Anarchy

Chapter 2: Guilty as Charged

Dad came to pick me up like Sheriff Hopkins said. It was nice to leave the station except for the fact that he hasn't stopped talking about my "behavioral problems" since we left and after 20 minutes of it I'm starting to get bored.

"You are acting like a child. Your wild behavior almost got people killed for goodness sake!"

"Dad it was an accident."

"Maybe this time but you've been in and out of that police station all year— it's always someone else's fault. It's time you learned to take responsibility for yourself and your actions, I'm just sorry that I couldn't teach you that. Sorry and disappointed. "

"Dad—"

"Ana I don't want to say anything else I'll regret. We both need time to think things over and cool off," he said, turning the car off and getting out- I hadn't noticed we already arrived home.

I sat in the car, watching him walk up the dirt path to our porch, open the screen door, and disappear into the house. I couldn't follow him in. Instead I got out of the car, slamming the door in the process, and started heading down our dusty driveway in the opposite direction, towards Jamie's house.

Benefits of growing up in a town the size of a walnut? You're bound to live close to one of your friends. And Jamie Rowe just happens to be my best friends—we've known each other forever. He's been there for me through thick and thin (and I really do mean thick—I was an awfully chubby child), so whenever my dad frustrates me or I need to vent about law enforcement, I go to Jamie. Don't get me wrong, I love my dad, but let's just say our ideas don't always align.

After a few minutes, I had reached the wire fence surrounding the Rowes' property. Jumping over, I make my way through the thick grass to the tree standing next to their house. Climbing up, I'm able to reach Jamie's window. I knock once. Twice. And again.

"I swear Jamie if you leave me alone in my time of need I will not hesitate to-"

Jamie opened the window. Looks like I won't have to follow through with my threat.

"You're so dramatic."

"Sorry my life is interesting. What's goin on with you? Classifying your rock collection?"

"Actually, I was studying."

"Like I said, studying rocks." What can I say? I like to tease him about his geochemistry and petrology interests.

"Piss off"
Jamie isn't English by the way—he just watches too many British shows. Frankly, it gets kinda annoying because I never understand the phrases he picks up. Like, what the hell are "crisps"??

He opened the window wider anyways and I slipped in. Walking over to his bed I jumped on with a huff.

"Jamie, Jamie, Jamie. What am I gonna do?"

"Hmm. Well it would help if I actually knew some backstory," he prompted. News got around fast here, just not to Jamie. He's too busy looking at rocks all day.

"You know how it's rumored someone set City Hall on fire?"

"Yeah. I mean it's not really a rumor- someone did."

"Uhm. Right. Well," How exactly do I phrase this? "You see," I glanced at Jamie—he was staring at me intently, "I. Ahem. I uh..."

"Ana. Don't tell me you did that," he cautioned.

"I mean I may or may not have been slightly involved?" I sat up, scratching the back of my neck.

"Geez Ana, come on."

I didn't need to look back at him to tell he was pissed, but when I glanced at him, I realized he wasn't just angry, but disappointed too. What is with everyone being disappointed in me today? When I had pulled that prank with the chickens, everyone thought it was funny (well, except for the principal). And that was intentional, not by accident.

"So right after school ends, I'm being shipped off to goodness knows where to endure three months of correction camp"

"Well I can't say you didn't have it coming"

Ok that deserves a whack with the pillow.

"Hey! You can't deny that Ana."

"Yeah but it'd be nice if you'd sympathize with me. It's bad enough having heard that from everyone else. "

"Okay, fine. Life sucks. Happy?"

"You suck at this." He smiles.

"I'm just kidding. Do you wanna hug?" He starts inching towards me. Oh no.

"Ew no." He moves closer. "Stop. Get away. You know I hate hugs. Stop with that creepy smile. I swear Jami—"

My shouts are mufffled as he envelopes me in his arms. I try to fight, I really do, but there's only so much you can do when someone twice your weight has you locked in an embrace, or should I say choke hold. I finally opt for the 'let go, I can't breathe' excuse, but he knows it's a ploy. Instead he loosens his grip slightly (Incase I really can't breathe) but my face is still mashed against his chest. My words come out muffled. I even try tickling but my hands are plastered to my side. So I accept defeat and try to hug back, which is hard considering my limited capacity to move my arms.
It's strange—suddenly I feel calmer...almost comforted. Of course, I would never admit that out loud, but I guess hugs aren't that bad.

After a few more moments, Jamie released me. I looked up to see a self-satisfied smirk on his face. Great. He knows. He always knows.

Turning around, I fall back onto the bed as Jamie goes back to sit in his swivel chair.

"So, uh, where are they sending you?"

"Not sure yet— Hopkins is going to 'make arrangements' and call in the next couple days." Jamie hummed. "But, until then, we've got plenty of work to do," I added mischievously. "Before I go, I've got a few special goodbyes for a few special individuals..."

Jamie blanched.

"You can't be serious."

"Oh I'm serious alright. I'm not done with this town quite yet."

"But...you just—"

"Shhhh," I put my finger to my lips, "no one has to know it was me"

Jamie raised his eyebrow, "oh really? Everyone will know it's you"

"Not if I blame it on you," I grinned. Oh this is gonna be fun....

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What did you guys think of Jamie??
Im interested to hear your thoughts!

Can't wait to write about Ana's goodbye pranks 😋🤫

Don't forget to vote ;)

-Rose