Prompt #19

I’m going to be in so much trouble. I’m probably going to be put in jail. Great.

My cousin, Nicky, walks beside me shaking and nervously looking around her. I walk straight ahead knowing that nobody is looking for us in the woods; yet. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Nicky jump with every snap of a twig. Our mutual friend, Michael, walks behind us texting. All three of us had been walking in the woods for a half an hour.

“Tenika, I’m scared. I can’t go home with her. She just scares me so much sometimes. I told her all that when I texted her earlier. I can’t live with her anymore. I just can’t,” Nicky sobbed.

My aunt and uncle have fought with each other for years for custody of their daughter. If Nicky could choose I know she would live with her father. However, her mother has never wanted to accept that fact. There had been many nights in the past where Nicky would call me upset because of her mother and I would just sit on the phone with her and let her cry. Seeing her so upset made me nervous. Nicky is usually the strongest person I know.

I start to scan through the many trees that surround us for anyone coming our way. I know these woods like the back of my hand. I would always walk home through the woods after school.

“Um guys?” Michael interrupted.

I had forgotten that Michael was with us. I turned around at the same time as Nicky to see Michael staring at his phone.

“One of my friends just told me that Nicky’s mom called the cops. The police are talking with her and the principal. Apparently Nicky‘s mom wants them to find all three of us.”

“Great,” I sighed. “It’s okay though. I knew I was heading for trouble when I offered to help keep Nicky away from her mother.”

I can’t believe my aunt called the cops. Actually, I can believe it. I learned a long time ago not to put anything past her. I am basically kidnapping my own cousin from her mother. Ugh! I’m going to be so much in trouble. What have you got yourself into Tenika?

Nicky’s eyes widened in shock. It only took a few seconds before she began sobbing even harder. Michael was staring back at his cell phone. His fingers were tapping furiously on his screen as he typed a message.

“I'm sorry but I can’t stand this custody fight anymore! I don’t want my parents to have split custody. I want to live with my dad. Where is my dad?” Nicky cried again.

I unlocked my phone and looked at my home screen. The screen said I had one new message sent two minutes ago.

“Your stepmother just texted me and said your dad will be here in five minutes.”

Leading the way, I made a sharp turn onto another trail that would lead us to a small parking lot. I knew my uncle would expect me to bring her there and not back to the school.

“I’m sorry you guys got roped into this.” Nicky’s tears were slowly starting to stop. “The last thing I want is for you guys to get into trouble because of me. Especially you Tenika, you‘re sacrificing your relationship with your aunt by helping me.”

“Don’t even mention it,” I smiled at her. “ You’re my little cousin and I would do anything for you. Besides, someone has to keep you out of trouble.”

The trees were becoming less dense as we walked. Ahead, I could hear the sound of an engine running. Patches of red were visible through the trees that I recognized as my uncle’s truck. Nicky ran ahead of us as she raced to her dad.

Once Nicky was inside the truck you could tell she felt safe. She slumped against the passenger seat resting her arm alongside her window. A big smile was plastered across her face showing her braces. As the truck pulled away I could see her mouth the words “thank you” to Michael and I. The mess was over; for now.

Did I do the right thing? I don’t know.