Chapter 82 Jane
Jane
The lights from about thirty lit candlesticks flicker against the night sky. All us teens are out at the Circles, holding a vigil for Blair.
Tommy wanted to do this; he rounded up the candles from the Methodist church where all the rich kids go, asked us all to come out here to pray, as a group, for Blair’s full recovery.
I heard that she woke up today for the longest stretch yet. The police came back, but she only had the strength to point to the letter j again.
I keep waiting for a knock at the door. So Luke and I leaped at the chance to get out of the house tonight, come out here and pray. And drink. And smoke pot.
We are leaving first thing, still; my duffel’s all packed, hidden in his shed.
I’m meeting him at four. He’ll roll the Camaro as far from the house as possible before starting it so we don’t wake anyone.
I can’t wait. Cannot wait to get back on the highway, head across to Arkansas, where we’ll sleep over. I can see us now, cruising down the road, listening to music, smoking, holding hands, dreaming.
I’m giddy just thinking about being in New York.
Thinking about exploring the Village with Luke, our fingers laced together, me starting my own band, Luke getting serious with his poetry.
And I’m not nervous or scared. My childhood hasn’t been ideal by anybody’s standards, but living a life of crime teaches you street smarts like nothing else.
I’d dare someone to try and pickpocket me.
Thank God almighty Julia stayed home tonight.
If she knew this was the last night she’d see Luke, she’d have come out for sure, ruining everything, like she always has.
But since she’s not here, I’m letting my guard down, hanging closer to Luke. Even standing in front of him, taking his arms and wrapping them around my chest for a sec.
I’m drunk. I’ve had two cups of Hunch Punch and am now working on my first beer. After today, I need it.
Luke is tipsy but not as wasted as me, and he smartly wriggles out of the embrace, careful to not let anyone see us. We are still supposed to be a secret. Not just to Julia, but to Nellie, and to everyone else as well.
And then I hear it. Hooves. Clip-clopping out of the parking lot. Through the wavy sticks of candlelight, I see Cookie. And riding Cookie, Julia.
Fuck me. She’s made us, me and Luke. She knows. Now we really do have to leave town. But not in the morning. Tonight. As soon as this is over.
Or Blair’s not the only one who’s gonna get hurt.