" Hey Andy, pass me the blue!" my friend Blake yelled at me from across the ally.
I tossed him the blue can of spray paint and graves the green for myself and started spraying the old brick wall. I saw a light flicker and I looked to my left to see a cop running towards up with a flashlight in his hand
" Run Blake!" I shouted and grabbed his hand and we ran.
We took a left and then a right and them we entered a small coffee shop, hoping to loose the cop.
" You think we lost him?" Blake whispered, while panting from running.
" I wouldn't say that." said a voice from behind us. I turned around and saw a cop with two sets of handcuffs in hands. and we were arrested
We got in the car and he took us to the stations. they got all our info. and put in separate rooms.
I sat there for exactly 47 minute waiting for someone to come in and question me. And then finally the door swung open and two younger men in suits took a seat in front of me
" Andrea Denice Pruitt?" said the cops with blonde hair. He couldn't have been any older than 23, and he was trying hard to be intimidating, but he was failing miserably
"My name is Andy, not Andrea." I said through gritted teeth
I was silent until the over guy cleared his throat and spoke up.
" I am Daniel and this is my partner Michael." He said as he pointed the blonde," I believe you have a habit of getting yourself into trouble." he said as pulled out my rather large file and placed it on the table.
It was true. I am a problem around this town, always getting in trouble just because I can. I sneak out of my window from the orphanage every other night and meet with Blake and the rest of our group.
Blake. he was my best friend. he was there for me through everything, even be fore my parents died. Iv always been troubled, and he was my partner in crime. Ever since age 11 when I saw him spraying a wall with paint, we became friends after that.
I smirked and said, " why, I have no idea what your talking about officer." I said in my sweet innocent voice.
" I think you know very well what I'm talking about!" he shouted which only made my smile grow
" Let's have a look shall we?" he said as he opened up my folder
" It says here, you have been arrested 27 times since age 12 for vandalism, theft, assaulting a police officer, drag racing, street fighting! Do I need to continue Mrs. Pruitt!"
Daniel shouted and slammed my folder closed and threw it on the table. and I laughed
" Why are you laughing?" asked Michael
" I just find it funny."
" What is funny about getting into trouble?" asked Michael in a softer voice
" I have been arrested 27 times, I know how this works Iv told them before, you arrest us put black and me in different rooms, interrogate me, make me feel guilty, play good cop bad cop, I get released with a fine and me and Blake are back on the streets getting into more trouble." I said with a bored tone
Michael looked over to Daniel who was now smirking.
" Well, I hate to burst your bubble missy, but your friend, Blake, has been arrested. he took all the blame for this incident and they arrested him." Daniel said, as he waited for me to respond.
I was quiet. I looked over at Michael who had no expression in his face as he stared at the ground and them back at Daniel who was still smirking.
I stood up from the table, and slammed my fist against the wood, making Michael jump and Daniels smirk be replaced by a look of confusion
" You let me see him, right now, or I swear to god I will make you scream Bloody Mary while I beat u to a pulp." I yell, pointing my finger in Daniels face.
" Hostility will get you no where Mrs. Pruitt." said Michael as him a Daniel left the room
I waited in the room for another hour until in walked Michael, Daniel and Blake.
" You have 30 minutes until you are put back in you cell. " Daniel said and he and Michael walked out of the room, leaving me and Blake in silence
Michaels POV
I felt bad. Iv seen tons on people come in and out of here within the few weeks Iv worked here. Iv seen tons of criminals and the only thing I thought was 'you brought this on yourself'. I never felt bad for any if the others, but Andrea Pruitt was a different story.
When they told me and Daniel about this girl, her records, her background, and how she was a 'regular', I couldn't help but think, how stupid can people be? But when I walked into that room and saw her messy hair, baggy clothes, and the dirt on her face, I realized she wasn't like every other criminal out there. She was just troubled.
When me and Daniel left the room we went to stand behind the 2-way mirror, we could see them, but they can't see us. And we listened.
Andy's POV
we sat in silence for about 5 minutes, until I spoke up
" You're stupid Blake! why would you take the fall for me when we both know I should be sitting in that jail cell with you! Iv told you countless times if you go I go and that's why I'm coming clean and letting them arrest me too" I said standing up from the table and pacing around the room.
" No," he shouted ," you can't and you won't Andy, I took the blame cause they were ready to come down here and arrest you and I can't let that happen. They have had enough of our crap and they said one screw up and your gonna be in here with me!"
And them silence came over us
" You can't get arrested Andy. I promised you a long time ago I would always be here to protect and that's what I'm gonna do. this is your last shot Andy, I mean it. You have to stop this. Take this as a wake up call Andy and don't do anything else stupid. Just stop. Iv given up on this because it's useless and doing this will get me nowhere in life. That's why when you leave here tonight your gonna go back to the orphanage, and settle down there. You only have a couple more months until your legal age to move out and do something with your life. I'm not letting you screw this up for yourself, Andy." He said
" How long will you be gone, Blake" I asked trying to hold back my tears. I knew he was right and this has been a wake up call for me. I'm tired of running Iv been doing it for too long.
