A Life Like Mine (13 page)

              “Where did you get the idea that I even know Adam? Who are you even talking about? Adam who? That guy that I went out on one date with?”

              “Yes, Lena. I’m talking about the Adam that you went on a date with. You know him because he’s Jon Houston from fifth grade,” I answered.             

              “Jeez! Did everything happen in fifth grade?” Lena threw her hands up in the air.

              “Yes, that’s not the point though. Did he ever give that money to you to return?” I inquired.

              “What do you care?” Lena was so obstinate.

              “I care a lot. Did you get the money from him to return?”

              “What money?” She asked.

              “The money that he stole from your Dad’s bank. Seriously, stop being so thick. I know that you know what I’m talking about.”

              “That’s what you’re asking me about? That money he stole in fifth grade?” Lena laughed.

              “What?” I questioned.

              “Where would you get information on that? Why would you even care?”

              “I just do! Will you please answer me?” I was getting frustrated.             

“Yes he did,” Lena said as she started to leave the bathroom.

              “And?” I wanted to stop her.

              “That was the best shopping spree I ever had.” Lena giggled and ran away.

Chapter 7

The Weekend

              Ring! Ring! I woke up to the annoying sound of the phone. What a way to wake up on a Saturday morning! That was not what I had been hoping for at all. Saturdays were sacred to me. This was the day that I would sleep in until noon and party past midnight. This was, obviously, the day after Friday. This meant that Saturday was the day that was spent reflecting on what wild things had been done the night before. Those moments that were so cool yesterday now seem totally humiliating, and every time I thought about it I wanted to slam my head up against a wall. I always found this day to be the most fun because it wasn’t tainted with the thought that school was only hours away like Sunday did.

              “Hello?” I asked sleepily.

              “Ash, aren’t you up yet?” The voice sounded annoyed.

              “Well, I am now.  Who is this?”

              “It’s Keri! You didn’t recognize my voice?”

              “It’s early! What do you expect from me?” I defended myself.

              “It’s 11:30 in the morning!”

              “My point exactly. I got up half an hour earlier than I had wanted,” I replied with yawn.

              “You are sad. Anyway, have you turned on the TV yet?” Keri changed the subject.

              “Yes, Keri. I was watching the morning cartoons in my sleep,” I answered sarcastically.

              “Turn it on then. This is important.”

              “To who? You or me?” I inquired.

              “You! I could care less, but then again…just turn it on already.”

              “Okay.” I ran over to my desk to turn on my TV.

              “It’s channel 5.” Keri read my mind.

              “But it’s the stupid news!” I said about to flip the TV off.

              “Don’t you dare turn it off. The next story is going to knock your socks off!” Keri scolded me.

              “How would you know?”

              “I just do!” Keri said.

              “But how do you know?” I didn’t back down.

              “Shhhh! The news anchors give you a small preview of the day’s news before they actually tell you the stories. Duh! Now be quiet! I think they’re about to start.”

              “Why are you watching the news now anyway?” I was grumpy. It’s almost annoying to you that I won’t shut up isn’t it? Well, believe me it’s something that I need to work on.

              “Listen!” Keri silenced me.

              “Good Morning, America! We’re back on WTV news. I’m June Ardsley.”

              “And I’m Bill Saxon.” The news anchors were way too jolly. How can they be so happy? Have you ever noticed how even if the news anchors are on at 5:00 AM they’ll still be peppy? It’s almost sick! I’ve always wondered if news anchors actually do only wear the top half of the suit, and just have underwear underneath the desk. People always joke about it, but you’ve got wonder if it’s really the truth.

              “Today we bring you live coverage from the city of…” When the female anchor said my city’s name I was knocked out of my daydream. It didn’t knock my socks off, but it definitely got my attention.

              “This story has been long in the making hasn’t it, June?” Bill the anchor said.

              “Indeed it has, Bill. A minor from this region stole a large sum of money a few years ago in this small city. Two days ago this minor went to the station and turned himself in. Nothing is known for why the boy did turn himself in, and why he waited so long to do it,” June reported.

              “Well, perhaps it was a change of heart.” Bill interrupted.

              “Certainly. Now we have a remote on location at the station with one of our own WTV reporters at the scene. Jessica, are you there?” June sounded irritated. I wonder if she was going to go All Pro Wrestling on Bill while the camera was on the other reporter.             

              “Thanks, June. I’m here at the Police Station. It is alleged that the youngster stole money from the Bobbins Savings and Loan Company. There’s been a lot of commotion since he turned himself in.”

              “Youngster? Who says youngster?” I asked Keri through the phone.

              “Shhhh!”

              “It has been reported that the boy came to this police station in late afternoon two days ago. He came with a female companion who appeared to be his age.”

              “That’s you!” Keri screamed.

              “Shhhh!” I said.

              “Here we have the daughter of the store owner, Lena Bobbins. Lena, what have you to say about this event?”

              “Hey, what are they interviewing her for?” I said.

