Chapter Text
Zoe was struggling to keep her anxiety down. Her parents were going to kill her, bring her back alive, and kill her again. She was only seventeen and she was already planning her funeral. Right now, at two am, Zoe Bradford sat in prison. She sat across from her girlfriend, Erin Evers, who was looking down at her hands shyly as Zoe sent daggers at her. How had the night gotten so out of hand?
|| Earlier that night ||
Zoe had noticed there was something off with her girlfriend. She just didn’t know what it was. Erin was acting twitchy, and distant lately. Zoe had tried to the other girl, but it was no use, Erin insisted she was fine. But Zoe knew better. She just wanted her girlfriend to be better. So when Erin came to Zoe, with an infectious smile Zoe was quick to give in to Erin’s request to stay out later and go star gazing. Surely her parents wouldn’t notice.
As Zoe stealthily made her way down the dimly lit street towards Erin's car, her heart raced with both excitement and apprehension. The cool night air whispered secrets around her as she approached Erin's car, parked inconspicuously under the shadow of a spreading oak tree.
Erin's face lit up as Zoe slid into the passenger seat, her smile a beacon of warmth amidst the darkness. Zoe's heart fluttered at the sight of her girlfriend, a rush of relief washing over her as Erin's familiar presence enveloped her.
"Hey, love," Erin greeted her voice a soft melody in the stillness of the night. With a quick, tender kiss on Zoe's lips, Erin conveyed a world of longing and affection.
"Hey," Zoe responded, her voice barely above a whisper, her gaze locked on Erin's radiant eyes.
"So where are we going?" Zoe inquired, her curiosity piqued by Erin's mischievous grin, which mirrored that of her mother, Angela.
A playful glint danced in Erin's eyes as she replied, her words tinged with anticipation. "You'll see. Just sit back and relax."
As the car hummed down the road, the atmosphere inside was anything but quiet. The vibrant beats of the music Erin had chosen filled the vehicle, pulsating with energy that matched their excitement. With the windows rolled down, the crisp night air rushed in, tousling their hair and bringing with it the exhilarating sensation of freedom.
Zoe couldn't help but join Erin in singing along to the tunes, their voices blending harmoniously with the melodies that floated through the air. After what felt like an eternity of shared laughter and melody, Erin steered the car onto a dirt road, veering off the beaten path into the unknown. Zoe peered out into the darkness, unable to discern their surroundings, but trusting implicitly in Erin's sense of adventure.
As the car came to a stop, Erin's excitement was palpable, practically radiating off her in waves. With a quick grab of her backpack, she urged Zoe to follow, her hand outstretched in invitation. Zoe smiled, her heart swelling with affection as she allowed Erin to lead her into the mystery that lay ahead.
They traversed the unfamiliar terrain until they reached a small bridge, its purpose seemingly insignificant against the backdrop of the night. Settling down on the bridge, Erin directed Zoe's attention to the heavens above.
"Look," she whispered, her voice filled with reverence.
Zoe followed Erin's gaze, her breath catching in her throat as she beheld the breathtaking sight above. The sky was alive with a tapestry of stars, each one a shimmering beacon against the velvety expanse of night.
"Wow," Zoe murmured, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's beautiful out here!"
Erin beamed proudly at Zoe's reaction, her own heart swelling with joy at having shared this moment with her girlfriend. "I knew you'd love it," she whispered.
Under the canopy of stars, Zoe and Erin lost themselves in the timeless beauty of the night sky, their fingers tracing imaginary lines between the constellations as they shared stories and whispered secrets.
For the better part of an hour, they reveled in the simple pleasure of pointing out familiar shapes and patterns, their laughter mingling with the soft rustle of leaves overhead. Zoe found solace in the ease with which Erin seemed to slip back into her usual self, her worries melting away with each shared smile and shared moment. Erin had lovingly placed her oversized jacket onto Zoe when she saw her shiver. Zoe pulled it closer enjoying the warmth it provided.
But as their stargazing session came to an end, Erin's sudden movement caught Zoe off guard. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Erin reached into her backpack and retrieved what appeared to be a bottle, its label instantly recognizable to Zoe as Angela's favorite tequila.
"Erin!" Zoe hissed, her voice laced with concern and disbelief. "Why do you have that?"
Erin's wicked smile played across her lips, a blend of mischief and confidence that hinted at her rebellious spirit. With a nonchalant shrug, she reassured Zoe, her tone laced with amusement.
"Relax, love," Erin said, her voice lighthearted despite Zoe's concern. "My mom won't miss this." Holding up the bottle, she continued, "She'll probably just blame my dad and have him buy her a dozen more."
