Adam pressed the redial button on his phone and let it ring. After a few, there was a click. “Hello?” said a scruffy voice. “Um… is Justin home?” he asked, realizing it must’ve been the house phone. “No. The kid took off already. Think he said somethin’ about a library…” he grumbled, somewhat to himself. “Oh… okay well uh… thanks.” Adam quickly hung up before who ever it was could say anything else to him—he sounded pissed; possibly just woken up. He put the phone deep into my pocket, looking blankly around his room. He walked out and stood at the top of the stairs in his jeans. “Hey mom can I go to the library?” she looked up from the couch. “The what?” she asked in disbelief. “Library. You know… books. Nerds. Severe boredom.” She laughed and put the TV on mute. “If you’re bored why don’t you call up a friend and go play football somewhere?” He scowled, not wanting to explain to her anything. “I want to go because a friend is there.” He paused. “Or at least I think he his.” She shrugged and hit the power button—the TV screen went out with a zpt as she stood up, stretching. “Okay well go get dressed then we’ll go.” He went back up into his room and pulled out his darkest shirt, trying to go for the skater look, with his DC shoes and Element hoody. He messed his hair a little in the mirror, then went down the stairs. “Lets go.” She smiled and picked her keys off the table, going into the garage. She followed. “It’s been a while since you dressed like that.” She pointed out. “Seventh grade, last I think. Do you want go to Fake or Zumez or anywhere like that?” she asked, trying to ignore his low hanging pants. She tapped the steering wheel in agitation; he knew to pull them up. She pulled up to the front of the public library. “Hm. Interesting artwork.” She pointed out at the abstract near the sidewalks. Adam nodded and climbed out of the car. “Call me when you’re done.” She said as he slammed his door shut, going through the automatic doors. He walked in and looked around, curious of where Justin would be. He noticed something far off; he could only read Teen of it though. He headed towards it, the full sign reading Aloha Teen Tower above a revolving door, with a normal one next to it. He could see kids lined up on the computers playing games like Halo, World of Warcraft, and Runescape, as well as those on Myspace. He looked around and saw Justin sitting in one of two plastic booths, playing Guitar Hero on a PS2, with a small TV screen turned towards him. Adam smiled and walked towards him, smiling. Justin missed a note and swore, pausing the game. “Why are you here?” he quickly asked, putting the red plastic guitar on the table, standing up. “How did you even…” he trailed off as some other boys, older, walked in. “I called the number you called last night ant the guy said—“

“You called my house?” he asked, freaking out. “Well I figured we could…” he trailed off as the boys who had just walked in came over, smelling like smoke—older, but not old enough he knew. “Hey Justin I’m going to go see Tasha are you coming?” on asked, and turned to Adam. “Why, hello. And who might you be?” he asked, smiling coyly. “Adam.” He said, trying not to be intimidated by his beard and spiked hair. “I’m Allan. That’s Pat,” he pointed to another, who looked fidgety. “Bryan,” he pointed to another, shorter, maybe Adam’s age, it was hard to tell with him playing with a box of cigarettes in his pocket. “And I’m guessing you know Justin?” Adam nodded. “Well…” he leaned down from his at least six foot height and whispered in his ear. “We’re going to see Tasha. She deals. Coming?” Justin spoke up. “A-Allan he’s not going to. I mean he… football…” his will power faded as Allan turned to him. “Let him, speak, will you?” he looked back to Adam. “Pat and I ran out. Are you coming?” he asked. Adam looked at Justin in surprise, but he was looking at the wall. “I… sure.” Justin’s eyes flashed to him, about to say something but Allan jumped in first. “Justin why don you turn in your guitar crap. We’re going.” He said, as though it had already been decided he was going. He hesitated before opening the cover and taking the disk out, and putting it in the case and unplugging the guitar cord. He walked away and handed it to the librarian. He waited for Allan and the others to walk up, followed by Adam. He fell in stride with Adam. “What the hell are you thinking?” he said lowly. “You’re going.” Adam said defensively. “Yeah, well you’re not involved with them. Don’t get involved. Weed isn’t they only thing they do.” Allan turned then, obviously listening. “Beer... joints… girls… anything illegal.” He smiled since no one else was around as the walked through the stacks towards the doors. Adam looked at Justin, but he was looking away. “Just leave. Okay? Go back to your happy family.” Adam almost did, but he wasn’t leaving Justin with them. He saw a mark on his arm, but Justin quickly covered it up. Pat muffled a laugh; Adam turned to him sharply. “What?” he scowled. “What do you mean what? You don’t know?” Justin looked up, panicked. “Pat don’t.” he said quickly, but he went on anyways. “The little guy gets beat up. And by his old man too.” Adam looked back to Justin, but he was glaring at Pat. “What the hell was that for? He’ll put me out.” He sounded like he was about to cry. “Aww. Maybe you should—“ he pulled a small baggie with some green, chopped up dried grass looking stuff in it from his pants pocket—Adam didn’t know what it was, but he could guess. “It’ll make you feel better.” He smiled, quickly putting it back in his pocket as a librarian walked by. “N-No.” Justin back away a little. “Why not? We’ll be getting some fresh soon so you can try it. Won’t take much. Promise.” Justin shook his head. “I’m not going to. Okay? Just… no.” Pat shrugged and walked out the automatic doors of the library. Adam tried not to say anything to Justin. how can you hang out with these people?