by Bry Ann
“No, I don’t think that’ll work. Thanks,” I say offhandedly, not paying the slightest bit of attention to her.
I hear her scoff loudly, but I still have one ear turned toward Mandi. Tara stomps her foot and leaves. Then Sam starts joking about what a slut Tara is, and I get distracted. I can’t hear Mandi anymore, so I turn back to my friends.
“Seriously, Tara hasn’t let your dumbass out of her sights yet.”
I shrug. “I’m on the football team. I’m sure she’d settle for any one of us.”
Brian snickers.
“You stupid jerk, I said no! Stop!”
I’m immediately on my feet.
“Isn’t that your freshman sister-thing?” Sam asks, clearly concerned.
I don’t have time to answer. I’m storming over there. Mandi has tears in her eyes. She’s trying to pull away, but that punk has her arm.
“It’s not a choice, bitch!”
I’m gonna kill him.
I force my feet to move quicker across the cafeteria floor. I grab Mandi’s elbow, and shove her behind me. She immediately grips the back of my t-shirt. She’s shaking, and that fuels my rage.
When I turn around I am staring at a tall, lanky kid with acne and sweat. He’s disgusting, now that I’m getting a closer look. Mandi let him touch her? Gross.
“Listen here, punk. Lay a hand on her again and you and I are going to have problems, you hear?”
I can’t fight, but hey, I’ll figure it out for this asshole.
“You don’t get it,” he splutters. “Mandi’s my bitch. She doesn’t get to just say no…”
I don’t hear what he says after that. The crunch of my fist smashing into his cheek drowns it out.
“Brantley Taylor!”
The teacher watching the cafeteria comes marching over.
“Brantley, my office! Now!”
Mandi’s hands clench even tighter into my t-shirt. She’s shaking so hard I just want to get her out of here. I’m not even pissed that I’m in trouble, I’m pissed that it’s scaring her.
“Please, Mrs. Roman, he was helping me,” Mandi whimpers.
“Amanda, sweetheart, he punched somebody in the face. That is inexcusable.”
“Please, he was helping me. Rick…”
Mandi glances at Rick, then me, then Rick. Rick glares at her over his bloody lip. Mandi closes her mouth and wraps her arms around herself. Tears are spilling over now.
Mrs. Ramon turns her full attention to Mandi.
“Brantley, behave. Amanda, sweetie, why don’t you come with me? You’re not in trouble, okay?”
Immediately, Rick snatches Mandi’s arm. She ducks her head in shame. What is going on?
“Rick, I swear to God, let go of my friend’s arm right now,” I growl.
Rick looks to Mrs. Roman smugly. He doesn’t get that if he doesn’t let go of Mandi right now, I don’t care whether I get in trouble or not.
“He’s right, Rick. I need to speak with Amanda,” she says in a cool tone.
He glares hard at Mandi, but lets her go. Mandi doesn’t move. She’s definitely crying now.
“Hey,” I say, coming in front of her and holding her shoulders. “You okay?’
She nods, looking down.
“Mandi…”
“Doesn’t Mrs. Ramon need me?” She asks in a soft voice, avoiding continued questioning.
“Yes,” Mrs. Ramon chimes in.
Mrs. Ramon comes over and gently encourages Mandi away from me and toward her. She gives me a soft look as she does.
“I’ll take care of her, Brantley. Want her to come see you when I’m done?”
Yes!
“It’s up to her, Mrs. Ramon.”
She gives me an even softer look. “Alright. Be good. No more fists.”
With that, she walks off. I’m left standing there like a little bitch. I’ve never had the urge to beat somebody up, but the scrawny dick standing next to me? Yeah, I want to beat the hell out of him. I’m seriously debating it, when a firm hand lands on my shoulder.
“Come on, man, he’s not worth it,” Sam says, steering me back toward our table. “Mrs. Ramon knows. That’s why she’s talking with Mandi: to nail Rick. Don’t get yourself suspended.”
He shoves me back into my seat. I’m brooding. I’m not paying attention to anyone, though to their credit, they try to distract me.
