《Lock and Key》 Chapter 1: The Dirty Spill ¡°Stacy¡­.¡± I hear a voice call out. The voice was insistent, after a few moments I felt a light tapping on my shoulder. Reluctantly, I opened one eye. ¡°Ana, I''m getting my beauty sleep.¡± I whine, further burrowing myself into soft, silk sheets. ¡°But I don''t need it as much as you,¡± I add with a half-hearted giggle. Still, Ana continues, tapping me with more and more force. ¡°Miss Willams, it''s your father, he told me to wake you. He has surprise waiting for you downstairs¡± ¡°¡­A surprise?¡± a smile spreads through my face. ¡°Alright, Ana.¡± I practically jump out of my king-sized bed, silk sheets smoothly sliding off me. I can feel the excitement and anticipation rush through my blood. Daddy is always so busy, he rarely calls for me. I feel a flurry of butterflies in my stomach. Hurriedly putting on my slippers I look up and see Ana¡¯s face in my vanity, there¡¯s something in her expression that I don¡¯t like. She¡¯s looking at me with something akin to pity A small bit of anger flares up within my gut. Who is she to look at me like that, who is she to pity me. I whip my head backwards to face her. ¡°Ana,¡± I call out. ¡°Yes, Stacy?¡± she answers ¡°You are the maid, nothing else.¡± ¡°I understand,¡± she replies, lowering her head. Sickly sweet satisfaction swells within me. Having resolved that pesky little issue I rush downstairs to see Dad waiting for me in the entrance hall. ¡°Daddy what¡¯s the surprise?¡± ¡°Hey sweetie, I got you your own SUV to drive. Here''s the keys.¡± he says, throwing the keys to me. ¡°It''s about time!¡± I exclaim. ¡°I¡¯ve been begging you for a car since I¡¯ve gotten my license¡± ¡°Sure, sweetie¡± Dad replies absentmindedly, kissing my cheek before putting a phone to his ear and walking away. Rolling my eyes, I push away the thought of my dad and his unhealthy affection for his phone. I couldn¡¯t wait to show off the car to my friends. I let out a laugh. My friends and I have a saying ¡®You''re either a broke wannabe or the IT thing.¡¯ And the statement still rings true after 4 years at Weddleton Prep. Kids are pretty superficial, it¡¯s all about what designers you were, what cars you drive and who your parents are. Anyway I¡¯m off topic¡­ I couldn''t wait to test out my new ride. I reach for the door before Ana¡¯s voice stops me. ¡°Stacy, you should at least get dressed before you going outside¡± I can¡¯t help but roll my eyes at her, ¡°Stop mothering me Ana¡± I snap. ¡°Plus, these pyjamas cost more than your entire outfit¡± Hopping into the SUV, I turn on the gas. Voom voom it went. ¡° Yess!¡± I screamed. I drove around my neighborhood and laughed at the joggers, decked out in their lululemon yoga pants. Why anyone would get from one place to another using their legs astounded me. Why walk when you can be driven. Walking is nothing but trouble. I returned home still high with adrenaline. I went upstairs changing into an outfit so expensive only a poor kid could dream of.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. As I inspected myself in the mirror. I looked good, better than usual. There was a glow in my face and my hair was curled just right. I wonder what Dave would say¡­ a soft knock interrupts my train of thought. ¡°Come in¡± I call out, knowing it is Ana behind the door. ¡°Your father has made a reservation for dinner tonight¡± ¡°What time?¡± ¡°At 6:30¡± ¡®This day couldn¡¯t get any better.¡¯ I think to myself, while applying small dabs of blush to my cheeks. Satisfied with my appearance, I got up to meet Dave. I arrive at Dave''s house, he doesn¡¯t comment on the new car. We hangout in his living room just talking. Conversation flows easily between us, he¡¯s always been a comforting presence. The more I think about it, the more perfect he seems. We¡¯ve been friends for years, he¡¯s pretty cute and Daddy would definitely approve of him. I¡¯m about to invite him to dinner with Dad at the restaurant when he asks the dumbest question I¡¯ve ever heard. ¡°Hey Stacy, would you date a poor person from our school?¡± I gasp. ¡°No¡­ sweetie, they''re poor.¡± I answer, slightly amused by such a question. His expression saddens. ¡°There¡¯s this girl I like, her family isn''t doing so great-¡± ¡°Dave, how could you ever think of such a thing?¡± I interrupt. A sinking feeling erupts in me, this pseudo date really isn¡¯t going according to plan. ¡°She¡¯s the best person I¡¯ve ever met and she¡¯s mine.¡± Despite the look of disgust I¡¯m giving him, he continues. ¡°And you might consider her poor but she¡¯s worth more to me than anything else.¡± Then he smiles, declaring that ¡°she''s perfect.¡± I almost throw up in my mouth. We fight. Why couldn¡¯t he just understand that I just wanted what¡¯s best for us, for him. I could live with him dating some other girl but not this mystery gutter girl. He said I was just ¡®a brat in rich girl shoes.