Chapter 5:
His ears flickered back and forth and he momentarily bared his teeth. I can't, Danny.
I found myself frowning. Why not? I asked.
Because, Danny, I literally cannot.
Why not? I asked again.
You know how I'm the alpha of my pack?
Yea, I guess. I said.
Well, I have control over my pack. If I say something, they have to obey it or they can be punished severely. Like death, or excommunication. And technically, since I'm not eighteen, I'm still a part of my father's pack. I can't have a real pack until I'm officially an adult. So my father has control over me. He told me not to tell anyone—you especially. I'm sorry. I really like you, Danny. Just this— this is killing me.
I was astounded. What? You-you like me?
He shook his head in exasperation, snorting. Of course. You're beautiful, Danny. He said as his tongue lolled out in a wolfish grin.
You know, you're a really bad liar. I thought, sniffling and pushing around him.
I'm not lying! He barked after me, but I paid him no mind. I hugged myself tightly against the cold and glanced back. He was gone.
"Danny!" Someone yelled. "Where the f*** is that girl?" I flinched and sped up me pace towards the house, suddenly realizing just how cold it was without my wolf by my side. I sighed when I saw my mother glancing out the back door. Her face was bright red and matched what used to be the whites of her eyes. "There you are. I was getting worried. Now, c'mon inside. Something's here for you."
For me? I thought. Something came for me? What does she mean? Jake winked when I passed him and Destiny watching a stupid romantic comedy in the living room. Destiny smirked at me, leaning further into Jake's chest as they cuddled on the couch. Jake copied her smile and chuckled at me. I shivered, keeping my eyes ahead of me and to the floor. Hesitantly, I opened the door, expecting to find a box. Instead, a vase of flowers stood on the porch. It was a banquet of flowers; different types and colors. I bent down to pick them up, finding a small note tucked in-between the flowers.
Danny,
I saw a bunch of flowers somewhere and thought of you. And when I looked them up, I knew I had to get you some—especially picked out for you. But anyways, I didn't think you'd know what they represent, so I decided to look them up and put them in a note…
Pink roses represent friendship, something I cherish between the two of us—something I wouldn't trade for anything. Red and white roses represent unity. Sweetpeas represent shyness, and I know how shy you are. Orchids represent delicate beauty, of which you surely are. Sunflowers represent adoration, and ranunculuses represent radiance. White roses represent purity, and the daisy represents innocence. Passion flowers represent, well, the passion I hold for you. Tulips are a very…special flower. The red is a declaration of love, and the yellow means hopelessly in love. Now look in the middle—the very middle. You see those two flowers? They're my favorite out of the whole banquet. They almost mean the same thing…the lilac—the lilac represents the first love, and the red rose… Well, that's kind of obvious. The red rose means passionate love.
I don't care how much you think you aren't, but you are. You are beautiful, Danny.
~J
I stared at the note for a few more seconds before putting the note in my pocket, not having the courage to rip it up as tears ran down my face. I took every white rose and daisy I could find and ripped them up, throwing them in the garden. Purity…innocence…I didn't have those anymore. They had been ripped away from me without my consent. But I couldn't bring myself to throw out the rest of the flowers. Tear drops fell onto the petals, making it seem as if they were still wildflowers coated with dew. I thought about throwing it into the yard until a car pulled onto our street. I spun around and went back inside quickly before they ended up in our driveway. I ran up to my room, trying to ignore the nasty things Jake called behind me that made me what to cry even more. Just as I grabbed the door to shut it, the bell rang. I stopped out of curiosity to listen as Destiny answered it.
"Hello?" Destiny asked in her sarcastic, rude voice. Suddenly, she gasped. "Oh, hi!" she immediately put on her flirty voice.
"Yea…hi…" the person at the door said. I banged my head against the door. I knew that voice. It was stalking me-I swear. "Have you seen Danny anywhere? Is she here?"
"Uh…" I could tell Destiny was surprised by what Josh said. "No, she's not here."
"Really? She's not…here?" he said, disbelieving.
"No," she snapped and then the door slammed shut. I sighed and shook my head, closing the door. I wiped my eyes once again, but the tears kept coming. I set the flowers on my bedside table. Suddenly, a rock connected with my window. I glanced up, but shook it off. But then, again the slight noise of rock on glass came again.