Despite Erin's attempts to lighten the mood, Zoe remained unconvinced, her worries lingering like shadows in the night. "Erin, I didn't come out here to drink," Zoe protested, her voice tinged with apprehension.
Undeterred, Erin reached back into her backpack, retrieving a can, this time a spray can. With a playful grin, she teased, "We can still have fun, but you're gonna have to drive us home if I'm the only one drinking."
Erin's attempt at humor fell flat with Zoe, whose unease only seemed to deepen. "Come on, Zo, relax!" Erin urged, her voice tinged with impatience as she leaped down from the bridge into the ditch below.
Despite Zoe's lingering doubts, she allowed Erin to take her hand and guide her down, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. As Erin offered her the bottle once more, Zoe hesitated before tentatively taking a swig, the fiery liquid burning a trail down her throat.
Erin cheered gleefully at Zoe's compliance, her infectious enthusiasm spurring Zoe to take another drink, her nerves gradually easing under the influence of the alcohol. With a kiss on Zoe's cheek, Erin turned her attention to the bridge, her hands deftly wielding the spray can as she began to paint.
Zoe watched with a mixture of admiration and apprehension, torn between the thrill of rebellion and the fear of consequences. As Erin's masterpiece took shape under the bridge, Zoe's gaze never wavered.
As the night unfolded around them, Zoe found herself gradually letting her guard down, allowing herself to be swept away by the thrill of rebellion and the intoxicating freedom of the moment. It was just one night, she reasoned, a temporary escape from the constraints of reality.
Lost in the warmth of Erin's presence, Zoe listened intently as her girlfriend explained her art piece, their words weaving together in a tapestry of shared understanding and connection. In that fleeting moment, nothing else mattered but the bond they shared, a sanctuary from the world outside.
But the tranquility of their reverie was shattered by the sudden intrusion of a flashlight, its harsh beam slicing through the darkness and illuminating their clandestine activities. Startled, Zoe recoiled in shock, her heart pounding in her chest, while Erin remained composed, unfazed by the unexpected interruption.
"Drop the can!" a familiar voice commanded, sending a jolt of recognition coursing through Zoe's veins. Her breath caught in her throat as she struggled to comprehend the implications of their predicament.
"Aunt Celina?" Zoe stammered, her voice tinged with disbelief as the flashlight swept over her and Erin, casting them in its stark glare.
"Girls?" Celina's voice was tinged with surprise as she switched off the flashlights, leaving them shrouded in darkness once more.
In the ensuing silence, Zoe's mind raced with the realization of where they were standing—Wilsher Country Club, where Erin's parents held membership.
"Breaking into a country club?" Celina's incredulous question hung heavy in the air, punctuated by Zoe's growing sense of dread.
"Please don't call our parents!" Zoe pleaded, her voice trembling with fear, while Erin remained eerily silent beside her.
"Sorry, girls," Celina's voice softened with regret. "Rules are rules, even for you. You both are under arrest for breaking and entering, property damage, and underage drinking."
Zoe stood frozen in shock, the weight of their actions crashing down upon her like a tidal wave. Her mind raced with the inevitable consequences that awaited them, her heart heavy with the knowledge that her parents would be devastated by the news.
|~| At the Bradford house |~|
Lucy and Tim were asleep, Lucy’s body was practically on top of her husband’s. He had his arms wrapped protectively around her waist, silently breathing in her scent. It had been a long couple of weeks. Metro had a few big cases that started to make Tim think about a possible switch. Lucy and Angela had begun working on a huge case that was taking up a lot of her time. It was rare that the two fell asleep together. Safe to say the amount of stress were under was crazy, so they enjoyed the few moments of peace. Although they should know by now, seventeen years into parenthood, that there is always quiet before the storm.
In the dead of night, Lucy's peaceful slumber was abruptly shattered by the intrusive ringtone of her phone. She felt Tim stir beside her, his groan and gentle nuzzle into her neck a testament to his own reluctance to be disturbed. Torn between the comfort of her husband's embrace and ther job, Lucy fumbled half-consciously for her phone on the bedside table, her heart sinking at the unwelcome interruption.
"Ignore it," Tim's sleep-laden voice pleaded, but Lucy knew better. With a heavy sigh, she reluctantly picked up the phone, bringing it to her ear with a mixture of weariness and apprehension.
"Hello," she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.
"Lucy, sorry to wake you up," came the voice on the other end, and Lucy grumbled in response.
"John, you better have a good reason for waking me up," she muttered, her irritation evident.
