Chapter 19: Three Little Words

The lights blinked on and off, signaling the arcade was closing in ten minutes. It was 10:50 pm and JJ had spent over four hours trying to beat his high scores in Mario Brothers and Pac Man. Both machines were placed in the back corner of the arcade, a fortunate location for JJ.

The mall closed at 9:00, but the arcade had a second entry and exit door that opened out to the parking lot. Teens would often spend time in the arcade after the 7:00 movie let out.

JJ refused to think about the events that occurred earlier in the evening. Unfortunately, it was nearly time to leave the arcade and the reality of his actions hit him like a title wave. He began to feel an aching nauseous pain in his stomach. JJ started gagging and coughing. He grabbed the can of coke he purchased earlier and sprinted into the bathroom.

After throwing up into a toilet, JJ went over to the sink and splashed water on his face. He looked up at his reflection in the mirror; he looked awful. His eyes were watery and bloodshot, and the tip of his nose was a muted red. He picked up the can of coke and took a deep swig until it was empty.

JJ left the arcade and began walking home. The temperature had dropped into the low 50's. He paused to zip up his jacket, and raise the collar, cramming his fists into the front pockets.

He needed to think about what he was going to do. He didn't tell anyone he was meeting with Stacey. But he couldn't be sure that she had done the same. She definitely didn't tell anyone in their group, that much he could count on. But, what about her mom or Tino? Unlikely her mom, but Tino was a possibility. JJ knew Tino, so Stacey might have felt comfortable telling him what she was up to. Although Stacey has said many times how Tino acts too grown up now that he is the token man of the house. She said that he acts much more like a father than a brother. It makes some sense since considering there isn't a father there anymore. There was no way for him to know for sure if their plans were a secret.

JJ debated what his chances were that Stacey kept quiet and decided they were pretty good. If she did tell, wouldn't she risk someone asking her why the rest of the group weren't included? And wouldn't someone also wonder what the two of them were doing that would require them to be alone? Stacey would have been smart enough to know that questions like that would be asked. The more he went over her reasons not to tell, the more convinced he was that she hadn't said a word.

JJ felt confident that Stacey kept the meet to herself. He needed to believe she had. His parents knew he went out, but not who with or even where he was going. He was definitely covered on his end. Now he needed an alibi. And that's when it came to him. Who better to give JJ an alibi but Debbie? Afterall, they were together earlier that afternoon. He was a bit put off at first when she showed up without discussing it with him first. But he definitely got something out of her unplanned visit and now it was going to possibly save him. Plus, he knew she was in love with him. He was certain he could count on her.

JJ cut through the dunes and headed over to her house. It was essential that he had his story straight. It was equally important to find the right words to say to Debbie. JJ knew it was necessary to prove to her how much she meant to him. He needed her to believe that he needed her.

JJ stopped in the woods behind Debbie's house and stared up at the second floor. He could see the light was on in her bedroom and the shade was pulled down. It must be close to midnight, he thought. He has time, not a lot, but he has time to come up with a plan. JJ recited the events over and over in his head. He had to certify that Debbie sympathized with him. She had to accept that her friend was the cause of what happened. If necessary, JJ would tell Debbie he loved her. What did it matter if it was true or not? Three little words, three little words that could make all the difference. And maybe he did love her in a way. He didn't care, he would say whatever he needed to. Debbie had to be his alibi.

JJ step softly onto the back deck of Debbie's house. It was best to wait until he knew everyone was asleep before letting himself in. Her family liked to barbecue year-round, so the picnic table and benches were never stored away. JJ laid down on one of the benches and looked up at the night sky.

He closed his eyes and inhaled the cool air. His whole life was about to change. If he didn't get this right, his life could be over. It could come down to three little words.