On The Run

1

"If you have to question his love for you there's a problem." My dad said to me from across the table while stuffing his face with leftover Olive Garden.
"I know, I know." I said almost silently not wanting to realize the reality of the situation.

My dad didn't say anything more, he just finished his meal and cleaned up the kitchen. He knew I was getting older and I had to make choices for myself even if they weren't the right ones. I knew he was just trying to protect me. He didn't want me to end up like my biological mother. I cleaned up the kitchen and we exchanged very little words. It was Friday night and I had planned to go out with my boyfriend, Jackson. We were probably going to go over to his house and hang out like we always did. I didn't complain because his house is always filled with good snacks and we always end up playing Xbox with his older brother Adam. My dad doesn't really care what I do with him as long as I don't get caught or pregnant. I went upstairs and got some clothes together for the night. I got everything gathered up and went downstairs. I found my dad sitting at the kitchen table going through some papers for work. I sat my stuff down and went over to give him a hug.

"Are you going to Jackson's tonight?"
"Yes. What time do you want me home?"
"Whenever uh sometime before three tomorrow."

I nodded my head and gave him a hug and a kiss. I grabbed my keys off the small kitchen island and put my bag on my shoulder. I walked out to the car and drove to Jackson's house.

He lived in a grey house just about ten minutes from me. His mom was never really home so all Jackson and his sibling did was throw parties, tonight was one of those nights. His mom knew about them but oddly didn't care. She was always at the bar or in an alley way getting high off speed. Her life completely changed after her husband Randy died last year. Aside from the drugs she was a good mom. She did know how to shop for food too though so that was a plus. I feel bad for Jackson though, I think that's how he has developed most of his bad habits. He doesn't have anyone to guide him. I mean he has Adam but he isn't that much of a help either.

It was his annual end of school party. Most of the kids in our class were there and some juniors mostly Adams friends and some seniors, also a few freshmen trying to act cool.

I made my way upstairs through the crowds of vapers, druggies, and drinkers. I checked in Jackson's room and he wasn't there. I didn't see him downstairs but he might be out back by the pool. I went inside his room to set my stuff down. I plugged in my phone and scrolled through Instagram for a few minutes before I went downstairs. When I did, I poured myself some water and continued to search the house. I looked in the office and found Adam sitting in a chair playing on his phone. He looked up at me and smiled.

"Jackson said you were coming."
"Do you know where he is?" I asked
"Hell if I know, probably by the pool."

I sat down in a chair across from him and looked around the trashed room.

"Why do you guys even have these parties anyways? it takes so long to clean up."
"I don't know. I guess it gives us some time to let the pain go and be ourselves."

I was looking down at my lap and then looked towards Adam. His blonde hair was a mess and his dark green eyes flashed up at me and sparkled from the light above. Our eyes locked.