A/N: How are you guys? Surprised because I'm updating today? Well, yeah! I am! I'll tell you why... First of the reasons: I wasn't planning to update this chapter so soon and my idea was to update on Sunday, but one of you, Sarah, asked me if I could make an exception and update on Monday; so I asked to myself... Why not doing it once? It's not Monday, I know, but it's Tuesday or Wednesday in some countries. Second of the reasons: I won't be in my city this entire week and weekend and then it's Christmas and well, I wouldn't have the time to update this chapter. So this is why I'm updating today instead Saturday or Sunday. After this chapter, you'll have to wait till December 29 to read the next chapter. I'm so sorry, but I won't be able to update before that day; so I'm very sorry you'll have to wait for so long; and I'm feeling even worse because the chapter ends with my usual cliffhangers and this one… Well, this one it's not something you'll like, I guess. So well, now that I have time, I'll answer your reviews! I'll start answering the new readers of this story! :) First of all, and in general, I wanted to thank each one of you for reading this story and I hope you can keep reading it with a smile, enjoying it; I'll try my best to get it. I still can't believe that I'm getting new readers, not so many, but not for that less important for me. So, thank you a lot! It means a lot to me to know that people read my silly stuff! Like, writing never was my stuff so your words are very moving for me. Okay, okay, I'll start answering my new readers:
Victoria Paige: You hate me! Well, thanks god it's in a good way! And I feel terrible right now, because you hate me because you have to wait till next Saturday to read the next chapter and now you'll have to wait more than a week to read the next one! I think I was so inopportune! Sorry, sorry! And thank you very much for reading this story and liking it! :)
JustCallMeNicola: You're new! Your review really sounded like you really needed more and well, it made me smile! Now you're getting more and I hope you can enjoy it!
StarkidLuna: Awww thank you a lot, Starkid fellow! It's still weird for me to read that my story is brilliant and amazing, I still think (notice Darren's song, lol) that I need to improve like a lot for that my story can be called like that! Anyways, your review made me smile, so thank you for that! :)
Theaterlover13: Okay, your words made me feel moved! I mean, it's so wonderful to read that I write beautifully! I hope someday I can get better and I hope you can still like my writing! I always try to make people who read this story feel the emotions and enjoy those heartfelt speeches that they have as you said; sometimes I don't get it and I feel upset with myself thinking 'this is shit' or 'I could have written it better'; sometimes I feel like I'm writing in a very corny and cheesy way, in a very exaggerated way; and sometimes I feel satisfied with what I wrote (this is the less feeling I have, I'm very self-demanding). So yeah, thank you for saying what you said!
Now for my old and amazing readers!
alicegursk: You made me laugh! haha. 'I solemnly swear that my intentions are not good'; I mean, are good, good intentions! Will you buy a book by me? Oh my god! I think you'll be the only one who's gonna buy it and the real writers will hate me for writing such a terrible book compared to them! I'm kidding! I just prefer to write here, in this website, so everybody can read what I write for free without the need to pay for it and also because I like this, seeing every week what you think about a new chapter, talking to you all, sharing some things! See? It's cool in this way! If someone makes a serial with my fanfiction... I only hope that the person who does that changes the name of Darren Criss or the person maintains my name in anonymity. I mean, I'll die of embarrassment if Darren notices that I'm writing about him; it'd be really awkward and I wouldn't like it at all. Like... No! Wow, just thinking about it makes me feel ashamed! I prefer this to be only for fans! haha
Sarah: Sarah! See? I updated earlier than usual! But I'm afraid that you'll hate me even more after this chapter! Ouch! I'm sorry! But anyway, I hope you can enjoy it!
Kaylacriss332: haha Kayla! I know, I know! I have a serious illness called 'syndrome of cliffhangers craziness and addiction' okay, that was a terrible saying. The worst thing is that in the next chapters... all of them have cliffhangers and some of them are terrible. I think this one is pure suspense, like you'll want to know what the hell is going on. And I won't be able to update next chapter till December 29! I say in advance, I'm so very sorry and now I gotta go to find something to protect my life! Just kidding, terrible joke!
caarolineboeira1: haha I'll admit you something, I also love the way they fight! I wrote it like that because I tried to remember all those kinds of similar situations I've been through in my life (of course my situations weren't as the way I wrote in this story, but the concept of fight is there implicit). You'll think I'm crazy, but what I write is a mix of the situations in my life, situations of my friends' lives, and situations inspired by movies and music; and when I write, I picture in my mind what is happening as if I were watching a movie in my mind. Kinda crazy! About the line you chose and what you said: You can have Darren! At least you can dream about it and for those who think it's ridiculous, well, screw them! Oh Karen, Karen! haha yes, she started like a bitch, but hey! Then she said she was going to support Darren, or something like that! You said that you didn't know if you were going to be able to wait until Sunday; so maybe this is a good new that I updated earlier than usual!
Okay, that's all. But before letting you read this chapter; I want to say something else. As I already said, I won't be able to update the next chapter before December 29; so I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Or in our case, very Merry Crissmas! I hope that Santa (let's be kids and believe it only for today) can fulfill all that you have written on your wishlist! But mostly, I hope you all can have a lovely Christmas with all your beloved ones, the most important thing. Let's forget about the presents and let's do not forget the spirit of Christmas: being more selfless, friendlier, kinder, and generally much nicer to people. Such an amazing spirit, isn't it? Okay, I just wanted to wish you that to you, my amazing readers! Now everything said, I'll let you read this unexpected new chapter! Enjoy and have a super and totally awesome week, weekend and Christmas! Lots of love! See you soon!
Teenage Dream – Part 22 – The mirror.
You noticed how Darren was looking at you as if you were crazy, as if you were saying nonsense things; so you started feeling insecure. Maybe you shouldn't tell him about W; after all, you weren't completely sure, it was a supposition, maybe a very certain supposition, but a supposition in the end. Maybe you shouldn't say anything, considering the way he couldn't believe you when you told him about Dean and Brian, maybe it wasn't a good idea now that things were good between you and him. But you didn't have to say anything; he only found out by himself that there was something you weren't telling him.
"I think I know who W is, Darren." You said shyly and still insecure.
"What the fuck?" He asked aghast and frowning. Oh, this was going to be hard, you knew it.
"Yes... Yes, I wanted to tell you this before but then... Well, then we argued and I thought that maybe... Maybe it was better if I didn't tell you that..." You said feeling even more insecure and he was frowning more evidently.