I think about Mandi all day. I’m worried about her. What was all that? Why is Mandi hanging out with that crowd? I need to get her in a sport or something. My friends may be douchebags and stuff, but they’re good folk and they’d never physically harm anyone. Geez.
Tara approaches me after school, whining about how rude I was and how cute we’d look at the dance together. I hate being rude to women, but with Mandi on my brain, I can’t keep it together. Luckily, Sam seems to sense it and intervenes for me. He’s had my back all day. He’s a good dude. Hell, Mandi should date him. I’d be cool with that. He’s a sophomore, but started school early so he’s her age. At least I know she’d be treated right.
I have to find her. This is nuts. I never think about Mandi at school.
“Thanks, Sam. I’m gonna go find Mandi.”
He slaps my back. “Let me know how she is.”
“Will do. Thanks, man.”
I run off, but can’t find Mandi anywhere. I have to go home without her.
And I hate it.
I hate not knowing she’s okay.
“Mom! Mom!” I call as soon as I get in the door. “Oh shit, she’s at work.”
“No, I’m home, sweetie. Come here.”
I run over and wrap my arms around my mom. I’m so much bigger than her, but the hug is no less comforting.
“I’m on break. I heard what happened at school today.”
I pull away and wince. “You can’t seriously ground me for punching that tool. He was hurting Mandi!”
My mom gives me one of those sad, pursed lip smiles. “No, sweet boy, you’re not in trouble.” I’m fucking fifteen and she’s still calling me that. I roll my eyes. “Have you noticed anything weird with Mandi before today?”
I stiffen. “Why? Is she okay?”
Her lips curve into a sad smile. “Yes, but can you answer me?”
“I don’t know. I don’t like her friends, but today was the only time I noticed anything out of hand. I mean, I usually hang with my own friends, but yeah. Today’s the first time.”
“Why don’t you like her friends?”
I shrug. “They’re just trashy.”
“Hmm, okay. I really have to get back to work. I just wanted to ask you that before Mandi gets home. Since work is so close I figured I’d stop by real quick verses texting you.”
My mom’s lips form a tight line, and she sighs. She looks tired.
“Why don’t you stay home today?”
She rubs my hair. “Can’t, kiddo. Can you do me a favor? Stay home and wait for Mandi. Use the phones I got you guys to see if you can get her home early today. I want her home. If I could do it myself, I would. I’m trying to be here for you two more.” Her voice cracks. “But money is hard. Do this for me, Brantley. If you can’t get a hold of her, text me. I’ll check on you two as soon as I get home.”
“Mom,” I grab her wrist. “Hey, you okay?”
She looks like Mandi does before she starts crying.
“I’m just tired, hun. Don’t worry about me.”
Then she rushes out of there before she does cry.
Because I know she’s going to.
“Mandi. Mandi, what the hell?”
“Please drop it, Brantley.”
I’ve been pacing the entire length of the apartment for the past four hours. I was in the bathroom when I finally heard the door click open. She didn’t answer one of my dang calls, but I didn’t have the balls to worry my mom after seeing her earlier. As soon as Mandi got inside, I threw my hands under the water and rushed out of there. Now I’m standing in my room across from her as she rummages
through her drawers for something to wear to bed, I assume.
“I’m not going to drop it. So either you tell me or I pin that prick against the wall and find out myself.”
Mandi rolls her eyes, clothes in hand. “You’re a lover, not a fighter, Brantley.”
I scowl.
“I’m not joking here, Mandi. What the hell is going on with you? I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s going on.”
“I don’t want your help.”
Something inside me snaps. I stomp over, rip the clothes out of her hand, and grab her sides. Her eyes widen.
“Damn it, Amanda! Fucking tell me why that kid’s hands were all over you! Tell me why you were scared to turn him in, even to save my ass.”
“I can’t. Please stop, Brantley!” She cries.
I’m torn between being pissed and worried, and wanting to give in to her pleading eyes, to let her and the topic go.
Pissed and worried wins.
“I can’t let this go, Mandi,” I say in a softer voice. “Everyone’s worried, and I’m your best friend, so it’s my job to help you. To make sure you’re okay. That’s my job, not theirs.”
