Club Night

The bell rings signaling the school day is done. I'm basically running to my locker to get my stuff so I can get home and get ready to see Harlem. It's Friday and a group of us are going to this new all-ages club they just opened up called Opium. We will be hanging out with my step-sister Niki and my step-cousin Ashlynn, along with a few of our friends. My father is not happy with my choice of friends. He tells me all the time that they are going to get me into trouble one of these days. I saw the concern on his face as I came down the stairs dressed, ready to leave. I looked him in the eyes, "Dad, I know you worry, but don't. I know better than to do anything that will land me in trouble. I just wish you would trust me" I said to him. "Jesse,I do trust you, it's those girls and that boy I worry about. Trust me, when I say that boy is going to break your heart one of these days" when he says that about Harlem, I get upset. "Dad, you don't know Harlem like I do. He would never do anything to hurt me. He is my best friend. We have been through so much together and he has never let me down. Can you not just give him a break for once,please".He just rolls his eyes and leans in to kiss my cheek."Have a good night Jesse, call if you need me and be safe". Now I am rolling my eyes thinking how much more safe I could be. I am usually the responsible one for taking care of everyone else. I am the only one left out of our group that has not given my virginity away in a one-night stand. I drink but never to the point that I have no control over what I do. If anything, I am one of the groups built in babysitter. I thought to myself, as my stepmom calls me. "Jesse, come on, let's go if you want a drive. "Coming" I said excitedly as I made my way to the car. As we are driving, my stepmother Kristy interrupts my thoughts, "You know Jesse, your father, and I only want what's best for you. We just want to make sure you are surrounding yourself with the right people. Nikki never listened to us and look how that worked out". Nikki had a knack for always being in the wrong place at the wrong time or with the wrong people. It's like she couldn't help it. She gravitated towards trouble like a moth to a flame. Nikki now lives with our step-cousin Ashlynn, who is 17 and a single mother to a baby boy. Nikki could not stop getting herself into trouble with the law so she was kicked out. Ashlynn's house is party central and Nikki has no rules being there so she is very happy about not living at home anymore. I took a long breath in and said to Kristy'' Look, I appreciate you all wanting the best for me. But I am not Nikki. Why won't dad and you trust me"? I huffed frustrated. Every time I go out, I get this lecture. Maybe Nikki is the smart one getting away from all this. Kristy pulls into Ashlynn's apartment and looks at me. "Jesse, you're young and still have a lot to learn. I just don't want Harlem's lifestyle affecting yours''. I stared at her with angry eyes. I am so sick of everyone judging Harlem because of who his family is. Harlem's father is the leader of one of the most notorious biker clubs around. His family has had a lot of trouble with the law, but Harlem is a good person and nothing like his father or family. We all know we don't get to pick who our family is, but that should not define us. Why can't they see that? Just as I am about to defend Harlem, I see him walking towards me. Kristy looked at me. "Please just remember what your father and I said and be cautious..please" I rolled my eyes `` I will and thank you for the drive". I jumped out of the car and ran to Harlem, jumping and wrapping my arms and legs around him. My safe place is always in his arms. He moves my hair from my face as he gently places a kiss on my lips. "Hi gorgeous, miss me" he says with a smile. "More than you'll ever know, let's get upstairs and get this night started. As we walk towards the door, Kristy yells out to Harlem "You make sure you keep her safe in Harlem. I'm trusting you". Harlem looks at Kristy." Absolutely, I would never do anything to hurt Jesse" he says with a smile. "Come on Harlem, let's go, we've had enough lecturing for one day. We both started laughing. I shook my head, thinking how smothering my parents can be and headed inside the building.