Joe-
It was almost Halloween. I had promised her a scary movie every night. The only times we didn't was when I had a game Saturdays. Going over to her house with another movie, I could hear her dad yelling. I decided to go through the back to her window. Tapping it lightly. She opened it. Climbing in, I went to sit with her on her bed. I kissed her.
"What's going on?", I asked.
"My dad found my mom drinking. She was passed out in the car with the windows closed", she said.
"Are you ok?", I asked.
"Yeah, kinda hungry but it could wait. I don't want to go out there. Trust me, you don't want to get in the middle of that.", she said.
"Ok, I'll sit with you. Come on, lean back into me", I said.
I kicked my shoes off and got comfortable on her bed. She rested her head on my chest. I rubbed her back softly. After a while I heard the door to one of the rooms slam hard, making the walls shake and Chris jump. A soft knock on her door. She lifted her head.
"Come in", Chris said.
Cora popped her head in. Chris smiled at her.
"Come on", I said.
Cora smiled and jumped into Chris's bed. She laid next to Chris and hugged her close. Chris brushed her fingers through Cora's hair.
"No movie tonight?", Cora asked.
"Not till that calms down. I don't want to see dad yell at mom and I can't take mom's crying", Chris said, pointing towards her door.
Her sister nodded. Cora stood and patted my knee.
"Help me out will you", she said.
I nodded.
"Where are you going?", Chris asked.
"Give us a second, so clingy that one", Cora said to me.
Chris giggled.
"I love her clingy. It feels good", I said smirking.
Cora stopped.
"Ew", she said.
Chris and I laughed. I followed her into the hall.
"So whats up?", I asked.
"I need you to lift the tv into her room. I'll take care of the snacks", she said.
"You won't get in trouble for this?" I asked.
"Hell no. They know they can't get mad at us, especially after that argument.", she said.
I nodded.
"I'll meet you in the room", she said.
She went into the kitchen and I disconnected the tv and took it to Chris's room. She sat up and was surprised.
"What are you doing?", she asked.
I was about to tell her, but Cora came into the room. Arms full.
"He thought this was a good idea and I agree. So, what are we watching tonight?", Cora asked.
Dropping some candy on the bed. Three cans of soda.
"No, this was your idea. Who knew your little sister could be sweet", I said.
"Don't get used to it", she poked me in the shoulder.
Chris laughed. Cora handed her the popcorn and I pulled out my bag that had the movies and some more candy.
"How do you guys feel about clowns?", I asked.
Cora looked at Chris, whose smile dropped. Look of fear on her face.
"She is extremely frightened of clowns", Cora said.
"Baby I didn't know", I said.
"Its ok, you didnt know", she said shrugging.
"I also brought Leprechaun", I said.
They nodded. I put the movie on, Chris was in between Cora and I. Her head on my shoulder. I kissed the top of her head.
"That thing is ugly", Cora whispered.
Chris and I chuckled. After the movie ended both girls were asleep. I took the movie out and turned off the tv, taking it back to the living room. I plugged it back in. Hearing foot steps come towards me.
"Joe", her dad said surprised.
"Mr. Mathews, I was just putting this back", I said, a little nervous.
"Its ok Joe, I know about your daily horror movies. Chris enjoys them", he said smiling.
I nodded.
"When did you get here?", he asked.
"Oh, um", I didn't know what to say.
"He came through Chris's window like a lunatic serial killer", Cora said, walking into the living room.
She yawned, smirking when I glared at her. Her dad laughed.
"Its ok Joe. I think I know why you did that", he said sadly.
"Where's mom?", Cora asked him.
He looked from her to me.
"I'm going to go check on Chris", I said.
I knew he didn't want to tell her in front of me. I understood, it wasn't my business. I walked into Chris's room and laid beside her. She shifted closer to me. I kissed her forehead. She sighed happily.
"I don't want to go home", I whispered in her ear.
She moaned. She turned in my arms, her hands resting on my chest.
"Then don't go. Can you stay with me?", she asked quietly.
"I want too, but I don't want your dad to kill me", I said chuckling.
"He won't. He knows I love you too much", she said smiling.
I smiled. This wouldn't be the first time I slept over. Her dad knew and trusted me.
"Let me text my mom then", I said.
She nodded and closed her eyes. I got my phone out and sent her a quick text. Getting a reply with ok and watch yourself. I brushed my fingers down her cheek. Seeing her face better, I realized how much thinner her cheeks looked. Looking over her frame, I never noticed how different she looked. Feeling anger burn inside me. All I wanted to do was trade places with her. She opened her eyes slowly, meeting mine.
"Are you staying with me?", she asked.
"Yes baby", I whispered.
I kissed her forehead.
"I'm so tired", she mumbled.
Getting more comfortable.
"Then sleep, I'm not going anywhere", I whispered.
I held her tighter. I didn't want to lose her.