by Leaona Luxx
I press my stomach into the sink, holding back bile. “She’ll be back any minute.”
“The more the merrier; besides, I’ve never had a mother-daughter duo.” He grinds his dick into my ass, and I tighten my fist, ready to take aim.
Gritting my teeth, I throw a sharp elbow into his ribs. “Get away from me or I’ll scream.”
Bile rises in my throat as his hand wraps my neck, pushing me forward as he lays over my back. “There ya go, I like it rough, ask your mom.”
“What in the hell do you think you’re doing?” Mom asks from behind us.
Duke releases me, backing up slightly. “It’s all good, we’re just playing around.”
“I’m fourteen, asshole.” I push my way past them, hurrying to my room.
“What the fuck? Do you want her?” Mom yells, but not because of his treatment of me.
“She’s one hot piece of ass, Lisa.” He chuckles. “And probably a hell of a lot less trouble.”
“You’re a piece of shit.”
“Maybe, but she’s fucking hot.” A slamming door echoes through the place as my own crashes opens.
“Get your shit and get the hell out.” Mom glares at me. I grab my bag, half full, stepping around her. “Don’t come back until Monday.”
Her words stop me in my tracks. “What bothers you more, that I’m my father’s or that I’m competition?” I walk out, slamming the door behind me before she can answer.
Jumping from the porch, I sprint to the end of the street. Cutting through the trees, I continue to run. If it gets dark, I can’t find my way. There’s a little country store at the intersection; if I can make it there, they’ll let me use the phone.
I spotlights in the distance just as I hit a small clearing. I’m so caught up in getting there, I don’t pay attention to where I’m going and stumble over some brush, falling. I lay there, palms burning, knees, undoubtedly scraped, as my long-held tears begin to flood my face.
“What did I do to deserve this? Huh?” I scream, allowing the built-up tension to release like a dam.
The sky grows darker, reminding me I’ve laid here long enough. I sit up, inspecting my scuffed hands and trying to clean the blood from my knees as best I can. I stand on shaky legs, plodding through the field until I make it to the other side of the tree line.
The store is bustling as people stop to pick up last minute items before getting home. I step through the door, scanning the crowded shop. I spot the person I need to talk to coming from the back.
“Ann?” She’s about my height with curly brown hair; her family owns the store. Though she’s older than me, we’ve become good friends.
“Sarah, are you okay?” Her eyes dart from mine to my legs.
“Yeah, I fell in the clearing,” I stammer. “Can I use the phone?” I ask as I bite my nail.
“Of course.” She smiles as she grabs the phone, reaching it to me. “Let me get you a wet paper towel.”
“Thank you.” I grimace, dropping my bag to the floor before dialing the number, silently praying someone answers quickly. Three rings later, my heart sinks in fear there’ll be no one there.
“Hello.” A lady’s voice echoes through the receiver—Elise, Chord’s mom.
“Hi, it’s Sarah. Is Thayer around?”
“Yes, she is. Just one second.” I hear rustling over the phone. “Thayer, Sarah’s on the phone.”
“Hello, sister. What’s up?” Thayer sounds so much like her mom, my chest tightens as tears begin to build again.
“I-I need a ride”—I swallow hard—“and I know we were planning on me staying this weekend, but I need to stay a few extra days.”
“Where are you?” she asks without hesitation.
“The general store before my house.”
“We’re on the way.” I gasp, no way do I want to see Chord like this.
“Don’t bring Chord.” I wipe away the trailing tear. “I’ll explain when you get here.”
“Mom is coming with me, okay?” She pauses.
“That’s fine.” I squeeze my eyes tight. “Thank you.”
“Stay there, we’re on the way.” Her words of reassurance do little for the heaviness in my chest.
“Thank you, Ann. Someone’s coming to get me.”
She takes the phone, laying it down. “You’re welcome here anytime.” I return her smile, grabbing my bag to find a place to wait outside.
I stand, just under the awning, waiting for Thayer and Elise. I watch as people come and go, families taking care of one another. I can barely remember my dad anymore. The memories I do have, I hold close.
