Here is the next one, I'm sorry it took some time to upload, but school is crazy right now.
I also wanted all of you to know that I have gotten a Beta Reader, and she will be looking over my old chapters too, so I will be reposting those.
Anyway I hope you all like this chapter, please let me know what you think.
I was surprised when he didn't look shocked or at least a little rattled.
"I wondered when you would build up the nerve to talk about the move," he said, smiling at me.
I was beyond surprised. He wasn't mad? I must have looked shocked too because he suddenly started laughing.
"You don't think I have noticed the attitude you have been having since we moved here. You normally transit pretty quickly but not this time, not that I expected you to. You are, after all, a stubborn girl, when you want to anyway." He smirked the slightest, satisfied by my lack of response.
He had noticed my behavior. He normally didn't care what I thought or how I behaved as long as I wasn't rude to him, and I hadn't said anything to him since he punched me. I couldn't stand still anymore, so I took a seat on the chair across from him.
"As for your question, of course I haven't forgiven your mother, but you already knew that. So what is it you really want to ask me?" He was so blunt about it that it flabbergasted me more than anything. I hadn't expected him to admit it. I thought I had to get him mad before he would tell me anything, and then he would only tell me things to spite me.
"I don't have the time for this, Mitchie. Spit it out already," he said standing up. Out of reflex I stood up too, taking a step away from him. He just looked at me expecting my question. I hated the look of self satisfaction on his face, and decided that I needed to get a grip.
"Why are we here then? I deserve an explanation. It's my life you're messing with, too. Not just mom's." He didn't look surprised by the question. He had expected it, and he only raised his eyebrows a little when I had mentioned that he was messing with my life.
He suddenly smiled at me wickedly, and for a second I regretted asking him. I was afraid of the answer all of sudden.
"It's quite logical, honey." He said mockingly, furthering my irritation
"Don't mock me. I just want the truth," I spat narrowing my eyes at him. He didn't like that because all of a sudden the smile was gone, and he looked mad.
"Don't you use that tone with me," he hissed at me, and I backed up a little but didn't look away.
"You want to know why we are here do you. Well it's easy. We aren't here because I have forgiven your mother. We are here to punish her." He looked so self satisfied that I felt like throwing up. He loved this, and I hated him for it.
"What are you talking about?" He just laughed at me, closing the distance between us.
"Isn't it obvious? Being here reminds her of everything she did. Now she won't ever get over it. Didn't you notice how content she had become the last place we lived? I couldn't let that happen. She has to suffer. That's her everlasting punishment, and I don't ever want her to forget what she did. And to add to the pain, she gets to see her mother die," he said it in a low manic voice, terrifying me.
I looked at him shocked. He had to be joking, but the look of hatred on his face showed me that he wasn't.
"What is stopping me from telling mom this?" I said in spite, but not getting the anger I felt into my voice, it was shaking a little, from astonishment and fear. For the first time since we arrived here I felt sorry for my mom.
"She wouldn't believe you," he said coldly, and I knew he was right. She wouldn't.
He came towards me and walked right up into my face, grabbing me by the shoulders. He looked at me meaningfully and spoke very slowly. "So go ahead and tell her, but I'm warning you if you do, you will mean absolutely nothing to me anymore. "
Like I meant anything to him as it was, but I knew that he had been holding back on me, he usually just ignored me. If I did this, if I told mom, his last punch would surely be repeated, and I would end up looking blue all the time.
"I won't tell," I whispered looking down feeling disgusted with myself. I was a coward.
"Good girl." He smirked at me, before moving past me patting me on the head. I gritted my teeth feeling like a dog. I actually hated myself right now. How could this have happened? I had felt so powerful when I came down here, and now I was nothing more than a coward.
My mom didn't come home until late that night, and I only heard it because I was having a difficult time falling asleep. My conversation with my father had been replaying itself in my head all night. When I woke up my eyes were swollen, and I looked like I hadn't slept at all. I threw on a black hoodie and a pair of light blue jeans, and made my way downstairs. My mom was standing in the kitchen making breakfast.
"Good morning." I tried to sound joyful, but it came out muffled and phony. My mom looked at me in shock. She hadn't been expecting me. she was convinced I was still mad, and hadn't it been for dad I would have, but during the night I had decided that me and mom had to stick together if we were going to survive this move.
"What's for breakfast?" I asked when she kept looking at me.
