Enough

by Pacheco, Briana

  “Alex, any girl would be crazy to choose their ex over you. And especially after the sex…they’d be crazy to let you go.” I said. He stared at me longer. I’m not in the right place to have sex and that pissed the shit out of me. “You know, we still have a date that was left unattended.” I said.

  “Yeah, uh, I’ll take care of it. When you feel better we can do it.” He said. I smiled. When you feel better we can do it. That sexual innuendo was not lost one me. And Alex knows it.

  “You know I’ll do my best to heal fast.” I said.

  He brushed his lips on mine. “I know you will.”

  Then my family came in and Alex left. We talked about that night eight years ago. There were a lot of tears and hugs because there was nothing else to do. It’s in the past. I’m not 100% over it but I can’t change it.

  We also talked about Mrs. Diaz. Mom talked to her husband who was on a business trip since the beginning of the month and rushed home when the police called. He was getting texts from her phone so he didn’t know anything was wrong. She’ll be going home soon.

  Mom left after we talked to cook dinner so Declan and Scarlett stayed with me. They’re going to be ditching me for their friends soon and wanted to catch up. Seriously, that’s what they said.

  It was around five pm when Alex came back. He said he wanted to. I didn’t force him here. We talked about the one dreaded subject. School. It was back in session in a week. I told myself I can do it.

  My life can’t be put on hold.

  16. Different

  It was around nine pm and my family is in the living room watching TV, waiting for friends to show up, and Alex and I are lying in my bed as usual. I can’t do anything anyways.

  Mom left the painkillers on my nightstand when she was in here a few hours ago but I really don’t want to have to rely on them. I’m trying to stay away from drugs. All kinds. But I took one because I’m in a lot of pain.

  I need a shower. That’s what can help. “I’m going to take a shower. When I get back are you going to still be here?” I asked. Alex glanced at me.

  “Where would I go?” He asked. “Any guy would be lucky to spend time like this with his girlfriend. Especially if she’s vulnerable.” He tickled my side, not so much to make me move but just enough for me to know what he means. He nuzzled his way to my neck and planted a soft kiss near my ear then he found his way to my lips. I hate pulling away from him but I have to take a shower. I have to wash away everything.

  “I’ll be quick.” I said grabbing clean clothes. My thigh isn’t hurting as much so I can at least walk a bit without help. I’m not totally useless.

  “If you need me, I’ll be here waiting.” Alex said.

  “You’d like that.” I said smiling. I’d like that.

  I started the shower and got in. It felt so good to wash my body. Doing it with one arm was a pain in the ass but I managed. I’m now thanking being a cheerleader because we got laser hair removal everywhere and we never have to worry about shaving. My legs are smooth and I didn’t have to do anything.

  I patted myself dry and got dressed. I decided not to wear a shirt, mostly because I love the way Alex’s hands feel against my body and because I’m not in the mood to put it on.

  When I left the bathroom, Alex was on his phone. He looked different. I noticed when he left earlier he was wearing a blue shirt and black jeans. Now he’s wearing a black t-shirt with dark blue jeans. Is he trying to get me confused?

  “Tiffany wants to know if you mind some company?” He asked.

  “I wanted to spend some time with you.” I said just as the doorbell rang. “Is that her?” Alex nodded. Oh, come on.

  “Yeah, she wouldn’t listen to me. They have a surprise.” They? I heard footsteps coming up the stairs then Tiffany burst in through the door.

  “Tiffany! Thanks for the heads up.” I said. Sophie, Bryan, Zach and Liam walked in after her. I walked over to the closet and grabbed a tank top. So much for no shirt.

  “I told Alex we were coming.” She said. I walked out into my room to see blankets and pillows laid out on the floor. That was fast.

  “What are you guys doing here?” I asked surprised.

  “Tiffany mentioned your birthday when we were talking and I missed it…so we decided to do a little party, you know, cheer you up.” Bryan said. I glanced over at Alex. He’s still lying down with a smile on his face.

  “Fine. What do you want to do?” I asked.

