Twenty-two: happiness before the fall

Temperance

I sit in the living room with pillows and blankets littering the floor below me. We are all cuddled up on the couch, shoulder to shoulder.

A movie plays on the flat screen tv in front of us. We all have pajamas on, including Connor who doesn't live here. I have no idea where he acquired them from.

Emaline and I cuddle with our backs against the couch behind us.

"Go get Ella to turn down the temperature," Emaline demands Zander. He nods and stands up, patting her leg. I don't miss the blush that forms on Emaline's face.

"Do you guys do this often?" I ask them, grabbing a handful of kettle popcorn and piling it into my mouth.

"No. This is the first time." Alec replies. I expected that—kind of.

I lay my head back and smile.

I've never had a fun day like this. Not ever since my mom died. God, I miss her. So much.

"It always feels like something bad is happening. One thing after another." Ethan blurts.

"Well, for Temperance at least," Connor adds, his voice low.

It seems true. It is true. I've caused so much shit in everyone's lives. Everything bad that happened has come right after the other. I shake my head, breaking myself out of thought.

"It's gonna get super cold now." Zander comes in, closing the door behind him.

"What did you put it at?" Damien asks.

Zander flashes an evil smile. "50 degrees bitches."

This causes everyone to sigh.

I'm glad I finally have a moment like this. A moment to chill out in my hectic life. A moment to be happy with all my friends around me. Minus Nicole and Ryan.

I missed those two, but it's not like I can do anything to get to them. My phone isn't here. But I haven't seen them since the shooting. Two weeks ago. Knowing them, they are probably worried sick about me, making me a bad friend for not speaking to them.

And school. I can't even imagine. I probably have so much work to do. And truancy is gonna bite me in the ass.

"I was wondering where everyone was." Drake stands in the doorway.

Startled, we all look back at him.

"How did you get in?" Alec asks, standing up. Now I realize how childish and goofy the guys look.

Guys in a gang all dressed up in cute pajamas.

"Ella let me in," Drake states.

I feel awkward. Everyone but me knows who Drake is. I haven't gotten to talk to him or anything.

But at the same time, I don't find myself wanting to. He seems violent, no doubt. He is in a gang, after all. I did know he is addicted to drugs. Maybe that gives him his harsh look.

"Anyways. Why are you here?" Alec asks. Emaline and I stay seated, watching Zander stand up beside Alec.

"We have a situation with Bee."

"What's the situation?"

Drake doesn't speak. He glances at me then looks back at Alec.

"We can speak privately. I'll be in your office." Drake turns around, leaving us all in the room.

Alec shakes his head.

"Ok, I'm going to go talk to him. You guys can stay in here." Alec leaves without saying anything more.

I look around at all the guys. The night seems like it is ruined now. It was fun while it lasted, though.

*************************************************************

Alec

I sit in front of Drake. He looks disturbed.

"What is it?" I ask, leaning back in my chair.

"This doesn't have anything to do with Bee."

I am, of course, getting suspicious. I don't understand why he would lie like that.

"It's about Temperance. She was reported missing." Drake pulls out some papers.

"Her father said that some guy matching your description came in there and shot her. Then took her."

I am practically raging, almost on fire. He lied to the police. Why would he report her missing anyways?! He doesn't even want her.

"They also said that if she were found, then she would be placed in a home with her aunt and uncle. And their two kids." Drake is still reading off of the paper.

I guess that's not as bad as her going back to them.

"Where do the aunt and uncle live?" I ask.

"The other side of town."

That isn't as bad. I will still see her daily.

"Are you thinking about giving her up?" He questions me. I snap my head up to look at him and frown.

"No. But if they find her, then we can't do anything. They will take her. Then we will be working on bail for me."

Drake takes a minute to think.

"What if she wants to go?"

I haven't really thought about that. I thought she was fine here. But I guess if she wanted to go, I couldn't stop her.

I'm going to deprive her of that freedom as her father did.

"Then she can go."

****************************************

I sit in front of Temperance. She is laughing as the guys and Emaline goof around.

Temperances laugh could brighten up anyone's day. That's for sure.

She is beautiful, as I have stated a million times before, like an idiot. Her dark wavy hair cascaded down her back. Her smile is bright.

She is happy.

I don't want her to go. Would she go if she knew she wouldn't go back to that monster?

I don't want to think about her leaving. But I know it is a possibility that could happen. There is a very likely chance.