" 1 to 2 years." He said
And that when the dam broke. And tears were rushing down my checks and I cried like a baby in my best friends arms. and we sat there while held me and ran his finger through my hair telling me everything will be alright.
" Promise me Andy, that when you leave here you will go and do good. You can't keep doing this Andy it's now or never." he said
" I promise." I whispered
We sat in silence for the remainder of the time until Daniel, Michael and a police officer walked in and it was time for Blake to go. we said our goodbyes and I hugged him like my life depended on it and then he was gone. and it was me Daniel and Michael in a room again, that was taken over in silence.
"Your free to go Andy but, we have some deals to offer." said Daniel.
I remained quiet staring at the ground waiting for them to continue.
" Here's the deal," said Michael," you have to agree to stay out of trouble until you turn the age of 18, so 3 months , and if you can stay out of trouble we will release your friend early, but me and Daniel will have to watch you and make sure you stay of trouble. we can't just take your word for it." He said
" But if you break the rules and cause trouble you will be arrested and spend the next 2 years of your life in a jail cell. so do agree or what?" asked Daniel
"Yes, I agree but do you think I could get a base ball bat so every time I feel like hitting someone I could go and hit a tree withy bat." I asked in complete seriousness
And they chuckled for a minute, while I gave them both death stares.
" How about we get you a membership to the gym and you can take your anger out on the punching bag." asked Michael while whipping the tears from his eyes and Daniel was still laughing at me
" Fine, whatever. when does this whole babysitting thing start?" I asked
" Tomorrow." said Michael," you will be moving in with me and Daniel to our apartment so we can keep a close eye on you."
" Fine, but will I get to visit Blake on the visiting days?" I asked and they both nodded
" And what about the others?" I asked
" Others?" Michael asked
" Yea, the others, Jake, Marci, Mark, Thomas, and Anna"
"What about them?"
I sighed, " they are gonna be expecting me to come with them tomorrow and find trouble." I explained
" We'll do you know their whereabouts?" Michael asked and I nodded
" Then we can find your friends tomorrow after you get your things from the orphanage and explain to them your situation, and maybe that will help them give up their life if crime too?" he suggested and I simply nodded.
" Well let's get you back and we'll pick you up tomorrow morning." Daniel said as he sighed
We left the station and they dropped me at the orphanage. I took a shower started packing, I'll finish packing in the morning. I brushed my teeth and laid in bed just thinking.
Am I really going to do this? am I ready to give up my life for the better? I have to, simple. I promised Blake and I always keep my promises.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I woke up the next morning to someone knocking on my bedroom door. Ugh great another wonderful day. I open my door to find Michael, Daniel, and Margret, the orphanage receptionist, smiling at me. She has always been to perky.
" Good morning sunshine are you ready to go?" asked Margret, the smile never leaving her face
" Oh most definitely!" I say with a mock smile on my face.
" Well get you things so we can leave, we have places to go." said Daniel
I went into my room and gathered the rest of my things. Got changed and walked down to the lobby.
" Okay I'm ready." I say and as we are about walk out if the door Margaret stops us
" Uhh Andy have you said goodby to Meagan and Jason?"
Meagan and Jason. My babies. they were 3 when they got here and and I instantly fell in love with them. They took a liking to me as well. I remember their first night here there was a storm and I was laying in bed, when my door cracked open and in popped Meagan and Jason. they looked at me with pleasing eyes and I scoffed over in my bed and they have been my babies ever since.
I remember one time when we were at the park, and there where two older kids picking on Meagan because she fell in the mud and got dirt on her dress. I walked over to them and gave them a piece of my mind. I sat in that jail cell for 3 days before Margaret came and picked me up. I went to jail for defending someone I love, and I'll do it again in a heartbeat.
" umm, No I haven't I think it's best for now if you just tell them I went away for a little while, and I'll be back soon." I tell her with a shaky voice.
" But Andy wouldn't you want to say goodbye?" asked Margaret
I can't say goodbye. It would crush them if they knew I would be gone for that long. They are only 6 they won't understand completely.
" Yea, I guess." I say to Margaret, " can you guys give me a minute so I can say goodbye?" I asked Daniel and Michael
" Yea take as long as you need." they said.
And I walked upstairs to find Meagan and Jason
Daniels POV
What have we gotten into? we don't know this girl, for all we know she could kill us in her sleep.
Andy walked up the stairs leaving me, Michael, and Margaret waiting in the lobby
" So, is there anything we would want to know about Andy?" I asked
" Well," Margaret started, " Andy is a special kid. She got here when she 13 after her parents died, and she's always been into trouble. She doesn't like to be called Andrea she prefers Andy. She puts on this strong mask for herself, and didn't like to let her vulnerable side show.
She is VERY protective when it comes to the people she loves, she's been arrested for beating a guy until he was unconscious because he was messing with Meagan. And she doesn't cry."
