THE BOY WHO TALKED TO AIR #Wattys2018 (Wattys Longlist)

8. HELLO TROUBLE

Anna and Pete sandwiched me in between them, as the rest of their crew scattered like roaches to sit down next to Seth. It was as if the President himself was sitting down for a meeting in the Oval Office, and the Vice President and Speaker of the House were at his side. I looked over at Seth, his head down, pretending to be engrossed in a book about wildlife.

Anna spoke first. "Justin, I know yesterday must have been stressful for you, but how do you think our family feels? We have been stressed out every day since Natalie left us. I, along with my father, and the police, seem to think your story is full of... how do I put this—crap."

"Wait," I said, "I'm telling the-"

"Shut up and let her finish," Pete said, scowling, as he got up in a threatening manner.

I didn't say another word. Pete sat back down and Anna started to speak again.

"I don't want to ruin you, but I will if I have to. My sister—my twin sister—means more to me than anyone could ever imagine, and I will stop at nothing, until she is home safe.

"Do you understand that?"

I nodded.

Pete arose from his seat, prodding a plastic lunch spork at my chest.

"She asked you a question—do you understand what she is saying to you?"

I nodded.

Pete cocked his head to the side, and mocked my nod with an impression of someone with a disability. The table erupted in laughter, except for Seth, of course.

"What's that supposed to mean, mama's boy?" Pete snarled as he continued mocking my nod. "I need a yes or a no answer from you."

I wanted to jump across the table and stick that fork up his ass, but I knew better. I was outnumbered, and the truth was—I didn't stand a chance anyway.

Anna looked over at Seth. "Did he tell you anything about my sister?"

Seth fidgeted in his seat nervously, as he looked up from his magazine. "Tell? Who is going to tell me anything? I'm a natural born gossip. People know better not to say anything to me."

Pete grabbed Seth by the shirt, and poked his finger into his chest.

"Listen here you-"

"What is going on here?" Principal Healy, interrupted.

"Nothing," Pete said, "we were just leaving." Anna arose from her seat first, and her entourage soon followed.

"Is everything alright with you boys?" Mr. Healy asked.

I looked over at Seth, and he shook his head.

"Actually, Mr. Healy..."

"Yes, Seth?"

"Justin would like to talk to you in private."

I looked at Seth and said, "What the hell," under my breath.

"Is this true?" Mr. Healy asked. "Do you need to talk to me, Justin?"

"Yes... kind of."

"Okay, why don't you stop by my office at three today—sound good?"

"Yes, thanks, Mr. Healy."

He patted me on the shoulder and went back to making his rounds in the cafeteria.

"Are you crazy?" I said. "They will kill me if they find out about this." I pounded my fist onto the table, drawing some unwanted attention.

"Oh, don't be so dramatic," Seth said, "they aren't going to kill you— beat the hell out of you maybe—but definitely not kill you."