3 a huge mistake

Jess and I get out of the car, both of us giggling from the adrenaline. We drag the huge bag of toilet paper rolls, glancing at the huge gate we stand in front of.

"Shouldn't there be a watchman here?" I ask.

"Well yes, Mr. Peterkin usually works here, but today is his wife's birthday and I decided that maybe he'd enjoy a dinner at my aunt's place, you know the one where you've got to wait for months for a reservation?" Jess says, a smirk on her face.

"Damn! So there's no one to guard the gate tonight?" I ask.

"No one can find a replacement on such short notice babe. Now, what?" Jess asks.

"We jump over it, I guess.", I say, a little skeptical myself.

"Jump over a ten-foot gate? Are you out of your mind?" Jess asks, appalled.

"Not necessarily over the gate, Jess. I mean somehow over the wall. There's got to be some way, especially considering how people always do it in movies and books.", I say, not losing hope.

"Yeah, life is a movie, Lena. Not to be a party pooper or anything, but if we do get caught, we'd probably rot in jail for life. Rich bastards.", she mutters under her breath.

"Relax Lena, we won't. Now calm down, and we will go look for another entrance.", I say.

"If we do, I'm blaming everything on you.", Lena says, chuckling now, presuming from what I think is nervousness.

"Gosh you have mood swings just like Mother.", I giggle, Jess's laugh infectious.

"No, I don't! What do we do now?" she asks.

"Let's try looking around the back. Here, come with me.", I take a hold of her hand, pulling her through the rows of bushes lined outside the gate.

"Here.", I say, jerking my head towards a truck lined perfectly along the side of the gate. "If we climb onto the roof of the car, I guarantee we can jump over the wall.", I say, slightly nervous now.

Jess nods firmly and steps onto the back of the truck. I follow her quickly, while Jess climbs up onto the roof of the truck. She throws over the trash bag first, the bag making a swooshing noise and a light thud, as we both hear it land on the opposite side. "Grab the wall, quick! Or the roof will dent.", I whisper urgently.

"Okay, okay, fine, I will.", Jess says. In a swift jump, both her hands grab a hold of the wall. She pauses for a moment, and with an upward pull, she gets one of her legs to swing over the wall. "Come quickly, I might get spotted at this height", Jess says. I nod and climb onto the roof of the car. I look up, now definitely scared, wondering if I could reach the wall at all. "Quick there's no time to think, you wuss.", Jess says. See now, no one calls me a wuss and gets away with it. "You little- Let me get up there.", I say, knowing very well that Jess did so only because she knew I had started overthinking. I jump up, my hands outreached, and I feel the cold wall on my hands. I did it. Of course, I did it. I pull myself up, a huge smile on my face. I haven't felt this thrill in a bit.

"Now what did you call me, Jess?" I ask, smirking.

"Lena, I can explain-", and before she could finish her sentence, I grab Jess's hand and I kick off the wall, free falling. The beginnings of a scream rose from her throat, when I firmly clamped my mouth over hers, wind rushing through our ears.

We fall with a thud, breathing heavily. "Are you out of your mind?", Jess yells.

"Shh, don't tell me that wasn't the best fun you've had in years.", I say. She turns her face away from mine, her cheeks tinted pink.

"Now where should we get started?" I say impatiently, grabbing the bin bag, looking at the vast estate that was the Valentines' house.

****************************

"Well that went well, I think.", Jess says.

"We're done? There's one more tree right there.", I say, pointing towards a huge oak tree.

"What? No freaking way. The branches lead directly to what appears to be some bedroom of some kind. If we do get caught, we're going to spend the rest of our lives eating jail food, and trust me that's not what we both want, I believe,", Jess says.

"But still", I whine, "We came here to get work done and we so are not letting it go unfinished.", I say, taking a firm tone.

"Fine, miss perfectionist.", she says, relenting finally.

"Okay, so who's going to climb up the branch?" I ask, knowing that Jess is going to get pissed soon.

