Enough

by Pacheco, Briana

  “Why did Ms. Griffin let you out of class?” I asked.

  “You’re like her favorite student. She wanted to make sure you’re all right.” There was a knock on the bathroom door. “Coming.” Tiffany held my face in her hands. “We still have to talk about that.” She pointed to the door, toward Alex. We walked over and Alex leaned against the wall.

  “Was class that bad?” He asked. Tiffany walked back to class and gave me thumbs up. She wouldn’t stop staring at Alex either.

  “You have no idea.” I said.

  He grabbed my hand led me to the stairs toward the parking lot. Alex started the car and drove. We were parked in front of my house five minutes later. “What are we doing here?” I asked.

  “You didn’t come home last night. Maybe your family worried and called me. I told them you were at school and I would drop you off after.” He said leaving the car to open the door for me. Man, I should have gotten out sooner. I don’t want men to hold the door open for me. I’m not some queen of England.

  Mom’s car wasn’t in the driveway. There’s a patrol car parked on the other side of the street though. Officer Reynolds is seated inside. He waved at me so I waved back. Officer Miles was sitting on a chair outside.

  “Good morning.” He said looking very comfortable. I couldn’t stop smiling as I unlocked the front door. “Merry Christmas you two.”

  “Same to you.” Alex and I said together. Declan and Scarlett were walking to the living room when we came in. The alarm was off. Great. We try to keep them safe and they don’t arm the alarm. I walked over to them. “You’re supposed to keep the thing armed.”

  “Mom left to get some things, she’ll be back soon. There’s breakfast on the table if you two want some.” Declan said. Scarlett eyed me curiously. When I was going to ask her what she wanted she smiled and winked at me.

  We went into the kitchen and ate a little bit of everything.

  I put the dishes in the sink and turned to Alex. “I have to take a shower. Do you mind staying down here?” I asked.

  “Not at all.” When he kissed me, I leaned into his ear.

  “You can sneak upstairs with me.” I whispered.

  His grip on my hips hardened. “You’re killing me.” He gave me one last kiss then headed into the living room and started chatting with Scarlett and Declan. I took a fast shower, grabbed some clothes and headed downstairs. My mom wasn’t back yet.

  “Can we swing by your place to get the car?” I asked once they acknowledged me.

  “Right now?” Alex asked. I nodded. “All right. I can find the tickets for you tonight.” He said to Declan.

  “Thanks man.” Declan and Scarlett waved us away. We got back into the car and headed to Alex’s. I checked my phone and out of all the texts there was one that got me excited.

  Tiffany: Hey I talked to Bryan, he’ll come around soon. Gio and I are going to this party tonight, do you want to come?

  Me: Parties and I are not a good combo right now. Maybe next time.

  I’m so happy. Bryan will come around soon.

  Alex parked next to the Camaro and opened my door before I could. “I have to grab something inside. Do you want to come in?” He asked.

  “You know I can open the door myself.” I said with a serious look.

  “And let you break a nail?” He joked. I slapped his shoulder. I don’t care if I break my nails. If only he knew what I do in Stoneham. But that’s between Mark, Christy and I.

  I saw Liam walking toward the park alone. Finally. “No…I have…I’m going to talk to him real quick.” I pointed in Liam’s direction and Alex nodded before going up the stairs. I met Liam halfway.

  “I was just looking for you.” He said looking up at me.

  “Yeah, same here. No ‘prom queen’ today?”

  “No, I…” He trailed off.

  “I know ‘it seems weird now.’ I don’t want you to feel bad for me.” I said. His expression told me that’s why he isn’t calling me prom queen. “I actually got use to you calling me that. Anyways, does your dad know anything about the guy?”

  He leaned against a mini-sized cement wall from a neighbor’s yard.

  “No.” He kicked a rock next to his feet. “He’s making it his priority to find him though. You know having a daughter and all, he wants the world to be safer.” Liam crossed his arms and furrowed his brow at me. “I saw that the police took a sample of your sisters wound. It came back with traces of your blood and someone else. I don’t know how that’s possible.” My hand went under my left breast. He hurt someone else? Liam’s eyes followed my hand. “The other day when you met my sister…you were in pain. He hurt you too.” I nodded.