Her eyes water, and she traces her fingers down my cheek, feeling the newly grown, prickly facial hair.
“You’ve always been my protector, Brantley Taylor.”
I lift my chin. “My job. You’re younger.”
She half smiles. “You and your age hang-ups.”
“You like it.”
“Maybe.” We stare at each other for a moment longer. Her hands are back by her sides again. “I can’t tell you, Brantley. Besides, I have to go. I have plans.”
Okay, hell no! I’m calling my mom. Fuck this. Fuck. This.
“You absolutely do not have plans. Nope. Put that dumb dress away. Grab your sunflower pajamas and get under the fucking covers.”
I got an air mattress and gave Mandi the bed a couple months ago. She fought me, but I set it all up when she was gone. It was already done. She gets the bed.
“I have to go, Brantley!”
She jerks away from me and stomps around the apartment. I text my mom, letting her know what’s going on, and that I’m going to be following Mandi if she leaves. My mom texts me to be careful and she’s talking to her boss now.
“Fine, I’ll come with.”
She spins around with wide eyes.
“You’re a sophomore.”
“So?”
“Please let this go, Brantley. I’m begging you.”
She doesn’t let me tell her no. She goes into the bathroom, and when she comes out, she’s wearing a long jacket and her hair is down. She never wears her hair down without something in it: a bandana, a clip, a flower, something. She never lets it hang natural and curly like it is right now.
“Take off the jacket.”
She scowls at me. “I’m cold.”
I let my head fall back, and look up at the sky for help. I get it, because an idea dawns on me.
“Alright, you’re right. I should respect your privacy.”
She spins around, eyes wide and relieved. “Really?”
“Yeah.” I sit on my bed and sprawl my legs out for effect. “Have fun.”
Her eyes narrow. “You’re okay with me going out?”
“Do you want me to renege on that?”
“No!”
She fluffs her hair once and looks at me with a soft smile.
“Love you. Thanks for having my back today in front of your friends. Rick can be a little…”
She drifts off, not finishing that sentence. Good.
“Anyway, that meant a lot. You’re too good to me. Gotta go, bye.”
She runs out the door. I sigh. So naive. I throw on a new t-shirt, since I’m wearing this filthy one I always wear to bed. I decide on a black t-shirt to match my shorts. Also, it’s way more inconspicuous. I’m already in basketball shorts, so all I need are tennis shoes, and I’m out.
I make sure I’m quiet as I head out the door after her. I see Mandi running around the corner. Her dumb jacket flows behind her in the wind. I quietly patter along the pavement until I’m close. I hear voices around the corner where Mandi went, so I don’t fully turn. I just poke my head out the slightest bit.
“Did you tell that fucking brother of yours anything?”
Rick and another guy are in front of a shaking Mandi. I grab my cell and quietly start recording. I’m going to intervene, but I have to be sure to end it for real this time.
“I swear I didn’t. I swear!” She squeaks. “We should go. What if he hears? He’ll come out here, and he’ll be so mad. He’ll kick your butt. I don’t want you to get hurt. Right, Rick?”
With a shaky hand, she traces his arm. I’m gonna gag for her since she’s apparently learned to swallow it. Some of his anger dies under her soft touch, but the other guy, the tall, dark-haired dude, still looks livid.
“How can we be sure? Should we go ask him ourselves?”
“No! Leave him out of it! Please, I swear he doesn’t know!” She screams, gripping Rick’s t-shirt tighter.
Mandi’s voice is so high-pitched. I’ve never seen her so panicked. And it’s for me. Shit, Mandi. I’m her protector. Not the other way around.
“Then you’ll stop stirring up shit like you did today,” the dark-haired man says coolly. “Don’t forget. You owe us.”
“Please, don’t hurt Brantley,” Mandi sobs.
Just let it go, Mandi. I’m okay.
“See, here’s the thing, Amanda.” The dark-haired man circles her. “You had him pay your debt last year when you were supposed to pay Ricky here yourself.”
“But I’ve paid him with my body loads of times!”
