by A. M. Brooks
Hearts and Bruises
By A.M. Brooks
Copyright © 2019 A.M. Brooks
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. This book is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination. Thank you for respecting the hard work and creativity of this author.
Note: This story may not be suitable for persons under the age of 18.
Book design by Inkstain Design Studio
Cover design by Sofie Hartley- Hart and Bailey Design Co.
Edited by Ellie McLove
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Hearts and Bruises
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Epilogue
Books by A.M. Brooks
I have so many people to thank for helping this book baby become a reality. Since this is my first book...I’m going to mention everyone!
My husband: For being the most amazing partner there could be. You didn’t laugh when I shared that my dream was to write. You stood by me when I made tough decisions. I never would have come this far if you hadn’t pushed and encouraged me along the way. I love you.
My babies: You are my motivation to reach my goals. I love you both!
Mom & Dad: For supporting my dream. For being the parents I can always talk to, and for always believing in me even when I doubt myself.
My brother: For answering the phone and listening to my weird questions late at night. You’ve lived your life and taken chances. I wish I was as brave as you. Thanks for the real world information that your sort of naive sister will never have.
Jessi & Kallie: For the coaching and social media set up. You both are life saviors, especially for those just starting out. *Jessica Gibson Author Coaching
The Blurb Bitch: For getting everything started for me!
Ellie: For taking a chance and editing for me. I’m sorry! But now you know. And thank you for finding the perfect Darrian muse. It was great working with you. (*Fan Girl waves)
My PR Kiki Chatfield: Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and guidance.
Nadège Richards of Inkstain Design Studio: The inside of this book looks perfect.
Sofie Hartley of Hart and Bailey Design: For designing this beautiful cover. You are seriously talented lady!
My readers...both lifelong friends, family, and those who are new to my work...thank you. I hope you enjoy this story and I hope you keep coming back for more.
She Sets The City On Fire by Gavin DeGraw
Foolish Games by Jewel
Closer by The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey
Superman by Eminem
Body Like A Back Road by Sam Hunt
Black Dahlia by Hollywood Undead
We Are Your Friends by Justice ft. Simian
Shower by Becky G
Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus
Different For Girls by Dierks Bentley ft. Elle King
Jealous (Remix) by Nick Jonas ft. Tinashe
Call Me When Your Sober by Evanescence
Good For You by Selena Gomez
Love The Way You Lie (Part II) by Rhianna ft. Eminem
I Hate You, I Love You by Gnash ft. Olivia O’Brien
Cigarette Daydreams by Cage The Elephant
Can’t Help Falling In Love by Haley Reinhart
Issues by Julia Michaels
I’m the One by DJ Khaled, Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne
At My Best by Machine Gun Kelly ft. Hailee Steinfeld
Or Nah by Ty Dolla $ign, The Weeknd, Wiz Khalifa, DJ Mustard
Crew by Goldlink ft. Brent Faiyaz & Shy Glizzy
Addicted by Saving Abel
Sorry Not Sorry by Demi Lovato
Wild Ones by Flo Rida ft. Sia
Loyal by Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Tyga,
Post to Be by Omarion ft. Chris Brown, Jhene Aiko
Comin Out Strong by Future ft. The Weeknd
Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh) by Rich Homie Quan
F.F.F. by Bebe Rexha ft. G-Eazy
Make Up Sex by SoMo
Dead by Madison Beer
Him & I by G-Eazy ft. Halsey
Rockstar by Post Malone ft. 21 Savage
Bad At Love by Halsey
Tell Me You Love Me by Demi Lovato
Don’t Matter by August Alsina
Never Be the Same by Camila Cabello
The Beautiful People by Marilyn Manson
In My Blood by Shawn Mendes
Take A Bow by Rhianna
The Night We Met by Lord Huron
Twelve cities. Twelve different states. Twelve new schools in over roughly four years. My dad didn't think much about packing us up and moving across country. He was constantly chasing the dream job, a new opportunity, escaping a relationship that went south, or just if the wind blew in the right direction... I'd come home, and our belongings were packed in the trunk of the small SUV.
After the seventh move, I gave up trying to make friends, unpacking my belongings or even trying in school. Many counselors told me to remember my dad was grieving and going through a hard time. Bull. All of it’s bull. He felt guilty. He may not have been the one to put the pills in her hand but his affairs added to the reasons she chose to take all seventy-five of those pills at once. So, every time his conscience reared its ugly face... we moved.
I laid my head against the glass window. The Southern California sun beat through the tint warming my face. This was the first move to California. I was already missing the steadiness of the small Texas town we left. The scenery here was better though. I was a bigger fan of palm trees than the brush and plain Texas Ash. I sighed.