  “At Sophie’s party.” I said. When my eyes met his, I was in investigation mode. “If it had my blood then he used the same knife. Do the police know what kind of knife it is?”

  “I don’t know. My dad doesn’t want me seeing the case files. I try to peek when he’s not around.” He said.

  “Don’t worry about it then. You don’t have to do that. Just leave it to the police.” I said. From the corner of my eye I saw Alex coming back down the stairs. “I should to go. Tell Kaylie I say hi.”

  He nodded and I turned on my heel.

  “Emily.” I turned back to Liam. “I’m glad to help, prom queen.” A smile spread across his lips. That’s better. And I know what I need to do.

  “I have to go to Sophie’s.” I said once Alex was close.

  “You want company?” He asked. Not for this.

  “No, I don’t know how long it’ll take.” I said. “I’ll be careful so don’t worry.” Alex gave me a look. “Liam told me something. His dad, Officer Ryans, found my blood in Scarlett’s wound and someone else’s. He can’t find out more but if there was someone else’s blood on that knife he did this before.” I said stepping into his arms. “Just be careful okay? I don’t want you getting hurt.” I don’t want anyone else getting hurt.

  “I can handle him. You’re the one I worry about.” He said pecking my lips and holding my eyes. I really am lucky to have him. “I have to head back to your house and help Declan with the tickets.”

  I smiled. “Damn, everywhere I turn, you’re there.” I teased. “I don’t mind though. See you there.” I said walking to my car. His car. The Camaro.

  I’m heading to the place where it all began. Sophie’s.

  It was 10:20 when I got to her house. Hopefully she went straight home and didn’t hang back with the cheerleading squad. I knocked on the door and heard footsteps. The door opened and it wasn’t Sophie. It’s a good looking guy. “Hi. Is Sophie here?” I asked the guy staring at me with a smile slowly spreading onto his lips.

  “Emily?” Then he pulled me into a hug. “I thought I’d never see you come around here again.” I pushed myself off him. “You don’t remember me? Joey. Sophie’s brother.” Holy shit. I stared at his features again. Same dark hair and blue/green eyes like Sophie.

  “Ohmygod, Joey? You look so…different.” Hot was the right word. He was always hot but damn college life works for him.

  “Yeah. So how you been?” He asked leaning against the door.

  “I’ve been better. What are you doing home?” I asked.

  “College gets annoying after a while. I like to come home and see familiar faces.” His eyes bore into mine then he snapped his fingers. “Right. Sophie. She’s in her room. Come in.” He moved aside and let me through. I still can’t believe that’s Joey. He looks so different. Sexy. Ugh. I have to remember what I came here for. “Down there.” He said pointing down the hall.

  “I know where her room is. Is she going to freak if she sees me? We haven’t really talked for a while.” I said.

  “Let’s pray to God she isn’t PMSing.” He said. We let out a laugh. Sophie is the devil when it’s that time of the month.

  I headed to her room…where I was attacked. Her room is where everything unfolded into a black hole called my life. I knocked on the door.

  “J
oey, go away!” She yelled. I heard her walking to the door. “I told you I’m–” She looked at me in disbelief. “What are you doing here?!”

  “Can we talk?” I asked. She rolled her eyes. “It’s important.” She stared at me longer then opened the door wider and walked over to her bed. “I want to talk about the party.”

  “What about you punching my boyfriend?” I looked into the hallway. Joey can probably hear what we’re talking about so I shut her door.

  “I’m not going to say I’m sorry about that. I wasn’t in the right place and he wasn’t a saint either.” I said.

  “Yeah, he told me about it but that doesn’t give you the right to hit him.” She said. She’s right. But he did try to kiss me…

  “I’m not here for him. I wanted to ask you who was invited to your party two weeks ago.” She looked at me with a blank face and a cocked eyebrow.

