Love At First Academy

by Kat Cameron

  “Honestly I am feeling kind of numb. I want to get this over with actually. I don’t want to dwell on things that don’t matter. Considering Helen probably knew about me being here and decided not to tell anyone that just shows how unimportant I am to her so why should I let it bother me? I have everyone I need right here. Plus my dad is getting better so there is that,” she confessed.

  “So should we get this show on the road since we have to get to school?” she asked. Malia got up from the table and went upstairs to get her backpack I was guessing.

  “Anyone else find her behavior a little odd?” Ryder asked, his voice dripping with concern. Nodding Asher answered, “Yes but I could see how she would just want to be done with it all and move on as well. If I could move on from everything that goes on in my house with one confrontation you bet your ass I would and I would feel great doing it.”

  “Well, fuck I guess you have a point there.” Ryder said, sounding impressed by Asher’s answer.

  When Malia came back downstairs we all got in the car like usual with me up front in the passenger seat, Ryder driving, and Ash with Malia in the back seat. I guess it was now or never before I asked her if she wanted us with her while she talked to Skylar. So I asked and she replied, “I love you for being worried about me Grayson but I think this is something I need to do on my own. Honestly I think Skylar is going to take this news horribly. I actually feel really fucking awful that I have to be the one to tell her about it.”

  “Alright well since we are here early do you want to try to find her now?” Asher asked her.

  “Yeah actually she is right there so I think I will just go now. Love you.” She got out of the car and we all just sat and watched waiting for the reaction Malia thinks was coming.

  34.

  Wailing

  Skyler

  Usually my mornings go off without a hitch but today seems like it wants to fuck me over and I have a feeling it was going to get even worse. Getting dressed I went downstairs to grab my coffee and I was out of the house in no time. Since no one was home like usual since daddy was working and mom was, actually I didn't even know where she was this time, I got in my car and went. Mom travels so much I think we get to see her for the holidays, maybe, if we were lucky. I couldn’t really complain about anything though because I got whatever I wanted whenever I asked for it.

  On my way to school I picked up the twins and they were talking non stop which I found extremely annoying today for some reason. It almost feels like this day was just meant to be bad. I didn't have many bad days but when I did they were awful. That was just great. Well, I was not going to think about that. Thinking on a happier note I actually had a good time at Ryder’s Halloween party this weekend. Besides Aunt Jessa falling down the steps it was a lot of fun. Oh and besides the fact that that slut Malia decided she was going to kiss all three guys including Ryder who I actually thought we had something this summer but then she came into the picture and stole him right out from under me like it was nothing.

  Whatever. When I pulled into school there wasn’t anyone here like usual because I was always early. Parking my car in my spot I got out and made my way towards the picnic table where me and the girls usually sit until the bell rings. The twins were chatting non stop today. God someone get me out of here. I just didn't seem to have the patience for it today. Like God was answering my prayers someone came walking up to the table but it was not the person I want to talk to, ever.

  Malia came walking up to the table looking actually happy which was weird because normally she was wearing that scowl that made her look awful. What the fuck changed her attitude? Not to mention she was wearing her black clothes and leather jacket like usual along with her ratty as shit converse. I mean really what in the hell did Ryder even see in her? She must be great in the sack.

  “Skylar we need to talk.” Malia basically sounded like she was ordering me around. Ha! I also noticed her voice sounded scratchy like she swallowed a bag of rocks.

  “What the hell could you possibly need to talk to me about right now?” I asked.

  “I don’t think you want everyone knowing this so can we step away really quick?” she told me. The way she was looking at me like she was about to tell me something she didn’t want to but she has to wasn’t making me feel very comfortable at the moment.

  “Fine. Let’s go over here and talk. This better be fucking important I don’t need to be wasting my time on your pathetic ass.” Jesus, not even my attitude was getting a reaction out of her. What the fuck could she know that I didn't?

  We got a little ways away from everyone and she said, “There isn’t any way to tell you this that is going to make it okay so I am just going to say it. When Ryder was going through your Aunt Jessa’s things for something she needed while she was in the hospital he found my birth certificate. Apparently we are half-sisters,” and she just dropped that bomb on me like she wasn’t fucking my whole world up.

  “What do you mean? How is that possible?” I almost didn't even hear my voice; it was so low. This time when I look at her she looks almost guilty.

  “Well, it seems that our mother decided my dad wasn’t good enough and she slept with your dad on one of her work trips. Well, she had me and here you are not even a year younger then me. If you want proof I have my birth certificate in my bag.”

  At this point I didn't even know what to think. Fuck. The tears came almost automatically. The next thing I knew I was on the ground in someone's arms . I heard this wailing coming from someone. I think it may be me but I was not so sure of anything right now. All I knew was my life was never going to be the same and Malia, the girl I thought I couldn’t stand was holding me in the middle of the school yard rocking me back and forth.

  I was pretty sure I never saw this coming. Did my dad know about Malia and if so why didn’t he say anything? Why wouldn’t mom say anything to me about another daughter? Was she really that cold these days? Jesus I thought my life was bad because I never knew where she was or if dad was going to be home for dinner. As I was sitting here wondering all of these things Malia was still holding me. Who would’ve thought this was how my senior year would turn out?