I stood up, going to the window and opening it up. "Danny! I knew you were home. Now take out the screen, I'm coming up!" I squinted at him, but obeyed. "Good. Now back up." He said in a cautious voice. I nodded, confused, and stood clear from the window. I pushed my bangs behind my ear as I waited for something to happen. I blinked and the next thing I knew, he was swinging his legs over the window sill, smiling with a bunch of papers in his mouth. His chestnut hair seemed to be a little longer, with the little cowlick more noticeable than before. I half smiled at him without noticing, scoffing at the sight of him. He jumped down and took the papers out of his mouth.
"Sorry 'bout that, but your sister said you weren't here, and I had just seen you outside." His smile turned secret, like he was hiding something from me. "But I noticed you weren't at school, and so I took the liberty of getting your homework to you. I didn't know your other classes, but I asked the office." He handed me the tiny stack of paper that he had had in his mouth. I took it hesitantly, frowning at it. I hadn't been to fourth period for a couple days. I skimmed through it, deeming half of the stack Spanish. I sighed and placed it on my bedside table, staring at it for a couple seconds before turning back to him. He was placing the screen back into the window. I cleared my throat and he quickly turned around.
He smiled, his eyes the brightest I had ever seen them. They completely popped from his face and involuntarily drew me to them. I took a step forward towards him, finding myself smiling. "So you just skippin' school or what? Why didn't you call me?" he winked, and chuckled to himself. I backed away from him, tears stinging my eyes as I remembered why I hadn't left. I wrapped my arms around myself and backed away to the bed, collapsing on it.
"So, what, you're sick?" I glanced up momentarily to find him frowning and walking towards me. I stiffened, wishing he would stay away. A piece of my hair fell out in front of my face again and I pulled it back behind my ear. I flinched when the front door slammed shut. Josh glanced to the door, his body becoming ridged. He had a slight scowl on when he turned back to me and crouched beside me, wiping his face of all emotion but concern. "Danny, are you okay?" he asked seriously, placing a hand on my knee. My skin prickled under his touch and goose bumps appeared on my thigh. I shivered and hugged myself tightly, shaking my head. I could feel tears flooding my eyes.
"Danny!" my father's voice broke through the silence, causing me to wince and squeak. "Get your a** down here!" I whimpered lowly and stood up, brushing my hand over my hair again. Josh stood with me, stepping back. He watched me with alert eyes as I hurried out the door, making sure to shut it. I walked as fast as I could without running until I found my dad sipping a cup of coffee in the kitchen.
His eyes scanned the room. "This place is filthy." I glanced around. The place was almost spotless, without a dish on the counter or dust on the floor. I returned my gaze to him to find him studying the mug he held. He took a sip of it. "I want you to clean it before I get home tonight." I raised my eyebrow. Suddenly the mug crashed into countless pieces on the floor. I jumped, gasping. I glanced back at him, finding him holding a glass. I ducked as he swung his arm at me, the glass shattering just short of my head. I screamed as something else broke on the wall behind me. A sharp pain appeared in my cheek under my eye, but glass kept shattering everywhere near me. I screamed again as one hit my arm, making it explode in pain. "D***!" he cursed. "My break's almost over. I'm serious—I want this place clean by the time I get home." Glass crunched under his feet as he casually walked out as if nothing had happened. Tears spilled over from my eyes as I sobbed uncontrollably.
"What the h***?" Josh hissed violently as he suddenly appeared. I could hear glass crunch under him as he came towards me. "Danny, are you alright? What happened?" his hand brushed my injured arm and I flinched as he sucked in a deep breath. He took my hand and helped me stand up. I leaned into his chest, covering my face with my hands as he wrapped his arms around me. His cheek warmed my ear as he bent his head to mine. I leaned my head in the crook of his neck and cried as I clutched his shirt in my fists. Hadn't I told myself to avoid Josh—this same guy that I was clinging to right this minute? I had told myself that Josh was nothing but trouble for me. But now, here I was, having probably the most romantic moment with the same guy. He was horrible and wonderful at the same time. I knew I should stay away from him, for my own safety, and maybe even his, but it seems like every time I turn around, he's there for me when no one else it. I found myself thinking of him at random moments in the day, wishing that I could actually talk to him and not be so frightened.