"Pancakes," she said slowly turning away from me. I sighed and sat down dropping my head into my hands closing my eyes. Suddenly I could feel a hand on my shoulder, and I looked up finding my mother starring at me concerned.
"Is there something wrong, Mitchie?" She looked so concerned about me that I felt guilty for not telling her about my recent knowledge. I could feel that I was about to slip when my father suddenly walked in throwing me a warning look. I quickly straightened up and looked at my mom.
"I'm just tired. I had a hard time falling asleep last night." I casted a quick glance at my father seeing him smile knowingly. "I'll be fine, I just need some food." I said directly at my mother and smiled brightly at her. She seemed satisfied and went back to her cooking.
"It will be right up," She said humming slightly, my dad sat down beside me, folding out the paper. I suddenly became hyper-aware of how close he was to me and felt uncomfortable. I scooted away, but stopped when my mom turned around, full plates in her hands.
"Here you go," she said, placing a plate in front of me and my father, before going back to make a plate for herself.
I slowly started eating and realized how little I had eaten the last couple of days. I was starving. My mom sat down on the other side of me, squeezing my knee. I looked up at her and noticed the proud look on her face. I just smiled back. She thought I was trying to settle in here, that I, too, believe my father had forgiven her, but I knew better. I was only trying to make it easier for her.
I looked up at the clock and knew I had to hurry up if I didn't want to miss my bus. I quickly finished my breakfast and strode upstairs grabbing my back, and applying some light makeup before running downstairs. On my way out, I yelled a goodbye at my parents and ran for the bus. I groaned as I saw it drive by me as I turned the corner. I had missed it. I slowly made my way back to house. Now I had to beg my father for a ride. How lovely. I had to be alone with him in a car, just what I wanted.
As I walked onto our lawn, I noticed Nate stepping out of their house, followed closely by Shane. They were taking it easily, which probably meant that they weren't worrying about any bus, which ultimately meant that Shane most likely was driving them once again.
I looked up at our house considering what would be most awful. Asking my dad for a ride or Shane? The conclusion was quite easy, so I quickly made my way over to the Gray house, not wanting to miss them too.
As I stepped into their driveway, Shane was already backing out, and braked hard when I noticed me in the back mirror. I took in a big breath of air and made it to the passenger side. Shane had rolled down the window, and was glaring at me.
"Are you trying to get yourself killed? If you want me convicted for murder, I suggest you be a little more creative," he spat at me, and I saw Nate rolling his eyes beside Shane.
"I need a ride., I whispered ignoring his insults. He just looked at me bored, not saying a word. "Please," I added uncertainly. He just sighed and motioned to the back of the car with his head.
"Thanks," I said lowly, before taking a hold of the handle and stepping into the car. The car set into motion the minute I closed the door, slamming me into the door. I quickly fastened my seat-belt, throwing a glare in Shane's direction. He was looking at me trough the mirror, smirking and laughing under his breath.
"Good morning, Mitchie," Nate said cheerfully, turning around in his seat to look at me.
"Good morning, Nate," I said, not matching his cheerful voice the slightest.
He just looked at me curiously but didn't press the matter when I didn't say anything more. He just turned back around and the rest of the car ride was spent in silence.
As the car came to a stop in the parking lot, Caitlyn came running towards us. She stopped when she reached the car and waited for us to get out. Nate was the first one out of the car smiling at Caitlyn and giving her quick kiss, before taking her hand.
I came out second and Shane third. Shane just nodded at Nate and mumbled a hello to Caitlyn before stalking away.
"Thank you!" I shouted, not wanting to be rude. I was after all the one who had asked him to stay away from, and then I hadn't done the same thing myself.
He just lifted his hand signalizing that he had heard me.
I then turned around and looked at Caitlyn. She was smiling brightly at me, but I couldn't muster up smile.
"Good morning, Mitchie," she said cheerfully, tucking at my hand making me follow her and Nate into school. I just nodded my head giving her a small smile. My thoughts are at a whole other place than here.
I had to go see my grandmother. I had to know how she was doing, and how she thought I should handle the situation. She was the only one who could see my father for what he really was, an asshole.
"Someone got out at the wrong side of the bed this morning," she said poking me in the side, drawing me back to reality.
"I'm sorry. I have a lot on my mind, and I'm really tired, and I missed the bus this morning, and..." Caitlyn held up her hands, interrupting me.
"Wow, wow, slow down. I understand. It is okay," she said with big eyes, and Nate suddenly started laughing.
