Justin: Oh, I need your number? ;)
I sent him my number and he logged off. I shut my laptop and went to my bed. It’s only six-thirty in the morning, I need to sleep. Gizmo was sleeping so I reached over for my iPod, plugged in my headphones and hit play. I closed my eyes and let music take me to another world.
***
“Is she still sleeping?” I opened my eyes at the sound of voices. I paused my iPod and saw Scarlett standing in the door. I took out my headphones and stood up. Everyone had their eyes on my shoulder.
“I can put the bandages back on.” I said dropping y eyes to the floor.
“C’mon. We’re going to talk to Mom about last night.” Scar said.
“We should go then.” Tiffany said. “I have brunch with my family at eleven.”
“Me too” Bryan said. “I have an hour.”
“I’m the driver.” Liam said. Sophie came out of the bathroom and made a face at my shoulder. Tiffany hit her on the arm.
“I’ll be down in a minute.” I said to Scarlett. “You guys better not come by tonight. I don’t want your families to start hating me.” I looked at Tiffany. “How does your mom let you come by? She hates me.” Who knows what I ever did to deserve that hate. I’m still clueless.
“She doesn’t hate you.” She said. “She did but then she found out you saved her angel so she’s coming around.” I nodded. She walked over to me and hugged me. “You still look beautiful. Just remember that.” She pulled away and looked at me. “Leave the bandages off and just put some cream on them.” Yes, ma’am.
Everyone else hugged me goodbye and went back to their families. Finally. I felt like I was stealing them. I walked back to the mirror and looked at my shoulder. Alex came to my side with a cotton swap and the cream for the wounds.
“It makes you look a little bad ass if you ask me.” Alex said.
“Just a little?” He put cream on my thigh then looked up.
“Yeah.” He said standing up. “Sexy too.”
I blushed and bit my lip to hide the smile. He’s just being nice.
“You always know what to say.” I said pulling him closer to my lips. We were centimeters apart when I pulled away. I turned away from him and walked toward the door. I’m a tease. I know.
He grabbed my hand and turned me around. “Uh-uh.” He said with a challenging look. I melted and let him kiss me. “You didn’t see what I got you.” He said handing me a bag of Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Crème Drops.
“Yes! You know I love you, right?” I said opening the bag.
“I know.” I threw one up and caught it on my tongue. Yummy! Alex planted a quick kiss on my lips before letting me go.
I know what Alex’s nickname should be. Hershey Kiss because I love Hershey’s I will never stop. Just like Alex. I may be young and naïve but in my heart I know I will never love anyone the way I love this guy. He is the one. He is the one I want to spend my life with. Hopefully he doesn’t find that out until later on in the relationship. Like waaaaaay later. I don’t want him to think I’m delusional. Which I clearly am.
“Emily!” Scarlett yelled from downstairs.
We walked into the living room and found any evidence from yesterday cleaned up. Wow, that was fast.
“Hi, Mom.” I walked in and saw Garrett. “Officer Miles.”
“It’s just Garrett. I’m not on duty right now.” He said smiling.
“Mom, Emily has something to tell you.” Scarlett said. She may be older than me but she loves to snitch. Seriously. This girl is the big mouth of the family. And I’m talking sexually too.
“I told her it’s nothing.” I said sighing. “The other day I found cigarette buds outside of the house. I think someone has been watching me from that spot.”
“She described the cigarettes David use to smoke.” Declan said as he walked in. Mom’s eyes widened. I just noticed Scar and Declan don’t call David ‘dad.’ Is it because of me? What I told them? Did they cut off ties completely like they’re not his children?
“Is it him? Did you see him outside?” Mom asked panicked.
“No. I don’t know. I didn’t see anyone.” I said.
Mom turned toward Garrett in full panic mode. Oh, God.
“If it’s my ex-husband then I need your help.” She said. She starting talking gibberish and pulling her hair a few seconds later. Drama Queen…
“Is he dangerous?” Garrett asked looking at us.
Mom looked at me then. Oh, great.