¡¯ And made it clear he didn¡¯t want to see me anymore before slamming the front door in my face. To make matters worse Daddy never showed up for dinner. I got a text from him saying he couldn¡¯t make it. A text, not even a call for his only daughter. I snap at the waiters, I berate the food. Do anything to feel in control again, how did a day that started out with so much promise turn to be such a tragedy. I leave the restaurant, still angry. Seeing the new car only reminds me of Dad, and thinking about it only brings on feelings of emptiness. I reach into my jacket pocket to get my key only to find it empty. I check the other pocket, I look around me. The keys are nowhere to be found. I must have forgotten it. Cursing myself inwardly I return to the restaurant. The staff flinch when they see me, and I feel a slight ping of remorse for my behaviour earlier tonight. ¡°I left my keys here¡± I say to a waiter. ¡°It must be in the kitchen in the back¡± he says, promising to find it before scurrying away. Sitting at an empty table while I wait I bring my hands to my face, feeling tears well up in my eyes despite myself. I allow myself to be vulnerable for the first time today. At least it can¡¯t get any worse. Except it can. It did. Out of nowhere, some idiot loses his footing, dumping a caesar salad on me. Like I said, walking is nothing but trouble. I snap, flying into a rage. Honestly, I don¡¯t even remember what I said, curses probably. The young waiter does nothing but apologize. I cause a huge scene, but I¡¯m beyond caring, I¡¯m far beyond mere embarrassment. The manager comes out, apologizing to me and scolding ¡®James¡¯ the waiter. They quickly shoo the idiot away but nothing can appease me. ¡°When I come back, it¡¯ll be with a lawsuit¡± I threaten as I march out of the restaurant. My foul mood from the day before carried over to school. Predictably, my friends and classmates ''oohed¡¯ and ¡®ahhed¡¯ upon seeing my new car, but their praises rang hollow. The car also perhaps predictably brought unwanted attention. I smelled Ben¡¯s cologne before I saw him. He slid an arm around my shoulder, bringing me away from my friends. ¡°New whip?¡± he asked. I nodded, not looking at him while trying to wiggle my way from his grasp. ¡°We should take that car out for a spin¡± he suggested, his tone thickly accented with douche. Successfully separating myself from him I quickly make my way to class, looking back to make sure he¡¯s not following me. Classes are uneventful until the last period. Choosing a spot in the back with my friends I pull out my phone, planning to zone out this class just as I had the whole day. ¡°Move it freak¡± a slimy voice yells out, at the front of the room. Now normally, things that like wouldn¡¯t raise any eyebrows except I recognized that voice. Groaning inwardly I realized it was Ben. Raising my head from my bedazzled phone, my eyes open in recognition. It¡¯s the idiot from the restaurant. I stare for a few seconds, blink and then look away. The bell rings. Chapter 2: Who knew salad dressing could cost so much? James Marley

Chapter 2: Who knew salad dressing could cost so much?

The best part of my days are always the mornings, right after I wake up, when the world is still asleep. Early mornings are beautiful because the sun is just waking up, tainting the sky with an array of pastel pinks, yellows and oranges. The world feels new, wiped fresh of yesterday¡¯s mistakes. Some would describe this feeling as ¡®hope¡¯ but I know better now. Early mornings are beautiful because Dad¡¯s asleep. He¡¯s usually snoring in the living room, no doubt having fallen asleep in front of the TV, a beer in his hand. He¡¯s too passed out to yell, to scream, to hurt anyone. But early mornings are beautiful most of all because of Cassandra, my sister. I wake before her and sometimes I just watch her sleep. We share a little room, we sleep on the floor, on ratty air mattresses. Early morning is the only time when her face doesn¡¯t carry a heaviness. Today her face is peaceful, her breath even. I smile, once again I am reminded of why I continue living, for her. My sweet, innocent sister, who¡¯s had to grow up far quicker than any ten year old should. I look at my phone and get up reluctantly, it¡¯s 6:32 already. I¡¯ll be late for my 7 a.m shift if I stay in bed any longer. Quietly, I get up, making sure not to disturb Cassandra¡¯s sleeping form. Tiptoeing to the bathroom, I catch a glimpse of Dad and just as always he¡¯s on the sofa, TV still on, playing a rerun of some old cartoon from the 90s. I shake my head. I brush my teeth, wash my face and change out of my pajamas. By accident, I look into the mirror, a tired face stares back, quickly I avert my gaze. "This is all for Cassandra,¡± I remind myself. I exit the apartment at 6:42, closing the door softly behind me. I bike to the restaurant, my first job of the day. Cool air whips around me as my feet push down on the pedals. It¡¯s like stepping into another world. Lines of tents and shoddy, decrepit little townhouses are replaced by newly constructed skyscrapers. But there is much time to think about it because before long I¡¯m there. My fingers fumble with my bike lock, I attach it to a nearby streetlamp. But finally it clicks and I run to the employee backdoor where a fake french man with a thin mustache is waiting for me, checking his watch. His name is Frank, my manager. ¡°7:01, you¡¯re a minute late¡± he reprimands. ¡°Sorry, Frank,¡± I mutter. He taps his foot impatiently as he shoos me away. Going further into the kitchen, I see Martha yelling at the sous chefs. My head throbs, it is far too early for her to be so angry. Making my steps as quiet as possible I try to get the ingredients list before I can attract her attention. Hopefully with her anger directed at the poor group of hopefully 20 year olds I will go unnoticed. No such luck. She turns around to me, eyes widening in anger. It¡¯s as if she¡¯s able to smell fear. Martha lumbers towards me. Grabbing the collar of my shirt she hisses into my face. ¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve showing your face here, bus boy, after you forgot to bring the tuna¡± ¡°Sorry Martha,¡± I stammer. ¡°What!