I pull up to Christine’s mansion sized house pushing my idea to the back of my head for now. I quickly park and get my school bad and some supplies I had in my car already and walk up her Grand Staircase
“Hey Kisses, come in” She says opening the door and pulling me into her house.
“You have a beautiful house Christine. What do your parents do?” I say honestly curious. The house is 10x bigger on the inside. I didn’t even think it was possible.
“My mother owns a fashion line called Brittney’s fashion co. and my father is a doctor” She says shrugging.
“Can I live here? I bet you have an extra room” I say jokingly but in all seriousness.
“Oh yeah totally” She says giggling as we sit down at the kitchen table.
“Hello, you must be Kisses. I’m Martha, would you two like anything to eat or drink?” So called Martha says wearing an apron.
“Martha, my parents aren’t home. Go watch TV or something. I can take care of myself. I don’t need a cook right now” Christine says giggling as my mouth drops open before I quickly close it. She had a fucking personal cook?
Shit, I have to text my dad
Me: Hi father. I’m working on a school project with a friend. I’ll be
Home later sometime.
Father: You lying bitch 13
I decide to not answer back and we just work on the project for the rest of the time occasionally talking about random stuff. I always thought Christine was kind of snotty but she’s really not.
“You know Kisses, I had a lot of fun and I’m glad we got the project done. Sit with me tomorrow at lunch and maybe we can keep in touch” She says and I nod smiling.
“I would really like that. Bye Martha” I say waving to Martha who is sitting on the couch watching House Wives. I guess we all have our guilty pleasures.
I leave the house and check my phone for any notifications. There’s nothing causing me to smile.
I make my way over to starbucks. I guess you can call me a white girl. But truth is, I work here. Which means I’ve gotten use to and grown fond of the coffee and drinks here.
“Funny seeing you here, Catherine said you weren’t gonna be here today” Cody says smiling when he sees me. “Miss me?” I say cocky putting my apron on and walking behind the counter.
Catherine gave me today off but since we finished earlier than I expected and there’s nothing making me want to go home, to work it is.
“You wish” Cody says nudging me causing me to laugh. Cody and I are always working together so we talk all the time. Might as well make the best of it. He’s in college right now and needs to make some extra cash.
“Hey Kisses, how are you?” Someone says and I turn my attention to see Catherine standing there giving me a skeptical look.
“I’m sorry Catherine” I say gushing before she interrupts me.
“I don’t care, just let me know next
Time when your working so I can pay you” She laughs and I nod apologizing.
“Ohhhh, Ms. Kisses got in trouble” Cody says poking my cheek,
Causing me to slap his hand
Someone clears their throat and I look over to see of course, Daniel and Kylie Green.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Hey Daniel, Kylie” I say smiling at the and Daniel smiles a fake smile looking a little hurt. I push it to the side and suddenly my idea pops back up.
Into my head.
“Do you like dogs?” I blurt out accidentally.
“Um, yeah why?” Daniel says confused and I get a “I’ve wanted one for years” from Kylie causing me to smile.
“I’ll tell you guys later, my shift ends in an hour. Wait for me and I’ll pay for your drinks” I say and they nod ordering.
As time gets closer to my shift ending I start getting nervous about my question being too pushy.
I quickly make myself a Strawberry Refresher and pay for Kylie, Daniel and It’s drinks. I make my way over to Daniel and Kylie nervous.
“Alright, so what’s all this about?” Daniel says curious.
“So um. I don’t want to sound pushy. This is just a suggestion and I don’t know if it would work out or actually happen. But there’s this dog at the shelter I volunteer at. She is scared of everyone but me and we both have similar histories. I’m not allowed to have her because my parents don’t like animals. At all. So I was wondering if you guys could come and meet her tomorrow and maybe possibly let her stay at your place during school and stuff. I would pay for everything and even give you guys rides to school when I drop her off in the morning. Her names Porsha” I say and Kylie’s face lights up while Daniel smiles.
“Dan, please?” Kylie says turning to her and he nods. “Alright, I’ll ask mom and dad later tonight and I’ll let you know the deal by tomorrow morning” Daniel says to Kylie and I causing a huge smile to spread across me face.
“Thank you guys” I say embracing them in a huge hug causing them to laugh and hug me back.
I glance at my phone seeing its only 6 and I still have a while to go till its 9. Even though I should go home so my dad sees me. Unfortunately.
“Do you need a ride home?” Kylie says, throwing her cup away.
“Um, no. I’m just going to hang out here for a while. Thank you though” I say smiling, ignoring Daniel’s questioning look.
