Shame On You and Me: Chapter 5

Shame on You and Me
Chapter 5
Breann Wathen

    Ian pulled into the apartment building complex and my heart sank. If I could only spend another hour with him, or maybe even my whole life. I could feel him ease up on the gas so it would take longer to get there. A bunch of people in other cars expressed their rage. Seems like they’ve never been in love before.

    I saw Chuck and Jett smoking cigarettes outside of the building. Oh shit. I know that if I get out of another guys’ car, they’re gonna rat me out. I’m not taking those chances.

    “Ian, stop right here.” I hit the dashboard and unbuckled my seatbelt.

    “But you live over there, right?”

    “My neighbors are gonna rat me out if they see me with you. Unless I flash them, but I’m not that desperate.” I nervously laughed. I knew Chuck were the eyes while Jett was the ears. A tag team. A duo. Ready to report any damn thing to the tenant for a $100 bucks off their rent.

    “Okay. Here’s my number.” Ian unlocked the doors and handed me a slip of notebook paper.
    “Alright, see you later.” We kissed for what felt like an hour. I didn’t want to leave him. He waved slowly as he backed out of the parking lot and left. I took several shortcuts through the apartment buildings, carefully avoiding those two bastards.
    Luckily, Ms. Gregory came to my rescue. She walked up to the two and smacked a shared cigarette out of their grubby hands.
    “Those are death sticks lads! That why Mr. Gregory walked around with that burden of an oxygen tank. You don’t want to end up like him, do you? Dead?” She was in a blind rage. I took my chance and snuck past them into the building. Fumbling for my keys, I heard someone on the outside.
    It was more like faint giggling…from a woman. I ran through all the possibilities of why the hell another woman would be in our apartment. Maybe it was Becky next door. She was always needed something like fabric freshener sheets or a spoonful of peanut butter. It could be his mom, who I haven’t met. Is that a bad sign of saying this relationship wouldn’t last?
    Before I could find the right key, someone had gotten to the doorknob before me.
    “Amber! Ohmigod! I thought you were dead!” Chelsea wrapped her toned arms around me. It was Chelsea. Just Chelsea. Phew.
    “Uh, no. I’m all in one piece. The piece that you’re squeezing.” She relaxed her grips, but her hands were still on my shoulders.
    “Babe, I thought you were seriously hurt. You didn’t even try to call or text back. I was worried.” I saw a tear drop my Nate’s eye. Oh shit. Here I was out having the time of my life, cheating on my boyfriend who really cares.
    “I’m sorry. It was that things had gotten hectic. With all the news reporters being there and the ambulances.” I grabbed Nate into a deep embrace. I looked up into his brown eyes and he smiled. What am I doing? He leaned forward and I involuntary kissed him. I heard Chelsea make a gagging sound. I smirked. As he pulled away, I got the weirdest feeling in my stomach. Like the world was spinning to fast and I could feel it move. I almost collapsed.
    “Whoa! Ambs, are you okay?” Nate had caught me, his eyes wavering.
    “I guess.” I was weaving through everything that happened today. Every thought I had ever thought. And it hit me. I’m a horrible person. How could I go and hook up with some guy that’s been after me for years and then go back to me happy home with my boyfriend and lie to his face?
    “Maybe you need something to eat? Anyone wanna head to Red Robin’s? My treat, somebody gave me a gift card for 25 bucks.” Chelsea slightly jogged to the couch and searched her purse.
    Nate had hoisted me into a dining room chair, kneeling in front of me.
    “How does that sound Ambs?” He was gently massaging my hands.
    “Sounds great you guys. Uh, can I just change into something else real quick?” I tried to stand but my legs didn’t seem to carry my weight. I fell down back into the chair.
    “You know what? I can fix some hamburgers. Chels, thanks for the offer but I think she needs to stay here for a little while. Just to shake it off, you know?” Nate was basically trying to shoo Chelsea away.
    “Alright, but call me if anything pops up or happens. Good night.” Chelsea waved, keys jingling between her fingers.
    “Want some water or something?”
    “Uh, sure. I am a little thirsty.” I lolled my head around and rubbed my temples. Was this guilt? Or just after shock from the crash? The last thing I heard was the faucet running and someone yelling ‘Amber!’.

