random scene

 I recognized Jeremy's truck as soon as he drove into the skatepark's parking lot.  "Fuck," I muttered under my breath.  How did he know I was here?  He would've expected me to be in our local park, not Jersey City.

I skated up to him before he could get out and embarrass me in front of my new friends.  "What are you doing here?" kicking my skateboard up and holding it under my arm.

"Did you forget you're grounded?"

Groaning, I stomped my foot.  I had forgotten.  "Come on, it was just one low test grade, not that big of a deal."

"The agreement was to come home directly after school.  I had a feeling you'd be here.  In the truck.  Now."

"Wait, Jer.  At least let me say bye."

"Go.  If you take too long, I'll deal with you right here in front of them."

My cheeks reddened with embarrassment at the thought of getting spanked in front of my older, cooler, skater buddies.  That could definitely not happen.  It was bad enough that I was getting dragged out of here by my brother anyway.  None of them ever dealt with this stuff.  Ugh.  I just wanted to be a normal kid!

I said my goodbyes, a low honk of Jeremy's horn moving me along faster than I would have liked.  When I reached the truck, I plopped down inside, folding my arms in a pout.

"Seatbelt," he said, unaffected by my mini-tantrum.

Letting out a ridiculous groan, I did as told, digging my phone out of my pocket.  Jeremy snatched it out of my fingers almost instantly.  "What the hell?"I growled.

"These kids you've been hanging out with are bad news."

"Thanks, Mr. I-Know-Everything-That-Happens-In-The-Streets.  I don't care.  They're my friends, I like them, they like me."

Jeremy shook his head.  "I'm serious, Jo.  I can already smell the weed on you.  What's next?  You're heading for trouble."

My tummy twisted into knots at the mention of weed.  "I didn't smoke any."

He gave me a doubtful look.  "You better not.  You're too young -- even though it's legal, it's not legal for you."

I shrank a little in my seat, looking out the window.  "You guys are so fucking annoying lately."

"Watch it."

"No," I said, slamming a fist into the seat.  "It's not fair.  You all had your party phases or whatever.  But now that I'm older, you and Justin don't wanna see it.  You're treating me like a baby!"

"Too bad."  Things he says when he doesn't want to deal with me, but is starting to lose his patience.  I should've stopped pushing.  But do I ever?  No, not really.

"You act like I'm out there committing real crimes and putting my life in danger.  Maybe I should, just so you'll learn to back off."

"Joeie..." His tone had an edge to it, like he would snap at any second.  Which is maybe what I was looking for, even though I'd regret it later...

"I'll just have to go somewhere you're not always patrolling.  Maybe Newark."  Newark was a punch in the gut for him because he'd worked there a few years before needing to move to a department in a less dangerous area.  Jeremy's fists tightened around the steering wheel, jaw locked, and I felt a twinge of pride at getting under his skin.  "I bet there's a lot of fun recreational activities up there.  Maybe I could take up dealing as a side hobby, get some extra cash..."

"Enough.  You've already earned yourself a spanking.  Keep going and we'll do this right here in the truck."

I huffed and folded my arms.  Of course I'd already known that was coming.  Which I'd much rather than being grounded, or whatever.  Not that being grounded worked most of the time... with their work schedules, it was sometimes hard for them to keep track of me, and other times they'd be watching me 100%.  A spanking was just easier and over with quicker.

As I stared out the window, I wondered who would dish out the punishment this time.  Justin always seemed so disappointed, which got my guilt all worked up.  But Jeremy was more physically intense, and less likely to respond to my tears (at least I still knew how to tug on Justin's heartstrings).  But I hoped Jer wouldn't say anything about the weed... we both knew Justin would lose his shit with that.  He's so protective when it comes to any kind of addictive substance, including vaping nicotine or drinking beer.  That's one thing Jeremy is more understanding about.  Maybe the only thing though.

After he pulled into the driveway and turned off the truck, I reached for the door handle but he stopped me.  "I'm serious about those kids.  It's you and your future I care about, not some 'friendship' that started a couple of weeks ago.  I can't make you end it, but I'm strongly advising yourself against it.  I find out you're breaking laws and you'll deal with me, understood?"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever."

His eyes narrowed, but he let go of my upper arm so I could jump out.  Justin wasn't home yet, which meant I should shower and change out of my weedy-smelling clothes.  He would be pissed enough without the sensory evidence.