Chapter 1- L.O.V.E

I never imagined that my life would end up this way. Growing up, me and my sisters were the faces of intelligence, beauty, and strength. We were praised for our good deeds and loyalty to our beloved town. The citizens of Townsville loved and appreciated our work. We truly were the perfect little girls.

Buttercup and I were sitting in my apartment eating dinner. I made her favorite, which was tacos with a bottle of wine on the side.

"Seriously, Bloss, you deserve way better than this," she took another bite of her taco. She was referring to the one-bedroom apartment I was renting. Sure, it was small, but I'd learned to love it. Well, like it. I'm sure that counts for something.

"It's not the best, but it's not the worst either," I said, "Me and Brick can't afford a house right now."

…Did I forget to mention that I am in love with Brick Jojo? Yes, Brick Jojo. After rejecting him multiple times as a junior, I took a chance with him senior year. It's hard to believe that my arch enemy of 12 years became the love of my life in one. Of course, my family doesn't approve, and honestly, I don't blame them. Bubbles fell in love with and married Thomas, who's an entrepreneur. Buttercup is independent and loving it. She makes her own money as a retro clothes store owner. Buttercup was kind enough to give me a job as manager at her store.

"Maybe if Brick got a real job you'd be able to afford a house. That meathead, he's just like his good-for-nothing brother." Buttercup was referring to Butch. She rolled her eyes and finished her second glass of wine.

She was right. Brick didn't have a real job. Him, Butch, Boomer, and Mojo did scams and other felonies for money. I don't complain, though. At least Brick has enough sense to get a job, illegal or not. Though I would prefer for him to have a job that couldn't potentially get him arrested.

"I don't need him to support me, Buttercup." Though I thank God he does. "If I ever buy a house, it'll be with my money, or at least half of my money."

The sound of rattling keys echoed through the hallway. Brick came through the door and kissed my cheek. Buttercup rolled her eyes.

It wasn't that Buttercup didn't like Brick. She couldn't care less about him. She just didn't like him for me. She thought that he took me for granted sometimes. Sure, he isn't perfect. But I love him. We have this unexplainable love.

"Look, Bloss, I gotta go. It's getting late." She stood up and went through the door.

I tip-toed to the kitchen and stood behind Brick as he got a beer from the 'fridge. "Brick," I said nervously, "I know you hate when I nag you about this, but… have you been looking for work?" Brick slammed his beer down on the counter.

"Let me guess- Buttercup is filling your head with a bunch of shit and now you feel like asking me about finding work?" His words were filled with venom, though they were true.

"W-Well, I mean…" I tousled a lock of my hair with my fingers and looked at the floor.

"That bitch is just jealous because she's alone. And you shouldn't be listening to her crap." Brick bulldozed me to the side to head to the bedroom.

I gripped his shoulder and turned him to face me. "You don't have the right to call her that! And you know what? She's right about you! She always has been! You can't get a real job! I'd respect you more if you were looking, but you're not!"

Brick nudged my hand from his shoulder and gripped my wrist tight.

"I get money to support your ass and this is the way you treat me? You holler about me getting a job when you have one and you don't pay one damn bill! I pay all the bills here. It shouldn't make a difference how I get the cash!"

"Let go of my arm!" I broke away from his grip. He stomped over to the couch and turned on the TV to drown out anymore yelling, I guess. I ran to the bedroom and yelled "Screw you!" before slamming the door and locking it.

Brick always does this to me. He starts yelling when I ask him simple questions.

I laid on the bed and put my head under the pillow.

This was too much for me. I used to imagine my prince charming who would, of course, treat me like a princess. He'd sweep me off of my feet with his charm and romantic ways.

Brick hasn't even proposed to me yet.

I felt the tears streaming down my now red cheeks. I always thought that when someone loved you, they treated you with love and respect.

Xxx R&R xxX