¡± she exclaims, enraged ¡°Chef,¡± I correct myself. ¡°Sorry chef¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want you messing up today¡¯s order. Didn¡¯t I tell you if you showed your face around here again I would-¡± ¡°Let the kid go Martha¡± a clear voice rings out, like a prayer in the dark. Martha moves away from me but her hands are still tightly fisting my collar. The entire kitchen staff turns their heads to the voice. ¡°C¡¯mon Martha¡± says Jeff, ¡°cut the kid some slack¡± Martha glares at him but ultimately relents, with one last withering glare she pushes me and in a huff goes back to tormenting the sous chefs. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. I give Jeff a thankful smile. ¡°Thanks dude¡± He waves it off, nonchalant as always. ¡°Just hurry up tonight. I don¡¯t want to save you from Martha tomorrow¡± With a nod I grab the day¡¯s ingredients list. After a quick scan of the list I sigh, it was going to be a long day. The next 6 hours of my day are spent bartering with various vendors, from farmers, fishermen and store managers, all to get the freshest produce. Exhaustion and the ever-increasing weight of food makes it increasingly difficult to bike from place to place. I can¡¯t help but let out a sigh of relief when my morning shift ends. Handing out the crates of food to Martha she lets out a dismissive grunt, perhaps dismayed that I managed to fulfill the list. At night the restaurant opens and a rush of people enter. It¡¯s considered by many to be one of the best restaurants in the city so reservations can be made months in advance. Today seems to be especially busy, people are going out one last time before summer ends. Pretty soon, dozens of orders are being delivered out the kitchen, like a well oiled machine. Until suddenly like a wrench in the gears, a shrill voice disturbs the comfortable rhythm we¡¯ve all found ourselves in. ¡°Do you know who my dad is?¡± The voice is practically screaming. I lift my head to catch a glance at the face behind the voice but no such luck, the onslaught of people in front of me block my view. I ignore the girl¡¯s voice, focusing on my own orders. Still I can¡¯t help but overhear gossip in the kitchen. Apparently the voice belonged to a rich heiress, she¡¯d been sending back each plate of food with a barrage of complaints. I roll my eyes at the gossip. It really isn¡¯t fair how this one girl is wasting enough food to feed a family for a day. My mind wanders and I can¡¯t help but compare her life to my own, to Cassandra¡¯s. Opportunities in her life are handed to her on a silver platter while Cassandra and I have to fight and claw for scraps. She¡¯s probably some spoiled little brat. How could life like this be fair? These thoughts were running in a loop in my brain as I carried out a bowl of salad. I passed her table. At first glance, she¡¯s everything you¡¯d expect from a rich daddy¡¯s girl who¡¯s never worked a day in her life. She¡¯s a young blonde thing wearing a tight fitting dress, in her exquisitely manicured nails carries the latest designer bag. But something about her made me take a second look. There¡¯s something in her expression that looks familiar. She looked¡­ sad. Distracted, I trip on a chair leg, spilling the salad on her. Immediately, that vulnerable look is wiped from her face, replaced with anger. She shoots up, enraged. ¡°Do you know how much this costs!¡± she yells. The clanking of spoons and talking of voices stops, heads turn to watch us. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry ma¡¯am¡± I say as I begin to profusely apologize. ¡°Of course you don¡¯t. It costs more than a year¡¯s paycheck for you¡± Averting her gaze I continue to repeat apologies. ¡°Sorry is not good enough. How dare you embarrass me like this¡± I open my mouth to speak before Jeff rushes in front of me. Saving me for the second time today. He shoos me away and I¡¯m dismissed for the rest of the night. The last days of my summer break are quiet, but filled with tension. I don¡¯t tell Cassandra about my job but she can sense something¡¯s off about me. I brush off her concerns. The next morning, I¡¯m ignored, even Jeff avoids eye contact. For the first time in years, I find myself eagerly waiting for school to start. After all, how could anything be worse than my life now, I thought. How wrong I was. On the second day of school a pair of heels appear before me. It¡¯s early in the morning and the hallway is empty, or so I thought. Looking up, my breath hitches in my throat. Blonde hair, a tight fitting dress, another designer bag held in a well manicured hand, it¡¯s her. She speaks first, ¡°Hello James, how nice to see you here¡± her voice is dripping with venom. ¡°Hi¡± I say, my voice quiet. God, I wish the floor would just swallow me whole. Her eyes narrow, ¡°you remember who I am, don¡¯t you?¡± I stare blankly at her, not offering a response. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare lie to me, I recognize you from the restaurant¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry-¡± ¡°Save it¡± she interrupts. ¡°You ruined my dress, the salad dressing has permanently stained the fabric¡± ¡°I¡¯ll pay you back¡± I promise. Hearing this she laughs, I feel myself shrink. ¡°You,¡± she exclaims in disbelief, ¡°you¡¯re telling me that you have the cash to pay for another $20 000 dress¡± My silence answers her question. Her face contorts itself in a smile. ¡°From now on you¡¯ll be doing all my classwork¡± she commands. ¡°What?¡± I ask, surprised. My head begins reeling. ¡°Math, English, economics and chemistry. You have quite a semester ahead of you James. Better get started soon.¡± She says mockingly, dropping a stack of textbooks into my lap before sashaying away. ¡°Wait, you can¡¯t do this¡± I protest. She turns, and the playful mean girl act disappears, replaced by a look of genuine rage. ¡°You have no idea what I¡¯m going through¡± And suddenly, like a switch she turns back on the playful mean girl act. ¡°You are in no position to refuse. You¡¯ll do as I say or so help me God I promise to ruin your life.¡± Knowing she¡¯s right I let her walk away without another word of protest. Looking down at the pile of work she¡¯s literally dropped into my lap I open the first page of a notebook. Inside is a name, signed in cursive. ¡®Stacy Williams¡¯ Chapter 3: Poor Kids Mixed With Me