   

Not What I Wanted - A Short Story

Not What I Wanted

By: Breann Wathen

             

*                                  *                                  *                                              *                          *

            Today was just another day Jade had the walk the halls of West Woodcrest High. Almost missing Pep Club, Jade was running to room 144. Did she want to join this dumb course? No, Jade's mom thought it was a "fantastic" idea so she would get to know more students around WWH since she was a junior and only had three friends.

            "Jade, you're late. Head to the front office." Mrs. Hale was standing near a white board with the word 'PEP RALLIES AND FUNdraisers' on it. Barf. Jade couldn't stand being in that class, having to come up with ideas to get the student population excited about being here. Jade could think of twelve ideas that would really get these kids happy about school. No time now. Jade was cruising down the halls, taking her time to get to the office. Strolling her finger down the cold lockers covered in graffiti and streamers for the upcoming homecoming game. Jade was thinking of going, hoping to make her mom get off her back. She would probably ditch the game and go to the hookah lounge with her friends.

            Jade had made it to the office a million miles away.

"Hi, I, um, need a tardy slip." Jade was cringing at the sight of the clerk with multiple hairs and boogers creeping out of his nose.

            "Name?"

            "Jade Benson."

            "Aha. That's the fourth one this week Ms. Benson." He scribbled Jade's name on the olive green slip.

            "Please, Ms. Benson is my mother." Jade rolled her eyes at him.

            "Detention today at three, Ms. Benson." He handed Jade the slip, peering over the huge glasses. Mainly focusing on the huge skull dangling from Jade's neck. Jade's ex-boyfriend, Adam "The Villain" Peters gave it to her. They had to break up because Adam's parents sent him to a military school in Virginia.

            "Damn, I can't go drag race with my friends." Jade snatched the slip from him and stuffed it in one of her pockets. As she was walking back to room 144, she heard a familiar song. Jade turned her head and there he was, that mysterious guy she saw in the student parking lot every day. He was sitting down on one of the benches outside the office, like he got into some trouble. He was listening to one of her favorite songs, "Runaway" by Ladyhawke. Jade sat down beside him. He looked up at her with bone-chilling green eyes.

            "I love Ladyhawke. Has to be one of my top, like, three hundred and forty-five artists. Like, singing wise not paintings and stuff." Jade giggled at her on joke but the guy turned his head back down to his MP3 player, scratching at some jelly glued to the screen. He had a weird vibe and Jade had to be getting the worst of it.

            "Yeah, she’s cool. Hey, um, do you have any gum?" Jade could see why he was asking the question. His breath stunk of stale motor oil. The guy had a deadly but attractive look about him. Maybe it was the way he swept his very dark brown hair over to his left side. Or maybe the way his licked his lips before he said 'um'. Jade reached inside all of her pockets but couldn't manage to find a single piece.

            "Sorry dude, no luck. I'm Jade by the way. And you?" Jade stuck her hands back inside her hoodie pocket, only to feel the sharp edge of that tardy slip, reminding her to stop flirting and get back to Pep Club.

            "My name is Clyde, Clyde Jones. Nice to see you again Jade." The words slithered smoothly out of his mouth like a snake. Again? Jade thought. Is he in one of my classes because if he was, I would've noticed him by now. What does he mean? Jade reached for his hand and it was strikingly cold. So cold she almost snatched her hand back. But she couldn’t, she actually enjoyed his cold hand touching her warm one. It was like a tornado between their palms. Alright, cut the mushy-gooey lovey-dovey crap.

            “Look Clyde, I gotta head back to Pep Club.” Jade swirled her finger around in the air like a cheap party favor noisemaker. She got up from the bench and started to wave goodbye but Clyde grabbed her hand and pulled her close to him.

            “Let’s ditch this place.” He said in a breathy whisper. Jade followed him towards the doors. Together, the two slipped outside into the student parking lot. How could she pass up an opportunity to ditch school with an ultra-hot guy?

*                                  *                                    *                                            *                          *

            Jade was sitting in the passenger said of Clyde Jones’ car. What the hell?

            “Where do you wanna go?” Clyde was driving was along freeway in 2010 Honda Accord.

