Page 5 of By The Moon

“You’ve mentioned it happening before, but you still need to be careful.”

“I will. Did I tell you Sage is staying in my place this weekend?”

“The school needs to sort that shit out. He shouldn’t be afraid to stay in his own room because of his roommate. He said no and now look what he’s dealing with.”

“I was in there earlier. I’m pretty sure there is something living under his bed. Sage’s side is clean and tidy, but Stan’s side…” Jerome shivered. “I had to be careful where I stood.”

“He needs to take photos and show them what he’s living with.”

“You think he hasn’t?” Jerome shook his head. “The place was clean for a week then went downhill again and Sage had to deal with more abuse. He told me earlier this week he’s considering changing schools. Me and Alan talked about Sage crashing at ours. It would be crowded but we’d manage.”

“None of you should have to put up with him.” Shaun almost spat the word out. “Have Sage’s parents been in contact?”

“No, because he hasn’t said anything. They talk when they have to.” Sage didn’t have the best home life, so the less contact he made with his parents, the better. Sage only told Jerome small things, but it was enough for Jerome to understand some people should never be parents. Just because you could didn’t mean you should.

“Next time you come home, bring him with you.”

“Thanks, Dad. I will.” Shoving another piece of chocolate in his mouth, Jerome asked, “When we going to eat?”

“When Candice has finished her assignment.” Shaun side eyed Jerome. “You could go and say hello to her.”

“And disturb her when she’s working? I hate it when someone does it to me.”

“I’m finished anyway.” Candice walked into the kitchen, her long dark curls bouncing around her head, and gave Jerome a hug. “How are classes?”

“Hard, a lot of information, but good. I like it. Exams?” Jerome sympathized. He had exams coming up, but these were Candice's final year ones so there was more pressure.

“Soon, the same as you.” Candice snatched a piece of Jerome’s chocolate and popped in her mouth. “I heard Sage mentioned. I like him.”

“He likes you too.” Jerome waggled his eyebrows and jumped out of the way when Candice went to hit him.

“Not like that and you know it.”

“I think I’ll get the food started.” Shaun gave them both a look.

“I’ll do the salad.” Jerome rushed over to the fridge, nudging Candice out of the way. “I called it!”

“You big kid!” Candice tried to push him but Jerome refused to move.

“Jerome can do the salad and Candice can help me prepare the veggies and cheese.”

Jerome grinned at Candice, who flipped him off. He grabbed what he needed from the fridge and spent the next few minutes making the salad. By the time he was done, he could smell food cooking and his stomach rumbled. Damn, he was starving. Nothing beat home cooking.

Once everything was cooked, they sat and ate, talking about friends they knew, people from their classes. After everything had been cleaned and put away, Jerome went to his bedroom to shower and change. Staring at his reflection in the mirror, Jerome nodded to himself. Not too bad.

In the living room, Shaun looked him up and down. “Craig’s, huh?”

“Yes, and we may do something after.” His phone beeped telling him his cab had arrived. “See ya later!” Shaun followed him outside and Jerome shook his head. “I’ll be fine, Dad.”

“Make sure you are and take things with you.”

Jerome rolled his eyes. “I’m going out with friends. Why do I need to take things? I’m not hitting the clubs, you know.”

“Really? Like I wasn’t your age once. Be careful.”

Jerome waved and got in the car. Time to have some fun.

Chapter Three

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