Chapter 3: Poor kids mixed with me

Just after my first day of school, I¡¯m called into Dad¡¯s office. The worried look on Ana¡¯s face tells me that he¡¯s in a bad mood and I¡¯m in trouble. I walk into his office, it¡¯s like an old-style western saloon or something with dark oak walls, piles and piles of work papers. The smell of leather permeates the area. It¡¯s so different from the white, open-spaced concept of the rest of the house. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± he shouts, waving a piece of paper. I flinch at this sudden display of anger. I don¡¯t reply and I don¡¯t move any closer. ¡°It¡¯s your report card from last year¡± he answers his own question. ¡°But Daddy, that was like 2 months ago¡± I whine, flailing my arms dramatically. He ignores me, beginning to read off my grades. ¡°75 in visual arts, 62 in english, 65 in science and 51 in math¡± His face reddens, ¡°STACY, YOU ALMOST FAILED MATH¡± he shouts, loud enough that his voice echoes in the room. ¡°But Daddy, you¡¯re not being fair. There was so much going on last year. Erik cheated on Jenny, Mr. Mosgrove hated me, and that Ben boy started harassing me.¡± He still looks angry, and opens his mouth to say something. But I don¡¯t give him the change, changing the topic. ¡°And you¡¯re not being fair to me Daddy, that report card was sent before summer break, how come your only getting mad at me now¡± This sets him off, and he goes on a long tirade about how busy he is with work, paying the bills, and financially supporting my shopping trips. Finally after what seems like an hour he looks like he¡¯s worn himself out and he takes a breath. ¡°Stacy, I¡¯m worried about the family¡¯s future, that¡¯s all. It''s not enough to just be pretty, boys these days want a smart wife as well.¡± ¡°There are plenty of boys that adore me at school¡± ¡°But no respectable man will take you seriously enough as anything more than cheap entertainment¡± My face burns with shame. At that moment, we hear the sound of a soft knock. ¡°Come in¡± my dad answers, pinching his nose bridge. Ana walks in, nervously rubbing her hands. ¡°Sir, I got a call from Andrew¡¯s school, he fainted on his school trip. May I take a week off to tend to him.¡± Dad nods, then gestures to her dismissively, like you would swat a fly. Despite this, Ana¡¯s face lights up and all the tension and nervousness leave her body. ¡°Oh, thank you, Mr. Williams.¡± she says gratefully. I frown at this sudden display of motherly love. I¡¯d only heard of Andrew in passing. I turn to Ana, ¡°I hope your son uh-¡± ¡°Andrew¡± she answers, smiling. ¡°I hope Andrew recovers¡± ¡°Thank you Stacy¡± she says before leaving. I sigh. After the pitter patter of Ana¡¯s footsteps fade, I turn my head from the door to Dad. ¡°Stacy-¡± he begins, his voice taking a softer tone, ¡°I¡¯m just looking out for your best interest¡± ¡°I know, I¡¯m sorry Daddy¡± His voice hardens, ¡°So I don¡¯t want to ever see crap like this again¡± I nod, and with a flick of his wrist, I¡¯m dismissed, just as he had with Ana. Tears threaten to fill my eyes, instinctively I open my mouth to summon Ana but I stop myself. She¡¯s left me, and I must deal with it myself.Stolen novel; please report. That night, as I was laying in bed my mind suddenly went to the restaurant boy, J-something. I smiled, a plan forming in my head, I was gonna pass the class with no more stressors. Oh, how I was going to screw him over. I laughed, I didn¡¯t have to worry about any of my classes for the rest of the year. The next day I taunted him in class. ¡°How will you ever pay back the cost of my outfit working at that little restaurant?¡± As expected, he didn¡¯t reply. ¡°There¡¯s only one way you¡¯re getting out of this James¡± When I sat back down, Ben left his group of friends to sit next to me. ¡°Can I help you?¡± I said, coldly, not looking at him. ¡°There are so many things you could help me with¡± I didn¡¯t respond, and yet he continued to talk. ¡°What¡¯d you and that freak James have to talk about. I heard he''s so poor he sleeps on a ratty mattress and he lives with a drunk.. I rolled my eyes, ¡°You think I¡¯d tell you anything¡± ¡°Fine, keep your secrets. But I don¡¯t want to see you talking to that trash again.¡± ¡°I¡¯m talking to trash right now¡± He scowled at this, his gang of friends who were listening intently in on the conversation got up after seeing his demeanor change but he gave them a look and then sat back down. ¡°Have it your way Stacy, but we belong together. You just don¡¯t see it¡± and with that he staggered away. In the end, James accepted. It didn¡¯t take long, a day or so before we came to his senses. We developed a routine of sorts, every day during third period I dropped off the day¡¯s homework at James¡¯s desk and he gave me back the completed work from the night before. I did it all with Ben watching, maybe I just wanted to rile him up, maybe I just wanted him to leave me alone. As the weeks went on, I found myself staying longer and longer at James¡¯s desk. There was something comforting about his presence, in a dorky little way. We weren¡¯t friends by any means but we definitely got closer. Anyways, it didn¡¯t mean anything of course, I just wanted Ben to leave me alone. It seemed to work for the most part until October 16, when he approached me from behind. I was just telling James about my day when the strong smell of bad cologne filled my nostrils. ¡°What is it?