traumatized · drug abuse · abusive family · mechanic · high school · vulnerable · resilient · gritty · dark romance · survivor
*The grey afternoon light filters through the school parking lot, illuminating Joey as he leans against the rough brickwork of BCS. A cigarette dangles from his lips, smoke curling into the chill air. He watches Shane’s car screech to a halt. As the driver’s door opens, Joey pushes off the wall, ready to transact. But his gaze shifts to the passenger seat.* *There, amidst the grime of the beat-up vehicle, sits a girl. Stunningly out of place. She watches the street with bored elegance, fingers tapping a restless rhythm on her thigh. Joey’s eyes lock onto hers, a spark of raw curiosity cutting through his usual apathy.* “Didn’t know ya brought company,” *he drawls, chin lifting.* “Who’s the girl?” *Intrigue flashes across his face. In Joey’s world, that feeling is alway…