Hellos there! ;) I'm sorry for being a horrible updater. With marching band, clubs, school, community service, and family, I haven't found a balance quite yet. I hope this chapter is good enough for you guys. I want to thank XxQuietSingerXx and Vampire-Angel27 for reviewing my story. It makes me happy to know my writing is keeping my readers interested. Thank you so much. Stay tuned for more updates and don't forget to review. ;)
Me: *listening to music by Honor Society while writing chapter*
Carlos: Hey, Angel!
Me: *tears my headphones off, doing a ninja pose*
Carlos: Woah, hold on Ninja Girl!
Me: Carlos, you scared me silly! You should know better than to sneak up on me like that. I could've hurt you ya know!
Carlos: Sorry…so what does Robin think about me?
Me: I don't know. Why don't you ask her?
Carlos: She won't tell me anything.
Me: Then stop asking her what happened on her first night at the Palm Woods!
Carlos: I can't help it. I wanna know her side of the story.
Me: Give it some time, Carlitos. She may come around eventually.
Carlos: So, what do you think she likes about me…or doesn't like?
Me: Carlos, I don't see anything about you that can't be likable. You're an amazing person, so don't forget that. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have-
James: *barges in* Kit Kat, why is Robin playing mind games and flirting with all of us?
Me: James Isaac Diamond, IF YOU DON'T STOP INTERRUPTING ME, I WILL POUR ALL YOUR CUDA PRODUCTS DOWN THE DRAIN, SHATTER EVERY MIRROR YOU OWN, AND DESTROY ALL YOUR LUCKY COMBS!
James: Not my babies!
Me: Thank you, now I have to finish this chapter like now…
ROBIN'S POV
Today was going to be awesome and I could feel it. I woke up very early, showered, put on a t-shirt and sweats, and made sure Mary was still asleep. I smiled upon seeing she was clutching my teddy bear tightly to herself. I had time, so I figured a jog would be nice. The sun was starting to rise, it was slightly cool, and it just seemed like a good day. Pulling on a sweatshirt, I grabbed my keys and locked the door quietly as I left. Unfortunately, Jett was in the lobby when I got there.
"Where ya going Sweet Cheeks?" He grinned in a sinister manner.
"Somewhere away from you," I rolled my eyes.
"Running away already? The fun hasn't even started yet. Are you really abandoning your precious daughter?" He sneered, getting in my face.
"I don't have to answer that. Moreover, you need some tic tacs or something 'cause your breath stinks!"*
"If you leave I will find you…"** he whispered in my ear darkly, placing a hand on my waist.
"You've got to be the dumbest pretty boy I know if you're really gonna try this mess again…"
"I may be dumb, but I'm better looking than James and the rest of those losers you hang out with at lunch," he said, pinning me to the wall with my hands above my head.
"The only loser I know is you since you insist on reassuring yourself along with everyone else that you look better than James. At least he's got some brains, but you? You can't take a hint. I don't like you and I'll never want you. You're a first-class moron and predator. I mean, what are you, nineteen, twenty maybe?"
"Don't mock me, little girl. I can have whatever I want, and I want you. Oh, and you're wrong because I'm twenty-one. Thanks to makeup, I can look eighteen."
"Don't make me laugh, Stetson. Everyone knows you're with Jo. You only want to use me and then throw me away like a used tissue. Were you held back or something? Oh, and thanks for letting me know that you're a predator."
"And everyone knows you're a slut that's in love with Kendall. I was only held back twice and started school a year late."
"I'm not in love with him. We're just friends."
"Well, you could've fooled me, whore! I really thought you Latin girls were easy!" He sneered.
That's it! This is the last straw. I'm only part Latina, thank you very much and we're not easy! I kneed him so hard in the groin it would be a miracle if he could produce even a quarter of a child for as long as he lived. He went down, releasing my wrists. I crouched down beside him as he held himself, groaning.
"Fucking bitch!" He squeaked, his voice very high-pitched.
"I told you to stop messing with me and this just proves how dumb you really are. I'm only partially Hispanic and I take offense when someone insults my culture like that. Now, I'm going to say this one last time," I began, reaching forward and fisting his shirt, pulling him to look in my eyes, "Stop messing with me, my friends, and family or I'll ensure you become some big guy's boyfriend in prison! You're a sick, twisted, pervert and I will never want you in any way, shape, or form. You truly disgust me. Now I don't wanna EVER have this conversation AGAIN!" I threatened, releasing his shirt, letting his head thump on the floor.