¡± I snap, annoyed. ¡°Calm down baby, I got a gift for you, he said holding out a black velvet box¡± ¡°Don¡¯t call me baby¡± I replied, but there was no bite in my words. I was curious. ¡°Beat it, freak¡± Ben said to James, and James complied. I opened the box to find a beautiful necklace. ¡°Oh, Ben¡± I exclaimed, ¡°What¡¯s this for¡± ¡°Does a man need a reason to give you a gift?¡± he asked. He took the necklace from me, moving to put it on my neck. ¡°This little thing cost me 50 grand, you look beautiful¡± he whispered into my neck. I giggled in the heat of the moment, gave him a kiss, and his gang cheered. I fingered the details of the necklace, admiring how it sparkled. Then I saw James¡¯s face, he looked hurt and I was hit with a pang of regret. Was he hurt? I shook my head and pushed these thoughts away, it didn¡¯t matter, James¡¯s feelings don¡¯t matter. What matters is I got a pretty new necklace and it made me happy. When I got home, I told Ana about the dilemma. ¡°I don¡¯t know why I feel bad,¡± I confessed. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t like this Ben character¡± she replied ¡°Ana, keep up¡± I exclaimed. ¡°I don¡¯t like him either, no one likes him¡± ¡°Then why did you keep that necklace¡± ¡°It¡¯s cute, don¡¯t I deserve nice things?¡± ¡°Of course you do, but no gifts come without strings. Ben wants something from you¡± ¡°Well that doesn¡¯t matter I can handle him¡± The weeks that passed were uneventful. As Ana predicted, Ben encroached closer and closer to me. Growing more bold with every interaction, flirting more and more with me. I treated him the same, obviously but my disinterest did little to dissuade him. One day James came to class with his face all beaten up. His presence in class caused some laughs and people began to gossip, though it was obvious that Ben was the reason behind his new bruises. I was struck by guilt, now I finally understood Ana¡¯s words. Ben¡¯s necklace did come with strings, I had been tolerant of him and his bullying of James, where I probably wouldn¡¯t have been before. I took off Ben¡¯s necklace and walked up to Ben. Holding out the necklace I handed it to him. ¡°Here,¡± I said, ¡°You can have your necklace back¡± Confusion passed over his face, he was silent for a moment before replying. ¡°I don¡¯t need it¡± ¡°Take it back¡± I said, as I held out my hand. He didn¡¯t move to take it. ¡°Fine¡± I said, anger flaring up within me. I slammed the necklace on his desk and walked away. Ben didn¡¯t chase after me. As I made my way to James¡¯s desk he looked away. ¡°I¡¯m sorry James, I didn¡¯t realize how bad Ben was¡± He looked at me and for the first time I realized how green his eyes were, they were a shade of beautiful emerald green. ¡°It¡¯s alright Stacy¡± he managed to smile. And we agreed to start meeting up without Ben knowing When I got home I was called once again into Daddy¡¯s office. He looked frustrated. We argued about Ben. ¡°I know Ben,¡± he exclaimed, ¡°and he¡¯s a good kid¡± ¡°He¡¯s such a jerk¡± I responded, I didn¡¯t mention my relationship with James, knowing that he wouldn¡¯t react positively. ¡°Ben¡¯s family is extremely prominent in this town¡± meaning he¡¯s rich. I kept talking back and eventually he lost his cool and began yelling. ¡°Do you want to lose your car, your home, or live on the streets?¡± he yelled. ¡°No, of course not,¡± I whimpered. ¡°Then stop causing trouble with Ben¡± he warned. Chapter 4: Punched by Reality

Chapter 4: Punched by Reality

So school was off to a great start. Some bratty girl with unfiltered access to daddy¡¯s plastic was trying in all her power to make my life as miserable as possible. The next day I came to school with my head hung low, hoping to avoid Stacy. Naturally, this meant she found me anyway. Walking up confidently at me she threw another pile of papers on my desk. ¡°Aren¡¯t you ashamed you work there? Don¡¯t you need to pay bills for your family and not my dress? You don¡¯t want to pay me back don¡¯t you?¡± I didn¡¯t reply, I didn¡¯t even look at her. I could tell this angered her. ¡°You are dirty and poor, only one way you¡¯re getting out of this little situation James¡± she threatened, voice soft and sharp before giggling and walking away. I stewed with anger after her threat for the rest of the day. The more I thought and about it the angrier I became. By lunchtime the feeling had reached its zenith. The feeling I felt a few days back at the restaurant, the feeling I¡¯d been trying to suppress for years was erupting. It was also as if this Stacy poked a hole through my walls and all my suppressed anger and envy were just overflowing. Sitting down at a table I tried to recenter my thoughts. A deep ache in my head told me to not just go down without a fight, to not accept her terms. Still, it was no use being angry over this right? My head told me to agree to her terms, do her work, we needed to save my wages after all. I snap out of my thoughts when I am thrown from my seat. Hitting the wall behind me I bring a hand to my head, groaning from the pain. I hear laughing. Opening an eye I see a pair of leather oxfords. Raising my head I¡¯m confronted with the ugly sight of Ben Blitzerman. Grabbing my lunch from the table he throws it onto the floor. ¡°The table is for humans, or did you forget that. Dogs are supposed to eat on the floor.