"I vote for Lena.", Jess says.

"Of course you do, Jess. Okay give me a lift.", I say, smiling now.

A hint of a smile appears on her face, and she bends down cupping both her hands. I kick away my dirty trainers, and step on her hands, hoping that her hands don't give away beneath me. I push myself up, and grab the branch, pulling myself up. My abs and arms burn, my jeans are torn and dirty.

"Throw the roll-up Jess! Quick before someone sees us!", I yell. I then quickly cover my mouth, realizing what I had done.

"Stop yelling, Lena. And, here.", Jess whispers, and throws up the roll of toilet paper.

I grab ahold of the paper, quickly draping it over the branches near me. I finish doing so and before I could ask Lena for one more, the branch that I was crouching on began to break away. How do I know that? Well, a loud crack confirmed it.

"Lena, I think the branch is going to give away, come down quick!" Jess whispers.

Before I could formulate a plan, or even comprehend what's going on around me, I hear a noise coming from the window... Oh did I mention the branch I am sitting on leads directly into a room, or hallway of some sort? Anyways, I see a man, specifically one I did not want to see. If you guessed it right, yes it was Elijah Valentine himself. A baggy t-shirt of some rock band, hair windswept, he looked like a Greek god. "What in hell are you doing here, babe? Looking for some roaches up there?" he asks, spotting me.

My cheeks turn scarlet out of their own accord, probably due to the humid night. "I uh", and before I can finish my sentence, the already cracked branch gives away finally below me. I fall with a thud, and some messed up part in my brain thinks the best thing I could do in that situation is run away. I grab my trainers, not caring that there are some twigs and leaves in my hair. Looking unkempt, I sprint as fast as I can, not needing to say anything to Jess, considering that she began running before me.

We run, chests heaving, our legs thudding in the grass rhythmically. "You know, I could get you guys arrested for this.", Elijah yells from the back. Pushing our fears of being arrested down, we focus on running as quickly as possible.

The estate being huge, we run for what seems like hours, [probably just five minutes], and before we reach the gate, Jess yells," You don't have any evidence, Elijah."

I look at her, shocked, especially when this is so out of character. "I don't have the influence and power to keep you guys shut in jail.", Elijah yells back, his voice dripping in sarcasm. I wish Jess had shut up for once. I curse her inwardly and look at the looming wall in front of us. I look back at Jess, an alarmed expression on both our faces. We got in using the truck's hood, but how do we possibly get out?

"Come on guys, admit your defeat. I'll let you out through the gate, wait for a bit.", Elijah yells from the window. He walks away from the window, presuming he's coming down to open the gate. This is so embarrassing.

I look at Jess, who is already looking at me, an alarmed expression on her face. I think I'd rather clamber over the gate, rather than admit my defeat to that idiot. Upon seeing Jess's eyes widen, I assume the same thing went through her mind. She looks at me questioningly, whether we're going to go through with this crazy and lousy plan. I nod at her affirmatively and glance at the gate. Both of them take in a deep breath, and the run up to the gate, managing to grab onto the bars that are intricately woven to form the gate. We climb quickly, and as we're about to swing our legs over the spikey part of the gate, we hear Elijah. "I told you I'd let you guys out. Just admit your defeat.", we hear him say. "In your dreams Elijah.", I say, and swing over the gate. "Have fun cleaning your yard.", Jess says, smirking.

I and Jess land on the ground with a thud, adrenaline being our only help for climbing a ten-foot gate. "Do you think you're going to get away with this with absolutely no repercussions?", Elijah says, grinning. His dimples on full display made me feel all tickly in my stomach. Yeah, I didn't eat dinner what about it? "Game on Elijah.", I say, grinning back.

This year is going to be real fun.

