Once the movies ended, I helped Olivia into her coat. I jerked on my own coat and followed her into the elevator.<\/p>\n
I leaned back against the wall of the elevator and dropped my head back with a heavy sigh.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you worried?\u201d Olivia asked gently. \u201cAbout going home to your parents?\u201d<\/p>\n
I sighed, moving my arm around her. \u201cIt\u2019ll be fine.\u201d I mused.<\/p>\n
Olivia lightly placed her hand on my cheek. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be okay. You didn\u2019t do anything wrong. It was that police officer that started everything. You were minding your own business. And I\u2019ll tell your parents that. Hopefully they\u2019ll believe me.\u201d She mused.<\/p>\n
I swallowed thickly. \u201cCan you do me a favor? Please don\u2019t tell your dad? I\u2019m trying to stay under the radar here, and I don\u2019t think bringing your dad into this is going to make it any easier on me. Besides, if I ever do meet him, I don\u2019t want him to think I\u2019m a complete delinquent.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou aren\u2019t.\u201d Olivia insisted. \u201cYou\u2019ve made some mistakes, and you\u2019ve paid for them. But you\u2019re not a hardened criminal. You\u2019re a sweet man, who has had some challenges and overcame them.\u201d She insisted.<\/p>\n
I smiled. \u201cI\u2019m very glad I have you.\u201d I mused. \u201cYou manage to put a positive spin on even the darkest situations.\u201d I pressed a kiss to Olivia\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n
She smiled. \u201cEverything is going to be okay.\u201d She insisted.<\/p>\n
I knew what she was saying made sense logically. But I couldn\u2019t help but embrace the feeling that my parents were still going to see this as a mistake on my part. And I had very few mistakes left before they threw me out completely.<\/p>\n
The elevator doors opened in the parking garage and we walked to Olivia\u2019s car. I was holding her hand in my free one. The other hand had swollen so badly I could hardly move my fingers. I thought I might have fractured a knuckle or something. Olivia insisted I bring the ice with me and keep it on my hand.<\/p>\n
I climbed into the passenger\u2019s seat, briefly wondering if my face had left a dent in her father\u2019s vehicle.<\/p>\n
Olivia climbed into the driver\u2019s seat. \u201cIt\u2019s freezing!\u201d She gasped, shutting the door and starting the engine. She immediately cranked up the heat, before she even put her seat belt on.<\/p>\n
I knew she was meticulous about the passenger\u2019s of her car putting on a seat belt. With my wounded hand, I couldn\u2019t get the belt in the lock.<\/p>\n
Olivia immediately helped me.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d I sighed. Maybe I was an invalid. I was completely incompetent. I probably should have hit the wall with my left hand instead. I used it less.<\/p>\n
Olivia backed from the parking space and pulled out into the snowy winter night.<\/p>\n
Olivia sighed. \u201cI love the snow, it makes everything so pretty.\u201d She mused.<\/p>\n
\u201cMe too.\u201d I replied. I glanced toward her. Olivia was really the pretty one. I was hardly even looking out the window. The streetlights gave her a beautiful, angelic glow.<\/p>\n
Olivia pulled off the main street, and onto the street that led us out of the downtown core.<\/p>\n
I was almost praying for a blown tire or a snow bank. I\u2019d rather spend the night with her and freezing than be home with my parents who were probably going to hand me my ass on a plate.<\/p>\n
It seemed to take only minutes for Olivia to pull the car into my parent\u2019s driveway. She shut off the engine and turned to me. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be okay.\u201d She insisted.<\/p>\n
I wanted to point out that any yelling my parents were about to do to me would not be in front of her. They would wait until she left before they brought out the screaming match.<\/p>\n
I drew in a deep breath. \u201cLet\u2019s just go in. Get it over with. We\u2019ll make it quick and painless. Like ripping off a band aid.\u201d<\/p>\n
Olivia smiled humorlessly at me.<\/p>\n
I opened the door and slid out onto the driveway. I shut the door behind me, accidentally using my wounded hand. It stung unbearably, but I didn\u2019t let it get to me.<\/p>\n
Olivia met me at the front of the car and looped her arm through mine in a silent sign of support.<\/p>\n
She took the ice from my good hand, offering to hold it for me.<\/p>\n
We made our way up to the front door and I opened it, stepping inside.<\/p>\n
\u201cIsaac? Is that you?\u201d Dad called from the living room. I wasn\u2019t sure who else he\u2019d be expecting at quarter to eleven at night.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah. I brought Olivia with me, I hope that\u2019s okay.\u201d I answered.<\/p>\n
\u201cOlivia\u2019s here?\u201d Mom demanded. Before Olivia could even get both her shoes off, my mom came running. She threw her arms around Olivia. \u201cOh, honey it\u2019s so good to see you!\u201d<\/p>\n
Olivia laughed softly, \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you too.\u201d<\/p>\n
I finished hanging our coats on the rack and turned around.<\/p>\n
