Life as Prolonged

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CHAPTER XIX

"So you're sure you didn't kill her?" I was sprawled out on my bed doodling in my journal with my cell phone resting on my bed. I tapped speaker phone and Ashton's voice echoed through my room.

"Yes. I'm sure." I drew his name in a heart.

"Hey, I gotta go." I said as my mom walked into my room. I quickly hung up. I knew he'd be expecting an explanation later. "Hey mom, what's up?"

"Well," she began. Her voice dragged on in an unusual manner.

"Well...?"

"James called."

"And...?"

"They have a suspect in custody."

"Really?" She nodded as tears welled up in her eyes. She couldn't stop herself from bawling. "Who is it mom...?"

"I don't know." I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed her tight.

"We'll find out soon enough." She nodded, digging her chin into my shoulder. I jerked away and she jumped, knowing she did something wrong.

"Sorry."

"Its alright. Go to bed. That's where Im heading now."

"Alright. Night."

"Night mom." She gave me a hug and left, shutting the door behind her.

I didn't feel like calling Ashton back, so I didn't. Instead, I sprawled out on my bed and stared at the ceiling. Before I knew it, Austin was huddled over me. Examining me like he was about to perform surgery.

"Can I help you?" I asked. I stared at him back. Neither of us looked away. There was a moment of silence before he replied.

"No. Wendy called. She needs you to watch over Hazel tomorrow." Wendy was our neighbor, and Hazel was her seven year old daughter.

"Great."

"But, on the other hand. I was thinking we could hit up a party."

"Really?" He nodded. "Where?"

"Paul is having one at the park. I was wondering if you would drive. You don't have to stay if you don't want to." He looked down at the floor. "I need some time to get away. My life is so crammed."

"Tell me about it."

"So you're in?"

"I never agreed to that." I gave him a playful shove and he laughed. His deep voice trembled a bit. I was not only proud to be his sister, but also his friend. He slicked back his hair with his hand and sat on the corner of my bed.

"Paul and Lennon are supposed to he there."

"Just the people I wanted to see." I said sarcastically

"Come on. Have a few beers. Kick back and just chill for the night. We could be like the 'Terrifying Two' or something. Don't you want to be bad?" I shrugged my shoulders. "People would obey us. They'd be kissing our feet like you would believe. What do you say... we can't be two with just one."

"Oh, so you know your math?" I said, avoiding the subject. I knew it taunted him.

"Aubree..."

"Fine. Im in."

"Good. Lets hit the road, its almost nine."

"Oo. Party boy can't wait to lay a girl while tipsy?"

"Sorry, Im not like you." He tilted his head in a cocky manner. I laughed. Whether he meant it or not, it was true. He was the innocent one. It was abnormal for it to be like this, but it was.