Trent sits eating the corn meal, which tastes like shit and is trying to pass as a reasonable breakfast.
Josh slides next to him in his assumed seat.
It is now well known by the rest of the kids that you don't sit at Trent's table, and you especially don't sit in Josh's spot.
"I think we're both crazy." Trent says, chomping loudly.
"Yes, I've thought I was some sort of sociopath for a while now." Josh analyzes. "And probably you as well, that would explain your extreme lack of compassion for anything, now wouldn't it?" Josh laughs heartily. "We make a good team, you and I." Josh states. "My superior manipulation abilities and your incredible strength."
Trent grunts and keeps eating.
"You know what I think we should do?" Josh asks, and whispers close to Trent's ear. He can feel his breath on his skin, and it gives him goose-bumps. "We should break out of here."
A light goes off in Trent's head. "You mean escape?" he murmurs back.
"Yes."
It is so tempting. Toat last be away from it all, to start over, to run away forever with Josh, it's almost dreamlike.
"No."
Josh was dumbfounded. "N-No? Don't you want to leave it all? Isn't that what you really want - I can help you…"
"No, fucktard." Trent scowls. "If we run away, we'll be at risk for getting caught again, and being stuck here even longer. I want it to be over, and never come back here again. There's only a month left."
Josh nods in understanding. "That's a bit pessimistic, is it not, Trent Boyett?"
"You have no idea how fuckin' unlucky my life has been."
"I suppose you're right."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today is the first day of the rest of your life.
And that happens to be a great day at that; the day they are released. Josh had planned his crime so that he would be leaving at the exact date and time as Trent. They are chatting in their room, waiting in the few moments left, to be taken away.
Trent is smiling so widely that his lips ache.
"It's finally over. This nightmare…is finally gonna be fuckin' over with."
"That doesn't change the fact that it happened." Josh muses. "Of course it is a very depressing thought to admit that you have lost ten years of your life to pure idiocy, but then again…" Trent glares at him, and Josh decides not to ruin it for his friend. "Only the more reason to get revenge." He adds quickly.
"And only the sweeter it will be." Trent finishes.
There is a moment of peace, and then Josh has the impulse to speak his usual disturbing mind.
"Have I ever told you how fond I am of your Coloradan-redneck drawl?"
"What?!"
"It's true; I find it quite cute. It reminds me of Clarice's West Virginian dialect."
Trent tries to ignore this very strange connection. "Y'know, I still haven't seen Silence of Lambs."
"Yes, I did know that." Josh replies. "However, I intend to change that."
Trent glares at him, and the raven haired boy continues. "
"Am I mistaken, or do you have nothing left?"
Trent frowns. "I…no. No family, no home, no friends. Nothin'."
"Well, then what are your plans?"
Trent blinks, and realizes his flawed logic.
"Did you expect to get your much desired retribution, and then simply fade away from existence?"
"I dunno, I guess."
Josh shakes his head. "No, that will not do. You will stay with me and my beloved family for at least the beginning of your time in the free, open air of the world."
Trent sighs. "I don't understand yah, kid."
"You don't have to." Josh grins. "But I must warn, I do have an appointment immediately after our release." He pauses to consider. "You could come too, if you like."
"Really? What is it?"
"I'm having an old friend for dinner."
The doors opens, and it is time to go.