My mom stopped in her tracks.<\/p>\n
\u201cHi,\u201d It was the only thing I could think of to say.<\/p>\n
\u201cWalker!\u201d My mom called immediately.<\/p>\n
I rolled my eyes and turned to Olivia. \u201cSee?\u201d I challenged.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Di?\u201d Dad asked, coming into the room. I was sure he sensed the panic in mom\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n
He noticed my eye and then looked toward Olivia, the lines of worry deepening on his face. He folded his arms over his chest in a stern look.<\/p>\n
\u201cDad, I can explain. It was all a misunderstanding. I didn\u2019t do anything wrong. It wasn\u2019t my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope it was worth it, Son.\u201d Dad warned, \u201cFighting is a violation of your parole.\u201d<\/p>\n
I narrowed my eyes, even though it hurt. \u201cI didn\u2019t do any fighting. Which is why I look like this.\u201d I held up my hand for effect.<\/p>\n
Olivia stopped me. \u201cI was there, I witnessed the entire thing. He didn\u2019t do anything wrong, I swear to you.\u201d She insisted with perfect sincerity.<\/p>\n
My mom let out the breath she\u2019d been holding. \u201cCome into the living room and we\u2019ll discuss this.\u201d She urged.<\/p>\n
Olivia followed my mom into the living room. My dad remained in the doorway with his arms over his chest. I was almost worried he might hit me for the first time when I walked past him.<\/p>\n
I plopped down stiffly on the sofa next to Olivia. I was glad she had my back with this.<\/p>\n
My mom flew into the kitchen and returned in mere seconds, pressing a dishcloth to my eye. I felt the ice crunch against my face and winced. \u201cCareful, mom!\u201d I warned.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened?\u201d She demanded.<\/p>\n
My dad stood in front of the television with his arm\u2019s crossed. Even with one eye, I could see his was pissed.<\/p>\n
Olivia placed the bag of ice from her place on my swollen hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing happened.\u201d I shrugged. \u201cI ran into someone, and he kicked my ass. I behaved. I didn\u2019t fight back. I didn\u2019t breach my parole. End of story.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd how about your hand?\u201d My dad pointed out.<\/p>\n
\u201cI punched a brick wall.\u201d I shrugged. \u201cIt was stupid. I was pissed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Olivia gaped at me, \u201cIsaac, you have to tell them the whole story!\u201d She insisted. \u201cThey need to know!\u201d<\/p>\n
I sighed. \u201cThe details don\u2019t matter, Liv. It doesn\u2019t change what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes it does!\u201d She protested.<\/p>\n
I sighed, glancing at my dad. He was barely moving, and his nostrils were flaring. He was beyond angry with me. He was livid. There was nothing I could say to change that, no matter the excuse.<\/p>\n
Mom turned to Olivia, \u201cHoney, what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
Olivia drew in a deep breath. \u201cWe went shopping for a dress so I would have something to wear here for Christmas. We left the dress shop and before we could get back to my dad\u2019s apartment, we were pulled over by a police officer\u2026 if you could even call him that.\u201d She explained. \u201cI thought I\u2019d done something wrong, because I was driving. But he must have seen Isaac get into my car. He made Isaac get out, and he was yelling at him. Awful, untrue things. He was accusing him of doing drugs and stealing and just horrible things.\u201d She shook her head. \u201cI got out of the car and before I could do anything, this officer had Isaac handcuffed on the hood of the car and was searching him, without probable cause. He pushed him so hard against the car that happened.\u201d She pointed to my eye.<\/p>\n
I watched my dad carefully while Olivia explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been with Isaac almost every day since September. He\u2019s not a thief. He\u2019s not a drug addict. Yes, he got mixed up in things that were wrong, but he\u2019s a better person. I know him. I know in my heart that the police man who stopped us was wrong about him. I finally told the officer who my dad was, and he took the cuffs off him and left us alone\u2026 at that point Isaac punched the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n
For the first time, I glanced at my mom who\u2019s mouth had fallen open in surprise. She turned her attention to me, from Olivia.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs this true?\u201d She asked in disbelief.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d I answered.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you know this police officer?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d I replied.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho was it?\u201d She asked.<\/p>\n
I drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. \u201cIt was Officer Locke. He\u2019s the one who pressed the charges against me. All of my charges are from him.\u201d I answered.<\/p>\n
My mom turned to my dad. \u201cWalker, we have to do something here!\u201d She said. The panic registered in her voice, raising it several octaves higher.<\/p>\n
