Nowhere Kids

The Butterfly

"Jamie, what is going on here?" Mom asked, staring me down with her hands at her hips. I knew I was in trouble now.
"Please be nice to her dear, she's been through a lot" Brent's mom said as I sat up in my bed, keeping my eyes down to avoid her death stare. Now more than ever I just wanted to get out of here.
"Look, I'm sorry if she's caused you any problems. I don't know what happened to her, but ever since we've moved here she's been nothing but trouble" Mom said, her voice still mad but quieter. Brent's mom looked over at me before shaking her head, I decided to play it safe and stayed quiet.
"Nonsense. She's been staying with us and hasn't caused a single issue. Even her dog is well behaved" She told my mom. I couldn't help but smile as she spoke kindly about me, but my smile vanished when mom turned her head towards me and scowled.
"Well, I'm glad you managed to keep Beau alive" She said with an eye roll. Brent's mom could tell I was starting to get uncomfortable so she grabbed my mom's arm and started walking to the door.
"Let's just go talk to the doctor, shall we?"

I sat in bed waiting for the two to come back. I could only hope they left the room so I could get discharged. It's been a long, stressful day and all I wanted was to go home and see Brent and Beau. It wasn't long before Brent's mom came back into the room.
"Okay, we are all set. Ready to go?" She asked. I looked behind her for a moment before sighing. "Did my mom leave already?" I asked sadly.
"I'm afraid so, but don't worry. You'll always be welcomed into our family"
Hearing her say that made me smile again. She had a point, it was much better than being alone. Plus I was just relieved to finally be getting out of here.

Brent's mom helped me get dressed and made sure I didn't forget anything before we headed out. I held the teddy bear the boys gave me tightly in my arms as I followed her out to her car. She had me wait in the passenger seat as she quickly called her husband to let him and Brent know we were on our way home. I couldn't hear the conversation, but the smile that stayed on her face kept me from worrying. It wasn't long before she hung up and joined me in the car.
"Sorry about that, just making sure the boys know you'll be home soon. I'm sure Brent's excited" She said as she started the car. I smiled and nodded, though I wasn't too sure with the way he's been acting.

The car ride home was nice. I held the teddy close as I listened the the radio, my eyes staring out the window taking everything in. I must have fallen asleep during the ride as next thing I knew, Brent's mom was gently shaking my shoulder.
"Get up sweetie, we're home" She said softly. I stretched as I got out of the car before following her inside. First to greet me was Beau. I started crying as he jumped on me.
"Hi baby boy" I said with a shaky voice as I kneeled down and wrapped my arms around his neck.
"I think he missed you. He cried all night while you were gone" Brent's dad said. "How are you feeling?"
"I guess I'm okay, thanks" I said, not letting go of Beau as he licked my face. He wiggled as I held him, making me giggle a little.
"Well, Brent's in his room if you want to go up and see him" His dad said. I nodded and let go of Beau so I could stand up. As if he knew were I was headed, Beau rushed towards the stairs and looked back at me, waiting. I smiled again as I walked over and followed him up to Brent's room.

I reached Brent's door and gently knocked. No response from him so I slowly opened the door. Brent was sitting up in his bed, head in his hands.
"Hey B" I said gently, feeling a bit scared. He didn't move. Beau stepped into the room and sniffed the edge of the bed, as if he was debating on jumping up. Brent still had no reaction so I slowly made my way across the floor to his bed. "Brent?" I called out as I reached my hand out to him. I placed my hand on his shoulder, which caused him to look up at me.

Brent looked terrible, as if he's been crying for hours.
"A-are you okay?" He asked softly, his voice weak and a little shaky from crying.
"I could ask you the same thing" I smiled slightly, hoping to lighten the mood. He just stared at me, studying my face as if looking for answers. "I'm fine"
"Is it true?" He asked, his voice even softer then before. I wasn't sure what he meant until he placed a hand over my stomach. I tried not to cry as I nodded.
"I'm so sorry Brent. I should've listened to you" My voice cracked as I attempted to hold it together. Brent didn't respond, he just grabbed me and pulled me into his lap, holding me close. I broke down crying as he rocked me, and I could tell he was quietly crying as well.

"Hey Jamie?" Brent said softly as we both tried calming down.
"Y-yeah?" I hiccupped as I spoke.
"Are you mad I didn't visit?" He sounded worried as he spoke, as if he expected me to lash out hearing his question.
"I was pretty sad you didn't check on me. Why didn't you?" I looked up at him and pouted.
"I...I don't know" he trailed off a bit as he spoke. "I guess I didn't want to believe you were there. I didn't want it to be true"
"You knew you had to face it eventually"
I know. I still don't want to believe it"

Brent's phone suddenly rang, making us both jump. Brent leaned over and reached for it across his bed.
"Hey man" he said as he picked up the call. I wanted to get up so they could talk, but Brent kept an arm around me tightly. I wouldn't be surprised if he's even more protective after what happened. He didn't have a long conversation with whoever was on the line.
"Who was that?" I asked out of curiosity.
"Eric. The guys are meeting up at Barry's place"
"Well, let's go meet up with them"
"You sure you're feeling up to it?"
"Look B, I don't want to sit around here and feel sad all night. I wish there was something we could do, but there not. So can we just have a good time with our friends?" I didn't really feel like going out and socializing, but I knew sitting at home crying wouldn't solve anything. Besides, I told the boys I'd see them when I got home.
"Alright then" Brent said, unsure of my choice. I was just as unsure but I wasn't going to tell him.

Beau followed Brent and I downstairs and towards the door.
"Maybe we should take him. He did miss you after all" Brent suggested. I agreed it was a good idea and grabbed his leash. I knew he would provide me some comfort while we were out. Brent told his parents we were headed out and promised to keep an eye on me.
"Stay safe you two" his mom said as we headed out the door. I just hope the guys don't smother me this much.