"What? How could you... How could you not tell me something like this? We're together on this. I want as much as you to find out who W is, and you didn't tell me a damn shit! We agreed that we were going to say the other if someone finds out something new." He reproached angry and also disappointed.
"Yes, I know we agreed that. That's why I told you about Brian and Dean. But you didn't believe me, so I thought that maybe it wasn't time... You know, to tell you that in that moment." You said on the defensive, but not wanting to start over again another dispute.
"I can't believe you're telling me that. Tell me, how would you feel if suddenly I find out who W is and I don't tell you anything? Brian and Dean? That was different. Whether or not they're bad people, we know that neither of them is W; they could be allies, but not the leaders. This that you supposedly found out about W? That is something that you should've told me in first place. When were you going to tell me if I wouldn't have read that text message? When? You want me and Jen to help you, and we're willing to do that; but how can you expect us to help you if you don't tell us what is happening? Sometimes... Sometimes I just can't understand you! At times you make my blood boil!" Darren exclaimed kind of mad and exasperated and you felt really hurt at his rough words. You only looked at him baffled and distressed.
"I'm sorry; I've never had the intention of doing that to you." You said looking down, still feeling distressed. "You have to understand that I never asked for your help; if you stop to think about it, actually I tried to convince you not to help me. And this I'm saying doesn't mean that I'm reproaching you something. I never asked for your help, but I'm really glad and grateful for your help." You said with bated breath and shyly, still looking down. "Please, don't make me feel guiltier than I already am for involving you on this, because I can't avoid feeling that all the bad things that come to happen to you, is my entire fault. So if sometimes I don't tell you certain things, is not because I don't want to tell you because of selfishness, but because I don't want to involve you on this way too much, because I wouldn't forgive myself if something really bad comes to happen to you because of my fault once again. I know that a lot of bad things happened to you since you started talking to me; so I'm aware that it is my fault, but I play fool, not because I don't care about it, but because I still don't know how to stop it, because this goes out of my control. Please forgive me, I'm trying." You said with teary voice and you couldn't avoid breaking into tears.
There was no worse feeling than guilt. You didn't want him to see you crying once again; he already saw you crying several times and you hated it; so you turned around and covered your face, trying to calm down. You heard how Darren, behind you, sighed and then you felt the warmth of his body near you. He hesitated a few seconds before he stood up behind you and held you in his arms, caressing your shoulders very smoothly. But you still were covering your face, you really needed to control your feelings, you just couldn't cry all the time because you didn't even like it.
"You must understand and believe that nothing is your fault, Freckles." Darren whispered, resting his chin on your shoulder, still holding you in his arms. "If something bad comes to happen to me is because this is what I've chosen. I knew what kind of shitty things could happen to me before getting involved on this, but I took a chance because you are more important to me than any other crap thing that could happen to me. I won't deny that at first I wasn't so sure; but as time went by, I figured out that I took the right decision and I'm glad for taking that decision because it got me where I am now, with you, like this. I've chosen it, Freckles; so don't carry all the responsibility. And I have it clear that the bad things aren't happening because of your fault, but because of W's fault." He whispered again, softening his voice and talking in a loving way. Now you uncovered your face and stopped crying, but you still couldn't look at him and you couldn't talk; so there was a silent moment in which Darren kissed your temple. "I'm sorry for the way I treated you, I was just a bit nervous and scared because of what you told me. I mean... I always wanted that day to come, the day when we finally find out who W is; but I've never actually pictured it. So it took me by surprise; and yeah... even if it isn't something reliable what you know about W; I'm scared to know who that person is... I mean... After I get to know who W is... What am I gonna do? What will happen next? Should we do something or should we play fool? There are so many unanswered questions. I'm sorry; I shouldn't have projected my fears into you. Forgive me." He said, nuzzling slowly his nose on your neck.
You turned your face slightly to glance at him. He was resting his chin on your shoulder, he was brushing his nose on your neck and his eyes were closed while he was hugging you tightly. You tried to reach his lips to kiss him; so you stood on tiptoe but you failed anyway; instead a kiss it was more like a very slight and swift brush of lips. But he smiled still with his eyes closed, and you thought that was the best smile on him; it was slight, but it was full of kindness and affection. He slowly opened his eyes and his long eyelashes and deep hazel eyes captivated you. You never saw his eyes as close as this moment. Wow, he was beautiful, now more than ever. How on earth could a guy like him be interested on you? You were really lost in his eyes.
"You're so handsome." You said in a whisper, besotted. You really didn't want to say it loud, stupid you. Of course he was now looking at you amused, with that saucy smile, frowning slightly.
"Do you really think I'm handsome?" He asked with a seductive look and an alluring smile.
"I... What... I tried... Well..." You stammered like a real idiot, blushing hard and this only increased Darren's amusement. You had to take a deep breath before talking again. "Well, I think every girl finds you attractive."
"I don't care of what other girls think. I want to know if you, and only you, find me attractive." He insisted, looking intensely into your eyes, still with the seductive look.
"Well yeah..." You whispered, looking down because of your shame. "Yes, of course I do."
"Alright..." He said and then he lifted up your chin; so, inevitably, you were looking into his eyes again. "Now I want you to tell me that while looking at me in the eye; otherwise, I'd think you're lying to me for pity." He said with the saucy smile and you giggled shyly. This was very weird; you've never admitted someone on the face that was handsome.
"Of course I'm not lying. You're handsome." You said shyly but looking into his eyes and he smiled widely, now not in a saucy way, but in a fondly way.
"I think you are pretty and sexy." He said smiling and piercing you with his fervent look. You couldn't help it but laughing nervously and in a very silly way.
"Me? Sexy? Please, you gotta be kidding me." You laughed, but he was still looking at you in the same way.
"No, I'm not kidding. You're sexy, very sexy. And I'm happy that you show your sexy side only with me; otherwise, other guys wouldn't take their eyes off you and I'd kill them for that." He said still looking at you fervently. Oh that look was making you feel a bit uncomfortable; duh, no one ever looked at you like that. "Oh, I'm a jealous guy, by the way. I really hate when someone glances at you furtively, I get jealous whenever a guy stands very close to you. Man, I hated Chuck when I saw him fooling around you." He said serious and frowning and you burst out laughing.
"Are you serious Darren?" You said still laughing.
"Yes, I'm very serious. You'll have to stand my insane jealousy." He said raising his eyebrows, still looking at you serious and you grinned amused.
