They ended up spending several hours in the mall. They didn’t leave until nearly closing time. Michelle managed to bilk her parents for hundreds of dollars. The twins even managed to get in a couple hundred dollars each. Demi wanted to be upset by how her parents don’t bat an eyelash when spending so much money on her siblings but would him and haw over her wanting things she needed, such as feminine hygiene products or things that were necessary, like bras and underwear.
By the time they had gotten all the bags in the car Demi, barely had room in the cramped trunk. They pulled off and headed home until Michelle spoke up. “Daddy, we haven’t had anything to eat. Stop at McDonald’s or Burger King. Please?”
“Sure thing Pumpkin. I’ll get you all something to eat.”
Hearing that made Demi feel as if they wouldn’t forget her this time. That gave her reason to smile. They pulled into the drive-thru and he placed their order. Unfortunately, they did it again. Instead of getting six meals, they got only five. The hope that she had building inside of her died. She sighed but didn’t say anything. Michelle was in a great mood because of the shopping and spoke up. “Daddy, how could you forget Demi? She needs to eat too.”
He looked towards her in the rearview mirror, barely able to see her underneath all the bags. He huffed. “She can just eat food from the house. We have something there.”
“Ok, long as she doesn’t starve. It wouldn’t look good if something happened to her.” Michelle knew just how to pull her parents strings to make sure they did something for Demi.
Demi was thinking about how much longer until school started. There was just under two weeks until she would be away from them. Able to eat meals and pretend to have confidence. They reached home and the trunk was opened. Demi gathered all the bags in her hands before exiting the vehicle. Their nosey neighbor was outside watching the whole thing. Demi didn’t say anything just gave her a polite smile. Her parents had stopped to chat with the woman.
Michelle headed up the porch to unlock the door. She collapsed onto the sofa as if she had worked several hours. “Shopping can be so tiring. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“I wouldn’t know.”
“Oh, don’t say that. You got something too.”
“If you say so.” Demi headed into Michelle’s room to put her bags on her bed. Then to the twins room to drop theirs off. She went through the bags gathering the clothes and hanging them up. She went back to Michelle’s room to do the same. It was nearly midnight when she had finished. Michelle really did get a ton of clothes. And she always wanted them organized by color. Good thing the twins weren’t picky that way. Demi decided to forgo eating anything since it was too late. She headed into her bedroom and pulled the hidden phone from under her pillow She sent a text message to Victoria. [Home now. Sleep now c u 2mrw?]
She tucked the phone back under her pillow. Feeling the vibrations of the phone she knew Victoria had responded. Demi fell asleep to her stomach rumbling. It had been a long day.
Morning came and her parents had to go to work, which left the girls home alone. Usually when they were gone Demi was able to do as she pleased. Michelle didn’t care as long as she stayed out of her way. Victoria came over bright and early with a bag in her hand. The door was unlocked, so she walked right inside. She went straight into Demi’s room and dragged her outside on to the porch. “Come on, you need the sunlight.”
She was groggy from being woken up. She only mumbled incoherently. “Mmhmm.”
Victoria pulled her outside forced the bag into her hands. It was filled with strawberry milk, a couple breakfast sandwiches, chocolate milk, and bags of chips for them to share. “Eat up, I’ve already eaten but I’m sure you haven’t.”
Demi could always count on her best friend to make sure that she was alright. “Thanks. You’re the best.”
Victoria had pushed Dei’s head the opposite direction. “Pee you girl your breath is rank.”
“Says the fool that woke me up and dragged me outside first thing in the morning.”
“Well, how else am I going to get food in your belly? Sure, don’t want you having to share it with those brats.”
Demi tilted her head showing her displeasure. “You know they aren’t that bad.”
“Yeah, well they aren’t that good either. Who treats their sibling like a slave? A maniac does, that’s who. If we could get you out of this house, I’d feel much happier.”
“Yeah, and in foster care where there’s a good chance, I’d never be able to see you again. This is fine ok. We shouldn’t dwell on that. Any news to tell me?”
“Of course! I got a boyfriend.”
“How the hell did you get a boyfriend in a matter of hours?”
Victoria stood up and smiled, she rocked her hips back and forth. “Because I am a gorgeous woman that can get any guy I want.”
“Well, you have fun with that. I don’t think relationships are for me.”
“Says, no girl ever. Seriously, I seen the way that tall guy looked at you.”
“Yeah? So? I seen him at the mall last night too with his brother. Apparently, Michelle knows them.”
“Of course, she does. If anyone would be called a slut it would be her.”
“That’s not nice.”
“OK, ok. It wasn’t nice but it’s true. So, what’s his name?”
“You mean the guy?”
“Duh.”
“His name is Zaine. His brother’s name is Jermaine. I guess Zaine is our age.”
Victoria sat down in shock. “No freaking way? That tall guy? I thought he was an older teen. Like eighteen or something.”
“Guess that means you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
“Well, no shit. Michelle looks nice but underneath it all she’s a spoiled little bitch.”
Demi smirked but bumped into her friends shoulder. “Be nice.”
“Ok fine.”