  “We brought everything. We told the family to join in but they wanted us to have some fun alone.” Sophie said. “And we had nothing better to do…” I glanced at her and Zach.

  “Are you guys okay? I mean if something is happening at home–”

  “No.” Sophie said cutting me off and forcing a smile. “Everything’s fine.” Everything is not fine. They look…off. I clearly see it.

  Alex sat up on the bed. “Where do we start then?” He asked.

  “You look better.” Liam said eyeing me.

  “Yeah…it’s the painkillers.” I said eyeing Tiffany. She shrugged her shoulders and moved everyone to the bed. Zach pulled out a Wilks Academy football duffel bag and emptied the contents. A box of condoms landed on the pile. I couldn’t help but laugh. “Umm, if you guys want to cheer me up by having an orgy then you’ve mistaken.”

  Zach took the box back and put it in his back pocket. “Don’t know how that got there.” He said. We dug through the pile of snacks and tiny bottles of vodka. “Since you can’t do a lot of moving, we got little things.”

  That’s sweet. I went to the bathroom to fix my hair and when I walked out, Bryan held a muffin with a candle stuck in the center.

  “It’s blueberry.” Liam said.

  “Wait a sec. What about spending time with your families. I made you miss Christmas.” I said. I don’t want to hold them hostage. We never even hang out this often. Well only Tiff and Bryan come around this much.

  “They don’t mind.” Sophie said. Everyone nodded.

  “They feel bad for me?” I asked. Nobody said anything. “Pity party? I’m okay with that then.” I said trying to cheer them up. Everyone grabbed a bottle of vodka. Tiffany extended one to me.

  “Can’t. Pills and alcohol don’t miss well together. You wouldn’t know…” I said giving her a look. She gave me the finger.

  Bryan looked up at me in surprise. “I never thought I’d see the day when Emily chooses not to drink at a party.” He said. I gave him the finger.

  I blew out the candle and we let the noise began. No one interrupted us. I guess because we were having a good time.

  ***

  We played games, talked and eat junk food for hours. It was close to three in the morning when everyone started crashing. I told them to take the bed. We were all on the floor and it was actually pretty comfortable and I didn’t feel like moving either.

  After an hour or so, Alex and I heard everyone snoring. He put a few extra pillows around me so I was comfortable then wrapped me in his arms.

  “Now we have time alone.” Alex said.

  I moved my body closer to him, glad the pain was gone for now. “Tomorrow, I promise we’ll have the day together. You know…I think I’m better to go on that date.” I said.

  I felt Alex shake his head. “No…I think you need a few more days for what I have planned.” I arched an eyebrow in the dark.

  “And what do you have planned?” I asked.

  “I’m not saying. It’s a surprise.” He said.

  I propped myself up on my right arm. “You’re not going to tell me?” I asked. I think I can find a way. I am a girl and we have ways…

  “Nope.”

  A smirk spread on my lips then I carefully swung my leg over him.

  Once I was in the right position, I leaned down and kissed him. He straightened himself under me and brought one hand to my face, the other to my back. We stayed in that position for a few minutes until he broke his lips from mine. “Are you trying to bribe me with sex? I’m st
ill not going to tell you.” He said. That was an option but since we’re in this position, I don’t want to pass it up. I love the way his hands run over my body. “There are people in this room.” Alex whispered.

  “I know.” I whispered back. I let my hands wonder down his body and when it was clear we can’t do more, I kissed him one last time and lifted myself off him and dropped back onto my side.

  “Still won’t tell me?” I asked giving it another shot.

  “Not a chance.” He said.

  “I’ll get it out of you soon.” I said. He turned and kissed me.

  “You probably will.” I leaned my head on his chest and fell asleep to the sound of his heartbeat.

  ***

  I heard my phone vibrating so I stretched my good arm up and searched for it. “Hello?” It’s seven in the morning. Who is calling me at–

  “Emmy, you awake?” Christy asked.

  “Not really.” I answered.

  “I have to tell you something.” She said. I heard the excitement in her voice. I know that tone. I don’t want to be around when the tone is out.