"Well, so then you'll have to stand my jealousy as well." You said shrugging.
You still didn't know if you were a jealous girl or not, because you never experienced having a boyfriend before; but the truth was that you wouldn't like to see a girl fooling around him, so maybe you were also a jealous person. Darren placed his hands on your hips to turn you around, so now you were facing. But instead taking his hands off your hips, he placed them more firmly and he pulled you closer to him, now your tummies were brushing slightly and you felt a ticklish that made you giggle. You wrapped your arms around his neck and he rested his forehead on yours, to smile in front of your lips, but without kissing you. It was fine that he didn't kiss you; it was something weird, it was as if he was kissing you but without doing it physically. Can things like that happen actually? You stayed like this for a long time, only staring into each other's eyes and smiling in front of each other's lips; feeling and hearing his breathe, smelling his aroma, feeling his soft skin, staring every feature of his face; admiring his hazel eyes and his long eyelashes, what you loved most about him besides his entire personality.
"Baby... Can you tell me what you've found about W?" He asked after a long time.
You looked down to avoid his gaze. You knew you should tell him, it was what he deserved to know; but you didn't know how he was going to take it. Maybe the best was going to be if you tell him once and for all, without preamble.
"I think that W is Susan, your friend's friend." You said very low, still looking down and not wanting to see what kind of expression he had on his face.
"How come?" He asked a bit incredulous.
You looked away and sighed. This was going to be definitely hard. You really didn't want to try to convince him as before, because now you knew how it would end up. Anyway, you explained him the reasons. You explained him all the connections you could notice between W and Susan; the way she called you in the same way than W; the way she seemed to be very interested in knowing if you were his girlfriend or not and the text message that said something related to it; the explanation because she knew a lot about Darren thanks to her friend Karen who surely was manipulated by Susan; you explained him the archly way she talked to you, the same archly way that W treated you. Summing up, you told him all your suspicions. Darren didn't interrupt you, he only listened to you very intently, with a blankly expression: he wasn't believing you but he didn't want to tell you that.
"Well, I do think that we cannot assume this as certain and irrefutable. It's only based on your suppositions and it's tied to your subjectivity. We should investigate more about this to figure out if this is in fact like this or not; because I won't deny that the similarities are obvious and many; but... Susan? This is the first time you've seen Susan. How come she can be W if she also didn't know you before today? Maybe she could be an ally too, but I don't think she is W. W is a person who knows you a lot and has some personal issues with you. For me, W is someone else, don't know who yet." He answered and you just looked away, knowing that he was just saying it because he couldn't believe you, but you wouldn't argue about this, not again.
"Yes, maybe." You answered in a whisper, not being completely honest but only not to start the same dispute for the same reasons.
"Baby, I believe you; I really do." Darren said holding your hands and you glanced at him furtively. "I'm just only saying that we should get more clues to prove if in fact it's what you're saying; only not to screw it. We wouldn't like to be ambushed by W again, would we?" He asked and you shook your head, still looking down. "Can we do that then?" He asked and you nodded in silence. "Baby, please, look at me." He almost begged and you looked at him blankly. "I do believe you."
"Okay." You answered and looked down again.
He let out your hands and you glanced at him furtively to see that now he was running his fingers through his hair, biting his lower lip and looking away and then he looked at you over again, but you looked down again.
"This is not gonna work like this." He finally said, now more distant from you. Those words made you feel terrible. "I want you to believe me that when I say that we should investigate more about Susan is not because I don't believe what you said, is because I want to be sure about it. This is not a game in which if we make a mistake it doesn't matter because you can play it again, you can try again. This is about finding out who the person who harasses us is; we need to be sure of everything. You found out something very important about W; well, what I'm saying is, let's start from there; let's see if W is Susan or not. Can you see my point?" He asked looking at you frowning and a bit anguished; this time you looked at him for a long time.
"Yes, I can. Maybe you're right; maybe we shouldn't rush into this. I guess we'll have to sit and wait to see what happens..." You answered shrugging and Darren walked closer to you.
"No, we must not do that. We need to start doing something, only that way we'll get real proofs. Let's investigate, let's research, and let's be keener of every odd situation we see or hear. But most importantly, let's be together on this. I propose that from now on we trust each other, we believe in what the other says; which doesn't mean that we must agree on everything or take it as certain. I insist, we shouldn't let W do us part. So... Do you think we can do that? If you want to do this in some other way, I'm listening to you. We don't have to do what I say, you know that." Darren said firmly looking deeply into your eyes and you only smiled faintly. Well, he could convince you of doing whatever he wanted; you didn't know how he always managed to do that.
"No, I think we should do what you said. Maybe I've overreacted when I said all of that about Susan. I was scared, just that." You said this time honestly. Maybe your fears didn't let you see things properly.
"I know we'll find who W is and I'll kick that person's ass for messing with my girlfriend." He said smiling widely and warmly before he hugged you tightly, a warm and cozy hug.
We came back home with our bikes slowly, because even though we should hurry because my parents would arrive any soon, I wanted this bike ride to last more. We barely could enjoy it and it was unbelievable how fast the afternoon passed by. It was already 7pm and it was starting to get dark. This was a weird afternoon, one of the weirdest ones: the bike ride, the talk to Karen, the dispute with Freckles, our ups and downs along all day long, and all that Freckles told me about W: about Susan, Dean and Brian. I tried hard to believe her but it was almost impossible; not because I didn't trust her but because this was too odd. But I wouldn't tell her this, because thanks to that I almost lose her and I felt terrible; no, I wouldn't risk my new relationship with the girl of my dreams.
"Darren, for fuck's sake! I texted you two hours ago! I made it clear: Get your ass over here now! What the hell do you mean by the word now?" Chuck asked accelerated and hysterical when Freckles and I arrived home. Oh great, now I was going to stand Chuck playing to be like dad as he always did when he was in charge of me.
"Sorry I couldn't make it in time." I answered while parking my bike.
"The fact you have a girlfriend now, doesn't mean that you can do whatever you want, Darren." Chuck scolded me and I looked at him annoyed, really annoyed.
"You're not dad, Charles." I replied curtly.
"But I'm your older brother and I'm in charge of you. So, whenever dad and mom aren't here, you have to obey me." Chuck said firmly and bossy and it irritated me. Man, he was only two years older than me.
"Oh man... Sometimes I really wish you could be at Trinity College-Hartford, where you should be now." I said really upset.