Every night, he would tuck me in with a song. I sing it when life hands me more than I can handle, and with my mom, that happens all too often.
“Standing next to her is like standing next to a thousand suns, not a cluster of stars could outshine; I knew that a part of her belonged to the world, but the world that is within her, is all mine,” I whisper the lyrics as I bat away the falling tears.
A blinking light draws my attention. Rubbing my eyes, I focus on Thayer as the car stops in front of me. “It’s dark out here, you should’ve waited inside,” she says as the door opens.
“I’m okay, I wanted to get outta everyone’s way.”
She pulls me into a hug before yanking on the handle to the backseat. “Thanks for coming. I’m so sorry to impose.” I sink into the cool car.
“You’re not an imposition, we love having you.” Elise glances at me through the mirror. “You know I love having you around and then there’s Chord.” She waggles her brows.
I glance at Elise as she smiles at me through the mirror. “Oh, yeah. I mean, we are best friends.”
Thayer whirls her head around, wide-eyed. “Sure, because I look at you the way y’all stare at each other.”
I side-eye Elise, my stomach tightens at the thought of Chord. “Stop it.”
Thayer laughs. “We all can see it, you two need to admit it.”
“Never.” I giggle.
We ride in silence to their home, set just off Glenwood near downtown Raleigh. I never thought about it when I was younger, as we moved from trailer park to apartments back to mobile homes, but Chord’s family has money.
We live on the wrong side of the affluent neighborhood and just inside the school district. Chord’s been by my side since kindergarten, and we’re best friends. The things my mom said about him are so untrue.
And Thayer, she embarrassed me talking like that in front of their mom. Chord and I are not like that with each other. I mean, I love him and I know he loves me, but there’s nothing more between us. His family is my family, one I’ve never had.
“I hope you’re hungry, dinner should be ready soon,” Elise says as we drive through the gates to their home.
The four-bedroom, five-bath home sits just behind a circle drive lined with trees. The white two-story has a large entry with mahogany double glass doors. The blues, grays, and whites blend well with the built-in bookshelves and fireplaces.
The laundry room is bigger than my bedroom, and the family room is the size of our trailer. They even have a home theater and a patio that’s equipped with a fridge. But they’ve never made me feel like I don’t belong here.
“I am, but I need to clean up first.” I wince as I touch my bloodstained knee.
Thayer swings the front door wide. “Go on up to my room and I’ll grab the first-aid kit.”
Elise tugs at my hand. “Let me see, Sarah.”
I pull my brows low, hating that she’s making a fuss. “I’ll be fine once I clean it up.”
She bends in front of me, inspecting my knees. “Thayer, be sure to get the antibacterial ointment. Why don’t you jump into the shower, just to make sure all the dirt is out, sweetie.”
My chest tightens as I peer down at her. Why can’t my own mother be this caring? My breath hitches, trying to hold back the beckoning tears. “I will.”
Elise straightens, wrapping her arms around me. “Take yo
ur time, we’ll wait.”
“Is that Sutton?” Chord yells from the other room. My stomach knots with the thought he’ll see me like this. Wide-eyed, I shake my head at Elise.
“Go, I’ll keep him busy.” Her face glows with her smile.
“Thank you,” I murmur, turning to take the stairs two at a time. I push the door to Thayer’s room open, dropping my bag by the bed. I hurry to the bathroom, stripping as soon as I hit the door.
I twist the faucet, allowing the water to heat as I strip. Stepping into the gush of hot water, I relish the warmth on my cool skin. I wince as it runs down my legs and over the torn flesh.
Slowly, I lather the soap over the rough surface of my palm. As the dirt washes away, so does the sting of the cleansing. Working my way down to my legs, I scrub away the debris.
Gently, I stroke my kneecaps, clearing the dried blood from the marred surface. I suck air through my gritted teeth as the sting grows and the water runs red. “I suppose this is the metaphor for my life.” I chuckle, trying to stop the tears.
“Sarah?” I jump from the knock at the door.
“I’m almost done.”
