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I give her a real, genuine smile, and follow her over to the giant loveseat we have in the den. I rarely enter the formal living room. I put on a movie and dig into my salad.
“So, have you called him?” Kiki asks and I sigh, turning towards her kind eyes and compassionate face.
“No, I'm not sure he'd even want to hear from me at this point,” I say sadly and she laughs.
“That boy has been in love with you for a long time, Tempest. A falling out isn't going to change real, true feelings like that.”
I smile at the memories of King and I doing exactly what Kiki and I are right now, and I let my chest ache at how much I do miss him.
“If it's meant to be, Kiki, then he will come back to me at some point,” I say, then turn away, ending the conversation as I try to pay attention to whatever movie is on.
CHAPTER TWO
TEMPEST
“Why are you in the dark? Please don't tell me you're depressed?” My mother groans as she enters the sun room.
I give her a side glance, then look back at the storm. I've always loved watching the rain. Especially in the summer.
King and I once got trapped in a downpour, but he spun me into his arms and we danced. When he leaned down and kissed me for the first time it was like magic and happy endings. It’s too bad we won’t get to experience either anymore. I’m destined to be alone and surrounded by cats.
“Are you listening to me?” she snaps, and I shrug. I’m tired of her games. I really don’t care what she has to say anymore. I've been stuck in this house for two months now. With just my dark thoughts and feelings to keep me company, and warm at night.
In my dreams I'm haunted by ghosts of better days, and a time where I didn't feel empty and hopeless. I want to believe better things are coming, but for now I’m content to live in the past.
“Seriously, girl, if you’re not going to pay attention then I’ll just leave you here to rot while Kiki goes home to her family.” I scoff and she doesn’t like that.
“Mother, I am nineteen years old. I won’t rot, as you so elegantly put it,” I say in a huff and cross my arms over my chest. I’m about to mouth off again when something she said resonates.
“Wait, you're sending me where?” I choke out. She rolls her eyes at me and waves her hand. And people wonder where I get my stubborn attitude from.
“Well, it seems no matter where I send you, you can't keep your legs closed, so I'm done trying. You're an adult now, and so is King. Though I doubt he will be so welcoming when he finds out what you were doing with the girl who ruined his life. You’re nothing but a snake.”
I gasp and cover my mouth at her words. She would have been better off slapping me, but that's something she would never do. She prefers using biting words and remarks to destroy her opponent. I should be used to this by now, but how can I when she’s still my mother?
I pack a bag, but don't take much. If I need more, I'll just go shopping. I try to call Chastity again, but she doesn't answer. She never does. I hope she doesn't hate me. I don't know if I would survive if she's decided I'm not worthy of being her friend anymore.
I leave my room and say goodbye to Kiki. She tells me once more that I am a strong, beautiful woman, and that I don't need to listen to my mother anymore. I know she means well, but the truth is my mother owns me.
I give her one more hug then walk out to the waiting car, my mother and my fate inside.
We're not even fifteen minutes into the drive when she starts reminding me of my past sins, and giving me rules. I should know these speeches by heart by now, but I don't want to fight anymore. I'm so tired of all the bullshit and drama.
"You're lucky that Roman agreed to have you stay with him. You'd be surprised how many people told me no. Even a boarding school in Germany denied your application." I sigh and nod my head, keeping my eyes to the floor of the car in submission.
“This is your last chance, Tempest. You’re this wild wind that destroys everyone and everything, and it’s time you grow up. I can only hope living in a quiet, religious town will help you find your place in the world. No more parties, and learn some responsibility.”
I sigh as I listen to her, nodding but refusing to say anything. My words are simply ignored anyway. The reality is, she’s hiding me away again. “I still can’t believe you dyed your gorgeous hair black,” my mother complains as Jerry drives.
“I’m on a tight schedule but wanted to be sure you arrived safely. After all, I promised your father I would. I swear, he’s so protective, but he has no idea his little girl isn’t innocent in the least,” she continues.
Of course it all revolves around her. No one cares if I’m hurt or forgotten in the shuffle.
Chewing on my lip, I shift uncomfortably as we wait for whoever is coming to pick me up. I want to ask questions, but at the same time, I’m scared of what my mom will say.
“Of course they’re late. I was quite clear I needed this transaction to go as smoothly as possible…”
I can’t help my weakness. I gasp, tears threatening to well. Is that all I am now? A transaction?