¡±This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. It¡¯s not the most creative insult but what would you expect? Now normally, I would have ignored him, salvaged what was left of the wreckage and left. And that¡¯s what I started to do. I avoided looking up at them, into their eyes. Carefully I picked up my bag, container and utensils. All the while they were calling me names, egging each other on. Finally when I finished I got up. It could have been my lingering thoughts of Stacy Williams, the chorus of mocking laughs in the lunchroom or the smug expression on Ben¡¯s face that pushed me to do what I did next. Glaring into his eyes I shoved him. It really was a small act of offense in the grand scheme of things, especially in comparison to the bullying he and his gang had put me through over the years but it was nonetheless satisfying to see his face twist into a look of absolute outrage. He looked frantically around his little cronies, as if to confirm what had just happened. A moment later he shoved me back, harder. ¡°Hold him,¡± he instructed his gang. And like the mindless puppets a dozen hands held me in place. His perfect pearly white teeth bared themselves into a smile before punching me. Pain exploded as his fingers made contact with my gut, all made the worst by him wearing half a dozen rings on each hand. He let out a whoop as the rest of the cafeteria waited in bated breath for me to respond. ¡°You coward,¡± I muttered under my breath, still hunched over from the pain. ¡°What was that, speak up¡± he said, putting a hand up to his ear in an exaggerated manner. It was the adrenaline, I can see that now but in that moment with most of the school¡¯s eyes on me my pride overtook rational. ¡°You¡¯re a coward, Blitzerman¡± I spat. That earned me a slap across the face. He pushes his face until we are inches away. His bravado fades away, revealing only anger. ¡°Stay away from Stacy Williams, she¡¯s my girl. Don¡¯t you dare speak to her again, dog¡± He looks like he wants to say more but at that moment the bell rings so he settles for shoving me onto the floor. News spread around school about my altercation with Ben, in which I was the obvious loser. Kids left me alone for the most part, some people gave me looks of pity and others called me names. With a sigh I realized that Stacy was right. I let my pride go, went home and started her homework. Chapter 5: The Mean Girl Attitude Stacy Willams

Chapter 5 : The mean girl attitude

Life has been going great. I come home to no work and a stress free life. Well almost- with the exception of the men in my life. Ben obviously, is the most obvious hindrance to my happiness. And lurking ominously is Dad, whose presence in the house is felt even if we barely talk. It seems no matter what time it is in the day he¡¯s always in that office, making those calls and filling out paperwork. As I drive home from the nail salon my mind wanders to the past few weeks. It¡¯s the end of November, and in a few days December will come. How different life is from before. Contrary to the weather outside, my relationship with James has seemingly thawed but that brought on its own problems. Over the past few weeks, Ben has made his affection for me public, as have the pile of gifts from him grown. Just last Tuesday he gave me a pandora ring. ¡®A promise ring¡¯ he had called it. But promise what? I¡¯d certainly promised him nothing, but he seemed to act like we were already dating. Everyone else treated us as a couple already. Even my friends swooned after each of Ben¡¯s big romantic gestures. Now normally I wouldn¡¯t mind, in fact I would¡¯ve been thrilled at this public display of wealth and affection. Just a few months ago I had been daydreaming that Davis would treat me this way but the sudden inclusion of James complicated my feelings significantly. Getting out of the car I looked at my nails. Finally, I had time to get my nails done, they¡¯re all pink and sparkly now. ¡®It was a good day, no use ruining my day over James¡¯ I thought to myself. But I couldn¡¯t help it. My friends distracted me well enough for the day. Together we went shopping. They ¡®oohed¡¯ and ¡®ahhed¡¯ over the clothing I tried on but my heart wasn¡¯t in it. ¡°Stacy what¡¯s wrong¡± my friend Maria asked, seeing that I had only 2 shopping bags in my hand while they all had at least 5. ¡°Nothing¡± I muttered, feeling sullen at my sudden inconvenient consciousness. ¡°Worried your credit card will decline?¡± she mocked. Looking at the saleswoman, I bought a pair of diamond earrings just to shut her up. When I got home I crashed onto my bed, burying my face into my pillow. Ana came up holding my shopping bags, admiring my purchases. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she crooned softly, putting down my newly acquired pair of earrings. I sighed, ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong, I just want to be alone¡± I felt a weight on the bed shift, as Ana sat down next to me. Turning, I got a good look at her. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. A face lined with wrinkles, the years beginning to appear on her face. A gentle expression on her face contrasted by dark circles under her eyes. It only reminded me of James and his tired emerald green eyes. Sighing again, I figure I might as well get it all off my chest. Plus, Ana wouldn¡¯t spill my secrets to anyone. ¡°I¡¯m having¡­ boy trouble¡± I confess reluctantly, the words taste strange on my tongue. Ana laughs, earning a glare from me. Still she doesn¡¯t stop. ¡°What¡¯s the issue?¡± ¡°Well, there¡¯s Ben who wants me to date him-¡± I start. ¡°He¡¯s rich and Daddy would approve of him but¡­¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Ana pushes me to continue. ¡°But I feel bad. Ben¡¯s been bullying this other boy¡± ¡°What other boy?