"Are you sure you don't want to go with me tonight, Nora?" my dad asked, glancing at me from the driver’s seat. "Ander's daughter Mikayla is only a year older than you. She knows the school and what teachers you may have." He sounded hopeful that this information would change my mind. We moved again when my dad’s long-time friend from college asked him to be part of his new company. Of course my dad jumped at the opportunity to start fresh. It also gave him the opportunity to break off his strained relationship with his secretary. Ander’s wife had invited us over to dinner with their family since we were arriving in town this evening. I knew Dad was looking forward to catching up with Anders, but after being crammed in the car during a long drive, I just wanted to stretch my body and explore the new home. The twinge in my neck had moved past annoying to very uncomfortable.
"I need to unpack," I told him. We both knew it was a lie though. I'd unpack the bedding and a few sets of clothes, but the rest of my stuff would sit in boxes until we moved again.
"I have a good feeling about this job, Nora. Anders and I go way back. This is the move we've been waiting on. I think we're going to like it here."
I went back to looking out my window, watching as we passed by rows of traffic. I’d heard the
same speech too many times. I gave him a small smile anyway. A part of me wanted to believe my dad that we could finally stop the moving and just be. I missed being in one spot, knowing the neighbors and owning a pet.
Soon we were rounding down a grassy hill. Huge green lawns sprawled on both sides. Magnificent houses and a few mansions lined both sides of the road. I peeked at my dad wondering how he had the money to afford a home on this street. My mom had left a small fortune when she passed, but I knew that was dwindling after being touched more than it should have been. I whistled under my breath.
“What?” he asked, glancing at me again. We drove up the driveway before stopping in front of the large two-story home. It was white. I hate when everything is white.
“How are you affording this, Mark?” I asked. I pinched the bridge of my nose hoping to hold off the migraine lurking behind my eyelids. He hated when I called him Mark, but at this point, I felt we were even. I hated spending money on a huge house we couldn’t afford...again.
“Technically, we don’t own it per se,” my dad shrugged. “Anders gave me a signing bonus so I could rent it.”
“So...technically, we’re homeless.” I climbed out of the vehicle before he could answer.
“We’re not homeless, Nora. We’re renting. And as soon as I’ve been working and can save, we’ll get a house.” We stood in front of the door now. White. Great, another home that will be cold and pristine, sterile like a hospital. The door swung open slowly, we both stood at the entrance. I was about to enter into home number twelve and chills were running up and down my spine. My dad huffed next to me before going in and turning on the lights. A huge chandelier hung above us, the walls were an off-white color, and there was minimal furniture. My nose scrunched at the slight musty smell.
“How long has this place been just sitting here?” I asked.
“A few months I think is what Anders said,” my dad replied, heading toward the kitchen. He opened the fridge which was, of course, empty and room temperature. “Guess I’ll be getting groceries later tonight.” He plugged in the fridge and it thrummed to life.
“I can do it,” I said with a shrug. It’s not like I really had anything else to do.
“You sure?” he asked, a hopeful look spreading over his face. I shrugged again.
“Here.” He took his wallet from his jeans, shoving a bunch of folded bills at me. “Get whatever you think we need and please get me some protein shakes. You know the ones I like.”
I nodded.
“Awesome,” he replied then glanced at his watch. “I’m going to go shower then before dinner with Anders and his family.” Before I could even respond, he was bounding up the stairs.
I looked around at the empty kitchen the silence weighing on me. Our bags still were parked by the front door. “Lovely,” I muttered to myself before hefting my bag into my arms and finding my room upstairs. In addition to the master bedroom my dad had claimed, there was another spare bedroom on the lower level and a small bathroom. Upstairs there was a spare room with a large bathroom attached to what was supposed to be my room. Large windows faced the backyard and surrounding hills. I could see the house next door, yet they did not have a window facing mine. I pulled the curtains shut anyway and was assaulted by raining dust balls. “Great!” My voice raised and suddenly feeling angry all over again at the current situation. I yanked the curtains down and threw them in a heap on the floor. Either I’ll get new ones if I have money leftover or I guess I’ll be washing those before I put them back up.
A few of my clothes ended up folded into the white dresser on the far side of the room next to the empty closet. I scattered my mixed CDs from middle school on top and plugged in my docking station for my iPhone. I settled for some old school Eminem while I heaved my mattress and bedframe up the stairs. I was putting it together as lyrics from “Superman” filled the air.
“Really, Eminem.” My dad stood in the doorway.
“Yup,” I said, going back to the task in my hands ignoring his presence.
“You know I was in college when this song was popular.” He cocked his head to the side.
“You’re old, Dad,” I tell him as I smile anyway thinking of my parents in college listening to Eminem.
“It’s starting to feel that way,” he said, looking around the room I had claimed as mine, his voice sadder. “You sure you don’t want to go to dinner with us?” he asked again.
“Yeah,” I said, using the screwdriver to motion to the bedframe. “Lots to do.”
“Okay.” He gave me one last sad look before turning and leaving. I told myself I wouldn’t feel bad about not going. I heard the door shut and lock before I blew out the breath I’d been holding since the car ride. Being around my dad was almost suffocating. As in his arrogance sucked all the air out of the room. I was happy to be left by myself. I didn’t even mind that I had to grocery shop after. I could explore on my own. It’s not that I didn’t like Mikayla and her family, it’s just that I hadn’t seen her in almost eight years when we were teetering on the edge between children and adolescents. We didn’t stay connected on Instagram and I didn’t use Snapchat or Facebook. I wanted to just get by in this city and not rekindle friendships. It would be easier that way when we leave one day and knowing my dad...we would leave someday no matter how hopeful he was.