And suddenly I just knew. I was falling for him. I was falling hard for him. No—no… that didn't cover the feelings that sprouted in my chest as we stood there together. And as I thought about it, the more I was certain.
I loved him.
And he could never love me back.
Another sob escaped out my lips and I pressed myself further into him. This might be one of the only moments I had with him, and I didn't want it to end. And if I was lucky, it didn't have to. If I was lucky, he would take me away from here forever, steal me away in the middle of the night and take me away to somewhere secluded and romantic where I wouldn't have to worry about anything in the world but me and him. Nothing but me and him.
Sadly, I knew it couldn't last.
He pulled away, wiping the tears from under my eyes and kissed my forehead. "Baby, what happened?" Slowly, he reached up to remove a piece of glass from my cheek, stained with blood. "You have glass all over you."
I sniffled in response, hating that I was getting used to him seeing me cry. He took my hand lightly and began leading me to the bathroom. "C'mon, let's get you cleaned up." I could've done it myself, but my arm was throbbing in pain and it felt nice to have his hand around my mine. He led me into the bathroom, sitting me on the toilet. He crouched next to me and began pulling out glass shards stuck in my arm. After wincing at the second one, Josh began rambling on about stupid stuff to distract me. "You know, Iya and Coffeeblue were so worried about you. They kept going on and on about you and me." he rolled his eyes and chuckled. "I was so bored in first period, I actually paid attention." His smile sucked the breath out of me instantly. "Destiny tried to talk to me, but I wouldn't hear it. She kept telling me to stay away from you, but I couldn't see why. The way she talks about you, you'd think you were almost as bad as she is, but you're anything but the same. I couldn't believe that you two were sisters!" He smiled again and shook his head. "There, I think that's all of them." He stood up and wet a rag. "So, got any other siblings I don't know about?" he asked.
I smiled weakly and shook my head. My parents hardly wanted me, why would they want another useless kid? He ran the wet rag across my cheek and then began dabbing it on my arm. "You still haven't met any of my family. Did you know Coffeeblue is a twin?"
I rolled my eyes and nodded. "Cormac?" he asked, glancing at me to be sure. I nodded again. "Oh, well you still haven't met him. He's like Coffeeblue, but a guy. They're so hyper and enthusiastic. I think you'd like 'em. I know Hannah would love you. I know Levi does." He winked at me.
"You attracted guys from the Miller family faster than a light attracts a moth." he laughed and stood to wash the rag off. Suddenly, a squeal came from down the hall. I felt my cheeks heat up immediately and I reluctantly glanced at Josh. He scowled as he washed the rag. "That Destiny and Jake?" I studied my arm, which had stopped bleeding and nodded. "They're disgusting." He scowled and threw the rag into the sink, sending soup buds into my hair. I stared up at him as he chuckled, and reached into the sink to send the foam flying towards him. It hit him in the face, causing me to burst out laughing until I felt the bubbles sliding down my face. We kept exchanging soap buds until the foam had died and both of us were clutching our stomachs from laughing so hard.
"We should probably go clean up the kitchen." Josh said, leaning against the door. My smile died and I stared at the ground before nodding. He pulled me by the waist slightly until I was following him. We got the broom and the dust pan. I stood in front of the mess of glass, the scene flashing through my head over and over again until I was shaking. The dust pan was bashing against my sweat pants and I crouched down to swoop up the glass that Josh swept in. my hands were shaking so violently that by the time I got the trash can, expecting a full pan, it was almost empty except for a couple of pieces. I went back to Josh, walking around the trail of glass that marked my path. Josh eyed me as I walked back, and as I came to stand where the glass shards were, he began shaking his head.
He leaned the broom against the wall and took the dust pan from me and set it beside the broom. "Ok, obviously something happened here, and it's bigger than you dropping a couple dishes. Honey, if someone's hurting you, I need to know." His eyes flickered back and forth, looking for any trace in my own. I stayed silent, sealing my lips shut. He sighed, running a hand down his face. "Fine. I guess I can understand that. But we're not gonna get anywhere with you being all shaky. I'll just do it myself. Why don't you go sit down?" he reached for my hand, but I pulled back, shaking my head. This was my house and my mess. I needed to clean it up. I didn't mind help, but he wasn't doing it all by himself. I reached for the pan, but he stopped me with disproving eyes.