I stood up and turned to walk away, but went back to him.
"By the way, you might wanna get some ice for your uh…injuries."
With that, I walked off and went for a long run in the park. The place was deserted, making things quite peaceful. I listened to my iPod for the second half of my run. It gave me time to think about things and clear my head. When I returned to the Palm Woods, I got water from a vending machine. I smiled to myself and went up to my apartment, ready to cook. I made a big breakfast of French toast, pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, fruit salad, coffee, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. I set the milk and food on the table as I heard Mike getting up. Once the table was all set up, I went to my room to see Mary tossing, turning and whimpering in her sleep, a few tears on her face. I woke her up and the second she saw me, she hugged me tight and buried her face in my neck. I soothed her, singing "Safe and Sound" by Taylor Swift & Civil Wars softly in her ear as I rubbed her back.
"Please don't leave me, mommy!" She hiccupped after she calmed down.
"Mary, I'm never going to leave you. It was only a bad dream. Do you wanna tell me about it?"
"Not right now…" she sniffled.
"Alright, but I need to know by the time we go to bed tonight, okay?"
She nodded, and I dried her tears. I took her to the kitchen and ate, where she insisted on sitting on my lap. I laughed and we all enjoyed breakfast together. Mike and Annalei were talking about my food, Camille, and James. Finally, after cleaning up we all got ready. I put Mary in a jean jumper with a pink and green striped shirt before brushing her hair into a high ponytail. I dressed in a gossip sucks tee, black pants, and a gold necklace. I shouldn't have been surprised to see Annalei dressed in a scoop-neck top, an aqua skirt, and feather earrings. Mike wore a simple graphic tee and dark jeans. We all hopped in my car and got to the mall. There weren't too many people, but it still looked busy. Mary sort of clung to me, having to have some kind of physical contact with me at all times. Whatever she dreamed must have really shaken her. We walked through the mall, checking out all the stores, trying on random things and goofing off. I kept my eye out for the Build-A-Bear Workshop because I promised to get her an animal from there. I smelled the store I hated before I could see it and prayed to every god out there that Annalei would skip over it just this once. Did I get my wish? No, because she just had to go in every chance she got.
"Ooh! Robin, you have to come with me to Victoria's Secret," Annalei pleaded.
"No way, Snickers! You know Victoria can't keep no secret!" I joked.
"Way to quote Tyler Perry," she rolled her eyes.
"I HATE this store! You always drag me in here and I wait while you try on the whole store. I'm not doing that again."
"Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" She begged.
"Absolutely not!"
"How about I buy you something if you come with me?" She tempted.
"Ew, gross! I don't even like anything in that store!" I groaned.
"Oh, come on! I promise it's not as bad as you think. Maybe we can find something your future famous boyfriend will like," she winked.
"I don't even like any of them like that!" I protested.
"Sure, you do! You just don't know it yet. You can't let what happened in New Jersey hold you back from living your life. Even your mom is worried that you're using excuses to avoid being in a relationship."
"I can't leave Mary," I sighed, ignoring what she said.
"She'll be with Mike."
"It's not the same. Besides, that store makes me sick."
"There's no way in hell you're pregnant or allergic to anything in there, so you'll be just fine. You have absolutely no lingerie anywhere in your wardrobe. No hint of lace beside a pair of gloves and you practically wear granny panties or boxers daily. The only dress you have is the black one you wore to grandpa's funeral. I mean, there's nothing tempting or enticing in your closet or drawers. Why aren't you a normal teenager?" She ranted.
"Snickers, I'm not a normal teenager because that life was taken away. I don't constantly think about boys, flirt, try to impress people…I have a child to take care of and that's all that matters."
"I just want a girl to go with me. Come on, the last time I went was a year ago with Adam. Coming into this store lead to other things…not that I'm complaining," she smiled.
Sighing, I squatted down by Mary. I looked at her, noticing her eyes tearing up.
"Mary, can you go with Uncle Mike for a while? You can put the bags in the car, grab a pretzel, and by then I should be done. We can get you a bear after this, okay?"
"Okay, Mommy!" She nodded sadly, hugging me.
And off they went. My fake smile vanished as Annalei dragged me into the dreaded store. I slumped in a chair and picked up a sports magazine, putting my earphones in. A lady at the store gave me this unreadable smile and I just put the magazine down, closing my eyes as I leaned back, drowning in the music. About two minutes into the ninth song, someone poked my stomach, making me giggle. My eyes opened and Annalei was frowning at me.