“He attacked me when I was younger.” I said looking at the floor. I don’t want to think about it. I want that part of my life to stay buried. No person should have to recall the person they thought was their father trying to rape and kill them at the age of ten.
“I can try to have a patrol car outside and see if there’s anything.” Garrett said nodding. He knows this family is fucked up. And he still want to help. “Right now…just don’t be alone. If he attacked you when you were younger and he’s back now, he might try it again.” Awesome.
“What if it isn’t him and it’s just some random person smoking outside?” I asked. A lot of people smoke. They could just like the spot.
“We’ll have to wait and see.” He said walking over to the window to make a call. “I’ll need to know where the cigarette buds were.” He said looking at me.
“I can show you.” Declan said.
When they walked outside, Mom walked up to me and grabbed my arm. And now it starts.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s probably just a smoker like you said. Better safe than sorry.” Mom said. The look in her eyes was nothing that came out of her mouth. She’s scared, maybe for me, the family, or both. “Alex, can I talk to you?” He nodded and they walked away to talk in private. I don’t even want to know.
I walked over to the window and peeked on Declan and Garrett talking. They kept looking up at my bedroom window and nodding. Shit, I think they think it’s something.
Scarlett walked over to me. “Em, we just want you to be safe. It could be David. It’s probably not but after everything that happened to you–”
“I know.” I said annoyed. “I don’t even know if someone is really watching me. Like I said, I’m just paranoid.”
“Emily.” That one word holds so much as she stares at me. I sighed and accepted that maybe something might be wrong. “Garrett will help us.”
Declan and Garrett walked back inside. “There will be a car outside later today. There’s no evidence of trespassers so it’ll be difficult to keep them for long. School starts tomorrow, right?” Garrett asked.
“Yeah.” I said.
“You should check in with your family often just to be safe.”
“Don’t you think this is a little too much?” I asked.
“Emily.” I looked at Mom. “I don’t want anything else happening to you.” She said. “Any of you.” Fucking great. I thought I was done being tortured. I thought Giovanni was the last thing I’d go through.
“I have to go.” Garrett said. “Grace, if you want to cancel the trip on Friday, I understand.” My ears perked up.
“Yeah, I think we should–”
“What trip?” Scarlett asked before I could.
“We were going to drive up to New Hampshire for a concert but we can find another time.” Mom said crossing her arms over her chest.
“Why would you want to stay–”
I shut my mouth when I thought about it. Because of me. Great. I’m messing up Mom’s life too.
“I have something on Friday so you can go. Don’t let me mess up your plans.” I said.
“What are you doing?” Scarlett asked.
“It’s something for Victoria’s Secret.” I said shrugging.
I feel everyone’s eyes on me. I know what they’re thinking.
“Modeling?” Scarlett said.
“Yeah, something like that.” I said chewing on my lip. I know I have these wounds so I shouldn’t get my hopes up. I glanced at Garrett a second late
r. “Thank you for everything you’re doing but please don’t change your plans for Friday.”
I walked out of the living room and leaned against the wall. Is it happening again? This year is suppose to be different. I thought it was over.
Garrett gave me slight nod and said goodbye as he walked past me. I walked through the kitchen and headed outside to the backyard. I sat on the swinging chair and stared at the ground. When will my life get back to normal? This fucking sucks.
Mom sat down next to me moments later. “Everything is going to be fine.” She said grabbing my hand and studying me.
“No, it’s not.” I said. And then I spilled. I cried while I talked about how fucked up all this is and how I want to be a normal person with nothing to worry about. I don’t want to have to look over my shoulder anymore. I don’t want Justin to die. I don’t want to lose anyone. I just want everything to be okay.
Is that so much to ask?
“Is Justin starting the treatment soon?” Mom asked.
“Their working everything out.” I said. “Mom, I need him to get better. I know I just found out about the cancer but I love the guy. He’s like a brother to me. It’s like losing Declan. I just can’t go through it.”