I didn't realize I totally screwed it. Chuck was now looking down, biting his lower lip, frowning and a bit distressed. Freckles was only looking at us in silence so she noticed the sudden change of mood of Chuck, and she frowned slightly, confused. Well, she didn't know what it meant, so it was normal that she was confused. I felt like a real asshole.
"I'm sorry, bro. I was just upset, I didn't mean that." I apologized.
"It's alright; you said nothing but the truth." He answered looking away. "Whatever, mom and dad aren't here yet, but you have visitors inside." He said before turning around to leave. Fuck, I felt really bad.
"What was that, Darren?" Freckles suddenly asked.
"Nothing, just a family thing." I answered still feeling bad for what I said.
"Oh, okay. I get it." Freckles simply answered and she parked Chuck's bike, as if she wanted to respect me.
"Last year Chuck started college; he decided to study music at Trinity College." I started telling Freckles. I knew she wanted to know but she was just too respectful to ask when it wasn't something of her business. And I wanted to share things with her. "He was doing really fine; he was one of the best students. You should hear Chuck singing and playing. He's really good." I said and I noticed how Freckles was listening to me very intently. "The point is that he had a girlfriend and he was really in love with that girl. They dated for more than three years and when they started college, they forcedly had to go different ways. They kept having the long-distance relationship and everything was going well until one day he went to visit her in Chicago. It was a surprise, she didn't know that. She had a lover there. Chuck found her with that guy in a very compromising situation. Since that time, Chuck was a big mess and everything in college started going wrong; he had to leave Hartford and come back to San Francisco because he couldn't get better. So that's why this year he's here, he's taking a free year to start college again, this time to do it well. He's fine now, but he was a real mess."
"That's really awful. Poor Chuck." Freckles said anguished, frowning. Aww, it was so cute the way she could put herself in someone else's shoes so easily.
"Yes, it is. But it's in the past; fortunately he overcame it. Still, I screwed it when I said that to him minutes ago." I said looking down, feeling angry with myself. "Oh my god, I'm a terrible person. How could I say that? Stupid me."
"Dare... You know you aren't a terrible person. You weren't thinking what you said, you were just annoyed. We all say things we don't mean while we're upset, I guess Chuck got it. You know, your brother is a very accessible person and he's mature, surely he also has been in situations like yours; after all, you and he aren't so different." Freckles said softly, with a kind smile on her face, trying to cheer me up. "He is your brother; brothers always are like this. You only should talk to him and apologize; you don't get anything by cursing at yourself for a mistake you've made."
"Yeah, but still, I feel bad." I replied looking away. Yes, it was accurate what she was saying, but it didn't mean I was feeling any better.
"I know and it's normal to feel bad whenever we make a mistake. It's part of our learning." She said wisely, shrugging. I could never stop feeling amazed whenever she talked in a wise way, as if she was an expert; and she was one year younger than me. How come? "But your brother taught me something: we need to learn how to find a new perspective of things; sometimes things aren't as we think, sometimes they can be taken in another way; it's up to us. I'm not gonna tell you in which way you should take this, because it must be your point of view; but I can tell you that when you get it, you'll be able to apologize; to really apologize to someone. Because it's easy to say forgive me or I forgive you; what it's not easy is to really mean it. Take your time to apologize; sometimes is better to take a time to do so than to apologize as soon as we make the mistake. Your brother will understand it, I'm sure."
"Why are you so inspiring all the time?" I asked dumbfounded, looking at her like a fool.
"Am I?" She asked giggling softly. Not only she was inspiring, she was the most humble person ever, so far from being smug even though she had reasons to be like that because of her smartness.
"You are." I replied looking at her goofily, admiring the hell damn of amazing person I had as a girlfriend.
"Alright, if you say so..." She answered smiling in a silly way, blushing and looking down. "Come on, let's get in; Chuck said you have visitors." She said cheerfully, feinting to enter the house; but I grabbed her hand quickly.
"Hold on." I said quickly and she looked at me. I smiled lovingly at her. "I love you." I said looking into her eyes and she smiled widely as her face lit up.
"I love you too." She answered shyly and then she pecked my lips. I loved every time she did that.
"Okay, now I can get in." I said while I intertwined my fingers with hers, to walk into the house holding hands with my new girlfriend. Life is wonderful, I thought.
You never expected that the visitor would be Amanda and it was only to see you.
"I told you I was going to come often to visit you, sis." She said cheerfully at some point, pulling you into a hug.
She has been waiting for you for more than an hour but she didn't want to leave until she could see you, it seemed she had something to tell you, but she didn't mention anything because you were in the living room with Darren, Chuck and Jen. When you entered the house, holding hands with Darren, she noticed it and you felt very nervous. You still haven't told your sister you were now Darren's girlfriend. You really didn't want her to find this out this way, you wanted to talk to her about this; because, after all, she also had feelings for Darren and this whole situation didn't feel right. You thought that after she noticed this gesture, she was going to feel down and look away; but instead, she saw your hands and then she looked up at you and Darren with a huge smile on her face. You couldn't get it, but it felt good.
"I'm so happy for you two." Was the only she said cheerfully, without the need to clear to her that you and Darren were a couple now.
That was weird, but she really seemed to be happy; she seemed to support this. Yes, Darren told you that he has talked to her about you and him; but you never thought that she could actually be happy for this, considering she still had feelings for Darren. You felt kinda bad about it, but Darren was the guy you've always dreamed of, so you really wanted to be with him.
"I thought that mom and dad were going to be here soon. It's been more than two hours." Darren said at one point, when all of you were just chilling in the living room, talking about everything.
"Yeah, I don't know what happened to them. I guess soon they'll arrive." Chuck said shrugging.
"It's weird; they always let us know when they're late." Darren said frowning, more like in a whisper and thoughtful.
But the topic of conversation changed roundly when Mandy mentioned something that has happened to her in one of her trips. Still, you could notice how Darren was still thoughtful, thinking about what he recently said. You didn't know if it was weird or not, but Darren's face was concerning you. What would he be thinking?
"Sister, are you here?" Mandy suddenly asked giggling. You were very thoughtful that you forgot where you were. She was looking at you as everybody else in the room. "You seem to be anywhere else but not here."
"Sorry, I was thinking..." You apologized ashamed.
"It's alright. I was just asking you if we could talk. I have something to tell you, in private." Mandy said and you nodded.