  “Christy, if you’re calling to tell me you just had sex, I don’t want to hear about it.” I said. She really likes to give me details.

  “Fine. You still didn’t tell me what happened.” She said.

  I moved away from Alex and talked. Well tried to whisper. Everyone was still sleeping. I told her everything…except the rape. I’m not ready for that yet. Then she told me about Ty. He’s in rehab. That was the news Mark wanted to tell me. He’s getting better and might come home soon. That’s good. I’m proud of him. He didn’t even fight it. He just went.

  When we finished talking, I fell back asleep.

  ***

  “Emily.” I nuzzled my head deeper into Alex’s arms. “Emily.” Alex loosened his grip around me so I opened my eyes to see who was calling my name. Everyone on the bed was turned facing me and Alex.

  “That’s not creepy at all.” I said rolling on my back. They’re just staring at me. “What time is it?”

  “Ten.” I think that’s Zach.

  I hopped up onto my feet and checked my wounds in the mirror. It’s time to change them. I looked for the bag Mom left behind with the extra bandages but couldn’t find them so I walked in the bathroom and brushed my teeth instead. From the corner of my eye I saw the bag sticking out from under my bed. I walked over there carefully, trying not to step on Alex.

  “Do you need help?” Sophie asked.

  “Yeah. I have to change these.” I said then saw the frowns on their faces. “What?” Am I that disgusting?

  “There might be blood.” Tiffany said.

  “No shit. Anyone want to do it?” I asked.

  “How about Alex?” Zach asked. I looked over my shoulder.

  “He’s sleeping. I’ll do myself.” I said. Pussies.

  “I’ll do it.” Liam said. “Dads a cop. I’ve seen my fair share of blood.”

  “Thank you. If I lay down it’ll be better.” I said. Everyone sat up and moved closer to the edge of the bed to make room for me.

  Liam kneeled on the floor waiting. I lifted my shirt until the bandage on my side was visible. He got out the bandages and alcohol swabs then peeled away the old bandage and wiped the alcohol across the cut.

  When he was done, I stood up slowly. It doesn’t hurt as much to walk so I grabbed my laptop and brought it to bed. I want to check my things. Facebook and Twitter.

  My phone chimed when I was about to sit down. “Can you hand me that.” I said. Zach turned around and grabbed the two iPhone’s on the nightstand.

  “Which one’s yours?” He asked. I grabbed both and checked the home screen. It wasn’t a text, it’s an email. The subject read: Wilks Academy Tragedy. I walked over to the windowsill, sat down and read the email.

  Subject: Wilks Academy Tragedy

  To: WA Faculty and Student Body

  It has come to my knowledge that Wilks Academy lost a beloved secretary and her son who was an outstanding student at WA, Denise Bond and Giovanni Acker. During this winter break, please take every precaution to stay safe. When school is back in session the guidance counselor will be available to talk to anyone in need. Once again, please be cautious during this break.

  Headmaster Rubin

  I put my phone down and stared out of the window. What the fuck is this? That’s the only thing I could say. I’m going to have to live with the fact that I killed them. I didn’t kill them for fun. I did what I had to to save myself and my friends. I defended myself and in the process two people got hurt.

  “I still feel like he’s watching me.” I said watching Ben walk his dog. He saw me and waved. I waved back. “I know its different now but I still feel like he’s going to be hiding somewhere out there and watching everything I do.” I looked over at my friends. “Thank you guys for staying with me.”

  Someone’s phone rang but no one moved so I looked down at Alex’s. He’s still sleeping so I answered it just in case it’s important. He’s a busy man, so I’ve heard.

  “Hello?” I answered.

  “I got the place–” The guy on the other end went silent for a few seconds. “Uh…Who this is?” He finally asked.

  “Emily.” I said.

  “Oh. Is Alex around?”

  “He’s sleeping.” The guy sighed.

  “Ah, man. Can you wake him up, please? It’s important.”

  “Um, yeah sure. Hold on one second.” I said.

  “Thanks.”

  I hopped over to Alex and kneeled beside him.