“Alright, I’ll talk to you later, Kisses” Daniel says smiling and I return the gesture as they walk out of Starbucks.
I quickly do my homework and start heading home at 7:30.
I make a quick stop and get my parents their favorite ice cream to hopefully make up for not being home today.
I pull up to the house and unplug my phone. I look up to see every light on in my house, nothing out of the ordinary.
I grab my bag from the backseat and the ice cream from the passengers seat and quickly make my way into the house.
“The bitch is finally home” My mother says when I close the door.
“What’s in the bag?” My fathers asks and I walk the ice cream bag over to them along with two spoons.
“Hmm, smart girl. But obviously not smart enough” My mother says taking a swig out of her beer bottle making me cringe.
Soon enough, my mothers hand makes contact with my cheek and my eyes start to sting, tears threatening to spill.
Son of a bitch, she’s gotten stronger. I wasn’t expecting that.
“Any plans as of tomorrow?” My father says shoveling ice cream into his mouth.
“Um, just the normal, work sort of stuff” I say nervously.
“Good” My mom says standing and making her way to the bathroom. But not before she knocks my feet out from under me, catching me by surprise. My father uses this to him advantage and his foot makes contact to the area right below my ribs causing me to wince in pain. “Now, get out of my face” He growls and I quickly get up to my feet, grabbing my bag and run up the stairs, ignoring the sharp pain each breath I take.
That’s going to leave a mark … a big one
My phone bings signaling I have a text
Daniel: Good news, my parents love the idea of getting a dog. Bad news, it has to be small.
Me: Perfect, she’s a shih tzu. Very small dog.
Daniel: Alright, when can we see this angel?
Me: Tomorrow? After school or after my shift I can do.
Daniel: Sounds good, we’ll talk about it tomorrow. Goodnight Kisses.
Me: Night Daniel.
I may feel like I have a broken rib, but I’m not giving up the opportunity to see my favorite puppy and possibly adopt her.
Tomorrows going to be a good day.
I wake up to yelling and decide its not a good day to go to work before school. I text Cody and ask him to tell Catherine that I can’t come in because I’m sick. I know she gave me yesterday and today off, but I obviously hate being home. I check my phone to see a text from Daniel. Daniel: Good morning, I have football practice tonight, so if we can go anytime before 6 that would be amazing. Me: Yeah sure, we can go right after school if it works for you and Kylie. Daniel: Perfect, I’ll pick you up. Address? Me: It’s alright, I like to drive. That was close I don’t want Daniel knowing where I live just incase. I don’t want my secret getting out to anyone. Plus, Daniel and I just became friends. He may not even be my friend. Maybe he feels bad or it was a dare. I wouldn’t doubt it. With these thoughts running through mg head I sluggishly make my way over to the closet and chose a navy blue hoodie and a pair of black skinny jeans with my converse. I curl my hair and throw it into
I woke up a little before school ends to see a glass of water next to the bed along with my phone and book bag. A thin blanket covering me and the door separating the room and office closed to give me privacy. I pick up my phone to see texts from Daniel, Christine even Kylie. Daniel: Come back Daniel: Where are you? Daniel: Kisses seriously, wtf happened? Daniel: I’m fucking worried Daniel: Mother of all things large and small where’d you go? Daniel: Why aren’t you in any of your classes? Daniel: I’m going to the hospital Daniel: Dammit your not here Daniel: Are you still at school? Daniel: What’s your address? Daniel: I’m waiting outside the school. I’m be here till I have football practice. Me: I’ll be there Christine: Kisses Christine: He’s a dick, come back Christine: Where do you go? Christine: At least tell me your okay. Me: I’m fine. Thank you. Kylie: Where’d you go? Kylie: Daniel’s worried sick Kylie: He just punched the guy Kylie: Are you okay? You aren’
Recap: “No f?cking way. Your Kylie’s childhood friend. You’re the one who I had a huge crush on” Daniel says wide eyed. “Wait, what?” Kylie and I both gasp at the same time. Well shit Reality: Daniel just exposed himself for having a Childhood crush on me …. “Um, okay then. How about we do this homework” Kylie says as I shift uncomfortably. “Uh yeah, that sounds good” I say taking out my finished math homework and 5 other sheets of it, copying down the answers for a bunch of Daniel’s friends. “Uh, Kisses? What are you doing?” Kylie asks seeing the 6 copies of our math homework. “Doing some of the jocks homework” I say finishing up one page of it. “You still do that for them? Kiss, stand up for yourself” Daniel says taking the pages away from me. “Daniel, incase you haven’t noticed. I can’t fight. I don’t go to the gym or football practice everyday like you and the rest of the guys on your team. I’m the schools nerd who works two jobs just to make money to go to any college.