"Yes, we can. I don't know... We can go outside?" You asked her; but also glancing at Darren, to ask for his permission. He noticed it.
"Baby, this is your home now. Feel free to do what you want, when you want." He said smiling warmly and you smiled back at him.
"Thanks." You said and Darren smiled before kissing slightly your lips.
Oh well, that was kind of uncomfortable. Not that you felt uncomfortable when Darren kissed you, but the whole situation was uncomfortable. Not only Chuck and Jen saw you, but also your sister. As a reflex, the first you did was to look at Mandy. She looked down, feeling nervous; but then she looked up again and smiled. You knew what she was feeling because it was the same you did when you saw Darren and Mandy walking together when you all went to the beach. She was feeling sad, but trying to feel happy for you two. This was going to be hard, not because she was going to do something to separate you, but because you didn't know if you could handle seeing your sister sad now that you were fine. You walked to the yard with your sister and the two of you sat on the grass. What would she want to tell you? You didn't know, because she didn't speak for a while.
"I miss you being at home." She finally said and you looked at her bewildered. You never expected her to say that; but she said it with honesty. "If you could see, everything is different since you left."
"Since I was kicked out, Mandy." You corrected her and your sister looked down, anguished.
"Yeah, I can't believe he could have done such a thing." She said in a whisper and now you also looked down.
"Yes, you can. He's never been so supportive and he barely knows how to treat his own daughters. You've been there too, only that he didn't go far to the point to kick you out. He has a mental disorder and should be treated with a psychiatrist. Mom has tried it, but it didn't work." You answered feeling bad for saying that, but it was the cruel truth.
"You were so little, how could you get all of those things at your age that time?" She asked distressed.
"Mandy... It was obvious, everybody could see that. I was little, yes, but I knew something weird and bad was happening all the times you took me with you to your bedroom, with loud music and to play with our dolls; to distract me and to not to hear their disputes. I appreciate that, but anyway I could notice it. You were so little as well, Mandy; you're only one year older than me." You answered gloomy remembering all those dark times. "But I really found out what was happening after years; only that I didn't want to see it. Just like you."
"Yes, I wonder why he would have mental disorder." Mandy admitted it for the first time.
"Our grandpa, Mandy. He was out of himself; you know it; you also saw what happened with our grandma."
"That's right, I'd never forget the time we lived with her. It was awful, I was always wondering why we had to go through that while the other kids were living happy with their moms and dads." Mandy said with such distress that you let out a tear. Yes, you always wondered the same. "I need you in home, sis. I can't stand living with dad alone. I know we barely talked before, but yet I felt good when you were around, even if I denied it always. Please, come back."
"You know I won't, you also wouldn't do it. He's the one who kicked me out, I didn't want to leave home; so he's the one who should come to apologize and ask me to come back." You answered coldly, but only because you were trying hard to hold back your tears. After you said that, there was an intense silence. "Does he ever ask for me?" You asked with teary voice, you really wanted to know it because after all he was your dad. And over again, there was a silence for a long time.
"No." Mandy answered uncomfortable and anguished and you looked down, wanting to cry but holding back your tears. "I'm sorry. He never asked for you. I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry, not your fault." You answered breathlessly, with teary voice.
And then you felt how your sister pulled you into a tight and warm hug. You couldn't hold back your tears any longer, not after that hug. It was your family, and your family was fading away; your own father didn't care about you, he didn't even think about you, not even once. Not matter how much you wanted to seem strong about this situation; it was your dad and it hurt, you wanted to see him again; you wanted everything to be fine with him.
"I feel so bad for you, because you don't deserve this." Your sister whispered while still hugging you.
"Maybe I do deserve this." You answered breathlessly again.
"No, you don't. This is very unfair. I can't get why he would kick out someone like you. I can't get why he doesn't care about you if you were always the one who tried to reach his heart, you were the only one who always cared about him and now he's doing this, as if nothing matters! How come?" Your sister exclaimed troubled and desperate and you cried even more. "I promise that I'll never do something like that to you. You can count on me and fortunately you also have Darren who loves you; he's gonna support you always. That's the only reason that can make me feel better, because I know you're in good hands." You sister said now looking at you with teary eyes and you smiled at her.
"Thanks for being here with me, as the old times." You said softly. "Mandy... What about mom? Does she know about this?"
"No, she doesn't know yet; I didn't want to worry her. She's coming back this week and she's gonna get mad at dad. I hope she can fix this situation." Mandy said looking down and you looked away.
"Please Mandy, don't tell mom where I am. I don't want to cause more troubles in home. If she's really worried, let me know and I'm gonna come back. I don't want mom to think that the Criss family are bad people for taking me to their home and for preventing me of being at home; I know she's gonna think that." You said concerned because you knew that your mother tended to overreact and overthink things.
"I won't tell her, promise." Mandy said smiling slightly. "But someday you'll have to tell her, I mean, she needs to know what dad has done and how kind the Criss family is for accommodating you here, in their home."
"I know. I'm still trying to find the way to thank them all they're doing for me. Sometimes I think I don't thank the enough; I don't thank them, I don't thank you, I don't thank Jen and all the people who are always there or who try to help me. But I'm very thankful, I really am." You said with teary voice again.
"And we know that. Sometimes you don't have to say the word thanks to show someone that you're thankful. You show it with your actions. People, who know you, know that you're like this and we love that of you. You should stop feeling bad when people help you; if they do it, is because they want to and they care about it, they aren't expecting anything in return; all you do to thank them is enough, trust me." Your sister told you, looking fixedly into your eyes.
"I don't do anything; I don't know why you're saying that." You answered shyly, frowning and looking down.
"You do a lot. Maybe you don't realize it, but there's something in you, something that is like a charm. Only with your smile and your self-effacement and gentleness, you can turn the entire world; you make people feel good and it's weird. Do not ever lose that virtue of yours." She smiled kindly and you felt moved. "I do think that's why Darren loves you so much, because you inspire people and you're so humble that you can't see that. You inspired him, you touched his heart." She said still smiling and you looked away, feeling very shy and, therefore, blushing. You couldn't say anything because you didn't know what to say; it was weird hearing your sister talking about Darren. "You two make a lovely couple. I demand to be the bridesmaid at your wedding." She said chuckling and you giggled softly, still looking down.
"I think that's not gonna happen any soon." You answered with an amused smile. She was trying to cheer you up and you appreciated it, more if it was from Mandy.