"Go sit down; calm down. Leave this to me." he said again, a little more forcefully to show that he actually meant business. I shook my head and made another move for the dust pan, but he stopped me once again. "I mean it, Danny. Please, just go sit down." Quickly, I made another move for it, but he grabbed my wrist even quicker. I gasped and he pulled me to his chest. He wore a devilish smile. "I warned you." my heart beat spiked, and I probably should've been scared to death. But if there's anything I knew about Josh, I knew that he would never hurt me. I couldn't help but smile at our closeness. I could hear him breathing as his smile grew wider.
"Now, darling, do you really want to make me do this?" In truth, I was a little frightened of his malicious smile, but I was too caught up in his hands sending shock waves up my arm. Suddenly, I realized I was being pulled to the kitchen table. He sat me on a chair, demanding I stay. I pouted as he went back to cleaning up the glass. Guilt panged my chest as he swept the glass by his own. As I stood up, he shot me a glare. "Ah, ah, ah!" he said. "Don't make me go over there." I sat back down with a huff. He chuckled and ended with sweeping up the path I had made.
"Joshy!" a shrill voice sang. "What are you doing here?" I looked over to see Destiny with her hair up in a sloppy ponytail and almost completely naked except for the bra and Jake's basketball shorts. She puffed up her chest just as Josh turned around. He sighed irritably and rolled his eyes. My heart dropped when I realized he was staring at her. I had thought that maybe this boy was different, that he wouldn't fall for Destiny's tricks or her looks, but I was wrong. He was just like all the other guys. All they cared about was a hot body and good looks.
And of course they had to talk too.
I stiffened when Jake walked up behind Destiny wearing only boxers and wrapped his arms around her waist. He kissed her neck, glaring at Josh as if to prove she was his. "Jake, get off of me!" Destiny protested, pushing at him. His arms visibly tightened around her waist; more than they should have.
Even though he whispered in her ear, I could already tell what he was saying. "You're mine." He growled. I glanced at Josh, and his eyes connected with mine. He raised his eyebrow and scowled at them.
Destiny turned around and shoved him backwards. "I'm not yours!" she turned smiling to Josh. "He's just kidding. I'm not really his." She approached him and ran a finger down him chest, puckering up her chest again. "Now, how about you and me take a little trip…down the hallway?"
I swear my heart broke in two when he hesitated. Apparently, Jake didn't like that idea. "Destiny! That's our thing!" he growled.
She rolled her eyes, leaning into Josh more and more. "Fine," she said, aggravated, "we can have a threesome. You like that idea, Joshy?"
Again, he hesitated, glancing around. When his eyes caught mine, I turned my gaze to my hands. I closed my eyes and swallowed a sob when I heard footsteps exiting the kitchen. "That b***** little w****!" Jake whispered furiously. I glanced up to see the Josh and Destiny really had gone. He really had fallen for her. I knew it. I knew he didn't like me. He was just playing me. The whole time. He played me to get to Destiny.
What a jerk.
A smart, caring, cute jerk!
Suddenly, someone took my hand and pulled me up, placing his other hand over my mouth. "Let's go…upstairs, shall we?" Without any time to protest, he began pulling me along. I punched at him with my free hand and tried pulling at his hand. I screamed against his hand, but to no avail. He dragged me up the steps and through my open door, shutting it with his back. "Now be a good girl and keep your trap shut, will you? No, on second thought, scream all you want." He smiled, laying me on the bed and straddling my waist.
He leaned down to press his lips to mine, taking my wrists in both his hands and pinned them to my side. Many things flashed through my mind as his lips moved across my skin. I thought of my dream a couple days ago, in this exact position. But J came then, and he was nowhere in sight or sound. I thought about yesterday, about how no one came to help me then, and I was afraid that no one would come to save me this time either. I thought about what Josh and Destiny must be doing, about how he ditched me for her, about how he used me to get to her. Jake began pulling up my shirt with his teeth, and I could feel his hot breath on my bare skin. I didn't bother screaming. I knew it wouldn't help. But I couldn't help the tears that ran down my cheeks or the sobs that choked my throat.