  “Why? Can’t remember who you slept with?” She asked annoyed. We were best friends. Now this is how we talk to each other. “I invited anyone who wanted to come.” She took out a nail polish bottle and started painting her toes. Okay…

  “Was it only kids from school?” I asked.

  “Yeah, I’m not going to invite strangers over.” She said staring at me. She’s telling me I’m a whore while she’s at it. Well that narrows it to a whole bunch of people. “Seniors only.” Still narrows it to a bunch of people.

  “I’m not some whore that sleeps around, Sophie. You at least know that.” I said.

  She ignored me by grabbing her phone. “I have to get ready for a party. So if you don’t mind…” She said staring at her toes. I took the hint and left her room with a sigh. Joey was in the kitchen, I said bye and got in my car. That was not helpful at all.

  I headed back home, went up to my room and threw myself on my bed. I grabbed my phone and texted Alex.

  Me: Update: I’m home :) In my room, to be specific. ;)

  I like being under surveillance, especially if Alex is involved. Just knowing that he’s looking at me, caring about me…I can’t ask for more.

  I spread out on my bed thinking about last night. The way Alex’s hands were on my body. The way his mouth was on my body. God! We haven’t talked about it so I’m starting to wonder if something was wrong. Was it too fast? Did he change his opinion of me because of it? Shit! Did I just mess up something that could have been great?

  My phone chimed.

  Alex: Just parked

  I heard the front door open then footsteps making their way upstairs.

  “I think you’re getting use to being in bed all day.” Alex said lingering against my door, watching me. I never want to get out of bed if I have the choice. I’d spend every second of every day in it with Alex. I really would. I am delusional.

  “I love my bed and it loves me back.” I said as he walked over to me and slid into the empty side. I should just say it. Get it out in the open. If I fucked it up then I need to know. “Last night…it was too fast, right?”

  “Where’s this coming from?” He asked dropping his hand before it made contact with my arm. He searched my face then looked down. “Shit, I knew it. I’m sorry. I should have controlled myself. I shouldn’t have let it reach that point.”

  “Wait…you think it’s your fault?” I asked sitting up.

  “Emily, after everything you’ve been through I think sex was far from your mind. I should have thought–”

  “Alex.” He stopped talking and looked down at my comforter. “Trust me…I wanted to. It’s just…I don’t want you to think I do that…” I couldn’t find the right words. “I don’t want you to change your mind about me. It was kind of fast but when I’m with you–”

  He reached for my hand. “Nothing about you can change my mind. I didn’t want to bring it up because I feel like I pressured you.” Alex said.

  “How did you pressure me? I was the one who told you to go upstairs. I feel like I pressured you.” A smile spread on his lips then he leaned in and kissed me. We fell back on the bed and just held onto each other…our mouths doing all the talking.

  The front door opened a few minutes later and Alex and I jumped away from each other before Declan came into the room. You are adults but bring Declan into the picture and it’s like we’re going to get in trouble for something.

  “You guys okay?” Declan asked looking us over.

  “Perfect.” Alex and I said at the same time.

  Declan leaned against the doorjamb and rolled his eyes. “Please don’t start finishing each other’s sentences.” He said. I smiled.

  Alex sat up against the headboard and said, “Looks like you need to find a girlfriend.” I almost died of laughter. Here’s Alex telling my brother what to do.

  “Yeah, right. I don’t want to be tied down.” Declan said then his eyes landed on me. “Oh, god!”

  “What?” I asked.

  “I don’t think I’m okay with this.” Declan said pointing at me and Alex. “Are you two a couple now?” I hesitated. I said yes last night…we are…right? I glanced at Alex and we nodded slowly.

  “Yeah…so you’ll just have to get use it to.” I said.

  We’re a couple. It’s official.

  Declan stared Alex down. “You hurt my sister, I’ll kill you.”

  Nice going, Declan. Thank you.

  “I’ll kill myself if that happens.” Alex said catching me off guard. That was the…sweetest yet creepiest thing anyone has said to me. Aww.

  Declan nodded then left us alone and went downstairs. After a minute, Alex got comfortable in bed with his hands behind his head. I was left drooling while I stared at the sliver of skin popping out from under his shirt.