"You never know." She said shrugging and still giggling. "That guy won't let you go, everybody can see that if you only stop to see the way he looks at you." She winked and you looked at her incredulous, but amused. "And he has got a good ass."
"Amanda!" You exclaimed in disbelief but amused. "But you're right about it. He's got a really good ass." You laughed and she laughed along with you.
"Now seriously talking... I'm glad you finally found the right guy for you. I always thought that no one would be good enough for you, but this Criss guy could be. I'll have to check his attitudes all the time to prove if I'm right or wrong." She said as a controlling person and then she chuckled. Yes, this was the sister you once had; the real Amanda. It was really good to have her back.
"What is Amanda doing here?" I asked suspiciously once that Freckles and Amanda went outside.
"I don't know, man. She came to visit her sister, is normal, isn't it?" Chuck answered indifferent, shrugging and eating a cookie. He was being kind of distant with me, I could notice it; but I couldn't blame him because it was my fault.
"Listen... I'm really sorry, Chuck. I wasn't thinking..." I started saying shyly but he interrupted me.
"Stop it, Darren. I don't want to ruin this night." He said roundly and I looked down. Yes, definitely it was a hard to apologize to someone and more if it was a loved one.
"Chuck, please..." I started begging.
"I said stop, Darren! Goddammit!" He said almost yelling, irritated.
"I think I'm gonna make a coffee..." Jen said when she realized there was happening something unusual.
She only stood up and left the living room in silence. Neither I nor Chuck talked for a long time. He was trying to get entertained with a cushion and I was only looking at him, not knowing how to apologize. I really hated whenever Chuck and I were mad at each other, whenever we were distant or we had a dispute; because Chuck was my only brother and he meant a lot to me. I looked at him and he was still avoiding my gaze. Whoa, Freckles was right; it was hard to apologize to someone, but I was really feeling like doing so.
"Chuck..." I started saying shyly.
"Shut up, Darren." He said curtly and I stopped talking. Damn, he was always the stronger one. But I took the courage to keep talking.
"No, listen to me." I said determined and he looked at me amazed. Yeah, I never talked to him so determined after he shut me up. "I was a dick and I'm really sorry for that. Lately I've been very touchy and for some reason I'm moody all the time. Most of the things I say aren't intentional, I just say it without thinking and most of the times are just untrue things. You know, a lot of things are happening to me lately; good and bad things, so I'm just a bit unbalanced. What I said earlier about you, it isn't like that." I said honestly, feeling nervous but sure of saying all of this. Chuck was looking away, but listening to me in silence. "Bro, I've been there when you had to go through that shit; I know perfectly why you're here and I do understand it. If it ever comes to happen to me with Freckles; I don't know if I'd be able to be like you're now; surely I'd be lying on my bed all the time, despondent and not trying at all to overcome it. But you did, and I know you're trying hard; I know that what happened to you is hard. And you are like... you're like my role model; I admire you and I'm always trying to be like you. I always wanted to be like you. So what I said earlier is because I was upset in that moment, and also because sometimes I'm jealous of you, because I'd like to be like you and I can't. I know I shouldn't be jealous of you because it's not nice, but it's because you're like my hero. I'm sorry Chuck, I really am. I don't like to be at odds with you. Please, forgive me for my stupidity." I finally apologized heartily, looking at him with a hint of guiltiness and contrition but also with expectation to get his forgiveness.
"All that you've said is utterly stupid." Chuck answered roundly and it was as if a bucket of cold water fell on my body. My expectation turned into disappointment, more like hopelessness.
"Chuck, I'm just trying to apologize because I'm regretted." I said very low, looking at my lap and feeling kind of intimidated.
"Yeah, I'm your brother and I know you since you've born, so I can tell what you mean and what not." He replied and I just remained looking at my lap, feeling bad. This was being very hard; I thought he was going to forgive me. "As your brother, I'm telling you that what you recently said is completely stupid." He said roughly and I didn't know anymore how to manage this. "First of all... How the hell can you think that Freckles would do something like that to you?" He asked in disbelief and I finally looked up at him, astonished. Oh well, I wasn't expecting that kind of answer or question. "She's the nicest girl I've met and she's so hooked up with you, Darren. For what I know about her so far, she would never hurt someone in the way Madeline hurt me. Your girlfriend is a quite good person; I hope you never let her go."
"I won't." I answered with a faintly smile, still feeling bad but now a bit better. Anyway, I was still confused about his point.
"Good." Chuck answered with a slight smile. "Then... How would you think you're stupid? I'm sick of you calling yourself stupid. You are not. I totally got that you said it because you were upset in that moment; I know it because it always happened to me whenever mom interrupted me when I was with Madeline. And I know you didn't mean it because I know you bro, and I know how you always tried to cheer me up on your own way; inviting me to play songs with you, inviting me to fool around, making pranks and jokes, teasing me all the time to get distracted." He said softening his voice and I looked at him in silence, with a half-smile.
"Have you noticed it? Cheering people up never was my strong point; I just couldn't see you like that." I admitted shyly.
"Of course I've noticed it. I do think that cheering people up is your strong point, is only that you don't do it in the conventional way. Sometimes is better the way you do because sometimes you just need to get distracted, sometimes you don't want to talk about it. So, thanks, bro." Chuck said softly, looking at me with a friendly smile and I just smiled back. Chuck was like me, he wouldn't talk so easily about those feelings, so this was really a good thing. "But the most stupid thing you've said... How the fuck would you want to be like me? Seriously, Darren?"
"Yeah, seriously." I answered now feeling abashed by the way he asked that.
"See, that's stupid. You're not stupid, that way of thinking is stupid. I mean, Darren... You're just awesome the way you are; you cannot be the copy of someone. What I always liked about you, when you were younger, is that you never tried to be someone else; you were yourself." Chuck said serious and I just felt so abashed that I looked at my lap as I remembered all the crappy things that happened to me in elementary school for being myself.
"Yeah, and both you and I know how it ended." I said very low, touching my knees because I didn't know what else to do not to start feeling very sensitive as I've been feeling lately.
"That was years ago, you were little and you didn't know how to defend yourself; you didn't know how to deal with tough situations. And those kids were really mean, they were only kids." Chuck said but I didn't look up at him.
"There are still people like that, Chuck. I'm not that strong yet to deal with people's verbal cruelty. I just... I don't think I've overcame what people told me when I was in elementary school." I said feeling very ashamed because I've never admitted this to anybody. Chuck stayed silent for a while.
