Ivy and I both dreaded the moment we had to start walking to the college, considering we were going early tonight so we could get dinner first. At least our homework was done so there was that... but this also meant that we would have to deal with Ryan and his football practice. He'd likely try to guilt us into watching and then ask our opinions on how he did. The problem with that question is that both of us are smart-asses and would likely tell him that he did horribly and deserved the position he has.
At least the walk was uneventful, as soon as we entered the cafeteria though we heard Ryan's booming laughter and I cringed. "It's here..."
"...Oh good. You shall serve as the distraction. I'm going to Arby's."
"Like hell you are!"
She was already walking away. "Cya later Clara!" She waves back at me.
"Ivy!" She just abandoned me... "What the hell-o." I jumped slightly when Ryan popped up right in front of me.
"Whatcha doing here early for? It's unlike you."
"...Food."
"Oh that would do it, you do love food." He's making me off to be a fat ass, bastard.
"I'm human idiot, I need food to survive."
"Nah protein shakes are enough."
"...You really are dumb. Is that all you eat? Cause thats not healthy and you'll need to change your diet before I harass you endlessly. Or maybe not it could be a amusing way to pass my time here."
"You have issues."
"Have you met my parents?"
"Good point. Wanna watch my football practice?" There it was... damn.
"Nooooooooooooooo I want food cause I haven't eaten in like a day and a half."
"Bad girl and you were scolding me for my eating habits."
"Oh well." I told him cheerfully as I moved to get into line. He moved with me, opening his mouth to say something else when my phone went off. I didn't recognize the number but I figured why not and I answered it.
"Hello?"
"CLARA!" I reconized that voice anywhere... Wordlessly I stepped out of line and waving to Ryan, I left the building.
"Mother."
"Aww! No need to be so short with me darling."
"You only call me when you want something."
"Speaking of that, I have someone interested in buying that bookstore of yours."
"I. Am. Not. Selling."
"Darling your in College now, you don't have time for that little hobby of yours. It will be in good hands."
"It is in good hands now and you need to back off. I am managing College and owning a business just fine. I am NOT selling."
"Why do you have to be so unreasonable!"
"You're only after the money Mother, what trouble did you get into now!?" I was trying hard to be quiet but she was making me angry.
"I'm not in any trouble. Why do you immediately assume that?" She demanded, angrily.
"You know what I don't have time for this. If either you or your "potentially" buyer show on my property, I'll promply show you the door. If you refuse to leave harassment charges will be filed." I snapped at her and hung up.
This crap is not needed... I let my hand fall back to my side, still holding my phone and stared at the concrete walkway. "Why won't she just leave me alone.." I ask no one in particular. I use to get along with my Mother. That changed when I was a pre-teen, she changed.
Mom found out the hard way that Dad batted for the other team, he's happily married to his husband Richard and lives in one of the shadiest places in Texas but that doesn't seem to bother him. Mom, however, lost it. She despised me cause I have his green eyes, she drove my brother out of the house cause he looked just like Dad and I haven't seem Charlie since... and that was five years ago.
She did everything she could to make my dad's life a living hell. Kicking out Charlie, abusing me, refusing his parental rights. She began to get into financial trouble with the local gangs. Owing them more than she could pay, that forced my hand and I had to start illegally working under the table when I was thirteen.
Eventually, I was able to afford to buy my own place. One problem, me being a teenager wasn't going to fly. So I managed to convince her to sign the papers. She got half of the income and I made it all work... This isn't the first time she has tried to sell my bookstore and likely won't be the last.
I really should give up on her... Sighing, I looked up only to come face to face with Godric.
"Clara... are you alright?" He reached out to me, I could see the concern in his eyes. It was then I noticed I was crying. I panicked, I never even let Ivy see me cry. I always pretended to be alright, so I did the only thing that came to mind.
I ran away from him, not wanting him to see anymore than he already had. When my phone went off again I clenched it tight seeing her number on the screen, with some part of me hoping she had seen reason, reluctantly I answered.
"What do you want Mother?"
"Since my name is on the building I am selling my half to Mr. West."
"No your not." Dissapointment flooded my being.
"Yes I am."
"I bought your half a month ago and we put the whole bookstore in my name. You not selling something I work hard for."
"I don't remember this. I demand to see the documents."
"You should have a copy in your desk somewhere."
"This is ridiculous. Bring your papers over, I don't have a copy."
"So you can steal them from me? No thanks!" I snapped. Would no be the first time she has stolen from me...
"Clara Renee Nightingale! You will do as your Mother says!"
"You are not my Mother! You abandoned me to raise myself after what dad did and now you trying to take something I built from the ground up, with money I worked hard to gather as a child! Leave me alone!" I yelled into the phone once I was far enough away from anyone, standing on the outskirts of the campus.
"Your selling that bookstore!"
"Don't ever call me again!" I hung up on her again, regretting ever answering the phone. I took deep breathes trying to calm down, but this was hard to do when I was still crying. I knew why I kept answering the phone, she's my Mother and I will always love her, I will always hope for the better, but I need to stop doing this to myself.
"Clara..." Why is he here again... damn him.
"Please go away Godric."
"I heard you yelling..." He tells me and I wipe my eyes.
"I'm fine." I muttered. "Besides you barely know me, you should go back to your own life and leave me to deal with mine." I knew it was kind of cold to say... I felt bad as soon as I was done talking. I looked away from him, hoping he'd just leave me to sort this out myself.
It surprised me when I felt strong arms wrap around me and pull me into a hug. "You do not need to be strong all the time Clara. Let others in, they can help you."
"Your cruel." I told him when I felt the tears coming back full force.
"Perhaps, but I am not leaving." He told me, I could hear the certainty in his voice.
My body seemed to react before I even knew, wrapping my arms around him, and resting my head against his shoulder.
"Your cold." I muttered. "Are you okay?"
"I am fine, Clara."
Hey everyone!
So, I realized I posted this chapter but I posted the unedited version, so here is the fixed on!
