Page 2 of Uproot

"We are going to have to contact Sheriff Vaughn and have Edison escorted home. It's against the district policy for you to take him home on your own without his parent's approval, and the Sheriff is already aware of the situation with him," Harold says quietly, looking back towards his office.

I peak over and see Edison still sitting where we left him, his fingers tapping on his sunburnt legs. My heart aches watching him as he sits completely unaware of the disappointment I will have to give him again.

There have been so many times that I just want to take him home with me and away from the messiness in his life. I'd make him a nice hot meal, and teach him how to bake chocolate chip cookies. Most importantly, I'd keep him safe.

I turn my attention back to Principal Harold, "Ok. I guess that's the best idea right now," I agree.

I go back into the office with Edison while Harold goes to use the phone at the front desk to call the Upwood Police Department. Fifteen minutes later, Harold goes out front to unlock the front doors for Sheriff Vaughn, and they both come in a few moments later.

Rockwell Vaughn is an imposing man if you don't know him. He is always wearing a no-nonsense expression on his face that coupled with his large stature intimidates most people. But I know that he has a heart the size of the sun, and treats my best friend Evy like a Queen. That alone has made me trust him in situations like this.

He takes off his sunglasses, and his face softens when he sees Edison and I sitting together.

He nods at me, coming around to bend down on one knee in front of Edison. "How are you doing, Edison? I'm Sheriff Vaughn, do you remember me?"

Edison avoids his eyes, his normal cautiousness around people he's not familiar with returning, "Yeah," he responds quietly, focusing on his legs.

Rockwell smiles, glancing over at me, "Well, Ms. Lansing told me that you need a ride home. Are you ok with her giving you a ride if I follow along behind you both?"

Edison looks up at me and I give him a reassuring smile. "Can..can Ms. Selah just take me to her house instead?" he questions, looking between us.

I fight back tears as Rockwell shakes his head, "We can't really do that buddy. We need to take you to your father. Is there a reason why you don't want to go home? We can talk about it if you want to talk alone," he offers.

Edison twists his mouth and for a moment I think he might finally open up and tell us something. It has been months of me, Harold, and the school guidance counselor trying to figure out what is going on that he is holding back. But Edison refuses to talk about it, and we can't force him to.

Rockwell nods and stands up, "Ok. Let's get going then," he instructs.

We all make our way out to the parking lot and I talk to Harold for a moment before getting Edison settled in my car. Rockwell waits until I shut the door to speak to me.

"I know it goes a bit against the rules, but I figured it was best if he rides with you since he's more comfortable with you. I don't want to freak him out taking him in a police vehicle," he explains. "I'll ride behind you and figure out if his dad is home when we get there. You just wait in the car with Edison, ok?"

"I will. And thank you so much, Rockwell," I say gratefully. I get into my car, typing Edison's address into my phone to get the directions. I've never driven to this side of Upwood before, but I know it's not the best area.

The houses are a bit more run down, and most of the streets are lined with old trailers, and loose dogs roam around freely. I don'tjudge though, since I didn't grow up in much better conditions, honestly. I worry that Edison and I have more in common than I want to think about.

When we finally get to Edison's house, I park across the street, a bit away from the driveway. I frown as a take in the overgrown, small front yard, and the white house that is in desperate need of repairs. It's definitely the worst one on the block, and I notice that there are no bikes or balls in the front yard, like some of the other houses around.

Rockwell pulls into the driveway, getting out and going to the front door alone. I notice a second police cruiser pull over up the road and sit idling.

I can hear music blaring from the house, and even though there isn't a car on the driveway, I figure that someone must be inside.

What is he doing?" Edison asks, looking out the window as Rockwell knocks on the door.

"Sheriff Vaughn is just seeing if your dad is home, Edi. It's ok," I say, reaching over in my bag to look for something to temporarily distract him.

He takes the notepad and marker I give him, still looking doubtful, but turns away from the window.

I see Rockwell coming back from the front door, and speak into the police radio on his shirt. The cruiser down the street comes closer, parking on the driveway as well. A young officer gets out and goes over to talk to him.

My anxious nerves dance around in my stomach as I see them both walk around the back of the house.

I talk to Edison and wait, and a few minutes later, Rockwell comes over to my car alone, motioning for me to get out. I open my door quickly and walk over to him.

The look on his face tells me there is no good news coming.

"Selah, drive your car up the road and circle back around here in five minutes," he instructs, his expression tense.

"W-what's going on?" I ask, looking over at the house.

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