He was just getting my shirt over my chest when the door flew open. "What the h*** do you think you're doing?" Josh growled, clenching his fists at his sides. I closed my eyes, not wanting to see him or his bare chest.
"What the f*** do you think you're doing? Get out! We're trying to do something here!" Jake growled.
"You get off her before I break every limb in your body." I knew it was crazy, but he was serious. It wasn't just a dead threat, it was real.
"Psssh, get real. You're taking my girl, why can't I take yours?"
Josh clenched and unclenched his fists multiple times. "I said, get off her."
"And why should I?"
"Because you don't want that pretty little face of yours broken into tiny pieces."
Jake scoffed and put his hands on my exposed stomach. I whimpered inaudibly and squirmed beneath him. He still had my arms and hands pinned to my side with his legs. "I mean it. Get off her. Last chance."
Jake scoffed, rolling his eyes. "F*** you, b*****."
Josh grinned. "I'd rather not right now." Josh pulled Jake off me and to the ground. He crouched next to him, wearing a smug smile on his lips. "I warned you. Maybe next time you'll listen." He raised his fist and smacked him right in the nose again and again until his eyes closed and he fainted.
Josh stood. "There. Maybe that'll teach him a lesson." He looked at me and his eyes softened. "Are you alright?"
I pulled the covers up over my head and turned away from him. I was shaking from head to toe, and tears still poured from my eyes. The bed shifted as he sat down next to me and he sighed. "I'm sorry, Danny. I have no excuse for what I did, but I know you've gotta be hurt. I led you on, and then left you for Destiny. I left you in the hands of Jake, and the only thing I can say is I'm sorry…and I guess I could get him outta here, huh?" I could almost see his smile, but I remained silent, squeezing my eyes shut as tight as I could. Suddenly I felt him leaning over me and his lips on my cheek.
"I really am sorry, Danny. There's nothing more I can say. If you want me to leave, I'll leave, but if you want me to stay, I will. Just nod and I won't leave this room." He whispered, his breath tickling my skin.
He was good, I had to say that. But he wasn't playing me again. It was enough that my family physically hurt me, I didn't need my feelings hurt by someone else too. I had started to let my guard down around Josh, I had started to actually trust him a bit, but he had screwed it up along with himself. He could go die in a hole for all I care right now. But I wanted him to see me hurt, and completely ignoring him. Not talking was normal for me, but now even not acknowledging him might make him understand.
"Okay, before you do anything, I just want to defend myself. For one thing; I'm a guy. It's what I do. Second thing; she's nothing like you. I'd pick you over her any day."
Then why didn't you? I thought, sniffling.
"I really am sorry, Danny. I just hope you can forgive me. I can make it up to you, what da ya say?"
I shrugged, biting my lip. Josh was smart, and clever. I knew he'd put something on the table that I couldn't be able to decline.
"My family—we own a horse ranch. If you want to ride, we can go tomorrow after school and then you and Iya can go shopping—although I'm sure Coffeeblue would love to come now, too." he paused. "Please." He begged.
I had rummaged up my courage to say no, and then he went and put on that voice that pleaded with me to hear him. I rolled my head over to stare at him. His bright blue eyes had gone dull and he stared at me helplessly. I closed my eyes and sighed. Hesitantly, I nodded. He smiled, but his eyes only brightened a bit.
"I—I guess I should probably…leave…now, shouldn't I?" he said, frowning and averting his gaze. I nodded, hating seeing him so hurt, and knowing that I had caused it. But it also felt nice, that someone would actually care enough about me that he would feel hurt when I did. What am I talking about? He doesn't actually care for me. He just wants Destiny, just like any other guy does. He's just another useless, stupid guy that I fell for. Tomorrow—tomorrow would decide whether or not I cared for him, and if he actually, truly cared for me too.
I doubt it, but it always helped to be open-minded, right?
I hope so.
Josh left soundlessly, and the house was silent after that. I didn't want to go to sleep for fear of nightmares, but I didn't want to stay up and think about him either. I didn't know what to do, but eventually I fell asleep again for the hundredth time that day.