I woke up to what I thought was my alarm clock but was really Kylie calling me. “Hello?” I mumble into the phone. “Hey Kisses, What’s your address? I’m gonna drive you to school today” Kylie says happily into the phone. “Thanks Kyl but I have work after school so I’m just gonna drive myself. Thank you though. See you at school” I say quickly hanging up and getting dressed. I change into a grey hoodie that has the word ‘coffee’ across the front in dark, bold block letters. I put on some leggings and my converse because I have gym again today. I write a sick note quickly and then curl my hair a little bit. I cover up the hand print as best as I can and grab my bag and keys and head to school. I’m in the middle of my third period class when my teacher comes up to me. “Kisses, the nurse is looking for you” I quickly thank her and head off to Mrs. Green’s office. “Hey Kisses, just wanted to check up on that bruise of yours” She says smiling and I nod lifting my shirt up. “Any pain?”
“I’m here to see your mother” Tara says and I freeze again. “Um, she’s not home right now” I stutter out not knowing what to do. “It’s okay, I can wait. May I please come in?” She says and I nod, mentally giving myself a pat on the back for cleaning up all the beer and wine bottles earlier. “Please, sit on the couch. Would you like anything to eat or drink?” I ask and she shakes her head no and turns her attention to the TV. I sit next to her just waiting for my mom to get home. When I hear the car pulls up a warm feeling picks up in my chest and I know what’s coming, an anxiety attack. I stand and walk slowly towards the door and open it. “Mom, you have a visitor” I say pointing to Tara. “Tara? Why are you here?” She slurs and cringe hoping she doesn’t realize. “Are you drunk?” Tara says concern lacing her voice. Of course she’ll realize she’s an adult. “No, not at all. I just want my daughter to go get me food. Go now, I want pizza. Leave me and Tara to talk alone. Drop of
I wake up and get changed into a navy blue tank top, a gray cardigan and black ripped jeans. I pair it with some high heel boots. I throw my hair into a cute messy bun and do my causal makeup. I grab my backpack and duffle bag that I’m bringing to the Green. The drive to school was happier. I spent the drive listening to music and looking forward to tonight. “Hello Ms. Kisses” Kylie says as her and Daniel walk up to me when I get out of the car. “We are going to have so much fun” Daniel says in a girly voice and throws his arm around me. “Shut up Dan” Kylie says causing me to laugh. “Thanks guys. It’s nice to have friends as inviting as you” I smile at them and Daniel blushes a little. “Eh, don’t thank us. We love you Kiss” Daniel Says and I hug her. “Let’s get to class” I say and we walk to class right in time. I go to my car and follow the Green to their house. Thankfully Mrs.Green taught me how to wrap my side so I can do that on my own now and the bruise on my face has fa
I woke up to someone shaking me awake. “Kiss, you have to get up. Scarlet’s here” Daniel’s says and I open my eyes to see the yellow and white jersey with ‘Green’ written across it. “What time is it?” I scratch my eyes looking at Daniel. “It’s 11. You slept late, Sleeping Beauty” He chuckles while he throws on a shirt over his head, covering the view of his perfectly chiseled abs. “Did I fall asleep last night?” I say blushing at his previous comment and getting out from under the covers. “Yeah, It was no problem. Soon after you feel asleep Kylie went into her room and I felt too bad to wake you up so you just slept in here while I slept on the couch” He says and I nod, feeling guilty. “Sorry Dan, you could have woken me up. I feel bad” I say and he shakes his head. “Don’t be silly. It wasn’t a problem at all. Trust me” Daniel says as Scarlet walks in. “Hey honey, can I take a look?” She says and I nod as she lifts up my shirt to reveal the worsening bruise. “Hi Mrs. Green.
~Fast forward two weeks~ “What’s that from?” Daniel says lifting up my sleeve a little more to reveal the obvious bruise. Shit I forgot about that one, “I bumped into my counter last night. You know me, clumsy” Daniel looks at me knowingly “I have to get to class but I’ll meet you at lunch. My treat” I say running off to class. That was a close one. Daniel and Kylie have been getting suspicious. Tara comes over every now and then and brings Daniel and Kylie but I don’t allow them over any other times. I can’t take the risk. I think they know that there is conflict between my parents and I. They just don’t know the extent of it. My ribs are fully healed thankfully and I’ve been working a lot but making sure I’m home early. Daniel, Kylie and Christine have been amazing friends and I don’t know what I would be doing without them. Kylie took me shopping and payed for a bunch of stuff because I’m low on money. My outfits are now decent and don’t look the same every day. I got some col