"You know? You only have to look at your girlfriend. She's not like other people because she's herself and she's happy being like that. And I do know that people treat her in a shitty way, I do know that she's discriminated every day of her life because she's not like them, I do know that she feels down so often and sometimes is insufferable for her to keep going on her own way. But she's still there, tripping and stumbling, but acting as herself, surrounded by people who truly love her the way she is. You only have to look at her and ask to yourself... If she can be happy being herself, why wouldn't I? She's the living proof that being yourself is the best way; you have her, bro." Chuck said kindly and I finally looked at him, a bit sad because I didn't know if I could do it, but also a bit hopeful because he was right. "Why do you love her?"
"Yeah, because of the way she is; because she's herself and she's just... perfect, even with her weakness. I know I have the best example as my girlfriend about this; is that why I admire her so much. I can't do the same she does, I could never do it." I said looking away and biting my lower lip, I really didn't want to disappoint my brother.
"You can. I don't know if you're aware of what she's doing to you, she's changing you for the better. Now you're different, you're happier, you're more self-confident, you aren't ashamed of all the silly things you do, you even started composing songs again!" Chuck exclaimed excited and I started babbling, astonished and frowning because... How would he know it? He noticed my face and he knew what I was about to ask, so he came forward with the answer. "Your bedroom is next to mine, Darren; and you were most of the time locked in your bedroom when you weren't with Freckles. I was intrigued so I had no options, I spied you. The point is... If Freckles has changed a lot of things of you for the better, I know she's gonna help you to be yourself in public and, when you less notice, you're just gonna be acting like you really are."
"I don't know... She'd have to try hard to get it, she has a hard work to do to fix that; and I don't want to force her or anything." I said unsure, looking away. "I don't want her to feel pity for me."
"Well, she's not gonna try anything, as she's never tried to change you. It just happened. It'll flow naturally, neither you nor she would realize that she's gonna show you the way to be yourself. People outside would notice it." He said and I just kept looking away, feeling very unsure; it was like a remote possibility. "Hey bro, don't be afraid. This is your time, dare to enjoy it. And do not ever try to be like me; that is absurd. More than a hero, I'm like the disastrous old brother." He said laughing and I giggled softly.
"You're totally not." I assured honestly. "You're like Superman and that's a lot to say." I said with a nice smile and he shook his head amused. "So... Do you forgive me?"
"Stupid brother!" Chuck yelled amused and threw me a cushion right on my face. "You don't have to apologize, I got you."
"Fine! Thanks!" I giggled throwing him the same cushion.
That's what I loved about Chuck, the way he always had the right words to tell me, the way he also couldn't be mad at me for so long. Yeah, he was my awesome brother.
"Guys?" I heard a voice. Mandy. "I just wanted to greet you, I have to come back home soon."
"Oh, alright..." I answered softly and there was a long and a bit uncomfortable silence for a while. Chuck looked at me like in a 'Darren, be a gentleman' way. "Oh... Do you want me to take you home or something?"
"Oh no, not at all. I brought my car. I just... I need someone to open me the door." She answered shyly.
She was being like the Mandy I knew when we were outside school. Could possibly Freckles has changed her for the better like she has done to me?
"Oh yeah, sure. I'll go." I answered quickly, standing up and walking to the door as Mandy followed me.
I saw how Chuck disappeared to the kitchen, where Jen was. Lately, they've spent a lot, like a lot time together; I thought suspiciously. No, it wasn't possible; they were like a brother and a sister. But it was weird...
"Thanks." Mandy said softly when I opened the door and my mind focused on the situation again. "My sister told me that she was going to be in her bedroom, she wanted to take a shower."
"Oh okay. Thanks for telling me." I answered smiling slightly and she smiled faintly. "It was good to see you getting along with Freckles."
"Freckles... I like the way you call her." Mandy said giggling softly and I smiled amused. I was so used to call her that way that I never thought it could sound weird for other people. "And yes, I think I'll be here more often because of my sister, until things get better in home so she can come back. If you don't mind, of course."
"No, of course I don't mind. You're her sister; feel free to come over here whenever you want. I know that Freckles would like it." I answered gently.
"I hope so; I hope we can catch up." She answered smiling. She was being gentle and polite. This was good to see. "So...Uhm... I guess..." She started stammering nervously.
"Yeah, I guess I'll see you around." I answered quickly when I noticed she didn't know how to say bye. I had to admit that it was kinda weird to be talking to her in a friendly way after all the things that happened between us.
"Yes, that. I'll see you around, Darren." She answered more firmly now. So then I was about to close the door when she turned around, but then she looked at me again in a weird way. "Hey Darren, one last thing..."
"Yeah?" I asked suspiciously because she was looking at me in a weird way.
"You seem a cool guy and it seems you love my sister... But if you ever hurt her..." She started saying almost threateningly and I chuckled softly because I knew what she was going to say.
"You're gonna kick my ass. I know, you already told me." I said amused but she kept looking at me in the same way.
"Yeah, that. So be careful of what you do, Criss. I'll be controlling you, to see if everything goes right. Now, if you make her happy as you're doing now... well, you're gonna be safe and I won't let people mess with you two." She said determined and I looked at her bewildered. Was this girl Mandy? She was being way too nice considering she tried to fight with her sister for me. "Sadly, high school is a real shit and you know how people are with my sister. Now you're gonna be treated like her, only because you're dating her. I hope you can stick with her, even when things get bad; I hope you will not fall apart from her because of this." She said concerned and looking at me as if she was actually begging me something.
"Don't worry, I won't leave her. When I asked her to be my girlfriend, I knew what I was going to have to go through. But it's nothing because what I feel for her is stronger than any kind of aggression. I'm sure of this, Mandy. I'm sure that I want to be with her, so nobody will be able to separate us." I assured her, talking to her as if nothing ever happened between her and me.
"I'm glad to hear that. And... You're her first boyfriend, so better if you treat her with respect. And Criss, both you and I aren't innocent... We know what happens in a loving relationship... Don't force her to do something she doesn't want, don't hurry things and take it slowly... And if for some reason it comes to happen...please use protection, use a condom, Darren and be careful and loving. Don't make it a hook up and only an arousal moment." Mandy warned serious and very ease, as if it was something usual to talk about. Man, she made me feel super uncomfortable and awkward.
"I... Mandy... No, you don't have to warn me that... I never thought..." I babbled nervously and I felt how I was blushing.
