Chapter United Front

“Do you even know which car is his?” A large man, with greasy red hair and a serious beer gut, grumbled as he looked around the student lot.

He looked like a total grease monkey. Knowing my mom’s picks I was sure he dabbled in more than just alcohol. I couldn’t even try to believe that she had really changed. Her actions over the last couple months proved that she hadn’t.

“Well, I know it’s red.” Janet admitted.

Seeing her here a couple months ago would have petrified me, but now I just felt my blood begin to boil. Her boyfriend, who I had no doubt wouldn’t hesitate to teach me a lesson, unnerved me. Still, I was too angry to care.

She had reappeared in my life, unwelcome, and thrown everything into a tailspin. I had never wanted to hit a woman so much in my life. I would never allow myself to stoop to their level though.

“How fucking stupid could you be?” The man asked, turning on her and throwing up his hands in frustration.

“Very.” I barked, forcing a strong angy edge to my voice as I stomped towards them.

“How dare you talk about your mother like that.” Janice snapped appalled. She didn’t ever have the good grace to pretend to be ashamed.

“How dare you pretend to still have a right to that title.” I snarled back. “You should not be here. You’re breaking a restraining order. Leave now, or I’ll call the police.”

In my peripheral vision I saw Riley approaching while looking down at her phone. When she looked up she froze, eying my company uncertainly. After hesitating a moment she took a deep breath, stuffed her phone in her pocket then headed over to us.

I wished I could stop this meeting, but knew thanks to my mothers newest stunt it was inevitable.

“What are you doing here anyway?” I hissed, turning back towards them.

“I just wanted to talk to you. We were going to wait by your car.” Janet spoke defensively.

“Have the drugs killed every cell in your brain? I don’t want to see you. I have rights and I don’t want you anywhere near me.” I hissed Janet looked as though she may argue, but was stopped short when Riley stepped up next to me. She didn’t even try to hide it as she allowed her eyes to trail over Janet and her new boyfriend.

Riley stiffened slightly, shifting closer to me. After what I had just learned I had to wonder what kind of assault she was envisioning. I reached down, grabbing her hand and squeezing it gently.

‘Are you okay?’ Riley signed, eying the threats nervously.

‘Let’s just go?’ I replied, watching the man anxiously.

‘Who are you?’ Riley sighed at my mother “I’m so sorry dear I don’t know what you are saying.” My mother replied, sounding annoyed with the interruption.

Behind her the man smirked his gray eyes tracing Riley’s frame. Though I knew she noticed it by the way she leaned even closer to me, she didn’t allow her unease to show. I felt stronger with her there. Like somehow she helped to even out the odds.

‘Translate?’ She signed to me.

I didn’t want to. I didn’t want her talking to my mother, or knowing anything about this situation. However I knew so much about her. Thanks to Britney, I knew more than Riley ever wanted me to.

“She wants to know who you are.” I told my mother stiffly before turning back to Riley. “Meet Janice. She’s, my mother.” I spat out the last two words, trying to rid my mouth of the putrid taste they left behind.

‘No, she lost the right to that title.’ Riley signed angrily.

Even knowing so little about it, her face held so much fury over my pain. She wanted to help me too. Knowing that made me grin.

“What did she say?” Janice asked as she shifted her weight unsteadily.

“She says that you shouldn’t be on school property, or within a hundred yards of me according to the restraining order I have against you.” I laughed humorlessly. “Funny, I said the same fucking thing.”

Janice’s new boyfriend took a threatening step forward and I felt Riley wince. I forced myself to stand tall and face him head on. I refused to let him intimidate me.

To my surprise despite her slight trembling Riley also remained steadfast by my side. I released her hand and ran my arm behind her back holding her closely to me. To my surprise she didn’t pull away.

“Well, no offense, but what does some random mute’s opinion count for anyway.” Janice snapped, crossing her arms angrily.

“My girlfriend’s opinion matters a hell of a lot more than yours.” I hissed.

Riley stiffened next to me, but to my surprise she relaxed quickly. She even leaned into me as if content to be there next to me. It was clear she felt comfortable. She felt safe, even in this situation, with me next to her. And I had to admit, so did I.

“You can’t talk to me like that!” Janet yelled, stamping her foot in irritation.

I watched the child like reaction before shaking my head sadly. The drugs had inflicted so much permanent damage. Times like this it was easier to see how much of a victim she had made herself.

I felt bad for her. However, I didn’t feel bad enough to hang around any longer. I would not subject myself to the same torcher any longer then absolutely necessary. Much less Riley.

As we rounded my mother and her boyfriend I was sure to make sure I remained between them and Riley. Giving them a wide berth we finally got to my car. I held the door making sure it was shut behind her before I climbed in. Janice and the man watched with furious expressions as we drove past them.

‘Do you want to talk about it?’ Riley signed when we climbed into the car.

“Not really.” I sighed exasperatedly. “She is going to end up back in jail if she keeps this up.”

Riley nodded sadly, watching as if to gauge my reaction.

“Dammit!” I shot slamming my hand on the steering wheel.

Riley jumped slightly but otherwise sat resolute. Her dark brown eyes were taking in my every move. With a shaky hand she reached out grabbing my shoulder supportively.

“She only thinks of herself. How could she think after everything I would want to see her?!”I grumbled trying to suppress my anger. “Why can’t she just go back wherever she came from and take her new brute of a boyfriend with her?”

We didn't speak again until we had stopped in my aunt's driveway. With a sigh I laid my forehead on the steering wheel. I knew I should turn to see if Riley had something to say, but I wasn’t sure I could face her just yet.

She didn’t touch my arm, she didn’t try to break through my solace. It was so Riley to know when I just needed the space. I just needed time.

“Do you want to go to a party with me tonight?” I asked, suddenly sure that was exactly what I needed.

I looked over just as her terrified expression gave way to a forced smile. She nodded reluctantly. I should have said then that we could just stay home. At the moment though, I wanted to lose myself and why not. I deserved a night off from all the bull shit too.