Jan

That day, after classes were through, me and Sonny went to talk to Putz's folks, hoping they knew something about him. Maybe they could help me seeing him as well... All I could think about was how would he be...

-Who do you think did this, Sonny?

-I wish I knew...he would pay for this, I promise...

-There's something else...We all know Putz didn't kill that girl, but then, who did it? What if whoever it was, kills someone else?

Sonny looked at me, serious as he had never been...no one had thought of that, but yet, it could happen.

Putz's folks did thank our visit. They told us they had hired someone to help him, and they were going later to the police station, to see him. Or at least, to try it. Sonny couldn't stay longer, so I phoned home and went with them to the precinct.

We had to wait a long while before being allowed the visit. Putz's folks went first, and then it was finally my turn. When I saw him, my heart sank. He had bags under his eyes, and that spark they had, was gone...

Once I was taken back to the cell, I broke finally down, realizing what I had ahead of me. A juvenile detention center in Nevada. I shivered only by thinking of it...that whole situation couldn't be more unfair. After a while, the officer watching the cells came by, with the lawyer that was supposed to help me getting out of that mess.

-Good morning, Roger...My name's Alan Gregory, your lawyer. Your parents hired me to help you...By the way, I'm sorry about before. I wasn't allowed to see you until...

I said nothing, but blamed myself for being such a fool to let those cops trick me that way. But at least, I had something to help me. "Something good in all this madness", I thought.

-I didn't do anything, you've gotta believe me...

-I do, but I will be true to you. Things don't look good for you at all. And you having signed that doesn't help at all...I will have to get details of the way they made you sign the confession. Now, tell me all that you remember from that day, even the slightest detail.

Once again, I repeated everything, starting the moment I was told I'd have to stay in detention...it was a nice change having someone listening to me, for a change.

- And do you have any idea of who could take your jacket?

-No..I took a look everywhere, and there was no one around. Whoever it was, he must have taken it while I went to Wilkins' office.

-And you saw no one, or heard footsteps or anything? Give me something to help you, kid.

-That's what I'm trying, damn hell, but I saw nothing and I heard nothing!

-Ok...calm down, I'll got tomorrow to your school and will talk to your teacher, the one who sent you to detention. Maybe he did see something.

I laughed bitterly...surely Wilkins wouldn't help, after all the pranks I had played on him. There was other thing that kept me worried...

-How...how much time will I have to be in that center?

-Wish I knew, Roger, but can't tell you. It depends on your trial date, but maybe a year...

-A...a year? -I let myself down on the ground of the cell- No, it can't be.

-I'll do my best to help you, I promise. Just try to be as strong as you can while you're in this center ok?

-What other options do I have, anyway?

The lawyer left finally, and after a short while I was told I had another visit. I followed the police officer, wondering who would be this time...

-It looks as if everyone would like to say their farewells, kid.

I was told to wait in a small room that visit was allowed to go in. It was my folks. My oldman had a stern glance, and my mother had red eyes. I held both of them..

-We can't stay long, there's someone else here waiting to see you...How are you, son?

I sighed.

-Scared...the lawyer said I could be one year in that center. One year...

-We know, he told us. Listen, try to be strong, this won't be easy but we'll get you out of this mess.

-You...you know I didn't do that, right?

-Absolutely. Look, we brought you some things you might need in Nevada. Promise us you'll write, honey.

They left, and then it was Jan who came in. We both hugged really tight when we saw each other. At least, I could see her before...

-How...how are you? Did they...?

I took her hand to my back, and she looked at me in shock.

-They're takin' me away, Jan, to somewhere in Nevada. They...they say I killed that girl at school, Debbie. Please tell me you don't think I...

-I know you didn't...and you'll see, you'll be back even before you realize.

-I wish...they tricked me, to have a confession signed. And they have my jacket and my pocket knife, with Debbie's blood in them...

-Time's over. You have to go.

We looked at each other, knowing we wouldn't see each other in a long, long time. God, that was really hard. I could barely hold my tears back, but knew I had to pretend I was strong enough. I hugged Jan close to me, trying to keep her scent...

-Take care, ok? Love you. Here, have this. It's a picture of you and me, in Marty's birthday.

I didn't want to let her go, but the officer insisted she had to leave...

That night I couldn't sleep at all. I kept thinking on what was about to come, and about that center. Yeah, I was scared about my future, and wondered what kind of guys would be there. And I also recalled my happy times at high school, with Jan and the gang...the only thing that would help me through my time in that center.

Next morning, about eight, a cop came to look for me. It was time to start the trip to Nevada. With a sigh, I followed him.