“I wanted to make sure you have everything, I’ll leave the first-aid kit on the nightstand,” Thayer replies.
“Alright, thank you.” I turn the shower off, drying quickly. I’m sure they’ll be waiting on me to eat dinner.
I bandage my knees, dressing as fast as I can. I pull on my sweats and a baseball tee, knotting my hair on top of my head. I carefully navigate the stairs, making my way toward the kitchen. They rarely eat in the dining room, it’s always the breakfast table.
Sure enough, I find them huddled together by the bar, waiting on me. “I’m here, sorry it took so long.” I chew the inside of my cheek.
Chord spins on his stool, smiling. “No worries, we’re just hangin’.” I wrap my hand around my stomach as it flips and flops as though butterflies are playing in it. I’m stunned at how tall he’s gotten as he stretches his long legs out in front of him.
“Umm, good,” I stammer as he brushes past me with his broad shoulders. There’s more definition in his torso, like his jawline. A tingle spreads through my body as I take his scent in, what in the world?
Thayer squeezes my shoulder, “Let’s eat,” saying as she tugs me with her to the table.
We join Elise, Cal, and Chord at the table. I sit between him and his sister. It’s like every other dinner I’ve had here, but this time, when Chord looks at me, the hair on my neck prickles.
Chord nudges my thigh under the table, whispering to me, “Are you okay?”
Chills race over my body as I choke out a response, “Yeah, just tired.”
“Thayer said you fell, I hope you’re okay.” He glances down at my legs.
My face flushes, I’m just not sure why, so I shrug. “A few scrapes, I’m good.”
Then it happens—he winks at me, and my heart thunders in my chest. His blue eyes sparkling. “Good, I’d hate it if my best girl got hurt.”
My heart races, as it has so many times before, but this is different. We’ve always went with ‘best friends’, knowing we mean more to each other. Being best friends is great, being in love is everything.
My eyes flicker around the table, I know I can’t tell him. It would ruin this, the only family I’ve ever known. And what’s worse, my mother would be right. I’d fall for him and in the end, I’d still be the girl from the wrong side of the tracks.
Two years later...
“Hurry up!” I shout from the bottom of the stairs.
“We’re coming, shithead,” Thayer yells.
I roll my eyes at her term of endearment. “I’m goin’ on out.”
“Fine,” she screams from her room.
I yank my towel from the rail, throwing it over my shoulder as I walk through the house to the pool. It’s the last day of summer break, and I want to relax. It’s my sophomore year, I’m taking all advanced placement classes—there’ll be no time to slack.
I toss my towel on the patio and dive in head first. I lap the pool before finally hearing someone call my name. “Brother!” Thayer screams, stopping me mid-stride. “May I introduce, Sarah Beth Sutton.”
“What are you talking about, I know who Sutton is.” I splash at her.
“I know you do, but not like this. I’m sure the other boys will enjoy this too.” Thayer winks.
She slips to the side as Sutton steps from the French doors. She’s wearing a multi-colored blue and white bikini with ties on the side of her hips. The top has a ruffle that falls over her biceps with lace, but nothing can hide her full breasts.
Her blonde hair is piled high, wisps falling around her collarbone. My mouth goes dry when she licks her lips, her lids hanging low as she watches me. I’m not sure if I’m the predator or the prey, but I’ll be damned if I care.
I follow the curve of her hips down her toned legs, and she curls her toes tipped in pink. My chest is heavy, making me struggle to breathe. Sarah’s always been beautiful, but suddenly, she’s breathtaking.
Damn. Why are we sixteen? Then again, no way in hell does Sutton look sixteen. I don’t like it. I mean, yeah, I love it, but won’t other guys? “Are you gonna say something? I look stupid, don’t I?” she mutters.
I side-eye Thayer, trying to hide my reaction, but I can tell she’s already nailed me by the smirk on her face. “I mean, it’s cool.” I shrug.
“I think she’s freakin’ hot.” Thayer joins her, holding her phone up in front of them. “Smile.” They put their heads together, twinning for the picture.