“He’s going to get better.” Mom said. “He’s a strong kid.” She pulled me into her side and rubbed my back like she use to do when I was a kid. “I heard he had a lot of fun last night.”
“Yeah, everyone was excited.” I said smiling. He didn’t get out of bed for so long and then I show up and he’s smiling and dancing around the house with his family and friends. I can’t help but say I feel special. I did that. I made him open his eyes a bit. “So what did you do all night?”
Mom looked away, blushing. “That is something a mother doesn’t tell her children but we had a nice time and I’ll do it again.” She said.
“That’s good. You deserve to have a wild night here and there.” I said teasing her. Mom needs to get out and have fun.
“Oh…it was a wild night.” She said winking.
“Mom! I don’t need to know that.” I said standing up and walking back into the house. “Eww. You have me visualizing things I don’t need to see.” She laughed and followed me in to find Alex, Scarlett and Declan sitting at the table. “I have to poke my eyes out real quick.” I said.
“Gross, Mom.” Scarlett said.
“Sex is a natural thing. Don’t think you’re a saint.” Mom said walking to the fridge. Scarlett’s jaw dropped and I covered my eyes in embarrassment.
“Okay, Mom. There are guys in here and we don’t have to hear this.” Declan said. Like he doesn’t have sex either. Please. He’s the whore of the house.
Mom pulled out some veggies and started chopping away. “Food should be done in thirty minutes, if you’re hungry.” She said. Gizmo strolled into the kitchen and stopped at my feet. “His treats are next to the fridge.”
I turned and grabbed a few chewy brown bones.
“You need to lay off my bed.” I said as he ate the treat. He jumped toward me for the other one. “Sit.” I said. He barked. “Gizmo.” He backed off and sat down then he titled his head and whined. I handed him the treat.
“We got an email from the Dean this morning.” Declan said. “We can start classes on Monday if we want.” I looked up at him. I don’t want them to leave so soon. Monday, the sixth. That’s not enough time together.
“That’s great news, honey.” Mom said catching my eye. She knows I want to spend time with my family. We were always close until Declan left for college and I started doing drugs. I disconnected from my life. I wanted to feel nothing.
“Yeah, that’s good.” I said eyeing both of them. They seem happy to go but I can tell they don’t want to leave me here. They can’t protect me forever.
I caught Alex looking at my right shoulder.
“You have something on you shoul–”
“It’s nothing.” Declan said cutting him off. I didn’t listen to Declan. I looked sideways and saw a huge bug on me. My eyes widened and I screamed. Yeah, classy. I flicked the bug off me and ran in the other direction. “She hates bugs.” Declan clarified. I shook my body and checked for any more. “It must be a girl thing.”
“That thing was huge!” I said. I don’t even know what the fuck it was.
“That’s what she said.” Scarlett said smiling as she walked out of the kitchen. She looked over her shoulder at me. “Don’t look behind you!”
I ran out of the kitchen like my ass was on fire.
“There was nothing there.” Mom called out.
“Not funny.” I said as I crashed into Scarlett.
“You better rock that audition.” She said out of nowhere while looking at my soon-to-be scar. She looked behind me and I thought there was another bug but it was just Declan and Alex.
“Your face was priceless at that last one.” Declan said laughing. He grabbed Scarlett’s arm and pulled her away. “Come on, I have something to show you.” When we were alone, I leaned against the wall staring at Alex.
“So, do you want to do something today?” He asked.
“Wow! I can actually leave the house?” I said smiling at my joke.
Alex just held my eyes. Yeah, I know, I shouldn’t joke about possibly having a stalker who wanted to kill me years ago. And not to mention, Giovanni said he wants me dead. How did he know that and is it true?
“I know the perfect place.” Alex said taking out his phone. “I have to go but I’ll be back in less than an hour.” He said.
“Anything fun?” I asked.
“I’m getting rid of the other cars in the garage today. Sean had me hold them until the team got back.” Alex said.
“The Range Rover and the Escalade too?” I asked. I’m getting use to those cars. The Range Rover is on my list to drive.