            “Um, I dunno. Never really skipped school before, unless I was sick, but that was a reason.” Jade played with the thread coming off the seatbelt strap.

            “Well, I know just the place.” Clyde flashed Jade a smile. Jade turned her head down quickly. Why am I getting myself so worked up over him. He’s just a regular guy. Jade lifted her head back up and smiled, only to see that Clyde wasn’t paying her any attention

*                                  *                                    *                                            *                          *

            Soon they were in the drive-thru at the local burger joint.

            "I'll have the number seven combo but onion rings instead of fries. Tack on two apple pies and make that drink a Pepsi." Clyde was leaning out of the window, shouting at the rusty old speaker box.

            "Sev-combo-no-pies-anything else ma'am?"

            "I'll have the number three, with a Sprite." Jade's stomach grumbled. She hadn't eaten since six o'clock. Sitting in the cafeteria tearing apart her soggy toast and blowing bubbles in her milk, real appetizing.

            Clyde pulled up to the next window and handed the worker a plastic card, so elite.

            The two got their food and decided to eat at one of the sticky patio furniture tables. Jade unwrapped her burger carefully, trying to act ladylike although her stomach was growling like a bear. Clyde rummaged through the bag grabbing all of his meal.

            “So your name is Judith right?” Clyde had stuffed several fries in his mouth. How could he not remember my name? I mean, he has bought me lunch and everything.

            “It’s Jade.” She nibbled on the side of her bun. Clyde stuck his straw inside his cup, sucking it dry.

            “Oh, sorry ‘bout that.” He pounded his fist against his chest three times before burping loudly. Jade saw that since he was being quite obnoxious, she could loosen up a little. It seemed like he wouldn’t mind.

            Jade took a full bite of her burger, leaving some mustard on the side of her mouth. Clyde rubbed his mouth on his sleeve, motioning at Jade. She giggled and dabbed the napkin on her mouth.

            “Thanks for buying me lunch; it really beats the shit they serve at school. Am I right?” Jade swirled her remaining fries in a dollop of ketchup.

            “No prob. And yeah, it does.” Clyde made a swift chuck of his hand over his shoulder, sending his trash straight in garbage bin.

            “Nice.” Jade dropped the fires in the bag and crumpled it up. She tried to copy what Clyde did but failed. The wrapper hit some 40-something year old in the arm and he yelled at her. While the guy was yelling and spitting at Jade’s face, she could that Clyde got a kick outta this. Jade smiled but that set the guy off even more and he threw his hands up and left.

            “Someone has their panties in a bunch.” Clyde was holding onto his stomach from laughing so hard.

            “True. So now what?” Jade crossed her legs and laid her arms on the table. Her sleeve instantly became covered in ketchup and relish. She shook it numerous times, trying to get all of it off.

            “Well, I got a washer at my place so if you wanna…” Clyde voice trailed off but Jade could see where this was going.

            “Sure.” Jade rose from the table, making sure her hands didn’t land in any more of someone else’s mess.

            “Let’s go.” Clyde had a smile on his face, a smile Jade couldn’t read but it seemed harmless. Jade had no idea what she was getting herself into.

*                                  *                                    *                                            *                          *

            The big black steel gates creaked open. He punched in to code and the gates opened. He parked into the cul-de-sac driveway. So many questions were racing in Jade’s mind. Where the hell are we? Is this his house? The lawn looks fantastic.

            “Welcome to my place.” Clyde opened the passenger door and sighed. Jade was astonished. The house was a mansion. Very Victorian/gothic aged. How could a 17 year old possibly afford this? Jade plodded along the push lawn in her Converses. Clyde pulled out a cigarette and lit it. The smoke circled around his perfect face. Jade’s knees felt weak.

            The strange man in a tuxedo opened the bulky door.

            “Good afternoon Mr. Jones. I see you have brought a guest. Shall I prepare anymore to eat?” The butler held a white napkin over his left arm.          

            “Why yes, Reggie. This is Jade. Jade, this is my butler Reginald, but I call him Reggie.” Clyde motioned for Jade and Reggie to shake hands. Reggie cracked a smile beneath his faintly gray, well-trimmed goatee. He knew something Jade didn’t.

