Barbed Boys

Chapter 5

☢

The moment I walked through the door that morning my mom was on me like a hawk on a rabbit. Arms out like taloned claws as she engulfed me in a vicious hug before berating me with words of worry.

"I texted you." I managed to get out pathetically as I tried to keep in the tears that threatened to fall. Last night there were so many moments I thought I'd never see Melissa Oakley ever again and I'd never felt more desperate for her hug before.

"I was so worried! I got it, but it didn't seem right, you didn't sound right." she tutted, "A mother knows these things, Ainsley. Was everything okay?"

My mother pulled back so she could look me in the eye, "Yes, of course. I just got caught up at work with- with Randy," I choked on his name as his vacant lifeless eyes flashed in my mind, "He snuck out and left me with the clean up."

It was believable. I'd spent the whole blindfolded ride back to the the ice cream parlor thinking up believable lies for my parents.

Once I'd finished with my shower at the dump of a house they'd taken me to, Bomber had a crisp clean t-shirt and a pair of boxers for me to put on. I was relieved he didn't expect me to put my bloodied uniform back on. Vinny was in the kitchen when we went back down stairs and Lethal had instructed him and Bomber to take me back to town. Thankfully they hadn't knocked me out again, just blindfolded me.

The drive had been roughly 40 minutes, to my estimation. The parlor was clean and spotless when we got there, thanks to Vinny apparently. Cleaner than before the murder. Even if I called the police, would they even believe someone had been killed there?

After having a slight panic attack I'd got my stuff, and changed into my spare clothes in my cubby and stuffed my bloody ones into my tote bag. It was early morning by the time I was done. Bomber had made sure I didn't forget our deal, but he didn't have to worry. I'd say nothing to anyone. Then, unbelievably, he left me to drive home alone. Some part of me had expected him to shoot me dead the moment I turned my back despite his and his brother's promise to me.

I still couldn't believe I was even breathing at all.

It was around 6 am when I finally got back ready with my lies. Randy was a pain in my ass before he- before he died, and I'd vented to my mother about him in the past many times. There was no doubt in my mind she would believe he had slacked off last night. It felt terrible to blame him when he was dead, but it was the only believable story I could come up with on such short notice.

Still, I held my breath for a moment as she looked at me skeptically.

"That boy. You have to talk to Bobby about him. I don't like you working with him. He's nothing but trouble Ainsley."

Well, there was no need to worry about that anymore. The thought was evil of me, vile. I hated myself for it.

"I will, I'll talk to him Thursday before I go in. Don't worry about."

I was so grateful I didn't work on Tuesdays or Wednesday's. I don't think I could have bared going back there without a day or two to get myself together. Just the idea of working in that place sent my stomach into turmoil and suddenly I didn't want to be so close to her. I shrugged out of her lingering grip and headed over to the cabinet in the kitchen that I knew had all the meds and vitamins in it. My head was pounding and I needed some Advil.

The smell of coffee was strong, she must have just brewed the pot before I came in.

"How did you end up at Lindsey's house?" she asked following close behind me, I could feel her eyes on my back as I rattled two little blue pills into my palm and then filled a glass with water, "What's wrong? Are you in pain?" she continued her fussing.