Nowhere Kids

Now What?

Sunday morning came and I knew I had to stop hiding. I couldn't stay in my room forever. I stepped out into the hall and made my way downstairs. Beau was first to greet me.
"Hey buddy" I said as he jumped on me. I smiled as he dropped to the floor and rolled over, exposing his belly. I leaned over and gave him a belly rub, watching in joy as he wiggled with excitement.

It was a nice moment until dad walked into the room.
"Ah, look who's finally up, or did you just get home?" He asked. I stood up and cleared my throat as Beau just laid there, panting.
"I've been home, I've just been in my room" I said.
"We know you've been lying to us Jamie" he said firmly. "You've been seeing those boys, haven't you?"
"They're my friends" I couldn't believe I was defending them.
"You care about them more than us?" He asked as he stepped closer. Beau jumped to his feet and cried.
"They seem to care more about me than you or mom" I growled.
"I bet your sleeping with them, aren't you?" Dad asked as he circled me. "You upset your mother so much, we should've never moved here"
"They're just my friends dad, and this move was the best thing to ever happen to me" I snapped.
"Oh yeah? Want to move again?" He asked.
"No! I love it here!" I started yelling as I got frustrated with him.
"You don't love it in this house, so why don't you go move in with one of your boyfriends?" Dad asked with an angry tone.
"You can't kick me out!" I yelled. Dad grabbed my by my shoulders and threw my out of the house, throwing me up the ground. Beau came running out to my side before he slammed the door shut.

I sat on the sidewalk crying as Beau cried and nudged me.
"Now what boy?" I asked as I put an arm around him. I really wasn't expecting to be thrown out like that. Once I took some deep breaths and wiped away my tears, I stood up and looked at Beau. It was just us now, and I wasn't going to give up while he was here. I thought of where I could go.

Zach's house was closest, but we weren't that close so I'd feel rude asking to stay with him. Brent's parents would never allow me to stay if they knew there was something between us. Barry and his parents were chill, but his house was a far walk. The only one left was Eric. I knew nothing about his parents, but it was worth a shot. If they say no, maybe Eric can drive me to Barry's house.

Beau was good at staying by my side as we walked despite not having his leash. I kept an eye on him anyway, ready to grab his collar if I had to. The walk to Eric's place wasn't bad, but after that fight I felt tired.

When I finally arrived to his house, I took a deep breath before knocking on the door. A man who I assume to be Eric's dad opened it and smiled.
"Hello sir, is Eric home?" I asked in a shaky voice.
"One moment please" he said. He shouted Eric's name and I heard a set of footsteps rush over. I felt so relieved when Eric stepped outside to talk with me.

Eric and I sat on his front steps as Beau sniffed around the yard.
"I don't know what to do Bass, my parents just threw us out" I wanted to start crying again. Eric put an arm around me and pulled me close.
"We'll figure out something J. My parents won't let Beau stay here sadly. Did you try Brent?" He asked in a calming voice.
"Brent's parents would never let me stay. If they find out I slept with him, I'll get kicked out again" I whined.
"Alright, what about Barry?" He asked.
"It was too far of a walk. I couldn't grab my keys or phone" I mumbled. Eric stood up and took my hand, helping me up as well.
"I can drive you over there. He's probably your best bet" he said as he walked towards his car. I whistled for Beau and opened the door for him.
"Thank you, really" I said.
"It's not problem. Just helping a friend" Eric said with a smile. We both got into his car and headed towards Barry's place.

During the short ride, Eric talked to Barry on the phone to give him a heads up. When he put his phone down he looked at me with a smile.
"His parents have no problem with you and Beau staying" he said.
"Wish I knew how to repay you guys" I said.
"Don't worry. We know you'd do the same for us" he said warmly. I smiled and looked back at Beau, who was staring out the window and wagging his tail. I'm so glad he's well behaved, otherwise I'd feel bad taking him with me.

Eric dropped us off at Barry's and said goodbye to Beau and I before taking off. I approached the front door slowly and rang the doorbell. Barry was quick to answer and welcome us in.
"Thanks again for letting me stay" I said as we walked into the living room.
"No problem. Mom, dad, this is Jamie and her dog Beau" Barry said as his parents entered the room. They both greeted me in a friendly manner and his dad even said hello to Beau.
"He's well behaved and housebroken" I explained.
"Don't worry, we've had dogs before" his mom laughed, making me smile. It felt great feeling welcomed for once.

Barry led Beau and I to the backyard so Beau could sniff around and get to know the place.
"I should probably call Brent, let him know what's going on" I mumbled.
"He doesn't know?" Barry asked. I shook my head and sighed.
"I knew his parents wouldn't let me stay, so I didn't bother" I said. Barry nodded and went back into the house.

Barry came back moments later and handed me his phone. I called Brent and anxiously waited for him to pick up.
"What's up Barry?" Brent answered one a happy tone.
"It's Jamie" I said quietly. There was a worrying pause.
"Everything okay J" Brent asked.
"I, um, got kicked out of my house. Beau's with me" I explained.
"Need me to come get you?" He asked in a worried tone.
"No, I'm staying with Barry until I come up with something. I just thought I'd let you know" I said.
"Thanks for letting me know. Stay safe, I'll see you tomorrow" he said.
"See you then" I hung up and gave Barry his phone back. We both watched Beau explore until his parents called us for dinner.

The meal with Barry's family was actually nice. His dad even chopped up some meat and placed it in a bowl with some rice for Beau. I thanked them again, feeling guilty making them take me in. After dinner I helped Barry with dishes.
"Thanks for the help" he said as finished up.
"I want to help as much as I can while I'm here" I said. He smiled and walked with me outside to let Beau out.

Barry sat outside with me until the sun set.
"We have a guest bedroom you and Beau can sleep in" he said as we stood up. I thanked him and called for Beau to follow us inside. We followed Barry to the guest bedroom.
"Thanks again" I said.
"Have a good night you two" Barry said. He payed Beau before closing the door, leaving us in the room. I felt exhausted so I crawled into bed under the covers and called Beau over. He jumped into the bed and cuddled into me. I put an arm around him and gently stroked his fur until I fell asleep