“No, I’m keeping those two.” I nodded. Yes!
“All right. So what time do you want to go?” I asked.
“When I get back.” He kissed me and I walked him out.
I went upstairs and tried to pull an outfit together.
25. Cinderella
I went into my closet and picked out a bunch of clothes. I don’t know where we’re going so I don’t know what to wear. I poked my head outside of my window and it’s still beautiful out so I picked cute black shorts and a light blue top. I looked in the mirror and I have to say I look nice. The shorts show off my long legs and covered the cut on my thigh and the top shows some cleavage but it takes attention off the cut on my shoulder.
I put on the necklace Declan gave me for my birthday then found flats and heels that would make me look stunning. I tried both on and couldn’t decide which to wear. This is what I should be worrying about. Which shoes to wear not whether or not David is lurking outside.
It was around noon when my phone rang. Tiffany.
“Hello?” I answered.
“Hi.” Tiffany said cheerfully.
“What’s up?” I sat down at my vanity and applied eyeliner.
“Nothing much. Did you talk to your mom about the stalker?” I finished putting on the eyeliner and looked at myself in the mirror. “I didn’t mean it to come out like that.” She said.
“It’s fine. I told her and Garrett said he can have a patrol car outside for a while. I told them not to freak out but you know how they are.” I said.
“Yeah but Emily, if it is your dad they should be worried. Don’t forget what he did to you.” She said.
I slumped in my chair and looked at my hands. My dad…yeah, right.
“I know.” I said. We stayed silent for a while. “Tiff?”
“Yeah, I’m here.” I heard a little girl laughing.
“Where are you?” I asked.
“I just happened to pass by Liam’s house. And I saw Alex.”
“I consider this stalking.” Someone said from her end of the line. Is that Bryan? It sounds like him.
“You saw Alex?” I asked.
“Yeah, a few minutes ago.”
This is great.
“Tiff, what’s he wearing?” I asked.
“Do you want the sexy version?” I couldn’t help but smile.
“We’re going out and I want to know where we’re going.” I said.
“In that case, somewhere cozy. He’s got on an Aero shirt and I think sweats.” So not fancy, that’s good. “Go with the heels.”
“How did–” What the hell?
“He saw us. Now what’s the excuse?” Bryan said. The phone crinkled and I heard laughter. What the fuck are they doing?
“Liam. Hi.” Tiffany said an octave higher than usual. “Em, thanks for telling me you’re not at Alex’s place before we got here.” She said annoyed.
The doorbell rang a second later.
“Tell them I say hi and stalking is not the answer.” I said.
“All right. Love you.” She laughed.
“Love you, too.” I hung up and adjusted my hair, slipped into the heels and grabbed my purse.
When I walked downstairs, Alex and Declan were talking until I got to the last step and they both shut up and stared at me.
“Are the heels to much?” I asked. “I don’t know where we’re goin–”
“You look beautiful.” Alex said. Those three words lit me up.
“Maybe you should wear a sweater.” Declan said.
I walked over to him. “It’s beautiful out.” I said kissing his cheek. “You should have told Marie that too.” He got my point then smiled and shooed us out. Alex grabbed my hand as we walked out and I couldn’t help but smile because of how normal this feels.
When I looked up at Alex, his eyes locked on mine. “Is something wrong?” I asked. He held the car door open for me as I got in.
“No, it’s just your eyes…they look amazing.” He said.
When I wear eyeliner, my eyes get an even brighter blue than usual and I put on the necklace Declan got me so my eyes seem unreal.
He leaned down and pecked my lips then he got in the car and started it up. The way we were driving seemed familiar. He turned onto the street toward the mall. Now, I understand why he’s wearing comfortable clothes. I’m comfortable. I love being in heels, I just can’t sleep in them.
“Everything I want to do today is in there.” Alex said giving me a sexy look. Yeah, they have beds in here. I wanted to say. The mall has a variety of things to do. I guess I’m going to be surprised.
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