LIE

Chapter 10

A few days after we got back home, Winn started acting weird.

He went out twice; when he came back he was acting weird, like depressed weird. The second time he was acting all secretive. I don't even want to know what's going on.

Lately, it seems our luck has gone sour. Chet got fired and started drinking more. Much more. Why did he get fired? Drinking. The attitude. What did you expect?

On the good days he'd be passed out on the couch. On the bad he'd be yelling. On the worst, he'd be throwing things, swinging his fists, and cussing at us.

Upside of his drinking (aside from the passing out), he'd be so drunk that we could just dodge his attacks.

Regardless of Chet and Winn, everyone else was acting "shady." Myself included. I started sneaking out in the middle of the night to see Indra and "work."

Izzy, well, I can't be sure, but I think she might have started using drugs. Monique, hell, I swear I saw her try to kill Chet.

"Must be nice to live on your own." I said as I patted Indra's cat.

"It's so early, why are you out so late at night?" Indra asked.

"Working." I answered.

"Yeah?" He questioned.

"Oh yeah." I responded.

"What do you do?" He asked.

"Work." I said.

"What kind of work?" He interrogated.

"Work, work." I avoided his questions. No one really needs to know what I do. It pays well and that's all I care about. Someone has to bring home the money.

Indra rolled his eyes.

"You staying over again?" He asked.

"If you'll have me." I said.

"I told you: my couch is always open." He said.

"I'm going to sleep." He went into his room and closed the door.

I laid out on the couch and crawled under the blankets.

"I can't believe the school year is almost over." I whispered to myself.

I just need to make enough money and maybe everything will be okay.

"See you at school." I said as I left Indra's condo.

I had to go home first. Get changed. This always made me late, I had to walk as well, but I didn't care. Chet was too drunk to do anything.

I handed my late pass to Mr. B. "I want to see you after class." He whispered to me before I went to sit down.

Ah, working working, history history.

The bell rang. "Luc." Mr. B caught me.

I "shame-walked" to his desk.

"You have at least ten tardies in my class. What is going on?" He questioned.

"Well Mr. B, what do you do at home in the mornings?" I asked.

"What I do in the mornings is my business. I just want to make sure everything is okay at home." He stated.

"What's going on with you?" He then asked.

"Well that's my business, now isn't it?" Mr. B didn't look so pleased with my response. I walked out and headed to second block.

At lunch, I lied on the side of my face.

"You know, you've been real tired lately," Evie stated.

"Have you not been getting enough sleep?" She asked.

"I'm fine." I lied.

Indra jumped into the conversation, "Luc's been sneaking out at night."

Evie's eyes widened. For the first time -- since I've known her -- she was speechless. I changed the subject.

"So Indra, why do you always wear that scarf?" I asked.

"Don't get me wrong, you look sexy as hell, I'm just curious." I said.

He and Evie looked at me in shock.

"You're admitting that I look sexy?" He questioned.

I nodded.

"I wear it just cause." He answered.

"Just cause." I mocked playfully.

Indra blew air and playfully nudged his shoulder into mine. Evie's eyes darted to the two of us.

After school I went home and stood in the living room and looked out the window. I saw a small gray cat strutting between my house and the neighbor's. It was a stray. I should bring it to Indra -- since he takes in strays.

I began to turn around. All I saw and felt was Chet grabbing me. We fell onto the floor. "What was that for?" I groaned. You smell like a bar.

"Shut up," he hissed.

"Don't you like this?" He slurred. Like what?

"Hey stop!" He was tugging at me, my pants.

I couldn't stop him. Neither could Winn once he ran down.

When it was over, I fixed myself up and blindly ran out the door.

I "woke up" after I knocked on a door. I looked around. This is Indra's condo building. I shook my head after there was no answer.

I turned and slowly walked down the hall. My knees were shaking, like they were going to give out. I was in pain. I don't want Evie to see me like this... Where can I go now?

"Hey Luc." Indra's voice called. I stopped and looked up. He stood at the end of the hall holding bags in his hands.

"Why're you crying?" He asked. I hadn't realized I was. Indra began to walk toward me.

"Come on, we can talk inside." He beckoned me.

I followed him into his condo and immediately Delilah --his cat, one of them -- came over to me for a rub. I pat her head once, then turned to Indra after he put his bags down.

"What happened? I can smell blood on you. Did you fall or something?" He questioned. He then made a weird face. I hugged my arms.

"My dad raped me." I said.

"What?" Indra growled. "Are you okay?" He asked.

I didn't answer him. I didn't know what answer he wanted, because I wasn't okay.

"Has this happened before?" Indra asked. I shook my head.

"Maybe I should just go back home..." I pondered aloud. I headed for the door.

"You can't go back there!" Indra lunged and grabbed my wrist.

"Don't grab me like that, Indra!" I snapped.

He let go, "I'm sorry."

"You can't go back there." He repeated.

I hung my head.

"Just stay here,"

"...with me." He whispered.

I wiped my face. "Can I bother you for a shower?"

"Don't you want to go to the police first?" Indra asked.

"No. And don't you dare go behind my back and call them!" That came out harsher than intended.

"Okay, I won't. And it's no bother, you can take a shower..." He then walked into his room.

I took a shower and laid on the couch once redressed in Indra's clothes. Delilah hopped onto my stomach. I rubbed her and she rested her head on my neck. I closed my eyes.

I couldn't stop crying that night. I felt like a could just drop dead. Maybe I should have gone to the police; put an end to all of this. I'm so stupid.