Australians Don't Belong in Indiana

Drowning

I drove back home whilst drowning myself in my own thoughts. How did I always manage to get myself caught in the stickiest situations? I thought getting myself into popularity with Julie was all I was going to have to deal with. Now murder? I feel awful for Drew. I really think he is sweet. He doesn't deserve this either. Maybe I should just let tonight go. Impossible. I would probably never forget what Drew just told me in the woods. It was too much to bear and I have no idea how he dealt with it all these years. I wanted to shoot myself and I can't imagine how Drew felt about all of this. He had been holding it in for what seemed like forever. The poor thing. The kids at school hated him for no real reason. It is simply tragic.

I pulled into the driveway of my mediocre two-story home and got out of my Jeep. It was starting to get dark outside and I wasn't comfortable with the neighborhood yet. I tried to hurry and get inside when, of course, I couldn't find my keys. I dug through my purse for a bit and finally found them. Then, I dropped them. Smooth move, Scarlett. I quickly picked them up and tried to open the door as my fingers shook in panic. Anxiety, another one of my weaknesses. The door swung open and I fidgeted to slam the door behind me. I closed my eyes shut and leaned up against the closed door. I opened my eyes to a very distraught mother.

"Scarlett, are you okay?"

It was no surprise that she was worried. The worried look in her eyes was nothing new to me.

"Yeah, mom," I lied

Nothing was fine. I had just learned that someone was in jail for a crime they didn't commit.

"Are you sure? Why don't you come sit down."

I knew she didn't believe me but I needed her to leave so I could be alone.

"No. I'm sure. Just freaking myself out like always. What are you doing home?"

My mom was never home. It worried me that she was actually home at this time.

"They let me go home for a couple hours. I have to leave here in a couple minutes. I can tell them you aren't feeling well if you want me to stay."

I was really shocked that she was offering, but I really wanted to be by myself right now. I needed to think about what Drew and I talked about.

"No," I said as I shook my head at her, "You should go to work. I love you."

"Okay... I love you too, honey."

With that, she picked up her purse and left the house.

If you loved me, maybe you would be home more.

I regretted the thought the moment it came to mind. I love my mom. She is my best friend. At least she used to be. Once she started working night shifts, we never did anything together. A good family dinner would be nice every now and then. Its okay though. I know she did what she could to just spend a few awkward moments with me when she could, but it still stung that her job came first. She made offers to stay home but I always told her no and she never argued. She loved her job. Sometimes more than her own kid. She would never admit it but we both know it's true. Oh well.

At least I didn't have to go upstairs to think. I popped a bag of buttered popcorn and sat down on the humongous couch. Drew looked so innocent when we were talking. I had a gut feeling that he was telling the truth. If his dad didn't commit the crime, who did? Did Drew know? Did he at least suspect someone? I need answers and I needed them soon.

I contemplated picking up my phone to call Drew but decided it was a bad idea. It was getting late and I tend to get loopy when it gets late. He would probably think I was drunk dialing on him. Definitely not a good idea. Been there done that. One time I called my, now-ex, boyfriend at 1:00 AM and was rambling to him about nonsense. Needless to say, that is how he became my ex.

I decided to drown out my thoughts with some nonsense on the tv. I flipped through the channels for a bit before deciding on some reality show on MTV. Probably something about pregnant teenagers because that was all that was on tv nowadays. I watched Teen Mom for a bit til I ran out of popcorn and then I layed down and decided to close my eyes for a bit. I thought about the evening's events some before I was too tired to remember my name and before I knew it, I was asleep on the couch.

I was completely unprepared for the next few months.

A/N: Hey there guys ;) Soo here is a new update. I kind of changed the past couple parts but I hope you liked it. Well... I guess thats that.. Hope you enjoyed the new chapter. Love you all <3