" What do you mean she doesn't cry?" I asked
" Just that, she doesn't cry. she thinks it's a sign of weakness. And if she cries, something is most defiantly wrong. Iv only ever seen her cry twice, and that was a disturbing sight."Margaret said, " I have to go and finish this paper-work but if you would like to sit down here until she's ready that's fine." and the started up the stair case but then stopped and turned around, " one more thing , do you guys have a hammock?"
" no we live in an apartment so there is no place to put one" I explained
" well if I were you instead of wasting money on a bed, put a hammock in her room. It helps calm her when she's stressed. Even if it's pouring rain I and I could not find her anywhere, I would always see her in that hammock" and then she turned and walked up stairs
" well, I guess we are buying a hammock"
Andy's POV
I walked up the stair case, made a left and cracked the door open to see the twins playing with their Legos sticking red pieces to blue.
I stayed there for about 2 or 3 minutes until Jason noticed me and yelled "ANDYY!" and he and Meagan engulfed me in a hug.
" Hey kids, I uhmm.. I- we need to talk for a moment." I stuttered and they both nodded looking at me with curious faces.
I grabbed their hands and walked them over to the bed and sat them down in front of me.
" I uhh. I'm going away for a little while." I said
" Andy did you get into more trouble?" asked Meagan with disapproving eyes.
" No, actually I'm going away so I won't do no more bad stuff. I will only do good stuff and no more bad. okay? I going with nice people who are gonna help me. everything's okay."
"But Andy we'll never see you again" Cried Meagan as she clung to my legs for dear life.
" Yes. yes you will. I'll come back after this is all over, and I'll come and visit you when ever I can. I promise you." I said looking them both in the eyes
"Now, I have to go but if you would like, you can meet the people I am moving in with and that way, you will know they are nice people."
" Okay, let's go meet them then." said Jason as he rolled his eyes and let out a sigh
We held hands, Meagan on my left and Jason on my right and we walked down the stairs. I saw Michael and Daniel sitting on the couch in the lobby waiting for me to get back. when they saw me, they sat up from the couch, smoothed out their outfits, and looked at the kids and gave them a small smile.
" Hi." Michael said as he crouched down to their level, " you must be Meagan, what a very pretty girl you are." he said
" Cut the crap, " spat Jason " you with the fro, (Daniel)comes it with your buddy me and my sister would like to ask you some questions"
Daniel came and him and Michael sat on the floor crossed legged, with wide eyes.
" So," started Meagan," what are your names." She asked while circling around them like a lion and it's pray.
This is two funny. my 6 year olds have two grown men sitting on the floor crossed legged while circling them. it makes since though, the twins have always wanted to be cops.
" My name is Michael and this here is my partner Daniel."
"Hmm that's very interesting. now can you tell us how you are planning on helping out our Andy." Meagan said through gritted teeth.
" We are going to make sure stays out of trouble by watching her very closely." Said Daniel
" Hey kids what do you wanna be when you grow up?" asked Michael
" Cops!" said the twins with enthusiasm
" Well, what would you say, if I told you that me and Daniel are cops and that's how we are helping your Andy?" Michael questioned
'Your Andy' I like the sound of that
" Your lying!" Jason spat
"Prove it then." said Meagan
They reached on their pockets and pulled out their badges, and Meagan and Jason started in awh.
"Okay," Jason said shaking his head up and down, " you can Andy they have my permission." he said looking at me with wide eyes
"Well, it's good to know you approve, otherwise I would have felt bad." I say sarcastically
I give Meagan and Jason one last hug, promising them I would see them soon, and the we left.
" Tough kids." said Michael with a small smile
" Yea, they've always wanted to be cops."
" Well, they defiantly have the attitude for it. they were quit intimidating." Daniel said shaking his head in disbelief.
We got in the car and drove to an apartment building. It was in one of those rich people parts of town.
Stupid cops and their money.
We drove until we came across a building labeled 36 and we pulled over. We got our thing and made our way up the stairs to the top floor. When we got to the door, and they opened it. I was stunned.
Everything was white with the exception of the black leather wrap-around couch, brown end tables, and black flat screen.
It was a very nice flat, to say the least.
"Um, this was kind of a last mini ute thing so we havnt exactly decorated a room for you yet, but we are free tomorrow so we can go shopping tomorrow?" Micheal asked.
" Yea, that's good bye me." I said giving them a small smile
" Until then you can sleep on the couch tomih. bathrooms straight down the hall, second door to the left. and I'm gonna go to bed, do if you need anything just let me know. " Micheal said
" Yea I'm gonna go to bed to I'll see you guys tomorrow." Daneil said and he didn't wait for a response before he left the room
It was quiet until Micheal spoke up
" You know, he really isn't that bad, he's been my best mate for as long as I can remember. he's just gonna have to get used to this. all we need is time"
" Yea, I'm so sure about that." I said suddenly becoming interested in my shoes, "I'm not a very likable person."
"Nonsense," Micheal laughed," I'm sure lots of people like you." he said with a warm smile
Oh, if only he knew..