I knew I was dreaming, but this was just weird. I'd never had dreams like this. The meadow surrounding me was flawless, where every piece of grass swayed perfectly in the breeze that I couldn't feel. The sun was low on the horizon, emitting thousands of brilliant colors across the landscape. A couple stars dotted the sky, and I was standing under a huge willow tree whose leaves were trapping me inside. Wildflowers poked up from the grass, spurting it with spots of vivid colors. I looked down to find myself dressed in a pearl white sundress. Arms encircled my waist and a pair of lips connected with my ear. I didn't jump like I normally would've, but instead I turned around, smiling and gazed up into those oddly bright eyes.
"Hey," he breathed, his face inches from mine.
I smiled and chuckled. "Hey," I replied in the same voice. I should've been astounded that I responded without even thinking. But I hardly blinked an eye. I reached up and wrapped my arms around his neck.
He smiled, and then it died as quickly as it came. His eyes flickered back and forth as they studied my eyes. "I really am sorry, Danny. I wish there was a way I could prove that to you." he leaned his forehead on mine and closed his eyes.
"Did you….do…anything?" my voice broke and tears filled my eyes.
"No, I swear. We got as far as her room before I realized I didn't want her. I want you and only you." his arms tightened to bring us closer.
I wasn't sure if I should have believed him, but I wanted to, I really did. I sniffled. "You left me with Jake, Joshua. He could've hurt me, he almost did. You realize that?"
He lifted his head and kissed my forehead. "I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking. I would take it all back if I could."
I laid my head on his chest, rearranging my arms so they went around his waist. "I just—I just… I was hurt, Josh. I had just realized I have feelings for you, and then you just leave me for my sister. I just couldn't believe it. I felt like everything had gone wrong. I just thought that you were different—that maybe you wouldn't fall for Destiny's charms or her body and how she showed it off.
"But I guess I was wrong,"
I tried pulling away from him, but he held me tight against his chest. "Hey, hey. Danny, there's a reason I talk to you when no one else does, or how I ignore Destiny and Jake, or how I chase after you even when you're at your worst. Why do you think I've offered to take you away every time something happens to you at school, or wherever we are? Why do you think I came to your house right after school? I don't care about you getting your homework—but I will take every chance I've got to be with you, even for a moment. There's a reason for all of that—there's a reason I'm here right now in this dream. I love you, Danny. I have since I've first laid eyes on you."
My breath caught in my throat, but I wouldn't fall for his lover boy tricks again. I pushed at his chest, tears filling my eyes again. "You know lying is one of the seven deadly sins, right? I wouldn't want you to go rot in Hell for a simple lie, now would I?"
His face fell. "Danny, I'm not lying!"
I backed away from him, shaking my head. "There you go again! Give it up, Josh! I've caught on to your little game to use me! It's not gonna happen anymore! I'm not just some pitiful little girl that you can mess around with! I have feeling you know! Not many people understand that, but I thought you of all people would. But I guess I was wrong. It's not a big surprise. I've been wrong about plenty of other guys before. I just hadn't gotten this far before.
"I thought you were different," I continued, tears flowing down my cheeks, "but you're just like every other guy; selfish, arrogant, and a liar!"
I turned, wiped my eyes, and walked away, but he grabbed my wrist and spun me back into his chest. His hand cupped my cheek as he leaned down to press our lips together. I closed my eyes and leaned into it, forgetting everything I had been thinking about. My mind cleared and all I could focus on was his hands slipping just underneath the back of my shirt and my fingers entwined in his hair. He pulled back smiling. "I told you, and I'll keep telling you. I'm not lying. I love you."
"I'm still having trouble believing you," I said, tilting my head up and smiling. He chuckled, grinned, and dipped his head down—
The normal pounding on my door woke me the next morning. I groaned and rolled over into my pillow. Sighing, I pushed myself out of bed and went to the closet to pick out my outfit. I picked out an old pair of worn jeans and a brown turtleneck and I pulled a white furry vest over my arms. I slipped on my usual tennis shoes and brushed the knots out of my hair. It had a slight wave in it from being in a bun yesterday. I brushed my teeth as fast as I could. I hurriedly brushed on mascara and sprayed a twinge of perfume. I grabbed my bag and jogged to the living room where I tossed it on the chair and went into the kitchen to start breakfast. I decided to make bagels for everyone just to do something different.