"You need to learn how to relax, Mitchie. You always seem so tense." He walked into me on purpose knocking me slightly off balance. I just smirked and accidentally knocked his back of his shoulder. Unfortunately the back wasn't sipped up and the books went flying out on the floor.
"Oh my god, I'm sorry. I didn't know it was open," I said bending down to help pick up the books, but stopped when both Caitlyn and Nate bursted out laughing. I straightened up, rubbing the back of my neck feeling embarrassed.
"Right, relax," I said to myself, when Nate sat down and picked up the books. Caitlyn just kept laughing taking an arm around my shoulders, and steering me towards our homeroom.
"You will eventually, especially if you keep spending time with us, which you will be of course," she said smiling, Nate quickly caught up with us. When we entered our homeroom, he said goodbye and made his way towards his class.
Anna was already their sitting in the back. I sat down beside with Caitlyn at my other side.
"Hey, Mitchie, Caitlyn," she greeted us.
"Are you feeling better?" I asked, remembering the incident Nate had told me about yesterday.
"Much better. I'm just hyper-sensitive to blood for some reason. Can't tolerate it," she said, wrinkling her nose slightly. Caitlyn laughed a little and so did I, which made Anna laugh.
The rest of homeroom went by uneventful. Anna, Caitlyn and I had separate classes after that and decided to meet up for lunch where Nate decided to join us too. It helped distracting me from my plans of visiting my grandmother after school. All in all it was a nice day. When it ended Nate caught up with me and asked if I wanted a ride home. I wouldn't have said yes if I wasn't in a hurry, but I was so I accepted.
I had to get home and borrow the car, if that was a possibility, so that I could visit grandma at the hospital. I had called her home line in my break and had been redirected to the hospital. Apparently it was worse than I thought. That only made the visit more urgent. It had to be today.
The ride wasn't as silent as the two other had been. I talked to Nate and so did Shane, but we didn't talk to each other. It was kind of awkward, but he at least didn't insult me for the whole ride, so I guess that was a plus.
I said a quick thank you when we reached my house before running inside. The car was in the driveway which meant that my dad was home too. I went inside and found him in the living room with my mother.
"Can I borrow the car?" I asked loudly, overpowering the television. They both turned their heads looking at me. I could see my father was on the verge of denying. "I have to go to the library for a project, and it's the fastest way." Thinking of the lie in a split second. My mom nodded her head at my dad. He sighed and nodded his head too.
"Thanks," I said running out into the hallway, grabbing the keys on the table.
I drove to the hospital, in record time. I had to be home for dinner, so that my parents wouldn't be suspicious. My dad would be analyzing my every move, now that I knew why we were here. I went inside and made my way towards the front desk.
A young woman was helping a man fill out some forms. She was the only one at the desk, so I had to wait for her to finish. As the man finished writing the woman looked up and noticed me. She smiled at the man and said goodbye before making her way over to me.
"Can I help?" she asked smiling.
"I would like to see my grandmother, Elise Miller." I looked around the room, my nerves on edge.
"I'll look her up." The woman clicked my grandmother's name into the computer, and I waited.
"Here she is. She's in room 219 on the second floor," she said, smiling at me once again. "But hurry. Visiting hours are almost over."
I nodded and thanked her before making my way over to the elevator, feeling lucky when it opened, showing an empty compartment. I went inside and pressed the bottom to the second floor.
As the elevator came to a stop, I quickly made my way out and easily found the room. I slightly hesitated at the door, not exactly sure what to say or ask, but I had to talk to someone who would understand. I took in a big breath and slowly opened the door.
She was lying in bed, the television playing on mute. She seemed to be asleep, so quietly made my way over to the chair beside the bed, taking a seat.
She looked pale, her hair had the same color of grey as it had the last time I had seen her, but she had circles under eyes, and purple bruises on her arms. Overall she just looked weak, not like the strong woman I had known all my childhood. I took a light hold of her hand and looked at her concerned.
Suddenly she opened her eyes and looked straight at me. I was reminded from who I had inherited my eyes from. She smiled at me and squeezed my hand.
"Mitchie, how lovely to see you." I smiled at her too and leaned over to give her a kiss on the cheek. ยจ
"You, too, Grandma. It has been too long." I said sadly. A distressing expression passed through her eyes but quickly disappeared, and she was smiling once again.
"What brings you here?" she said, sitting up a little straighter. My smile disappeared, and she noticed and looked anxious.
"Dad," I said, and I could see in her eyes that nothing more needed to be said.