"What?" I groaned, slumping farther into my seat.
"I wanted you to tell me what color I looked better in, but you were asleep," she whined.
"I'm not interested in watching you model whatever it is you wanna buy. Pick a color you like and let's get out of here," I pleaded.
"Fine, then you can pick three colors," she huffed.
"Black, purple, and neon green," I said, thinking of the first colors that came to mind.
"But the green and black make me look pale!"
"Then pick something else," I grumbled.
I was unaware of the fact that the workers were watching us with amused looks.
"Which animal is more adorable to you?"
"I like turtles…but puppies, bunnies, and kittens are cute, I guess. Why are you asking me?"
"I just want your opinion is all."
"Is there anything else you want to know?" I asked, rolling my eyes annoyed.
"Just one more thing. Which perfume would you wear out of Twilight, Cotton Candy, and Japanese Cherry Blossom?"
"Hmm…my mum used to wear Cotton Candy all the time and it wasn't bad until she jacked my vanilla body spray. Cherry Blossom smells amazing, but it's strong. I think I'd go with Twilight."
"Thanks, Bunny," she smiled, kissing my cheek.
It's been a while since she's done that. It's been two years to be exact. She walked away and the lady at the counter smiled at me yet again. I didn't know if she was being nice or got Botox, but she was creeping me out. Nevertheless, I rolled my eyes and tuned in to my music. This time I was brought to reality by a weight on my legs and someone poking my cheek. I opened my eyes to see Mary perched on my lap with a small smile on her face, her mouth covered in sugar crystals.
"Mommy, can we go get my bear now?"
"I thought you'd never ask!" I sighed in relief.
Annalei was at the counter with Mike purchasing her items. I picked up Mary and wiped her mouth before she pecked my cheek. We headed to our destination. She got a teddy bear in a rainbow dress that she named "Cuddles." It was a cream-colored bear and she had the biggest smile on her face with the brightest twinkle in her eyes. It boosted my confidence to see her so happy. We continued walking around the mall, getting random items, and goofing off. Finally, we stopped in the food court for lunch. Annalei went on about the last two concerts she'd gone to. Mike was talking about a car he was saving up for. Mary was babbling about a project from school. And me? I was soaking it all in…enjoying the company of my family. I finally felt complete. I felt eyes on me and looked up. For a split second, I thought I saw a familiar face from New Jersey walk by, but brushed it off. That's impossible. I mean, after the fallout we had, he wouldn't dare follow me here. Maybe mum told – no, that's stupid. I told her to tell him I was with relatives in Canada. I guess it's possible that he somehow found out, but – no, never mind. I went with Annalei to a tattoo and piercing shop. I got Mary's name beneath my dandelion tattoo on my right shoulder. Her name was in calligraphy writing with sparks around it. Once that was finished, I got a ladybug on my left hip, a few hearts and stars just below my belly button, and my belly button pierced. We drove around the city for a while until we found an okay-looking Chinese restaurant for dinner. Mary wanted some ice cream, so I told her we'd get dinner first, then ice cream. It was a nice day and I thought we could all use a frozen treat. Mary wanted to be a "big girl" and help Mike order the food. I chuckled and let her go as Annalei and I took a seat at a table. I decided now would be the best time to talk to Annalei.
"Um, Snickers…when I was showering last night, what did you tell Mary?"
"Bunny, what are you talking about?"
"I mean last night I was in the shower and she was with you and Mike. When we were both retiring for the night, she said you told her that Carlos and I…fancied each other…" I blushed.
"That's because it's true! You and Carlos belong together, and I can tell. I mean, you're blushing like mad!"
"Only because I'm embarrassed for having to bring up something like this."
"Excuses, excuses! You're in denial about your true feelings. Unless you feel for one of the other band members…"
"I'm not in denial…I'm just not interested in a relationship."
"You don't necessarily have to have a relationship. I mean, there's nothing wrong with having a crush on a boy," she smiled knowingly.
"But it's not a crush!"
"AH, so you're admitting you have feelings, no?
"No! Ugh! Pourquoi cela doit-il être tellement frustrant? Je ne l'aime pas!"
"In English please?" She sighed annoyed.
"I said, 'Why does this have to be so frustrating? I don't like him or any of them!'" I huffed.
Whoa, retract your claws, kitty cat! There's nothing wrong with liking him. I have to Carlos is one sexy Latino."