"Lucy, it's Zoe," the voice replied, instantly rousing Lucy from her drowsiness.
"What happened!? Is she okay?" Lucy's panic was palpable, her heart pounding in her chest as she awaited John's response.
"She's fine, but she was... arrested," John's words hung heavy in the air, sending a chill down Lucy's spine.
"Arrested?" Lucy hissed, her mind racing with a thousand questions. She turned to Tim, his confusion mirroring her shock. "Zoe was arrested," she informed him, her voice trembling with disbelief.
Tim's jaw dropped in stunned silence as he processed the news. "We're on our way," Lucy declared, hanging up the phone urgently.
With a sense of urgency, they both sprang into action, Tim grabbing his jeans as Lucy struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
"What the hell is she doing out?" Tim demanded, his frustration matching Lucy's own.
"I don't know, Tim, I've been here with you!" Lucy snapped, her nerves fraying at the edges.
"Hey," Tim's voice softened, his hand reaching out to steady her. "Breathe, babe, we will figure this out."
Following Tim's lead, Lucy took a deep breath, the weight of the situation settling heavily upon her shoulders. With a determined nod, she resolved to face whatever lay ahead, her mind already racing with plans to address the unexpected crisis.
"Get dressed, I'll call Genny and ask her to come watch the kids, okay?" Tim instructed, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. Lucy nodded her head reluctantly. It was certainly going to be a long night.
|~| The Evers Household |~|
On the other side of town, Angela and Wesley lay entwined in their cozy bed, surrounded by a clutter of papers strewn haphazardly on the floor. Wesley's arms enveloped Angela's waist as she slept, her posture chaotic, with one arm dangling off the bed and her blankets haphazardly covering only half her body. In contrast, Wesley slept peacefully, his side of the bed immaculate, with the pillows perfectly arranged.
The serenity of their sleep was shattered by the shrill ring of Angela's phone, prompting a groan of annoyance from the disoriented woman. With a begrudging sigh, Angela reached for her phone, her frown deepening at the sight of John's name on the screen. She chose to ignore the call, flinging her phone off towards the wall in frustration.
Wesley stirred in confusion at the disturbance, his gaze darting around the room. "What was that?" he questioned, perplexed.
Angela, already drifting back to sleep, offered no response. Wesley scratched his head, puzzled by the sudden disruption, wondering if he had imagined it all. Just as he settled back into bed, his own phone began to ring, eliciting another groan from Angela, who reached for a pillow to swat at her husband.
"Turn it off!" she grumbled, her voice muffled by drowsiness.
With a shrug, Wesley answered his phone, his tone tentative. "Hello?" he greeted, unsure of what to expect.
"Wesley," John's voice sounded relieved on the other end. "I tried calling Angela, but she mustn't have seen it was me calling."
Wesley resisted the urge to correct John, instead opting to question the reason for the late-night call. "Why are you calling us in the middle of the night?" he inquired, bracing himself for the inevitable news.
"It's Erin, she's been arrested," John's words hung heavy in the air, confirming Wesley's suspicions.
Closing his eyes, Wesley let out a weary sigh, the news hardly surprising given Erin's recent behavior. With a resigned shake of his head, he agreed to meet John at the scene.
"We will be right there," Wesley assured John before ending the call. He turned to Angela who had already willed herself back to sleep. "Babe," Wesley said, Angela opened one eye, and one eye only. "Erin's been arrested."
"Let them keep her for the night," Angela grumbled, closing her eyes again.
"She was arrested with Zoe," Wesley added.
Angela sat up, her expression softening. "We can't leave Zoe in a holding cell all night." She said and got out of bed. Angela's demeanor softened, recognizing the need to intervene for the sake of their friend's child as well.
With a sigh, Angela rose from bed, readying herself for the impending ordeal. "Can we get a milkshake on our way in?" she asked a small attempt to lighten the mood amidst the looming chaos. Wesley shrugged in agreement.
|~| At the station |~|
Tim and Lucy arrived first, their hurried footsteps echoing in the hallway as they made their way towards John, who stood conversing with his rookie and Celina in the back. They approached him with urgency.
"John, what the hell!" Lucy hissed, her tone laden with concern. "Where is she?"
John appeared slightly nervous as he glanced at the agitated parents. "She's in holding," he admitted reluctantly.
Lucy closed her eyes briefly, trying to process the news. Tim, however, remained calm as he inquired, "What happened?"
Celina stepped forward, her expression cautious. "I caught her and Erin breaking and entering the Wilshire Country Club," she explained. "They were arrested for breaking and entering, property damage, and underage drinking," she added, the last part delivered carefully.