            “Hey Jade, come over here.” Clyde was sitting on a dark brown leather couch, swirling around two glasses of wine. Jade sat a far distance away from him. He handed her the glass of wine and she quietly sipped. Jade was surprised by how little decorated the mansion was. Barely any pictures on the wall, numerous paint swatches and the huge fireplace looked as if no one had dusty it for three thousand years. There was a strategically placed mirror in front of them. Jade kept looking at her reflection as Clyde kept scooting closer to her. 

            “It’s Kinedraw, aged for 69 years.” Clyde tucked a piece of Jade’s hair behind her ear. Is he coming onto me? I’m not like that, I mean, I’ve only known him for2 hours. It’s our first real conversation. I’m not like that. But I know plenty of girls who would’ve jumped at the chance.

            Clyde sat the wine on a nearby end table. He scooted even closer to Jade, sliding his hands up Jade’s thigh. Jade knew this wasn’t right, but she was frozen still. Clyde brushed his lips down her neckline. Jade felt a sharp prick in her neck and something oozing down her neck. She touched her neck and looked at her fingers, dripping with blood.       

My Cindrella Story

 So this is an assignment my seventh grade language arts teacher gave me but I never truned it in. Mainly because I wanted it to be really good. So here goes my homework assignment from two years ago :D

My Cinderella Story

By: Breann Wathen

            I sat on the wooden floor next to the window pane. I peeked at the beautiful town. People buying goods for their loved ones. Children dancing, laughing, and playing happily in the street. Elders feeding the pigeons bit by bit and playing a good old fashioned game of chess. Why can’t I enjoy the freedom & happiness everyone else has? I shed tears while thinking, How foolish of father to marry such an evil soul?

            “Claire! Come clean these dishes and sweep the floor. It’s a pigsty down here!” Madam Florence yelled.

            “Yes Madam.”

            I somberly walked past Olivia’s room. She was wearing a beautiful sea green dress covered in emeralds. Combing her long chestnut hair while humming a sweet tune. I looked at myself dressed in an old tattered dress & dusty brown slippers spotted with holes. My red hair in a tight bun covered in ash and soot. I observed my hands. The hands of a hard working woman who doesn’t deserve this.

            “Claire, sometime today!” Madam Florence yelled. I mad dashed down the stairs and onto the kitchen.

            “And when you finish, you can clean and polish all seventy-two of my shoes and Olivia’s!” she ordered. She had a tight snarl on her face. She saw the plate that my mother had left me before she died. It was all I had left of her.

            “Aw…this piece of glass is worth nothing!” She chuckled and with a flick of the wrist, she threw it on the ground. It shattered and broke like my heart. I fell to the ground and started to cry.

            “And clean that up.” Madam Florence snorted and left. I couldn’t breathe. I lurked for the remaining pieces and wrapped them in an old piece of cloth. I held it close to my heart and sobbed. Olivia heard and came down the stairs.

            “Oh Claire, come here!” she ran toward me and held me. Her touch was like my mother’s and I cried even more.

            “How could my own mother do such a thing?! Don’t worry; I have glue so we can re-piece it. I know how much it means to you.” Olivia walked me to her room.

            Her room was quite exquisite. Her bed sheets made of satin, the vanity covered in ribbons and perfume. Pictures of her early years hung against the scarlet walls. I stood in amazement. This was a room that you could only dream about and she had it. I unwrapped the cloth and showed her all the remaining pieces. We sat on her bed and glued them together.

            “Oh, how do I despise my own mother! She’s just so…cruel!” Olivia pouted.

             Well at least you didn’t inherit any of her traits.  I mumbled. It turns out we have a lot in common. Madam Florence walked up the stairs slowly. I ran out of the room and into the hallway closet leaving the door open just little. Olivia tried to hide the plate but before she could hide it, Madam Florence ordered her to throw it away. Olivia placed it next to the trash can.

            “Now Olivia there’s going to be a ball tonight. I want you to wear a stunning ball gown and get all dolled up.” Madam Florence kissed Olivia’s forehead. Olivia held a disgusted look on her face.

            “Will Claire be able go?” Olivia questioned.

