Cracks

Chapter 11 Reasonable doubt

She came home to a stand-off. Allison glanced from Valerie to Tim with a curious look in her eyes, but didn't ask questions. Valerie was rarely mad, but now she seemed livid. It was both amusing and concerning. Especially since Tim didn't look like he cared.

"What does it matter?" Tim said with a bored expression on his face, "school's stupid anyway."

Valerie had her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. "I don't care if you think it's stupid. Education is important. You can't keep skipping school, Tim. This is the third time this month the school's called. Next time you'll be expelled!"

"Good!" Tim shouted, suddenly angry, "they have no business calling you anyway! You're not my mother!"

"No," Valerie agreed, "but I am your legal guardian. You're going to school if I have to personally drag you to each class myself. And don't raise your voice like that! Mind Jamie, will you?"

Tim gritted his teeth. "Of course! Mind Jamie! Mind Lola! Be nice to Andrew! Well, what about me?! You don't give a shit about me!"

"That's not true, Tim," Valerie said sadly, "I care about all of you."

"Bullshit!" Tim shouted and he stormed towards his room. When he noticed Allison, he glared at her. "What are you looking at?!" he spat at her before stomping to his room. The door slammed loudly.

Valerie sighed and ran a hand through her hair. Then she turned and smiled at Allison. "Hello honey, how was school?"

"Not as interesting as coming home," Allison answered.

"Tim's school called," Valerie said, "he keeps skipping classes. I just can't seem to get through to him." She tilted her head. "You won't happen to know anything, would you?"

Allison knew plenty of things, but none she was going to tell Valerie. She scrunched her nose. "We don't share, Val. We ain't that close. Maybe you shouldn't be on his case all the time. He lost his parents. Let him deal with it."

Valerie pursed her lips. "I have a responsibility for you kids, Allison. One day you will understand that I want what's best for you, and he's dealing with things the wrong way. If you know something, Allison..."

"I don't!" Allison shouted, "leave me alone!" She turned to leave for her room. This place was so annoying!

"Trevor called!" Valerie called after her, "he's picking you up from school tomorrow. There are things he needs to discuss with you."

"Whatever!" Allison shouted and slammed the door to her room.

It didn't take long for the door to be opened again. Thinking it was Valerie, Allison opened her mouth to protest, but it wasn't Valerie. It was Tim.

He glared at her with clenched fists. "Give it back! My music! I know you took it!"

Allison raised an eyebrow. "You only notice now? I took it weeks ago." She reached for the disc and flung it at him.

He caught it and gritted his teeth. "Don't touch my things! How did you even get in my room? I keep it locked.."

Allison rolled her eyes, not even bothering to lie. "I know how to pick a lock. It ain't that complicated."

"You took my things!" Tim shouted.

"I just borrowed it," Allison said, "chill out."

"You're nothing but a thief," Tim hissed.

"At least I don't sell drugs," Allison retorted.

Tim stiffened. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about you and those friends of yours you're skippin' school with. I saw you at the station."