  Malia

  I never thought I would be the one comforting Skylar. Apparently some things were still possible.

  “Skylar, come on, let's get you into the bathroom. We need to get you cleaned up.” I told her. She was still sobbing while we walked into the bathroom. Wetting some paper towels I wipe her face that has mascara running down it.

  “Skylar do you want to stay here or go home? I will drive you home if you want. If not we could go somewhere else. Missing one day of school isn’t going to get us in trouble.” I told her.

  All of a sudden this burst of laughter came out of her and it scares the shit out of me. “You think I am worried about missing school? You just basically ruined everything that I knew as my life. I could give two fucks about school Malia. Here take my keys. I can’t drive like this.” She demanded. So at least she still has her spirit or shall I say attitude. After she got herself cleaned up we walked out of the bathroom and down the hall towards the main entrance. When we got there the guys were waiting at the steps but I just waved them off and got in Skylar’s car. I could text them later.

  Well, now it was definitely weird to be sitting in the car with Skylar who I guess I could refer to as my sister. What the hell kind of joke was life playing on us?

  “Skylar where do you want me to drive to?”

  “Just drive Malia. I don’t care. Turn the music on and put the windows down.” she said softly like she was on the verge of another break down. Alrighty then. As I took off onto the highway I began to wonder what life was going to be like now that I have this weird as fuck situation in my lap.

  After driving for about an hour going absolutely nowhere, Skylar turned the music down and asked me, “What are we going to do? Should we tell our mom that we know about everything? This was going to break my dad ya know if he doesn�
�t know anyways? And for what it is worth I am sorry about her leaving your dad.” She apologized to me.

  “Honestly Skylar I don’t know what to do but for now we can just be and pretend it never happened for a little while. We can keep driving and deal with it later. Oh and please don’t apologize for something you had no control over.” I told her. She looked over at me and for the first time since meeting her there wasn't any of the bitchy girl I first met, just genuine Skylar.

  “Okay we will deal with it later.” And so we drove and drove in the silence and then it was later. We arrived at Skylar’s house and my nerves were itching right out of my skin. This was the first time that I will be meeting my mom or should I just say the woman that gave birth to me. Skylar was sleeping in the passenger seat and I kind of didn't want to wake her up. Our truce was nice while it lasted but I guess we should get this over with. “Skylar wake up. We are at your house.” I nudged her and she slowly opened her eyes.

  “Fuck. My head hurts. Shit I was kind of hoping she wouldn’t be home.” Skylar groaned. After about five minutes she turned to me and said, “I know our year was kind of rough but I want you to know whatever happens in there I am on your side. This was neither of our faults. We just need to stick together and we should be fine. I am sorry for everything that I did to you though. Just wanted to get that out of the way before we go in there and face her. She was cold, a lot colder than she used to be. Anyways let’s just get this over with.”

  We got out of her car and walked up to the house that was five times bigger than mine and dad’s. It was all brick out in the front with a red front door and the walkway was outlined by little solar lights. The front door opened before we even got there and I felt Skylar take my hand and give it a squeeze before whoever opened the door came out.

  As soon as Skylar let go, Helen Jones stepped into the night air. When I saw her my hair stood up on the back of my neck and my palms get sweaty. It was almost like she looked right through me when she looked at me but I knew she recognized me. I was a spitting image of her with brown hair and blue eyes. Same frame and facial features too.

  “Mom there is someone I want you to meet. Malia this is our mom Helen Jones. Helen meet your first daughter. The one you failed to mention to me. Thank you for that though. It made her the strongest bitch I know.” Skylar spat.

  “That is enough of that language Skylar. I won’t have it in my house. Malia I don’t have anything to say to you. You can turn right back around and walk home. Let’s go Skylar.” Helen hissed and went to grab at Skylar’s arm. Wow she really was cold. I wondered how bad it was for Skylar at home. I couldn’t actually blame her for the way she was in school if this was what she had to deal with all the time.

  Skylar ripped her arm out of reach and yelled, “Actually I don’t think I will be coming home. This has never been my home. It feels like a fucking museum in there. I know a few people I could stay with that actually would care about me like Malia. You really messed up this time mommy dearest. I am over it.” Skylar turned to me and said, “You can wait in the car. I am just gonna pack a few bags and we can go.”

  “Skylar if you leave this house you can say goodbye to any money at all. All your credit cards and everything else you are afforded in this house. I will not pay for a child not living under my roof and following my rules.” Helen yelled. I didn’t want to intrude on their argument so I turned around to go wait in the car. Their yelling continued all the way into the house.

  As I sat outside waiting for Skylar I thought about what Helen said to me and it actually didn’t hurt to hear her say those words. I never actually had her love to begin with so I never missed it. I guess I might have wanted it here and there but never actually missed it. A few minutes later Skylar came outside and put all her bags in the back.

