The Italian place was very posh. My dad in his tuxedo fit right in, but Link and I stuck out like sore thumbs in our oversized hoodies and pants, and I didn't need to look to know that everyone was staring at us. Based on the way Link was staring at the floor, he was embarrassed.  I, for one, honestly didn't give a crap. Once we were in our booth, my dad ordered caprese salad, mushroom risotto, and a bunch of dishes I didn't recognize.

"So, Link. What are your plans after you graduate high school?"

"Um, I hope to pursue a career as a software engineer," Link answered politely.

"Very good," my dad said approvingly. "So um...what do you see in Amelia?"

His tone made it more than obvious that he didn't see why a guy like Link is interested in someone like me.

To my surprise, Link replied immediately, "Not only is Amelia gorgeous, but she is also so kind, and caring, and supportive."

Um, what? I think he's the first person to ever use my name and "kind," "caring," and "supportive" in the same sentence. He's really overselling it at this point. Unless he means it. I dismissed the idea quickly; this is all just part of the act.

"I see," my dad said slowly, looking at Link like he was crazy.

Taking the silence as a good opportunity to jump in, I lied smoothly, "Can Link can stay over for a night or two? His parents are going to Lake Tahoe for their anniversary."

"Definitely. Just give me his parents' phone numbers so I can contact them if anything goes wrong."

Oh, crap. What do we do? "Um, are you sure that's necessary?" I asked warily.

"No contact information, no staying over. Keep arguing and he's not staying over at all," he said, crossing his arms.

"She's lying! They aren't going to Lake Tahoe," Link said.

Dammit, Link. That's all it took for you to give up? And why was I not surprised?

"Okay..." my dad said slowly, narrowing his eyes.

"And I'm not dating Amelia. I was staying here after my parents kicked me out."

My dad snorted. "Obviously, it's too much to ask for you to like someone that's not fucked up in some way."

Umm, that's not rude at all. Looking at Link, he seemed shocked by this huge change in my dad's demeanor.

"Amelia, harboring a runaway in California is illegal."

"Link's not a runaway," I protested. 

"Look, I can't risk it. I go to prison, it'd ruin my career. And you! You'd go into the system, is that what you want?"

I opened my mouth to retort but stopped. My dad's an ass, but I'm not an idiot. Kids in the system? Some get lucky, maybe, but luck's never been on my side. Nobody wants a teen who does pot, skips school, and is really just as fucked up as I am. And Link? He dug his own grave. Obviously, my dad asking for his parents' contact info was unfortunate, but if he had gave me a bit, I'd have come up with something. Besides, it's not like he can stay with me forever, we both knew it was temporary. I'm going to miss it.

"That's what I thought," my dad said, smirking.

I glanced at Link who was staring at me anxiously. "My dad's calling the police right now. This is probably your last chance to run," I said in monotone.

"Where am I supposed to go if I do run?" he asked, his voice rising.

"I dunno, but you need to choose fast. Fight or flight?"

He started pacing frantically. Looking out the windows, I saw police cars pulling up in front of the place. A cop came inside and spoke to my dad shortly who had been waiting at the entrance, who pointed to Link and I. Nodding, the cop gestured to his associate and they made a beeline for us.

"Link, I'm Officer Johnson and this is my associate Officer Bishop. We understand that you are a runaway that has been staying with Mr. Jones' daughter. Can you tell us what's going on?"

Link glanced at me, not saying anything.

"He didn't run away, Link was kicked out by his dad. His dad also punched his eye really hard. It's not safe for Link to go back there," I explained tentatively.

"I see. Is she right?" Officer Johnson asked Link.

His eyes darted between me and the cops.

"Link, you can't keep protecting your parents," I warned.

"Yes," he said softly.

"Okay, we're going to take you back to the station." Seeing Link's panicked expression, he added, "We are simply taking you into our custody until we can put you in the care of someone who we're sure is going to take good care of you."

*  *  *

Ring. Ring.

"Hey, it's Link. Leave a message after the beep and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. God bless you."

I sighed and hung up the phone. It's been days since the police took Link, and it's been radio silence since then. Collapsing on my bed, I lay there for a bit staring blankly at the ceiling before jumping off and pacing restlessly. Knock. Knock.

Opening my bedroom door, I see my dad dressed in an expensive suit with his luggage. "I've got another business trip to get to, are you going to be okay by yourself?"

Like you care. It's not like he's gonna stay if I say no. When it comes to the long list of things he cares about more than me, work is pretty high on the list. I usually love being alone, but I'm not gonna lie. I've been a bit paranoid recently due to Liam, and it is slightly comforting knowing there's someone else in the house, even if that someone is an absolute dick. "Totally," I lied, placing one hand on my hip in an attempt to look nonchalant.

He nodded. "Ok, take care. And do me a favor, don't bring anymore runaways here. This is not an orphanage."

I opened my mouth to say Link's not a runaway but decided not to bother. Like all men, he really does seem to have selective hearing. That, or he's just an asshole who doesn't give a crap what I have to say. Sighing, I went into the kitchen and made myself a quick chicken sandwich. I wasn't really hungry, just bored.

Deciding to go to Vic's, I walked to her place. The sun shone brightly, basking the landscape in its warm glow, a rare occurrence in January. On top of that, it was just the right the temp to be wearing my favorite black, oversized hoodie that had plaid sleeves and said "It hurts...but I'm used to it" across the front. 

Arriving at Vic's, I knocked on the door. To my surprise, it was Monty who opened the door. "What are you doing here?" we asked together.

I was the one who broke the awkward silence that followed. "Um, I thought I'd come hang with Vic. Aren't you supposed to be at work?" Last I checked, it was about 2, and looking at the sun's position in the sky, I can't be that far off.

"I'm surprised Vic didn't mention it at school today. She's talking to her biological dad right now. Can you come back later? I'm supposed to be supervising."

Oh. Right, today's Tuesday. She had been going on and on about something all day at school, but I was so wrapped up in my own crap with Link I totally forgot about it. I really am a shitty friend. "I can't believe I forgot. Absolutely, I'll go right now."

"Amy!" Vic exclaimed as I started to go, stepping behind Monty. And next to Vic...

Liam. I gasped. No. It can't be. But sure enough, he was standing there, just as I remembered. Over six feet, he towered over me, his toned body covered in tattoos. His onyx eyes snapped to mine, his upper lip curling in disgust. "You."

He took a few steps towards me, and even though every single nerve in body was screaming at me to run, my feet seemed to be glued in place. "You bitch. I spent three years rotting away in a 6 by 8 hole thanks to you. You're gonna pay for what you did." With that, he shoved me aside like I weighed nothing. I gasped as my knees gave way and I hit the floor with a thud.

"Oh, this is going to be so much fun," he said, smirking, before sauntering off.

I glared at his backside before turning to face Monty and Vic, who looked equally shocked. Slowly easing back on my feet, I sighed. "So, now that he's gone, can I come in?"