            “Never! The prince would throw her out the door the second she walks in!” Madam Florence snickered.

            I overheard the conversation. I will go to that ball. Pff. Yeah, I’d need a miracle. Madam Florence walked of her room. With devilish glare in her eye, she knocked down a plant and walked away.

            “Claire! Come clean this up!” she stuck her nose in the air and walked downstairs. I waited quietly until she finally made it to the living room. I scurried to Olivia’s room. She was too busy looking for a dress. She twirled around and saw me.

            “Oh my! Claire, you startled me! The plate’s next to the trash can.” She giggled. I smiled and picked up the plate. It almost looked the same.

            “Thanks so much! By the way, you should that wear sleeveless pink gown and fresh water pearl set.” I suggested.

            Olivia matched the two together and squealed. She gave a hug and got covered in ash & soot but she didn’t complain.

            “Do you wish to go to the ball Claire?”

            “Well yes, but you heard what Madam Florence said. She doesn’t want me there.” I hung my head.

            “Well it’s not her choice Claire!” Olivia protested.

            “Then yes! I would love to go!”

            “Well follow me!” Olivia clutched my hand and lead me the down the stairs.

            “Olivia, where are you going?” Madam Florence was pouring herself a tall glass of wine.

            “To the…umm…Jewelers!” Olivia nervously giggled.

            “For what?” Madam Florence

            “To buy a new…lace choker because mine ripped in half.” Olivia looked down at the ground. Please let her lie work. I would just love to go to this ball. I thought while I was trying hard not to breathe loudly from behind the huge china cabinet in the downstairs hallway.

            “Okay then.” Madam Florence sat on the couch and laughed softly.

            “Be very quiet but she probably won’t notice since she’s drunk.” Olivia snickered. She grabbed my hand and led me to a mysterious forest.

            “Now just wait here until I get back.” Olivia started to blend in with the trees. Nearby, there was a clear graceful waterfall. I sat on a rock and admired the beautiful scenery. I got closer and looked at my reflection in the waterfall. How could I be ready for the ball in time? I look hideous! Finally, Olivia arrived with some kind of golden locket.

            “Umm, you needed a lace choker and I need a miracle.” I laughed and pointed at the locket.

            “Just wait and see…” Olivia tossed the locket in the waterfall.

            “What did you do that for?” I stood up and protested.

Unexpectedly a white beam came from the mist of the water. I squinted to see what it was but it was too bright. Olivia had a grin from ear to ear.

            “So is this the one they call Claire, Olivia?” she asked. Her voice was heavenly.

            “Yes Mother Laura. This is Claire.” Olivia nodded towards to me.

Mother Laura was dressed in a silky crimson gown, sunset colored wings and a ruby incrusted wand. She studied me very hard and with a pivot of her wand, I was dressed ever so elegant. I had a lovely sunshine yellow ball gown, a gold jewelry set with rubies and on my feet were the most beautiful slippers ever. I gasped with glee. My hair was unknotted and untangled. Instead of a dull red, I had blazing fiery red locks that fell to my elbows. I gave thanks to Mother Laura and gave her a hug but she disappeared. My eyes started to water with tears of joy.

            “You don’t want to ruin your makeup!” Olivia giggled while wiping tears from my face. She was also wearing her ensemble.

            “Now let’s go to that ball!” I hand motioned for her to hurry up while we weaved through trees and rocks. When we arrived, I stood in amazement. I never had seen the castle so close before. From my tiny bedroom window, it all looked a dream. It was breath-taking. We walked up the stairs and stepped in the ballroom. All there were was girls in huge groups gossiping to their friends. I saw the prince for the very first time. He just was so handsome. His russet hair fell over his eyes just a little. He sat impatiently on his throne.

            “Father, all these girls?! How will I be able to find the one I shall marry and love?” Prince Travis questioned.

            “It shall be the easiest decision of your life. This is how I met your mother!” King Andrew chuckled while slipping a snack cake into his mouth.

            Prince Travis scoffed at his father and got up from his throne. All the girls started to murmur and squeal as he walked toward the crowd. I blushed and clung to Olivia when he looked at me.

            “The Prince shall meet all the ladies.” the local tale-teller shouted.