*******************************

Jess drops me back home, and looking tired, she waves from the driver's seat. With a sad expression on her face, she says, "Get home safe, Lena." I wave back and say, "You too, Jess.". I watch her drive down the street, and head towards my house. My heart thudding, palms sweaty, I walk to the back door. I slip my hand over the key in my pocket and stick the key into the lock. My hands trembling of their own accord, I twist the key slowly. I push open the door, to see Mother standing in the kitchen. The moonlight falls on her face in an eerie manner, her already pale complexion looking even paler. Olly, our golden retriever glances at me, his eyes looking at the back door eagerly. Oh fuck, I did not expect her to check on me while she lets out our dog. Her eyes find mine and look at me disappointingly. My heart falls to my stomach, anxiety flooding every limb of mine. "Where have you been at this hour of the night, Lena?" she asks sternly.

"I uh hung out at Jess's.", I say, my voice trembling slightly. It definitely will go unnoticed by Mother.

"I assumed that Lena, but why at this hour? Do you perhaps have a boyfriend that I and your father are not aware of?", she asks suspiciously.

"NO.", I say a little too quickly, seeming like I lied even when all I wanted to do was get this over with as quickly as possible.

"Don't lie to your mother, Lena, I know you very well. We have agreed upon this curfew for your safety. We are trying so hard for you and all you do is act like a little brat.", she says, her voice rising slowly.

I lower my eyes, faking my remorse, knowing that's exactly what she wanted. "I'm sorry, Mother. I will not repeat this. I suppose I just wanted to have some average teenage fun.", I say, "And I promise I was at Jess's and no boys were involved.", I add quickly.

"I don't believe you, Lena. I was your age once, and I know all your little tricks and lies. Please stop thinking I'm dumb enough to believe your half-cooked stories.", she says unapprovingly. "You're grounded for a month.".

To be completely honest, I expected worse. I inwardly sigh in relief. "You are not allowed to go out anywhere other than school, especially now that you don't even have a job. Oh and? Look into that librarian job you were so obsessed with. Now that you've gotten yourself fired, I can't bear to think that I'd have to pay for your wasteful expenses.", she says in a disgusted voice. I can't believe my ears. This went way better than I had anticipated.

"Yes Mother.", I say, struggling to sound remorseful, especially when I was bursting with happiness. Grounding in this house is a year-round thing, especially when they get pissed over even over the littlest things.

Well, I did expect her to do something with my novels. Thank god, this went so well. I think she forgot her even sterner side due to how late it is.

"You may go to your bed and sleep now, Lena. We will talk about this tomorrow morning.", she says, sighing. "I try so hard as a mother, but you just refuse to listen to me.", she sighs again, deeper. "It's okay, Lena, this is what God wants me to do.", she says, trying to make me feel guilty.

When someone plays the same card over and over again, you understand how to not get affected by it. "Sorry, Mother, I will try harder to be a better daughter.", I say, not meaning a word. "Thank you, Lena.", she says.

Ugh, parents. I walk up the stairs sluggishly, tired from a long day of work. Not because I stayed up too late, but all the climbing and running and adrenaline drained me out, both emotionally and physically. That kid dared to challenge me. I am shocked that he let us go that easily. But when you think about it, freedom never comes for free.

****************************

8th September 1970

Tuesday

I borrow a ride from Jess and reach school minutes after the bell rings. Damnit, I lost my streak of being on time on the second day itself.

"So you can't hang after school today?", Jess asks.

"Yeah no, I think I'll be in the library today. I'll come over after if I have the time.", I say, smiling apologetically.

"Yeah okay, it's cool. Have fun.", Jess says, returning a full grin.

We walk into the school leisurely, knowing that when we're late, it doesn't matter if we're late by five minutes or ten. Probably from experience, but we don't have to talk about that.

Jess directly goes to her class, especially because Mr. Berne, her history teacher, despises her for some reason. Because Jess voices her arguments against Mr. Berne's opinions on history, which he fully deserves, by the way, he has the shittiest takes, but I don't think it's worth making an enemy out of him. Especially when he's known to fail students that he doesn't like. Some people, especially prejudiced ones, are just not worth it, you know.