"Zoe doesn't drink," Tim insisted, his voice tinged with disbelief. He had always hoped he had instilled in his daughter the dangers of alcohol.
"She was the one with the bottle, Tim," John said solemnly, his words hanging heavily in the air.
Both parents stood in shock, their minds reeling as they tried to make sense of the situation. It was then that Wesley and Angela arrived, seemingly unaffected as they strolled in, milkshakes in hand.
"Okay, what happened?" Angela asked casually, prompting Tim's frown at her nonchalant demeanor.
"Why are you so okay with this?" he demanded after John explained the events.
"I am not okay with this," Angela shrugged, but Tim couldn't help but notice the contradiction between her words and her actions.
"We have been having issues with Erin," Wesley admitted, his tone heavy with resignation. "Her behavior as of late has been questionable at best."
Tim's frustration mounted. "You didn't think to tell us?" he demanded.
"Why the hell would we?" Angela snapped back. "Our daughter's business is none of your concern."
Tim frowned at Angela's retort. "It is when she's the reason our daughter is in a holding cell," he argued.
Wesley and Lucy exchanged cautious glances as tensions escalated between their partners.
"Erin didn't hold a gun to her head, Tim," Angela growled. "She had every moment to walk away. But she didn't. Don't you dare blame my daughter for your daughter's choice! Erin isn't innocent, but she sure as hell isn't the only guilty one."
Before Tim could respond, Lucy stepped in, her voice firm. "Enough, both of you," she interjected. "Each of us could have handled things differently. There's no reason to tear each other apart over this. Let's just bail our daughters and go home." She turned to Celina, seeking answers. "Are they pressing charges?"
Celina shook her head. "No, ma'am. It seems the Evers are very charitable figures," she explained, glancing at Wesley.
"I didn't do anything," Wesley protested.
"Your mother did," Celina revealed. "I guess news of her granddaughter's arrest travels fast."
Angela groaned at the thought of the impending family dinner. "This weekend is going to be so fun," she muttered sarcastically.
John intervened, offering to take them to sign release paperwork so they could take the girls home, a small glimmer of relief amidst the chaos.
|~|
In the dimly lit holding cell, Zoe and Erin sat in silence, the weight of their actions hanging heavily in the air. Erin glanced up at her girlfriend, noting the permanent frown etched on Zoe's face, reminiscent of her father's stern expression.
"Zoe, I am so sorry-" Erin began, but Zoe cut her off sharply.
"Don't," she hissed, her tone laced with bitterness, unwilling to entertain Erin's apologies.
The minutes ticked by in uncomfortable silence until the sound of approaching footsteps broke the stillness. The four parents entered, and Zoe wasted no time in rising to her feet, a sense of guilt weighing heavily upon her.
"Mom, Dad, I-" Zoe started to apologize, but Tim silenced her with a raised hand.
"Don't even begin, young lady," he interjected sternly. "We are going home, and your mother and I will decide how long you will be spending without your phone."
With a disappointed look from her mother, Zoe turned to leave. However, before she was out of sight, Erin stood up, a desperate plea in her eyes. "Wait, Zo- I am sorry," she implored, her voice tinged with regret.
Something snapped inside Zoe, a culmination of Erin's constant apologies, her father's anger, and her mother's disappointment. "Don't!" Zoe hissed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I am done. Done with you, done with whatever messed-up mess you are going through!"
Tearing off the jacket she was still wearing, Zoe tossed it towards Erin with a roughness that mirrored her frustration. "Do us both a favor and just stay the hell away from me," she declared before storming off, leaving Erin and the parents in stunned silence.
As the parents watched their teenagers' argument unfold, Tim whispered to Lucy to head to the car with Zoe. He then approached Angela, who stood in shock as Wesley led their daughter away.
"Hey, I am sorry," Tim offered genuinely, his voice softening with empathy.
Angela sighed, her disappointment evident. "Sometimes I wish she wasn't so much like me," she admitted ruefully.
"Well, that's a shame, because the best parts of that girl are the parts she shares with you," Tim reassured her, offering a rare moment of comfort.
"I'm sorry about tonight, Tim. I really didn't want this to happen," Angela confessed, her voice heavy with remorse.
Tim shrugged, acknowledging the complexities of parenting teenagers. "They are teens, Ange. We can only help them so much."
In an uncharacteristic display of affection, Tim reached over to hug his best friend. "They will be okay, right?" Angela murmured, her voice muffled against his chest.
Tim sighed, his hope tinged with uncertainty. "I really hope so, Ange," he admitted sincerely, silently praying for the resilience of their children in the face of adversity.