"Yes, you surely thought about it, Criss, don't play fool with me." She said serious, but not scolding me. Of course I thought about it, I wanted my first time to be with Freckles; but not now, I respected her.
"Mandy... If I'm dating your sister is not because I wanted someone to hook up with. It's because I truly love her, because of the way she is. I want this to be a strong relationship; I want her to be the one and only for me. Yeah... Maybe I thought about it... But I know it's not time yet, for neither of us. I'm not that kind of guy who would turn our first time into an arousal moment." I answered awkwardly, blushing even more. It was very uncomfortable to talk to her about this stuff.
"Yeah, but you never know how much you'll carry away; and maybe she's gonna carry away too. It's normal. But keep it in mind that all of this is new for her and she needs to be treated like a princess, get it Darren? So bring with you a condom all the time. I wouldn't want to see my sister pregnant so young." She warned serious again and I blushed hard, I looked at her bewildered.
"What? Oh my god. That's not gonna happen, Amanda. Stop talking about this, this is awkward." I said roundly, feeling very uncomfortable.
"I don't care if this is awkward; I care most my sister's safety. It's better to prevent things in time than to regret later the bad decisions." Mandy said shrugging and well, she was right this time. "Okay Criss, I gotta go. Remember, condom!" She said yelling while she was walking to her car. Fuck, why did she have to yell it?
I closed the door, still feeling awkward and I noticed that Chuck and Jen were already there, sitting on the couch and looking at me with an amused smile. Oh shit... Here we go; Darren, be prepared to be mocked...
"When used consistently and correctly, condoms and lubricants are an efficient way of preventing pregnancy and HIV infection, also reducing the possibility of contracting other STDs." Jen said serious and I looked at her raising an eyebrow.
"As if I didn't know it already, Jen." I answered quietly, knowing that this was only the beginning.
"Let's teach him how to put on a condom, so we'll be sure that he's not gonna do anything stupid." Chuck said looking at Jen and I looked at him biting my lower lip.
"I know how to do it. I don't need your explanation." I answered trying to keep calm and not to start blushing like an idiot. But he didn't listen.
"First, open the condom wrapper using the easy-tear edges. Do not use scissors, your teeth, or any other sharp instrument to open the condom wrapper; you may inadvertently tear the condom itself. Likewise, don't tear the wrapper open violently, even if you're desperate and very aroused. It's important." Chuck said serious but a bit amused as Jen giggled when I looked at Chuck in disbelief. "Determine which way the condom is rolled. This can be difficult to do, particularly if you're in the dark. Instead of trying to see which way the condom is rolled, feel it with your fingers." Chuck winked and so did Jen. "Make sure the reservoir at the tip of the condom is pointing in the right direction. Important, make sure the penis is fully erect. If rolled over a penis that is not yet fully erect, it will fit awkwardly and be more likely to fall off or tear during sex." Chuck said amused because he was seeing I started blushing and I was looking at him in disbelief, very awkward. "Pinch the entire reservoir at the tip of the condom shut. This eliminates the possibility of creating an air pocket inside the condom when it is worn, reducing the chance of breakage and providing the semen with a place to go during ejaculation." He said now almost giggling as Jen was already laughing hard because of my face. I hated Chuck so much in this moment. "Place the condom against the tip of the erect penis. With your other hand, push pubic hair out of the way if necessary, roll the condom slightly over the tip of the penis to get it started, then gently pull back the foreskin. Slide your first hand from the reservoir tip down to the rolled ring of the condom and roll it down the entire length of the shaft. Use one hand to hold the bottom of the condom in place at the bottom of the shaft and then push the foreskin forward inside the condom with the other hand. Smooth lubricant over the condom if necessary." He said now chuckling because this was very awkward to hear; I didn't want my brother to give me sexual education. "Replace condom if alternating between different types of sex. If switching from anal to vaginal sex, for example, switch condoms to reduce the risk of infection."
"Alright, enough, Charles!" I exclaimed desperate, feeling very ashamed and nervous. This wasn't cool to talk about with my brother and my best friend. They both laughed out loud at me.
"Wait, wait. There's something else, bro! An advice, find novelty condoms to play with: colored, textured, glow-in-the-dark condoms are fun and sexy; and if you're using a condom for oral sex, try flavored condoms and lubes." He said still laughing and I threw him a cushion.
"Shut up, Charles!" I yelled upset and embarrassed. "You both can go directly to hell, idiots!"
"Why you so mad? We just want you to enjoy the sexual intercourse safely. Consider it as a free sexual education class." Jen said chuckling and Chuck wouldn't stop laughing uncontrollably.
"Shut. Up." I said bossy, pointing at Jen serious.
"Oh, you should try the 69 position. Yeah, that's a good one." Chuck said laughing and I looked at him in a rage.
"Fuck you, Charles!" I yelled again.
"Darren? Darren, please, come over here!" I heard a scream coming out from Freckles' bedroom.
"Huh, she was about to take a shower, she may be naked. Do you have a condom?" Jen asked amused, laughing and I looked at her furious.
"Stop it, Jennifer." I said upset and moody.
"Darren!" Freckles yelled again and this time it sounded as if she was scared. Then I started to worry and Chuck and Jen stopped laughing to get serious.
"It seems is something serious. You better go, Darren." Jen said serious.
"Yeah." I said concerned and I left them.
I ran to Freckles' bedroom and I knocked the door before entering, just in case. She didn't answer, so I just opened the door slightly. She wasn't in the bedroom; her clothes were on her bed and I saw a light coming from the bathroom. Should I go there? What if she was naked as Jen said? It'd be awkward.
"Freckles?" I asked knocking the door, but she didn't answer.
I just opened the door very slowly. There she was, wrapped only on a towel, looking herself in the mirror. I couldn't help it but looking at her from head to toe, thinking how sexy she looked like that. Fuck, Darren, stop it. She called me for a reason and it seemed to be a serious thing. I looked at her face. She was indeed scared; I walked to her very slowly and suspicious. She didn't do any kind of movement; so I just placed my hands on her shoulder. She didn't look at me.
"Baby, are you alright?" I asked very cautiously.
"Darren..." She said weakly, scared and with cracked voice. Her eyes filled in tears. What was going on?
"What, baby?" I asked softly, caressing her shoulders to try to reassure her. She only pointed me the mirror, in shock. I saw it and I freaked out.
"What the hell is that?" I asked very nervous and scared.