"You have to do as he says, dear," she said, taking me by surprise. She had always hated my dad, also before the incident.
"What? Why?" She took a hold on my upper arm tucking me towards her. I got up and moved close to her.
"He's dangerous, Mitchie," she said seriously, taking a firm grip on both of my arms. "He has always been temperamental, but I never questioned his love for you. But after what happened, he hasn't been the same anymore. He hates your mother, Mitchie. I can see it in his eyes, and for some reason he lost something for you too. Don't ask me why. I don't understand it, but he did." I nodded feeling tears forming in my eyes. I knew all this, but it still hurt hearing it.
"Stay out of his way, and the second you have the change to get away, do it. Don't worry about your mother she can take care of herself, and she is a lost cause. She won't listen to you. Believe me. I have begged her to get away from him, but she won't. She blames herself for what happened too, and she thinks she deserves the punishment." She, too, had tears in her eyes. She felt lost I knew the feeling. It was awful sitting on the sideline, knowing what was happening without being able to help because the person who you want to help wouldn't accept it.
"I will." I couldn't manage to say anything else. I had already decided to stay out of my father's way, not for me but for my mom. I knew I would never just leave her with him, but my grandma didn't look like she could take an argument or a discussion, so I decided to let her think I would do what she asked me to do.
I lay down beside her, neither of us saying another word, and when it was time for me to leave she was fast asleep. I kissed her on the cheek and vowed to myself to check up on her at least once a week. I wasn't going to let her die feeling like I didn't care, because I did.
I was on my way out of the hospital. My mind was filled with all the information I had gained the last couple of days. How had I ended up with such a screwed up family?
I hated being in a hospital. It always reminded me of the day when everything changed. Back then I had spent over a week in the hospital, and I could remember it as clearly as was it yesterday. Since then I had hated hospitals, and this was the second time I had visited one since everything happened. The other time hadn't exactly made my vision on hospitals any better either.
When I made it past the children's department something caught my eyes. I slowly backed up and saw something I never thought I should see. Shane was playing around with all the sick kids.
It wasn't my meaning to just stand there and look at them. I probably looked like some fool with big eyes, but I had never expected to find Shane here of all places. He just seemed like the tough guy at school with his harsh comments and girls flocking around him. That wasn't how he used to be when I had lived here the last time, but I didn't know him anymore.
I couldn't help but smile, and for some reason I couldn't get myself to step away from the door and go home. I think I stood there just looking for about 5 minutes, and then one of the kids went over to Shane. She was a beautiful brunette. She tugged at Shane's hand, and he turned around from the boy that he was painting with. He smiled at her and said something I couldn't hear. The little girl just leaned in and whispered something in his ear. She looked frightened. He then looked up at me, and immediately I knew what the girl had said to him. She was scared of me.
He just looked at me for a second, and then he looked down at the girl again. I considered running away while he wasn't looking, but then I would look like coward. I had no intentions of giving him that satisfaction, so I stood still and waited for his next move.
He said something to the girl after which she ran over to some other kids. I kept my eyes on her for a second, but she didn't look at me at any time. Whatever Shane had told her, it had eased her fears. Then I let my eyes wander back to Shane. He was explaining something to the boy that he had been drawing with. The boy just nodded, and then Shane stood up. He walked over to me, but he didn't look mad nor did he look happy. He just looked confused.
"What are you doing here, Mitchie?" There wasn't any hostility in his voice, so I decided that I wouldn't show him any either. I was curious, and I knew he wouldn't tell me anything if an acted like a bitch.
"I just came from visitation. What are you doing here?" I asked puzzled. If I wanted the truth from him I had to tell him the truth too. I just hoped he wouldn't ask questions about who I had visited. I didn't want to lie to him for some reason, but I didn't feel any need to go out and tell him everything either.
"I am keeping the children company," he said nonchalantly, like it didn't matter. It was just a matter of facts. This only made me even more curious.
"Why?" I asked puzzled. This really didn't seem like something this "new" Shane would do. I don't even think the old Shane would.
"Community service," it was the only thing he said, and he didn't hesitate nor did he look away from me. He wasn't proud of it, but he wasn't embarrassed either.
Please review and let me know what you think, I love reading you comments, and it always make me happy to know that you enjoy my story.
A special thanks to awesome Beta Reader xX-Star Sapphire-Xx you are the best, and I really appreciate your help.
Please stay tuned, I promise I will get the next one out as fast as I can.
CamillaxbG