“Hush! Chord might gag at the thought of me being pretty.” Sarah narrows her eyes as they glisten from the sun’s reflection. They’re as blue as a Carolina sky.
“Chord knows what’s hot and what’s not.” Thayer giggles.
“Chord is right here, ladies.” I splash at them as they lather on lotion. “Aren’t y’all coming in?” Please, come in. I’m not sure how long I can last before blowing my load watching Sutton rub her body down.
“Nah, we’re gonna work on our tans,” Thayer says as she sits on the chaise lounge. Sutton continues to rub lotion over her hips and down to her ass cheeks. My pulse races as my blood pressure rises.
Before I can regain my senses, I mutter, “Sutton doesn’t need to work on a damn thing.”
Her eyes snap to mine, her mouth agape slightly. “Excuse me?”
I blink several times, trying to shake the fact I said that out loud. “What? Nothing. Just work on your tan,” I growl.
“What crawled up your ass?” she snarls.
“Nothing.” I dive under the water, praying it helps my growing hard-on. What in the hell is wrong with me? She’s my best friend for Christ’s sake. I reach the other side of the pool, gasping for air.
“Chord?” Her soft voice startles me, and I jump, making her giggle. “I’m sorry.” Her brows are pulled tight.
“No, don’t be.” I lick my lips as my eyes drop to her cleavage. “I’m just daydreaming.”
“About?” Asking, as she treads water. She’s never been more beautiful as she is right now.
I shake my head. “Stuff. What’s with the Spanish Inquisition?”
She bites her lip. “You know what? Forget you.” She splashes me before turning to swim away. I watch as she climbs from the pool then settles in her seat. She shoves earphones on and lays back.
I grit my teeth, trying to think of a way to talk to her, but before I can, a ball smacks me in the side of the head. “What the f...” I snap my head around to find my brother standing on the edge, smirking at me.
“You little shit. You were gonna cuss.” He folds his arms over his chest.
“What are you doing home?” I push up from the side, dragging him into a hug.
“No way am I gonna miss Thayer’s first day of senior year.” He punches me in the arm.
I roll my eyes, “She’s not a princess.”
“Dear Lord, don’t tell her that, she’ll be
ruined for life.” He chuckles. “So, what’sup with you and Sarah?”
He follows me over to my towel, sitting down in the chair where it laid. “What do you mean?”
His eyes float from me to her and back. “Dude, she’s crushing on you.”
“No way.” I shake my head, trying to bite back my grin.
“Hard.” His eyes fall below my waist, before looking away. “Like you are her.”
I hang the towel in front of me, face blazing with heat. “Fuck you.”
“You better watch that mouth, Mom will tear you up.” His brow cocks. “She likes you. You like her. It happens.”
“We’re friends, that’s all.”
“Friends make great lovers.” He winks.
“You’re gettin’ on my nerves, man.”
He slides to the end of the chair. “I’m just sayin’, beautiful girl like Sarah will get plenty of attention.”
I shift my feet, throwing the towel around my neck. “Yeah, that’s what I figure.”
“You ain’t my little brother if you let that go down.” He tilts his head. “Surely, you’re not gonna let another man at her?”
A thunder rolls inside my chest. “Shut the hell up, One.”
He snickers. “I do believe you’re sprung.”
I cut my eyes at him. “Yeah, I know. But what if you’re wrong and she doesn’t like me the way I like her?”
“You’ll never know until you try.” He stands and takes a step toward the house. “Or you can ask your sister.”
My brows shoot up when my mouth pops open. “Ohh, yeah.”
“Come on, little man.” He nudges my shoulder just as Sarah stands, adjusting her bottoms over her plump backside. I shift my stance. “And close your mouth.”
One walks in front of me, laughing his ass off. I, on the other hand, am adjusting my junk. Again. “Shut up.”
“Ladies, may I bring you a beverage?” One pauses to ask.
“Yes, please!” Thayer squeals.
I follow One into the kitchen, and he grabs some bottles of water and pop. “I’ll take Thayer’s.”