  “Alex.” I shook his arm a few times. “Alex, someone’s on the phone for you.” He slowly turned and looked up at me.

  “Who?” He wiped a hand across his face.

  I looked at the screen. “Sean.” I said.

  Alex got up and took the phone from my hands.

  “I’ll be right back.” He said kissing my cheek before leaving the room. Okay, that isn’t weird. A Sean calls and he runs out. Must be important.

  I walked back over to the window and opened a crack of the window. Now that Giovanni is gone, I can do that. I can do a lot more normal things. I don’t have to be afraid. It’s beautiful out.

  Then my phone chimed with a text from Bella.

  Christy: We still have to make up for your bday and xmas!!

  Bella is Christy. Mark’s middle name is Edward and Christy’s last name is Swan. It’s like a real life Twilight. I had to name her Bella.

  I sat down on the windowsill and let the warm air consume me for a few seconds until I heard a voice outside. I leaned over and saw Alex walking in circles, talking on the phone.

  “So I can have the track on Monday?” He asked. I don’t want to eavesdrop but I’m intrigued now. “Yeah, that was her. You didn’t say anything, right?” I turned my back to the window. Is that his surprise date? A track? Ohmygod! The racetrack! It’s mostly closed during the winter but knowing Alex, he could get us into anything. A smile spread across my lips.

  “What?” Sophie asked.

  “I should have known.” I whispered to myself. I looked up at her. “He’s planning something and I think I just figured it out.” I looked over my shoulder and Alex was gone. I moved over to the bed and sat down.

  “Your tattoo is beautiful up close.” Tiffany and Sophie said moving closer to my back and tracing it with their fingers.

  “You can see it?” I asked letting my hair down to cover up.

  “Why’d you cover it?” Liam asked.

  “Mom would kill me if she saw it. She’s the only one who doesn’t know about it.” I said as Alex walked into the room.

  “What time did you guys wake up?” He asked walking closer.

  “Around nine-thirty.” Tiffany said.

  “If you’re hungry, Em’s mom made breakfast.” Alex said. Everyone mmm’d and ahhh’d then got up and waited for me to join them.

  “You guys go, I’ll catch up.” I said. They left the room and headed downstairs and A
lex stayed behind. “Did you sleep okay?”

  “Yeah. You?” He asked. I walked over to him and put an arm around his waist trying to be sexy.

  “Not really. I kept thinking about what the surprise will be.”

  He leaned into me and said, “You’ll find out soon.” Then his lips were on mine and I forgot what I was going to say.

  “Can we go to your place later?” I asked.

  “Everyone?” He asked curiously.

  “Just us.” No one else needs to be around for what I want.

  He put his hands on my hips and gave me a hard look.

  “Emily, you’re still not healed–”

  “We don’t have to do anything. I just want alone time with you.” He knows I’m lying. I want to go to his house to do something. Anything. “We’ll talk about this later.” I said leading him to the kitchen. Everyone has their plates ready with scrambled eggs, sausages and biscuits. Of course there are blueberry muffins in the cake display. I grabbed one and a plate of everything because I’m hungry. Mom walked in and asked if there was anything else we needed. We didn’t. Everyone was full.

  When Mom sat down, she leaned into my side. “Garrett and I talked last night. He told me David didn’t intentionally kill anyone. He was in a car accident with Denise’s husband and that’s how he died.” She said. I nodded. “I thought you should know.” A part of me does. A sick part of me thinks David cared about me for awhile.

  After stuffing ourselves we went back upstairs to my room. I know. I’m not a very social person. Can you blame me?

  “Is everyone ready to go?” Liam asked. “They need their privacy.”

  “Oh, it’s fine. You don’t–”

  “Yes we do.” Tiffany cut me off. “Let’s just clean up the mess and go.” They picked up all the mini vodka bottles from the floor, put the pillows and blankets back and grabbed their things. Weird.

  “Did I do something?” I asked.

  “Babe, you’re horny.” Tiffany said. “We all see it.”

  Fucking kill me now. I didn’t think the long stares and crossed legs would be noticed. Guess I was wrong.