              Keri didn’t reply.

              “I just want to say shame on you!  You think you’re so smart. Because of you my daddy didn’t make as much money as he could have which has made us poor!”

              “Right! And Elvis still lives!” Keri snorted.

              “You poor thing. Have you suffered much because of this boy?” Jessica asked.

              “I didn’t get anything for Christmas or my birthday.” Lena lied.

              “Well, that’s truly a…”

              “And as for that girl he was with…she’s a professional prostitute.

              “Excuse me?” Jessica gulped.

              “She’s that boy’s sex object. It’s sickening really. I’ve known this boy all of my life. I knew what he had done, but he blackmailed me into not saying a word. And…”

              “These accusations are quite remarkable. Back to you, June.”

              “What a witch!” I was horrified and shocked. “She totally made all of that up!”

              “Just listen,” Keri shushed me.

              “What’s next for this boy?” Bill asked.

              “An unknown guardian took the boy into custody. He is under house arrest and will be scheduled to go to court today or tomorrow. The prosecutors are asking that he be tried as an adult.”

              “The girl that was with him was questioned and released. She has been rumored to be involved. Little is known about this girl, though,” Bill added.

              “We will report on this as more information becomes available. I’m June Ardsley.”

              “And I’m Bill Saxon! Good bye!” Bill flashed his totally fake smile. The show went to commercial.

              “Oh my gosh, Keri! I’m a suspect now aren’t I?” I asked.

              “No, but you are going to be watched,” Keri said, “And Adam’s in big trouble.”

              “I know!” I answered. “But Lena is making it a hundred times worse by spreading lies on public television.  I mean, she spent the money that was stolen. He returned it, but she didn’t. She was the one who black mailed him! She could get into trouble for helping him.” I was talking a mile a minute.

              “There’s got to be a way for you to defend him. He did do a wrong and he was willing to set it right,” Keri added.

              “Right. So, then maybe I should go back to the station and tell them everything,” I said.

              “Maybe you should try to get in contact with Adam first,” Keri suggested.

              “Yeah. I’ll do that.”

              “Good!” Keri said.

              “I’ll talk to you as soon as I can, okay?” I asked.

              “I want you to make sure that you watch what you do.” Keri cautioned.

              “I will, Ker,” I said.

              “No, I mean be really careful,” Keri cautioned.

              “I get it.”

              “No, no you don’t.” Keri’s voice was very serious.

              “Keri, seriously! I understand. Now I have to go, because Adam might be in court already!” I said.

              “Alright. I want you to remember what I said.”

              “I will!” I said again.

              “Be sure to! Bye!”

              “Bye, Keri.” I hung up.

I went to my computer. I had an e-mail from Adam!

From: Adam121212@ gmail.com

To: CoolCatAsh@ gmail.com

Subject: News

Ash,

                            We haven’t seen each other in a while. I’m under house arrest at Hank’s house. He and I used to be best friends a while back. I’m sorry I got you into this. I just needed some closure and it ended up starting something else. I’ll be online at 1:30 AM this Sunday if you want to chat. Sorry it’s so early, but I’m kind of sneaking on. What’s up with Lena saying that you’re my sex object? I kind of like the idea! Just kidding. I miss you.

                                                                                                                --Adam

              I smiled. How could I have ever been mad at him? The poor guy was in a really tough situation. And what was this about some guy named Hank? I wondered if he was as cute as Adam! I started to reply to Adam’s e-mail.

From: CoolCatAsh@ gmail.com

To: Adam121212@ gmail.com

Subject: Re: News

Adam,

                            I’ll chat with you at 1:30! We really need to straighten some stuff out. Lena is spreading some major lies about you and me. We have to set it right. Very funny! That’s gross that you like the idea of my being your sex objects! Sick. Who’s Hank? What’s he like? I miss you too.

                                                                                                                --Ash

              I browsed through the rest of my e-mails after I sent my e-mail to Adam. Then my computer said, “You have mail!” I practically jumped out of my skin. It was from Adam. He must’ve just gotten online! I was so excited that I could barely read. I wondered if Adam was going to be able to talk to me right then and there. That would have been so great if he could have!

From: Adam121212@ gmail.com

To: CoolCatAsh@ gmail.com

Subject: Sorry

              Hey you’re on! Man, I’ve missed hearing from you. I’m sorry, but I can’t e-mail you for a while and we won’t be able to chat tomorrow. I’ve been banned from the Internet. The cops think that I might recruit some type of help. What, am I part of the mob or something? I’ll still be able to go to school though so maybe we can talk a few minutes. Hank is a really good friend of mine. He’s kind of a punk in looks because he used to have spiked hair, but then he cut them off. He’s one of those people that look tough on the inside, but are actually really nice people. He’s one of the best! The nicest guy you’ll ever meet beside myself, of course. HAHAHA. I’m glad that you miss me too. I’ll see you at school. I have to go to court in an hour or so. Later.

                                                                                                  --Adam