I go to my locker, taking my books out. My first class is Math, I believe. I hurriedly shove the books into my bag, when I feel someone standing behind me. I turn around to find Elijah standing a foot's distance in front of me. My face turns hot, the beginnings of a blush on my cheeks, but I manage to compose myself. If he has come to gloat about yesterday, I am so not letting him win.

"Did you have fun at my house last night, roach girl?", he says. I pick up on the sexual innuendo and choose to ignore it.

"Not as much as I would've liked.", I say, pouting sarcastically. "Also roach girl? I think you should work on those nicknames of yours.", I say.

"I'm sure you do. See you later, roach girl.", he says, that annoying smirk back on his face. "I won't.", I say, and walk away from him, slamming the locker.

Today's going to be a long day.

****************************

I walk to the library, after a long day at school. I have a shit ton of homework and god knows what Mother will do if I don't do well in academics. I sigh, tired from having a shitty day, at a shitty school, in a shitty town. I can't wait to go to college. At least then I can shake off my parents' strict and stoic behavior. I look for the usual librarian, Oliver, a twenty-something man, that reminds me of my dog, Olly, in the most respectful manner of course. The similarity of their names, in addition to Oliver's [the man] fluffy and dirty blonde hair that reminds me so much of Olly's fur. He has a three-year-old son called, Jamie, whom he takes care of as a single father. I do not know the history behind the man or his relationship with Jamie's mother, but he has my full respect for not remarrying, especially when people eagerly encourage that widowed and divorced men do so.

I spot Oliver and wave, a wide smile on my face. "Hey Oliver, I was looking for a part-time job here, at the library. I don't expect a huge pay or anything, just enough to satisfy Mother.", I say.

"You got fired from Betty's? What did you do this time, Lena?", he asks.

"I uh got into a misunderstanding. That's the best I can explain without wanting to curl up in a cave and die.", I say.

"That's what you say all the time, Lena. You can work here, but I cannot assure you of consistent pay. The subsidy that I receive to maintain this library is small in itself, so I apologize in advance.", he says, smiling apologetically.

"No, it's totally fine, Oliver. I just need a place to work at. And besides, I enjoy being in this library. Considering the amount of time I spend here, why not help you while I'm at it?", I say.

"Good. And I'm going on vacation the day after tomorrow. My father is not doing so great, so I thought I'd go help him for a bit. I'll be taking Jamie with me and my nephew is going to take over this place, while I'm away. I hope you're comfortable with that.", he says, hoping that I'd say yes.

"Yes, I'll be all okay, Oliver. I can make friends easily remember? Any friend of Oliver's is a friend of mine.", I say, smiling, showing a thumbs up.

"Thank you so much, Lena. I appreciate you doing this for me.", he says. "No issues, Oliver. Besides I love working here, so don't worry too much.", I say. "By the way, when should I start working here?" I ask. "Whenever you want, Lena. But after I leave for vacation, Eli will reschedule the timings. Oh, and you're a senior, aren't you? He's one too. I have a feeling you guys will get along.", he says, smiling.

"Oh okay, Oliver, thank you again.", I say.

Oliver smiles at me and I start to walk away from the counter when I see the door open. A muscular arm pushes open the door, to reveal none other than my sworn enemy [exaggeration of course] Elijah. "Hey roach girl, what're you doing here?", he asks.

"You two know each other?", Oliver asks from the counter.

"Yes, Uncle, I do know her. Unfortunately", he adds as an afterthought.

That's when the cogs in my brain begin to work and I realize, "Nephew Eli is Elijah Valentine!?" I exclaim, turning around to look at Oliver, my eyes wide.

He nods again and says, "Well now I need not worry about you two getting along.", smiling contentedly.

I sigh deeply at the irony.

I regret losing my job at Betty's.