"I'm sorry. I don't like him, okay? I just…" I sighed, looking over at Mike and Mary in line, "I have responsibilities and I'm not going to let anyone hurt her. I don't care what happens to me anymore…"
"You need to loosen up and have some fun. You're using Mary as an excuse and let her run your life. It's like you don't even have a life anymore."
"Don't you understand? Mary is my life. And I don't need to relax, Snickers. I need to save money for her college funds, apply to some colleges online, and—"
"Ask Carlos for a massage because I bet he's great with his hands…" she smirked lowly, cutting me off.
"I'm not asking him for a massage!" I gritted my teeth.
"Well James will be taken, Logan might give you one in trade for sweets, and Kendall may seduce you into giving him your recipes. Although, you seem like you need to be seduced."
"I'm not getting a massage, Annalei. I don't need one, okay? I'm totally fine!"
"Stop being so damn uptight."
"I. Am. Not. Uptight! I'm just…confused."
"I hear hanging out with Carlos can fix that."
"I'm not having this conversation. I just have to—"
"Go out, party, relax, get some firsts out of the way…"
"NO! I need to let things fall into place. Boys will NOT solve my problems. I don't like Carlos any more than a close friend and you need to stop being so boy crazy."
"Not until you're finally corrupted."
"That's never gonna happen."
"Then the same goes for me. You're a very headstrong girl, Robin."
"That's just a part of who I am."
I smiled to myself and finally, we got our food. Next stop, the ice cream shop. I got a simple French vanilla cone, Mary got chocolate, Mike got Rocky Road, and Annalei got a mint chocolate chip cone. We got in the car and I sped home, sneaking licks of my ice cream, which had started melting after two minutes. We all grabbed bags and walked into the lobby, me still trying to eat my ice cream until Annalei nudged me in the ribs, causing the ice cream to get on my nose. I certainly couldn't lick it off, so I got stuck with a white-tipped nose.
"Ow! What was that for?" I glared at her.
"Stop eating your ice cream like that!"
"Like what?" I asked, taking a lick of my now dripping ice cream.
"Like that!"
"Why?" I asked, taking a few slower licks.
"Because everyone is staring!" She hissed.
I looked around and realized I basically got the entire hotel's attention. Everyone looked like they were waiting with bated breath. Logan, Carlos, James, Lucy, and Kendall were all by the elevators, simply staring at me. Carlos' face was unreadable, James was smirking with dark eyes, Lucy's face was blank, Logan's mouth formed an "o" shape, and Kendall was biting lip. I felt something cold and wet dribbling down my hand and realized it was my ice cream. I quickly lapped at the cream as I made my way to the stairs, my family in tow. I'd finished my cone by the time we put all the bags where they belonged. As I sat on the couch, Mary crawled into my lap.
"Okay, we're never taking you for ice cream again," Mike mumbled, heading to his room.
"What? Why?"
"You, my sweet, innocent child, eat ice cream far too suggestively for the public eye," Annalei said.
"Well, that's dumb!" I pouted.
"I know it is, but we just can't handle you and ice cream. Everyone looked like they were about to orgasm just from watching you."
"About to do what?"
"Never mind…you wouldn't understand anyway. I swear to God you're the most innocent person your age. It's sometimes frustrating!" She groaned.
When Mike returned, we ate and went to our rooms. Mary got her bear Cuddles, and scooted closer, facing me once we were ready for sleep.
"What's wrong Honey?"
"My bad dream that I had…"
"What about it?"
"We were walking…a scary man grabbed you and pushed you…" she started, tearing up.
"You don't have to finish unless you want to," I said, feeling my chest tighten.
"You started fighting with him and your face was dripping red before more scary people helped him. Y-you…"
She was crying by now and I held her to my chest, letting her cry. My white beater was soaked with tears and snot, but I didn't care.
"Mary, it's okay. Nothing will happen to me, okay? It's all going to be fine," I soothed, my own tears falling.
"You fought and fought and then I ran. You were gone, Mommy," she sobbed.
I rubbed circles on her back and kissed her hair. I sang and soothed her back to sleep. I was deeply hurt by this. I was upset seeing my own flesh and blood crying. It made me wonder how much of the incident in Jersey she saw. I had a feeling something big was about to happen. I just couldn't tell if it was good or bad…
* From Shrek
** line from "Please Don't Go" by Mike Posner
Well my lovelies, that was another chapter. I hope you're enjoying the story. I don't know how to keep y'all entertained, but I hope you liked it. What do you think so far? Hoping to update soon. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? REVIEW! XOXOXO Vampire-MusicLover09