Once the bed was put together, I quickly changed into a clean pair of jean shorts, not caring much else about my appearance, before grabbing my wristlet filled with the cash from my dad and my phone. He had left the keys on the counter which I was thankful for considering I did not yet know the bus system here, and likely couldn’t afford a cab. Not like bringing groceries home on the bus would be fun anyway. I had tried that once in New York and it was horrible. By the time it was actually my stop, most of the frozen foods were thawed and the strawberry ice cream leaked into the bottom of the bag and onto my white sweats. I could laugh now, but at the time, it had been horrifying.
Once in the car I did a quick search of nearby grocery stores in the area, surprised when a large convenience store popped up nearby. Deciding that was the way to go, I followed Siri’s advice until I pulled into a packed parking lot. The gas station was just as full, with cars waiting behind the ones currently pumping. I shook my head trying to remember that I was now in one of the largest areas of southern California. Of course it would be busy.
I parked easily before climbing out of the truck. Dark strands of my shoulder length hair blew around my face in the slight breeze. I felt almost nervous as I pushed the strands back behind my ears and tried to pretend that I wasn’t attracting curious stares from some of the people outside the store. My fingers itched to tug at the bottom of my red tank top wishing I could make it a little longer. It wasn’t indecent, but a small sliver of my lightly tanned skin was visible. I hadn’t thought to change my shirt before leaving the house, only my shorts. Right now, I’d give anything to have another barrier covering me. Head down, I walked into the store and shivered slightly as the air conditioning hit me full force. Definitely wish I had a sweater now. People were wandering around and some had baskets full of bottles and cans. Some people looked underage, and with the guilty looks on their faces, they were going to have an interesting time at the checkout counter. Oh yeah, it’s Friday. Most people like to party on Friday I laughed to myself as I headed down the first aisle to get the basics we would need.
“We don’t need that many bags of chips, Taylor, it’s not like people are going to actually eat them anyway.” I heard two girls arguing as I squeezed my way past them down the aisle.
“Ethan asked me to get a few bags, Lily,” the other girl answered her, throwing her perfectly manicured hands in the air. It was hard to suppress my laugh at her gesture.
“It’s a bonfire on the beach, Tay. I don’t think too many people care.”
“I’m just doing what Ethan asked,” the girl named Taylor said, crossing her arms over her chest. The girl looked more like she was heading out to a club
than a beach bonfire. I was slightly fearful for the girl, Taylor, that her boobs were going to burst out of her top if she kept swinging her arms like that. The other girl at least had a jean jacket over her dress, and it came past her knees.
“Whatever,” the other girl, Lily, said, tired of fighting with Taylor. “What Ethan wants Ethan gets, I guess.” Taylor stuck her tongue out at the girl.
I quickly made my way down the next couple of aisles shaking my head at the girls wondering if this is how all the girls here are and if they would be at my new school. Summer vacation was ending in two weeks then I’d be a junior at Araminta High. Beginning another school year without friends and no clue how the school was set up. Dad had tried to see if we could get in the building after the weekend to look around the school but had been turned down since some students would be starting fall practice for sports.
I rounded the corner of the last aisle of the store, reaching down to grab a box of tampons I knew I would need at some point. Standing quickly, I bumped right into a solid chest. My eyes darted up to the offender and collided with a bright hazel pair. His tanned arm was reaching above me, his hand wrapped around a box of condoms. I looked away quickly, my face turning a deep shade of red. This was awkward.
“Rough night?” the guy asked me. My attention snapped back to him, ready to ask what he meant. His head was tilted to the side, he nodded at the box I was holding close to my chest, his bottom lip was pulled between his teeth, and he looked like he was holding in his laughter. My cheeks turned redder.
“Can’t be too prepared,” I said, shoving the box quickly in my cart. “Have a good night, make smart choices,” I said, tilting my head at his box before walking quickly away. I heard deep laughter behind me before a strong arm wrapped around my shoulders.
“You’re new,” he said, more as a statement.
“What was your first clue?” my sarcasm biting to the surface.
“Most girls wouldn’t walk away from me if I was holding a box of condoms,” he said matter of fact. Ego much? I shrugged my shoulders. He laughed again. “This is the best!” he said. “What’s your name, beautiful?” He stopped us so we were facing each other in the aisle. I took in his whole appearance this time. Hazel eyes and white teeth on a very handsome face. He wore a baseball hat on backward, small tufts of dark hair could be seen underneath. A quick sweep up his body told me all I needed to know. He was relaxed in a pair of board shorts that hung low on his hips and a baggy dark green T-shirt. He was non-intimidating with his open body posture despite the fact he looked lean and muscular. He wore a cocky look on his face when I looked back at him.