It was a stampede! The guards had to pick up girls and carry them outside. Olivia and I laughed at the scene. When the guards had cleared out all the girls, only me, Olivia and some other girl where left. Of course Olivia made it and that other girl. She looked so beautiful. But how me?  The Prince introduced himself.

            “I am Prince Travis. Sorry about that, those girls were too rowdy. Now you three were the most pleasing to the eye but let’s see if you are pleasing to my heart.” He held his hand to the girl. She got a weird wrinkly look on her face and threw up on the floor. Olivia shrieked and I almost fell backwards from giggling. The girl ran out of the ballroom and never stopped. Prince Travis stood with a disgusted look.

            “Eddie! Please clean this up and I will give you a promised raise of 43 frockles.” Prince Travis ordered.

            Soon some little guy ran out to the ballroom and cleaned up the vomit. His tripped his hat at me and scurried out of the room.

            “Now we shall dance!” Prince Travis chuckled. He grabbed Olivia’s hand and she blushed. They waltzed around and around. I sat by a table and watched them.

            “What is your name?” Prince Travis asked with a gleam in his jade eyes.

            “Olivia Lockhart.” She nervously giggled. She stumbled but he caught her.

            “I must say that you look very lovely this evening.” He flashed an award winning smile and Olivia swooned.

            I don’t need to be here. They were meant for each other.  I stood up from the chair, got one glance and left the castle. I headed back to a hellhole I call home. As I went through the front doors, the wind began to blow really hard, so hard that by ball gown began to rip apart. As I ran home, I lost my slipper. I wanted to go back and get it but I was almost nude. Madam Florence had passed out on the couch with a bottle of wine gripped tightly in her hands.

            I quietly tip toed up the stairs and into my room. I searched through all the boxes. I looked for an extra dress and I found one. It was the dress that my mother had stitched from some of her old dresses. It was beautiful. Now I had a plate that had been pieced together again and a dress to remember her. I slipped the dress on and grabbed my comb. I squinted at my dirty mirror. My hair was now dull and lifeless. I combed it with pain from all the mats and kinks. How could I be so beautiful for a minute but then return to my ugly self? I wish that the beauty I had was life long. I fell to my knees and began to cry. Why oh why? Only dumb made up fairy tales come true. This is all Olivia’s fault. That’s exactly why she has been so nice. Just to get my hopes up and then watch them crumble. I bet in the back of her mind, she’s laughing at me in despair. How could I believe that she was so nice? It was just an act. All of it. The evil witch. That smile and her warming words were just enticing me into fall. I feel so stupid. How could I be so blind? Questioning time is over. Payback time is now. I should ruin all of her dresses with wheel oil. Yes. That’s exactly what I can do. I started to creep down the stairs but Madam Florence began to burp and cough a lot.

            “Claire! Claire!” Madam Florence began to wail. I held back any words that could get me in trouble. And I managed to let out a “Yes Madam?”

            “Come here. Please my beloved.” Madam Florence must be out her mind. I was scared to go down the first step. I finally gained my courage and walked down.

            “Claire, I’m so sorry for all those mean and hurtful things I’ve said to you and made you do. Is there any way could repay you?” Madam Florence is completely drunk. Just drunk as ever. Or maybe it’s an act like Olivia’s. Yes, they’re working together Mother and daughter. I’m just absolutely sickened.

            “Madam, are you okay?” I managed to hold her old wrinkly hand. It felt like sandpaper.

            “I’m fine dear. Now grab me a towel please.” Madam Florence slowly opened her eyelids.

            “Yes Madam.” Before she could open her eyes, I scurried to the car port Looking for wheel oil. A hammer fell from the shelf and I prayed that it wouldn’t wake Madam Florence from her trance. Filing through the shelves, I finally found it. I slipped back through the door, forgetting about the towel Madam Florence wished for. I walked back into the living room were she was but she had fallen back to sleep. As I walked back up the stairs to Olivia’s room, I heard a lock click. Olivia was stepping thought the front door. I could hear all the squeals she was making coming up the stairs. I hid in the nearby broom closet.

            “Claire? Claire? Where are you?” Olivia was looking in my room.