The dark-haired man raises a hand. I feel like I’m gonna be sick.
“You’re not reliable. Today can’t happen.”
“I’m sorry, I’ve—”
“Made too many mistakes,” he tisks. “You’ve stayed around because, one, your father is good business and he sent you to us, and two, Rick has enjoyed you. I try to make my partner happy where possible. But this time...” He tilts his head to the side. “Come here, let me see you.”
Mandi steps away from Rick and drops her jacket to the ground. She’s shivering. What’s going on?
I’ve been so focused on her emotions, I wasn’t even paying attention to what she was wearing. God, Mandi, what have you gotten yourself into?
She’s wearing a lace dress that’s virtually see-through. There are no flowers, nothing young or playfully feminine about it. It’s the dress of a woman meant to seduce, not a child who has no clue what she’s doing.
I want to run out there and help her. Only a few more seconds of this video and I can get her out.
The dark-haired man looks her up and down for a minute more. Then, he finally seems to decide on something.
“I’m not impressed.”
He snatches Mandi’s wrist.
“You’re about to find out what happens to people who cause trouble for us, Miss West.”
No! I run out there.
“Get your fucking hands off Mandi!”
“Oh my god! No! Brantley, go. Get out of here. Please!”
I glare at her. Does she not know me at all? I’m not leaving her.
“Well, well, well, the famous Brantley Taylor.” Fucking asshole. “Your little girlfriend here is in a quite a bit of trouble.”
“That’s my best friend in the whole world, you fucker. Get your hands off her.”
Mandi is having a full-on panic attack, begging me to leave. I’m trying not to look at her or I will lose all rational thought. I’m staring at that dark-haired fucker, when a third man pops up out of nowhere.
Fuck.
What do I do?
Mandi’s head is ducked and she’s trying to breathe.
“Mandi!” Her head jerks up to meet my gaze. She’s begging with her eyes for me to leave her. Begging.
“It’s okay. Breathe, alright?”
&nbs
p; “You have to go,” she pleads. “They’ll hurt you. Please go.”
My heart is hurting for her pain. I’ll be fine. I turn to all three men.
“What’s your plan here? She’s a freshman girl. Just let her the fuck go. I mean, come on. I don’t even know what this is.”
He cocks his head to the side. “You really have no idea.”
“No, not really.”
He looks to Mandi, whose head is ducked in shame. She’s crying quietly.
“Mandi here has been purchasing and dealing drugs from us for the past, oh, let’s say, year and a half.”
I scoff. “Mandi doesn’t do drugs. I’d know.”
“No, she doesn’t. Her father does, though.”
My neck snaps up. Mandi looks like she wishes she could disappear. I don’t think she gets that my heart is only more broken for her. I know she didn’t want to do this. Her father conned or blackmailed her into it somehow. Mandi is young and naive. Easily manipulated and kept quiet.
“I see,” I say coolly. “Well, regardless, you can’t possibly need her. This will stay between us if you drop Mandi.”
“So interesting!” The dark-haired man jumps with glee. “You still have her back! Wow. I’ll make a deal. We’ll let Mandi out of all of it, the deal I made with her father, her dealings, her misbehavior today, her owed money... if you take the heat for her actions. You know you aren’t both getting out of this situation. I sense you’re a smart guy. Someone’s gotta pay Mr. Taylor. You have to understand that. This is a business, after all.”
Easy. “Yes, I’ll take the heat if none of you ever so much as lay a finger on Mandi again. No touching her,” I scowl at Rick. “No drugs, no nothing.”
“She’s out,” he confirms. “You have my word.”
“How do I know it’s legit?”
“Because you have no choice. You’re outnumbered by far, and you know it’d be too easy to hold Mandi against you to keep you under control. Either Mandi comes or you do. I’ll pick the actual criminal herself if you don’t take her place. You have to trust that her freedom is a bonus I’m giving you for coming with me. So even if you don’t trust me, it’s still your best bet if you don’t want your freshman roommate chopped up like a piece of meat. She’s fucking pissed me off. Been more work than she’s worth.”