  “You think Ryder will let me stay in a room at his house? I know things have been crazy lately and I promise I won’t be trying anything I just need a little while to get a job and on my feet.” She asked me while I sat there dumbfounded she asked me such a bizarre question. Of course I wanted to tell her no but I didn't think Ryder would care after he heard how things went.

  “Let’s go home Skylar.”

  Epilogue

  1 year later

  Asher

  I couldn’t believe we all got into the same school. All of us meaning the guys, Malia, Skylar, and myself. Me and the guys got scholarships for school through football to the University of Michigan. We were officially the newest members of the Michigan Wolverines. Life has been pretty good since we have been here. We were all renting a house about fifteen minutes away from campus. Skylar moved into the extra bedroom since she didn’t have money anymore.

  Thinking of our last day of school reminds me of the confrontation I had with my dad and brother. Mom wasn’t home thankfully. I knew she tried to keep the peace but there were times I wish she would just stick up for me.

  That day when I got home both dad and Jason were sitting on the couch. I got home and Jason started going off on me about some bullshit like any other day. Having had enough of his shit I pushed him away from me.

  “What is it you fucking want from me Jason? There isn’t anything I ever do that is good enough. Dad acts like you are just his little boy all over again and you eat it up. I have had enough. Do something with yourself. I am fucking out of here. You guys can have a nice life. I will make something out of myself. Whether you are there to support me or not I could care less.” I went upstairs to pack my shit. When I came back down dad was standing at the door almost like he wanted me to stay and chat. I have had just about enough.

  “Asher please can we just talk about this for a minute?” He pleads with me.

  “No dad you have had all these years Jason has been home and now you want to fix it? Too late. I love you but I won’t put up with this shit anymore. You need me, I will be at Ryder’s.” That was the last I heard from either of them. Mom texts me every now and then but that’s it. Funny how all of us ended up at Ryder’s all the time.

  After Skylar and Malia left school that day Malia drove Skylar home and it just so happened to be that their mom was actually home. They confronted her and unfortunately Helen and Skylar’s dad got a divorce shortly after.

  Considering Helen kept Malia a secret he couldn’t trust her. I couldn’t say I blamed him, that was a big secret to keep from your family. Helen basically disregarded Malia. Skylar nor Malia have a relationship with Helen.

  Unfortunately when Skylar cut ties with her mom she also lost any access to money she once had. Skylar was still in touch with her dad since he didn’t know. Bradley, Skylar’s dad has a great relationship with Malia.

  Speaking of fathers, Malia's dad had been sober and was currently dating Jessa. He helped her get back on her feet after the fall and she has been like a mother to Malia. We also found out why she hid Malia’s birth certificate. Apparently Helen was threatening Bradley and Jessa didn’t want anything to happen to him.

  Some people might find it weird that her dad was dating her moms sister but I appreciated the shit out of her. She has given Malia something she never had which was a mother/daughter relationship.

  I honestly have never seen Malia happier than she was these days.

  Malia and Skylar were best friends these days. They worked together at a coffee shop and were pretty much always together. I didn't think anyone ever saw this relationship coming. Considering Skylar was at Malia’s throat throughout the beginning of senior year, this has been an improvement. It was Malia’s idea to let Skylar stay with us. Ryder didn’t like it but Malia has us wrapped around her fingers to say the least.

  When the girls went to school the next day after confronting Helen there was a bit of backlash for Malia. Considering she kissed all of us at the Halloween party there was a bit of slut shaming for a while not that Malia let it bother her. The same thing happened at college in the beginning. Bringing us to the present.

  We were at a party on a Saturday night an
d I was sitting on the couch sipping my beer which did nothing for me. Grayson and Ryder were currently dancing with Malia in the middle of the living room at the frat house.

  There was this girl that has been constantly trying to get with me and Malia knew about it. She hadn’t said or done anything to her because she knew she could trust me but I fear this may be too much for her. Since I was just watching them dance I guess Sasha thought it was okay to come over and approach me.

  She sat on my lap and tried to talk to me but I ignored her. Before I could even push her off, Malia was there in front of me.

  “Can I help you?” Sasha asked Malia.

  “You see you are in my man's lap and I don’t appreciate that. You have been after him and I have been nice enough not to say anything. You apparently don’t understand the word no. So I am going to ask nicely that you remove yourself from his lap.” Malia told her with a sickly sweet edge. Malia had become somewhat of a popular person with her adorable attitude and she was the girlfriend of the best football players on the team. Sasha didn’t take the hint. She did something even more stupid and leaned in to plant a kiss on my cheek. Yikes this was about to get ugly!

  Malia smirked at her and looked over her shoulder at Joe who was one of the frat brothers in charge at the party. Sasha smirked right back at Malia thinking she has won. Ha! She had another thing coming. Malia beckoned Joe over with a wave of her hand. Joe came over to see the situation and rolled his eyes with a sigh.

  “Jesus don’t you ever quit Sasha? You know Asher is with Malia so why do you even try? Let’s go, you're out!” Joe said while dragging a whining and pleading Sasha behind him towards the front door.

  Malia took her place in my lap and wiped the shit off my face from Sasha.