  “What did you do at Sophie’s?” He asked.

  “I asked her who was invited to the party.” I said. “It was only seniors from school so how hard is it to find a crazy senior with a knife and who’s a rapist?”

  Alex held my eyes for a bit as the last part sank in. I don’t know why I said that the way I did, but I did. I wasn’t trying to make fun of it. It’s not funny.

  “I just can’t imagine someone from school doing this. It doesn’t make any sense.” Alex said.

  “What doesn’t make any sense is Mrs. Diaz. She hasn’t showed up for over two weeks. What if something happened to her?” I asked. I’m really worried.

  “All we know is that she was on vacation.” Alex said. That’s weird too. Why would her husband plan a vacation now? He knows she loves teaching and she wouldn’t want to miss a day.

  “Do you know what party is going on today? Tiffany and Giovanni are going and when I went to Sophie’s, she mentioned it too. I haven’t heard anything. Well I haven’t been around to hear anything, period.” I said.

  My phone chimed and I ignored it

  “Haven’t heard anything.” Alex said leaning forward to grab me. I know he’s getting ready to tickle me. “Do you want to do something tomorrow? I have a feeling you’re going to love it.”

  “When you say it like that I can’t say no.” I said.

  He moved his hand to my ticklish spot and I pinched his arm. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to.” He said as a smile lit up his face. “I’ll get everything ready for tomorrow then. I’ll pick you up.”

  I nodded and ran my hand over his arm, drawing circles everywhere.

  Alex held me tight and I let myself think he’d never let me go.

  12. Christmas Eve

  I felt someone lifting off the bed and that made me wake up but not enough to open my eyes. It’s Alex. He stayed the night…against Declan’s wishes. It made it more fun. We just watched TV and made out. Nothing overboard.

  I stretched my arm toward him. “Don’t go.” I said.

  “I’ll be back soon.” Alex said kissing my shoulder lightly. I was lost in my dreams so I grabbed the comforter and went back to sleep.

  ***

  I woke up feeling better than ever. Last night Mom came home and told me about the dog I’m supposed to be getting around this
time next week. A setback because of Christmas. I can’t wait. I’m getting a dog.

  I turned expecting to see Alex but he wasn’t there. Instead I saw the time. 12 pm. I sat up and tried listening for his voice. I only heard my family talking from across the hall, most likely in Scarlett’s room.

  I checked my phone and called Christy. She’s over Mark’s place so I kept the call short. I didn’t want to stick around for the moaning. Those two are the poster couple for being in love and never being away from each other. It’s rare to call or text and learn that they’re not busy with each other.

  Tiffany texted me last night but I ignored it. Now I feel like shit. She said she drank too much and asked if I could pick her up. Wasn’t she with Giovanni? He had to drive her home, right?

  I tried calling her but her phone was off.

  I walked into the bathroom, set the bath and that’s when I remembered Alex left this morning. Wasn’t that a few hours ago though? And he said he’d be back soon. How long is soon? I’m not the only thing in his life so I shouldn’t expect him to be here 24/7.

  I thought about Tiffany while the warm water relaxed my muscles. Did she go home okay? She had to. She never drinks a lot. Besides she was probably with Bryan.

  Bryan.

  It still hurts that he’s ignoring me but Tiffany said he’ll come around.

  I spent time thinking about my friends, family and life in general. It’s going to get better. I have to start living again.

  I grabbed my phone and texted Bryan. It’s worth a shot.

  Me: Is Tiff with u? I tried calling but there’s no answer.

  I waited for an answer but got nothing. I tried. I dried myself off and walked into my closet. There’s a cute shirt I bought last month and never wore that I picked out for today. Sexy yet chic dark blue skinny jeans were calling my name too. I looked down the aisle to the shoe section and found my stilettos. Those were a gift for my seventeenth birthday. This is the outfit for tonight.

  My phone chimed and I lunged onto my bed.

  Bryan: Yeah

  That’s it? Yeah. At least he texted back though.