I had them done just as Destiny came in. She stared as I placed them in front of her. He ground her teeth together. "It's all your fault! If you hadn't been here, I would've had him! I had him right there on top of me, and then he remembered you. If you hadn't—" she growled angrily. "You f****** b****!
"Daddy!" she yelled. I froze, and without thinking, dashed out of the door with my bag in hand. I only stopped after I got out of the driveway. I stared at the house for a while, surprised with myself, and continued down the road.
I would've never done that before. I would've stood there and took it. I don't know why, but I didn't. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I was tired of it. I'd lived with this, this abuse for my whole life. Was it too much to ask for a normal life? Well, I was tired of it. I was tired of him pushing me around just because I couldn't do anything about it.
"Danny! Uh…" I spun around to find Josh leaning out his driver window, glancing to the road and then to me. "Did you, uh, still want a, um, ride to, uh, school?"
I scowled at him and turned around and froze. I gasped and my bag dropped from my shoulder. Glancing both ways on the street, I dashed across.
She gasped. "Omigosh! Danny! I—I didn't realize you were still here. I thought you'd be long gone by now! Omigosh! Give me a hug right this minute!" Michelle threw her arms around my neck and we hugged. We pulled back and studied each other. I raised an eyebrow at her outfit.
A wedding dress. She was in a wedding dress. What? She held her white high heel shoes in her hand and the bottom of the dress was caked in mud and dead leaves. Leaves and twigs were snarled in her hair and I reached to pull them out. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe she was here. Apparently, she saw my confused look at her dress. "Oh…yea…this." She said, disgusted. "I was, uh, obviously getting married. But… you know how I, uh, went missing, I guess?"
I nodded, gazing at her, confused. "Well, I met this amazing guy, and he, uh, found out about my…dad, and he basically made me stay there." A smile flickered across her face. "His name was Ray, but, uh, long story short, he asked me to marry him and my dad made me because he has quite a lot of money. But that's not why I liked him. But, anyways, I think Ray caught on, because he said no. And Father got a little angry and uh, killed him." she sniffled and rubbed her hand under her eyes. "But whatever. It doesn't matter. I'm just walking somewhere—I don't know where. So, I guess you're still not talking?" she tried smiling, but it was weak.
I closed my eyes and then opened them, hoping she'd get the pity that was there. I felt sorry for her. I don't know what I'd do if that happened to me. But I shook my head.
"Danny? Who's this?" I clamped my jaw together as the voice came up behind me and rested his hand on my hips. Michelle noticed, glancing from me to his hands, and then to him.
"My name's Michelle." She tried smiling again as she held out her hand. His face was set in a scowl as he glanced at her hand and then up to her.
"Josh. Nice to meet you." he said, but it didn't sound very friendly. "Can I talk to you…alone?"
She tilted her head slightly and glanced at me. "Uh, sure, I guess." He nodded his head to the right and she followed him to a spot where I couldn't hear them. After a while, she gaped at him and inclined her head towards him, asking something, I think. Again, she gasped and asked something again. He nodded and then tilted his head back towards me. He let her stroll back to me before he did. I crossed my arms over my chest and stared at him.
"What?" his jaw clenched. "I thought you were mad at me." I scowled at him.
"By the way…" he bent down and picked something up, my bag dangling from his hand. "You forget something?" I snatched it from him and narrowed my eyes.
Suddenly, his eyes darted away from me and tightened. "Didn't I tell you to stay in the car?"
I looked back to find Levi blushing as he came up behind me. He nodded. "Yea, but I wanted ta say hi ta Danny."
Josh rolled his eyes and his jaw tightened. "Fine, say hi and go back to the car. I'll be there soon."
Levi smiled and hugged me around the waist. Awkwardly, I returned the hug as best I could to an eight year old. "Bye, Danny!" Levi smiled shyly and turned back to run to the car.
Josh scoffed, shaking his head, and then turned back to smile at Michelle. "It was nice to meet you. And I hope that everything turns out, uh, okay."
She smiled. "Thanks…"
He turned to me. "You sure you don't want that ride?"
I sighed, hesitated, and nodded. Sure.