The two girls kept chatting away when a started to walk past. He had a red baseball cap on, denim shorts that went past his knees, a long blue shirt, and earrings in his ears. He was tall. Instantly Demi felt as if she was struck by lightning. Her heart started to beat faster. Victoria saw the way Demi looked at him. Her mouth was slightly ajar. Demi slowly licked her lips. The guy seen from his peripheral how she reacted to him. He wanted to say something to her but just raised his hand in a small wave. Demi’s brain started running with thoughts. She knew him, knew his name. He was just outside the edge of her fence when his name came to her, she called out to him. “Zaine?” He stopped right there, taking off his hat to reveal his dark brown eyes, thick hair, and a smile that went on for days. “Hey, Demi. You’re up early.” “I’m an early bird what can I say. You look um really cute today.” “Thank you. Thank you. You look beautiful too.” She qui
The two girls walked over to the field as they got closer, they could see it was the same group of guys that passed by her house the day before. They looked at each other and wanted to turn around until Demi looked and noticed Zaine was up to bat next. Victoria noticed the longing look in her eyes. She sighed. Her voice was low when spoke. “Just five minutes alright?”Demi tried to play off as if she didn’t know what Victoria was talking about. “What?”“You know what I mean. Just a few minutes.”“Well, if you insist.”“I don’t we can leave. It’s too hot to be outside like this. I would much rather be sitting somewhere eating ice cream.”“Oh.” She looked back at the field waiting for Zaine to go up to the plate.“We can stay.”“Mmm.”Victoria shook her head while rolling her eyes. She watched the guys play baseball a
The twins sat there in shock. Demi waited, maybe it wasn’t as bad as she was letting her mind think. Michelle she was the first one to explode. She stood up irate. Yelling at her parents. “What do you mean we’re moving? Moving where?”Their mother refused to answer the questions, leaving it for their dad to explain. “We’re still going to be staying in the same city. We just need to downsize. That’s all.”“OK, so I don’t lose my friends but what about school? Do we have to transfer?”He reached out placing a hand on the top of her head and shoulder. “No, we’ll still be in the district.”That calmed Michelle down long enough to agree to it. Demi had questions but wasn’t sure if they would listen to her. “Dad? When do we move?”“We need you to pack everything up that you can. We’re moving soon.”She was afraid he would say that. He was always hardest on her. She made it a point to tell Victoria when she has the chance. “OK then.”Her parents left the living room to
With Victoria helping her out with the packing she managed to get not only the twins room packed up but hers and their parents. There were things in her parents room she never ever wanted to see again. She naturally assumed adults were weird. The only rooms left to take care of were the living room and kitchen. The sun was still out, it was only about five when they took to the streets.Demi couldn’t help but hug her best friend as they walked over to her house. “Vic I don’t know what I would do without you.”“Luckily, you will never have to find out. Stay the night at my house tonight.”“Are you saying what I think you mean?”“You goddamn right I am. Sleepover.”“Home cooked meal or junk on top of junk?”“Let’s ask mom first. You should call your parents and ask them too. OK?”“You know they may say no but I’ll try.”It
Demi followed Victoria out of her bedroom. The girls walked in on her mom while on a phone call. Demi could tell just by the way she looked, who she was talking to. The shrill sound of her mother’s voice came through the speaker. She just knew that they would tell her to come back home. Victoria could see the worry forming on her brow. She hugged her close.Maxine hated talking to this woman, she knew they treated Demi as if she was the unwanted stepchild but couldn’t prove anything. “Mrs. Lockhart, Demi explained to me that you will be moving soon. I figured it would be best for them if they had a sleepover this weekend. Victoria and I will truly miss having her around.”“Whatever. I’ll be glad when we don’t have to live so close to you anymore.” She ended the call.Maxine rolled her eyes while she placed her phone face down on the counter. She seen the girls standing there with hopeful gazes. She clapped her hand
Just as she was about to make breakfast her parents came out of their room. She knew it wasn’t going to be good. Her father clapped his hand to get all of his girls attention. “Listen up, no making food for a bit. We’re going to get takeout. Less mess.”Demi sighed in relieve, she wouldn’t have to cook but there was another problem that came to mind. She may not get fed either. She wanted to slump down against the wall but thought better of it. Her father jingled his keys to get them all in the car. Reluctantly, she followed suit.Stuffed inside the trunk yet again She looked out the rear window. Demi tried to keep herself from feeling down but the more she thought about this new move the more she realized her life was only going to get worse.Instead of going to a drive thru restaurant, they pulled into IHOP. Demi's eyes light up. There was no way they wouldn’t allow her to eat especially with so many people around. Eve
“Says the hopeless romantic. Men aren’t good. Look at that man that sired me. He’s scum.” Demi wanted to bring up what she thought her father was doing but decided against it. Victoria pulled her into a hug, not knowing the real reason for her friends scowl. “Not all men are like him. I mean you’ve met my dad. He was the best.” “True. Sorry. I just wished he had stayed around longer. It would’ve given me a better example of good men.” “Wll, when it’s your time to go you can’t bargain for more time. I know he’s at peace. Instead of suffering.” “That’s true. He was in so much pain before. That’s why you’re the hopeless romantic.” “I bet you Zaine will change your mind. You’ll be a romantic too. I feel it in my soul.” Demi knew Victoria was right about seventy percent of the time but she refused to think that there was at least one great guy out there for her. It couldn’t have been him. Lightening would have to strike for her to believe h
The last weekend of summer break came. Demi spent her time in her room. A pounding sound resounded on the floor. She knew what that sound was. They had taken to using the ceiling as a means to call her down from her room. She chewed on the inside of her cheek before heading down to the main area of the house. When she got to the living room it looked as if her parents had been arguing once again. The twins were hugging each other in a corner. Michelle was nowhere to be found. With slumped shoulders she went to console the twins. Madison was the older of the twins she clung to Melanie. Demi stooped down in front of them. “Wanna go for a walk? It’s time we got familiar with the neighborhood.” The girls didn’t say anything but nodded their heads. Demi breathed out while wiping their tears from their faces. “Go put on your shoes and wait for me. I’ll let mom know where we’re going.” Melanie and Madison ran to grab their shoes. Demi went to her parents room. Her mom was s