"Because I'd like to know if I'm living with a killer. But the main reason I'm doing this is because I want to see my dad." I look at Trystan as he pulls in the driveway. "I just want to see him one last time. To say goodbye."
"Why didn't you just tell me that? I would've taken you to see him."
"Really? I didn't think you would."
He turns the car off and gets out. He's already in the house by the time I make it to the door. I guess we're done talking. I hope he doesn't change his mind about Sunday but I'm worried he will. He's already feeling like he's betraying Braden by going. If he keeps thinking that way he'll cancel our trip.
I run inside to my room, grab some clothes, and head to Jackson's place. He smiles when he sees I'm wearing my uniform. He knows that what means.
We end up in his bed. His dad isn't around, so after some amazing sex, we remain in bed to study. I stay overnight, and in the morning, we have breakfast before I head home.
"Where have you been?" Brock demands when he greets me at the door.
"I stayed at Jackson's."
"I don't want you doing that anymore. You need to spend your nights here, in your room."
"Did you decide you don't want to be in Roman's movie?" I say with a smug smile, leaning against the door frame.
"The casting's been delayed. I may not even get the chance to audition with everything going on."
"Maybe I could talk to Roman. If you let me stay with Jackson."
"Enough with the deal-making." He pulls me inside the house and shuts the door. "This is about your future. People are watching us. The neighbors. The police. Going to see Jackson every day, spending the night there, is making you look guilty. I wouldn't be surprised if the police are building a case against you right now, before you've even been charged with anything."
"I'm not going to stop seeing Jackson."
"Then you're giving up your innocence. Your freedom. Is that what you want?"
"No, but they can't charge me with a crime because I'm hanging out with Jackson. That's like saying you, me, and Trystan should be charged for hanging out with Braden. By the way, when's he getting out?"
Brock sighs. "I don't know yet. The lawyers are doing all they can but the judge won't see him until Monday. And until he goes before a judge, I'm unable to get him out."
"Have you talked to him?"
"Yes. He's not handling it well. When Bradendoesget home I'd advise you to leave him alone. He'll need some time to calm down."
Trystan runs down the stairs, stopping when he sees Brock and me at the door. "What's this? Family meeting? Why didn't anyone tell me?"
Brock straightens up. "I was just telling her what I told you about Braden."
"He's gonna fuck lose it if he's there all weekend," Trystan says.
"There's nothing I can do," Brock says. "Are you leaving for school?"
"Yeah." He goes past me out the door.
"Wait!" I yell as he continues to his car. "I'm not ready!"
"Ten seconds!" he yells back.
"I need more time! I have to change clothes."
"Trystan!" Brock yells. "You wait for her or the car is mine!"
He turns back. "Two minutes and I'm leaving."
I run to my room, put on a clean uniform, grab a tie for my hair, a tube of mascara, and go.
