live in Chicago, we just don't want him by himself a lot." Mr. Sanchez added. "We know what this place is like."

I nodded and awkwardly walked out of the room. Liam's parents knew the city like an open book, they were lawyers and often worked late so it was understandable. However, what Liam said must've hurt them by their expressions.

When I passed the kitchen, I noticed Grandma Sanchez shook her head. I stopped and raised a brow. "That boy doesn't need talking...he needs help."

I didn't know how to respond to that so I continued to Liam's bedroom. I gave a slight knock and slowly opened the door. I wasn't surprised to find him behind his desk, in front of the various monitors he had.