Possession(26)

My heart starts thundering as I look across at Mandy. She makes the first move, and I follow after. I just hope Eddie doesn’t say too much. As I walk to the car, I look back briefly and smile at Eddie. “Bye,” I simply say before getting in the car. Eddie doesn’t say anything back. I think he’s too confused and worried to say anything.

Once in the car, Mandy tugs my arm. “What do you think he’s going to say?” She looks worried.

I scoot over to the passenger side and press the button to try and hear what Drake’s saying. “I’m going to try and listen,” I whisper as I practically lean my head out of the window.

It’s a little muffled at first, but I hear Eddie talking. “We were just hanging out and sharing a drink.”

“But you’re underage, and so are the girls. They should be at home in bed, not here with you.” He then slowly walks up to Eddie, deliberately pointing at him. “What interest do you have in Evelyn?”

I notice Eddie’s eyes widen slightly, and it makes me swallow. I just hope he doesn’t say anything stupid.

“We’re just friends,” he says, making me breathe a sigh of relief.

“So your only interest in her is purely a platonic one? Be honest, little boy. I can tell when someone’s lying.”

Oh my God, Eddie looks like he’s going to pee himself. I notice his Adam’s apple bobble up and down before looking across at Roman briefly. “Your friend’s not going to answer for you,” Drake probes.

“Erm—” Eddie starts.

“Spit it out, boy.”

“I find her attractive…” he stutters.

“Yes?”

Eddie’s eyes start darting to me and then back to Drake. “I–I was hoping to date her?” The way he said it was almost like a question.

“That’s not going to happen.” I sigh, feeling pissed off, but still a little scared for Eddie. He’s done nothing wrong except for liking a girl.

Eddie’s expression is a cross between confusion and a frown. “It’s not?”

“No. Evelyn is off limits. Do you hear me?” he slightly raises his voice, causing both to automatically nod their heads.

“Yes, sir,” Eddie answers, looking scared to death.

“Good. Now, get yourselves home to bed. I’m sure your parents would prefer you wrapped up in bed instead of out here in the dark.”

“Yes, sir.”

As I watch them get off the table, a part of me sags my shoulders in relief, but the other part of me is really pissed off. Now that Drake has done this, I’ve no doubt it will get spread around school, and people will start treating me like a pariah. Slinking back into my seat, I sigh and close my eyes.

“I’ll be taking that from you,” Drake says. I open my eyes and find Roman handing over the brandy to him.

“Just to be sure,” Roman says.

“Yes?” Drake answers looking exasperated.

“I’m allowed to date Mandy, right?”

“Did I address you?”

“No,” Roman answers.

“Well then, fuck off.”

“Yes, sir.” They’re soon walking hastily toward the exit of the car park. Drake then gets into the front passenger seat, and with a pissed off tone, he tells the driver to get going.

Winding up my window, I look across at Mandy. She looks both shocked and bewildered by what’s taken place. I am too, but I’m also quietly brooding. I always knew my life was controlled, but at least—as far as school was concerned—I was just another teenage girl. After that incident, I will now be known as Drake’s girl. Someone who you can look at, but by no means touch.

The drive to Mandy’s house is quiet, but I’m glad. It allows me time to sit and silently brood. The only time I speak is to say goodbye to Mandy as she gets out of the car and walks to her house.

Once she’s inside, Drake gets in, replacing where Mandy was once sitting. He motions to the driver to get going, and soon we’re pulling away. He doesn’t say anything at first. He just sits there, jaw ticking and his fists clenched. I can tell the anger is pouring off of him.

“What makes you think you can sneak out late at night like that and I wouldn’t hear about it?”

“How did you know—”

“How I know is no concern of yours. You sneak out and run to the park with boys and start drinking. Anything could have happened.”

“I’ve known Eddie and Roman for years. They wouldn’t do—”

“I don’t care to know their fucking names or how safe you think you are with them. They’re young boys, and their hormones make them do crazy things. Especially when drunk.”