Dad finally dropped his hands to his sides, and sighed. He moved around the coffee table and examined my eye more carefully. I watched him, waiting for a lecture or worse.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you alright, son?\u201d He asked, his voice softening.<\/p>\n
I nodded. \u201cOlivia made me go to the hospital. I got stitches and a prescription for Tylenol. I\u2019m fine.\u201d I insisted.<\/p>\n
Dad turned to Olivia and smiled warmly at her. \u201cThank you. Thank you for telling us the truth and for taking such good care of our son.\u201d<\/p>\n
Olivia smiled at me softly.<\/p>\n
Dad placed his hand on mom\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m afraid there isn\u2019t a whole lot we can do about it tonight, Di. It\u2019s too late. I\u2019ll call our lawyer first thing in the morning and see what we can do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf that doesn\u2019t work, I could talk to my dad. He\u2019s a judge now, but he was a lawyer for a long time first. He\u2019ll know what to do.\u201d Olivia offered. \u201cI\u2019m sure he would absolutely love to help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Olivia.\u201d My dad responded. \u201cAre you willing to draft a deposition for us? Saying what you witnessed?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course.\u201d Olivia nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you.\u201d My mom hugged Olivia tightly. I could see that my mom was going to cry, and I rolled my eyes. \u201cI don\u2019t know what we would have done without you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMom, I\u2019m not dying. It\u2019s a few bruises and a couple of possible fractures.\u201d I shook my head.<\/p>\n
\u201cStill! You could have ended up in jail tonight, or worse! And you didn\u2019t do anything!\u201d Mom protested.<\/p>\n
I glanced toward Olivia who was smiling at me.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to get you some fresh ice for your hand.\u201d Mom insisted. \u201cOlivia, do you want a cup of tea or anything?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure,\u201d Olivia agreed, \u201cI\u2019ll help you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mom led the way out of the room with Olivia right behind her.<\/p>\n
I sighed and lowered the ice from my eye, shaking my head.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you alright, son?\u201d Dad asked, still eying me carefully.<\/p>\n
I nodded. \u201cYeah. I\u2019m fine. I\u2019ve had worse.\u201d I shrugged.<\/p>\n
Dad sighed and sat down in his usual arm chair, leaning forward. \u201cI don\u2019t understand why you felt the need to lie to us about what happened tonight.\u201d Dad mused.<\/p>\n
I sighed. \u201cI didn\u2019t lie. I just left out the important parts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dad shook his head. \u201cIsaac.\u201d He scolded. \u201cI want to know why you felt the need to avoid the complete truth with us.\u201d<\/p>\n
I sighed. \u201cWould you have believed me if I had told you the truth, dad? Really?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course I would.\u201d He insisted.<\/p>\n
\u201cReally? I highly doubt that dad. You\u2019ve barely even been able to look at me since I got arrested the first time. You\u2019ve been watching me like a hawk, just waiting for me to fuck up, dad. Admit it. I\u2019m just an inconvenience to everyone in this house. I\u2019m just a criminal now. So much so, you\u2019ve hidden me away in the basement like I\u2019m a huge family secret. I need my own room because I\u2019m such a horrible influence on your other two, perfect, golden boys! You sent me off to boarding school so you wouldn\u2019t have to look at me or deal with me in any way! You don\u2019t trust me at all, and if you did you wouldn\u2019t have been so pissed when I came in the door before you heard the full story of what happened! Just admit it, dad. I\u2019m just one big disappointment to your perfect little family, and you can\u2019t wait until I go back to boarding school and you don\u2019t have to deal with me anymore.\u201d I didn\u2019t wait for my dad to respond.<\/p>\n
I pushed myself up from the sofa and stormed out of the room. I marched down the hall and into the basement, slamming the door behind me. I marched down the stairs and into my bedroom, slamming that door as well. I raked my free hand through my hair.<\/p>\n
I could feel my blood boiling again. I wanted to hit something for a second time, but even attempting to curl my hand into a fist hurt enough that I didn\u2019t need to hit anything.<\/p>\n
I stood in my room for only a second before my door opened slowly. \u201cIsaac? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d Olivia asked softly.<\/p>\n
She crossed my room and lightly touched my cheek.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d I insisted. \u201cI just had a fight with my dad.\u201d<\/p>\n
She nodded sympathetically. \u201cI know, I heard.\u201d She stood on her toes and carefully wrapped her arms around my neck. I sighed, wrapping my arms around her tightly. I rested my chin on her shoulder and shut my eyes tightly.<\/p>\n