            “Get out of my room you l-l-liar!” I burst out the closet door, my breathing speeding up.

            “Wait, what? You didn’t have any of that punch, did you? One of those girls put whiskey in it. Devil’s child…” Olivia walked towards me, trying to reach for my hands.

            “Get away! How could you do what you did?! Huh?!” The words made my mouth dry. I’d never said that to anyone but in room, cursing Madam Florence. My eyes began to sting from the tears rolling down my cheeks.

            “Claire, what are saying? I’m lying about what? I’ve got a lot of questions for you.” Olivia came even closer, flawless tan arms reached out just for me, making me hate her more.

            “You stay away from me you perfect droid!” I covered my face so she could not see my pain, but it must have brought her pleasure. I rushed to my room and locked the brittle door.

            “Claire! Quit acting like this!” Olivia began to knock on my door.

I crawled back to the window pane, were this all started. I threw my head in my hands, wiping more and more tears away.

            “Haven’t you gotten what you want already? I’m broken down! Go laugh it up with your mother! You’ve taken everything from me.” I sucked it up. I’ve got to be a warrior. I can’t let them see this side but it’s too late.

            “Claire, I would never do to hurt you. You’re like a, like a si-sister too me.” Olivia began to cry too. I got up and walked back to the door and opened it slowly.

            “What did you say?” I wiped my final and last tear.

            “You’re like a sister to me. I’m so sorry for all those things I made you did in the past. I only did it so my mother wouldn’t punish me but never mind what she thinks. Claire, you’re the best person I’ve met and I feel that you shouldn’t be living like this, you’re almost sixteen.” Olivia looked at me, face stained with running mascara and tears.

            “You knew my age? Like a sister too you? Olivia!” I fell down with her, hugging her tightly.

            “You never tried to make my life a living hell?” I stared into her eyes.

            “Never sister. I love you too much.” Olivia put on a faint smile and squeezed me even tighter.

            “You’re killing me!” I strained.

            “Sorry, I got caught in the moment.” She giggled. She got up and held my shoulders.

            “I’m gonna break you outta here. This is not the life you should be living. God never wanted this for you.”

            “What?! I can’t leave. Madam Florence will send a dog search for me, wanting me dead or alive. You are crazy Olivia.” I broke away from her grip, holding myself, shielding all the thoughts of my face on a ‘WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE’ poster around town. Too much for my brain to bear.

            “I know someone, Claire. They can get you a shack outside of town, but not too far. Please, let me make this right.” Olivia held my shoulders again, speaking directly to my soul, not me.

            “Okay.” Olivia snatched a knapsack from her bedroom vanity and she grabbed my hand again. She led me through the forest from earlier.

            Olivia pulled out a flashlight from the sack and turned it on. It beamed on a small little shack. We got closer and a dragonfly flew right in front of me.

            “Whoa!” I jumped back, swatting my hands vigorously.

            “Don’t worry; they don’t fly around here much, unless it’s a full moon.” Olivia giggled while unlocking the ruddy door. I looked at the night sky and there it was without a shame in the world, the moon.

            “Come on!” Olivia woke me out of my gazing moment. I walked into the place it looked fairly quaint.

            “You like? It has a little bathroom with a tub, a stove, fridge, freezer, and cabinets. The bedroom is quite small but I think you’ll be fine.” Olivia placed her hands on her hips, smile from ear to ear.. I explored the shack and I loved it.

            “Wow! This is amazing, Olivia!” I gave her a huge hug.

            “Well, I guess you’ll be fine ‘till tomorrow. I’ll bring you some money and food, okay?”

            “What about ‘Mad woman Florence’ ?” I snickered.

            “Who cares? I she comes looking for you, I’ll be right here with ya. We gotta stay in this together. And if you want to take a bath, go back to that waterfall and fill the tub, the bucket is outside.”

            “Yes! Thank you so much Olivia!” I hugged her again.

            “This was for your own good, Claire. Stay safe and don’t go wondering off, I’ll give you a map tomorrow.” She let go and waved goodbye. I waved back and squealed. My own place. Now I can start over. I can make it. No more Madam Florence. No more misery. I like it this way.

                                                                      THE END.