AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Raelynn
The school day crept by slowly. As I sat in the back of my morning classes, I got caught up on my homework. I worked so quickly that I finished a week’s worth of work. Which meant no homework this weekend.
Which meant a weekend of sitting around and feeling sorry for myself.
Every time I checked my phone, I had a text message from my mother. Messages I deleted without even opening. Hell, she even called me a couple of times. And I thanked my fucking stars my phone was on silent. I had half a mind to block her. However, I settled on turning off my phone instead. While I was out to lunch.
With Michael and Allison.
“This is going to be great!”
I panted. “Keep running. If we’re caught, we’ll get in serious trouble.”
Michael unlocked his SUV. “Come on, Allison. It’s time for your first-ever lunch ditch.”
She hopped into the front seat. “I feel so alive!”
I shook my head as a small smile crossed my cheeks. A small one. But one that helped prove I might come out of this all right after all. I’d gotten Michael’s text about skipping out on lunch today just before I turned off my phone. And I was glad I got it. He cranked up his car as Allison giggled with delight. He sped out of that parking lot and we headed straight for the sandwich shop. Their tomato bisque was calling my name. Complete with their five-cheese grilled cheese and some homemade barbecue chips to go along with it.
Then Allison opened up the can of worms again.
“You feeling better from this morning?”
Michael tossed her a look before shaking his head.
I sighed. “I’m just… tired of him. I’m tired of D.J. always being around. Always trying to act like my father when I clearly see what he does to my mother.”
Michael settled into his chair. “Does he know you recognize this?”
I nodded. “Yep. I even promised him the next time my mother came home busted up, I’d be calling the police. I reminded him of that promise this morning.”
Allison shook her head. “I can’t imagine being in a relationship like that.”
“I’ve been telling my mom for years that she needs help. That she needs to get her life together and stop running around with men like this. And for a while, she was doing that. Applying for jobs. Trying to find a life of her own. I don’t know what happened, though.”
Michael snickered. “D.J. happened. As much as it sucks, your mother’s had a hard life. She just wants things to be easy. And in her mind, a bit of physical pain is probably better than the heartache that comes with being alone, working a dead end job and struggling to make ends meet.”
I paused. “Okay, Dr. Phil. Let’s slow down there a bit.”
Allison smiled. “Have you ever thought about doing psychology?”
He shrugged. “I may or may not like my A.P. Psychology class a little more than I figured I would.”
Allison took his hand. “Well, anyway, the guy’s a loser. Don’t worry about him. One of these days, your mom’s going to look at herself in the mirror and realize what we already know.”
I rolled my eyes. “That D.J.’s a piece of shit that doesn’t deserve to walk the earth?”
She snickered. “Yes, and that she deserves better.”
I licked my lips. “I hope it’s soon, then. Because I’m not sure how much more of it I can stand.”
We pulled up to the sandwich shop and hopped out. It was busy, and I grew worried that we might not make it through our lunch before we had to go. By the time we got in line, placed our orders, and got our food, we had to get back in the car. Which meant eating on the go while trying not to spill shit on Michael’s leather seats.
“Just be careful. I’ll drive slow.”
“Did you spill something? Hurry, get it with this.”
“Speed bump. Hold your food up.”