¡± she asks. ¡°James¡± ¡°And do you like this other boy, James¡± she prods. I don¡¯t reply. James with his green eyes, and easy-going smile. Do I like him? Could a relationship with him even work? Most importantly how would Daddy and my friends react? Ana simply rubs her hands on my back comfortingly. I go to sleep with the image of James in my head. What I do know is that I want him to like me. The weekend passes and I walk up to him, exchanging finished work for new assignments ¡°I didn¡¯t finish all your assignments. The restaurant is preparing for the holidays so work is ramping up¡± he says. In his eyes I can tell he¡¯s scared, scared of me, afraid that I¡¯ll get angry. I don¡¯t like how that makes me feel. ¡°It¡¯s alright¡± I say. ¡°I-I can get it done by tomorrow. I¡¯ll work on it during my job. Promise!¡± he pleads, as if he hadn¡¯t heard me. I shake my head. His face drops. ¡°I need to submit it first period tomorrow. His lips start to quiver and he looks like he¡¯s going to have a breakdown. ¡°I¡¯ll just come around to the restaurant tonight¡± I declare cheerfully and his face relaxes. At 11:30 his shift ends. I arrive at 11:35. I walk into the restaurant to be told he¡¯s already left. ¡°Left where?¡± I snap. The waiter whom I¡¯m talking to looks like he¡¯s about to pass out. ¡°He¡¯s at the bus stop¡± ¡°The bus stop?¡± I ask, I didn¡¯t know school buses operated this late. The water, avoiding eye contact, points to the left. Driving to this bus stop, I park at the side of the road and I see him¡­ He was waiting there but¡­. I see him with a woman, they look friendly. I step out of the car, feeling heated and angry despite the cold air around me. My breath comes out in short puffs. He hands me the finished work as promised. I say nothing to him, just glare at him before flipping my hair and walking away. The next day after I park my car I see a classmate waiting for me, a rose in hand. "That''s odd," I thought to myself. Before I can ask my classmate over the rose they hand me a basket and walk away. As I walk into the hallway, and each class I attend kids are handing me roses. Finally at the end of the day, Ben comes up to me. I roll my eyes internally, of course this would all be orchestrated by Ben. He hands me a note. Be Mine Forever , Will You Go To HoCo With Me From yours, Ben I look back at James, looking hurt, he looks away. He doesn''t deserve to be hurt, filled with a new sense of anger. I smile widely and nod my head. He pulls me to him and embraces me. Chapter 6: Rumours James Marley

Chapter 6: Rumours

My relationship with Stacy got better as time went on, to my surprise and hers I¡¯m sure. The first month of our unfortunate partnership was spent in silence. She dropped off her homework and assignments in the beginning of the day and I would return completed work the next day. I don¡¯t think we spoke one word to each other in that first month. I felt my anger for her slowly dissipate, slowly but surely the added work was just another burden I had to carry, another task I had to complete. It integrated into my schedule just like work, making dinner and taking care of Cassandra was. Our interaction went unnoticed, save for Cassandra. When I would be finishing work late in the night I would catch her shooting worried glances at me, I ignored them. One day, after 2 weeks she finally gathered up the courage to confront me about the sudden increase of work I was doing. ¡°Are you tutoring someone?¡± she asked, her voice carrying an undercurrent of concern. ¡°No¡± ¡°Then what are you doing¡± ¡°My work¡± I replied, not looking at her, hoping she¡¯d let the matter drop. ¡°Is grade 11 really that hard¡± I didn¡¯t reply. ¡°You didn¡¯t have this much work last year¡± she pressed on. ¡°It¡¯s nothing for you to worry about¡± I snapped. Now it was her time to fall silent. Once the words left my mouth I immediately regretted them. Without even looking at her I knew that she was hurt, that I had hurt her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± my voice, soft and apologetic. This time I looked at her but she turned away. ¡°You act like I¡¯m stupid, like I don''t know what''s going on.¡± ¡°No, of course not Cass¡± my tone pleading. ¡°You just think I¡¯m some stupid little girl. That¡¯s why you don¡¯t tell me anything.¡± tears were beginning to form in her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s why you don¡¯t tell me about Stacy, I know about what happened with you and Ben in the cafeteria, the whole school¡¯s heard about it.¡± I sighed, ¡°You¡¯re right Cass, I should¡¯ve told you about that¡± As if she didn¡¯t hear, she continued to talk in a mumble, her head bowed down. ¡°You think I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but I know. I know about you and Stacy, you and Ben. About Mom¡± I was silent, I could tell she was hoping I would say something. But I couldn¡¯t, the shock was too huge. I had hoped, had believed that I could keep her unaffected, in the dark, protect her. Another look of hurt passed through her eyes, but it was gone a moment later, quickly suppressed. ¡°Whatever, I¡¯m going to bed. Don¡¯t stay up too late¡± I didn¡¯t listen to her, I stayed up until 3 in the morning writing Stacy¡¯s econ essay. When I went to school the next day with dark circles under my eyes. Stacy and I ignored each other in school, I didn¡¯t want to be beaten up again for touching ¡°Ben¡¯s girl¡± and secretly, I think she felt the same so it was a surprise to me when she opened her mouth to talk. ¡°You look tired¡± was all she said after I handed her the work. Then she walked away. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. It was a small thing, perhaps so small it shouldn¡¯t have been considered a gesture of kindness but that¡¯s how I interpreted it. It opened a door for our relationship to grow. We spent the fall months growing almost imperceptibly closer. Sometimes she stayed at my desk for a minute, and we just talked. About nothing important, just small things. About her life, mine, and I was surprised to find conversation flowed easily between us. But quickly our relationship stagnated once again. Probably due to her growing relationship with Ben. They had always been flirty with each other, and half the school was convinced they were secretly dating but it was never confirmed. Rumors of their relationship arose when she began spending more and more time with him and his gang. Whenever I saw the two of them together I would feel a stab of pain in my chest. She was alright, she was a good person so what was she doing with a guy like Ben. In the beginning of December, Ben officially asked Stacy out with a hundred roses, and she accepted. I¡¯d be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t hurt by her. I mean it¡¯s not like we¡¯re best friends or anything but I thought she would have better taste than Ben. Now, I¡¯m sure I sound jealous but I¡¯m really not, it¡¯s not like that. It just angers me how Ben would almost manhandle her in public, possessively grabbing her waist like that whenever they were in the halls. Stacy deserved better than him. Christmas is always met with whooping and cheering from the class until the teachers announce the amount of holiday work they want us to do. Our joy quickly deflates after that. I was especially anxious about my schedule with Stacy¡¯s added work. The restaurant was the most busy during holidays and I needed to work in order to save enough to put me and eventually Cassandra through university. Stacy and I began meeting at the restaurant for me to drop off her work. My shifts lasted until the restaurant closed at 11:30 and she began waiting for me. More often than not she would order some food, before we closed. We would then walk together to the bus stop, where she would wait with me for the bus. I didn¡¯t realize how close we had gotten until she didn¡¯t show up one night. I felt my heart jump, where had she gone? Had something happened to her. I waited outside the restaurant for fifteen minutes waiting for her to show up, Jeff gave me a worried look which I ignored. Finally deciding I was bored of watching my own breath fog up in the cold December air I walked alone to the bus stop. Another girl had beat me to it, oddly, the bus stop was usually empty. She looked to be about my age, perhaps a year or two older. Despite being dressed warmly, her nose was red from the cold. We made small talk, I never learned her name. I found myself thinking of Stacy, I missed our easygoing conversations. Despite talking to this new person I found that I was lonely, unable to give more than a few default responses and polite smiles to her questions. Out of nowhere Stacy appeared, she seemed annoyed. On her face a look of disdain I hadn¡¯t seen since the beginning of the school year. I felt my insides curl up until I realized the look was directed at my new bus stop partner. Could she be¡­ jealous. I know it shouldn¡¯t, but it did. I felt a small spark of elation at the idea. The rich Stacy Williams is getting jealous over me. A small petty part of me was filled with joy and I couldn¡¯t stop the smile from forming on my face. Stacy¡¯s arrival effectively stopped all conversation between the bus girl and I. Stacy¡¯s arrival brought about a sense of tension into the little bus stop, and the easygoing rapport we had been building the past few days disappeared. I hoped our relationship would go back to how it was before, and the anger and tension between us would quickly be forgotten and that¡¯s how it appeared to be the next day. Christmas, December 25. We had agreed to meet up at the restaurant again. At this point it wasn¡¯t about homework or assignments anymore, but it had become a sort of habit to meet each other each day that neither of us wanted to give up. We were outside the restaurant. Dressed in a puffy white coat she handed me a card. ¡°Merry Christmas¡± she said with a smile. Taking it from her I felt warm despite the cold air swirling around us. ¡°Thank you¡± I said, reaching out to grab the card. She looked uncomfortable, my heart sank. Would we recover from the event of the day before, it seemed like such a small thing. But she quickly snapped me from my spiraling thoughts by suddenly saying ¡°I want you to tutor me¡± I was hesitant, ¡°Stacy,¡± I started, forcefully lightening my tone. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I have time to tutor you on top of school and work¡± She wrinkled her nose, ¡°No, I mean I¡¯ll do the work. I just want you to tutor me¡± At this I readily agreed. And everything was warm and fuzzy once again. At least until a voice yelled out ¡°STACY!¡± At first I feared it was Ben, but no, the voice was deeper and more authoritative than Ben¡¯s high pitched squeak. A man got out of some sort of luxurious European car and Stacy just froze, her eyes like a deer in the headlight. As if physically repulsed, she lurched away from me even though we had been standing side by side just a moment ago. ¡°GET IN THE CAR NOW¡± the man demanded. He was an older man, dressed in a thick wool coat. I quickly realized he was most likely her father, and she was probably in a lot of trouble. Giving me an apologetic glance she rushed to the man. The old man slammed the car door upon her entrance and immediately, they sped off. Chapter 7: James, I;m sorry

Chapter 7: James I¡¯m sorry.

I went outside for some fresh air . ¡°Stacy¡± my dad called. I got all scared, the hairs on my arms pricked up. Instinctively I answered ¡°yes daddy,¡± ¡°You¡¯re a waste!¡± he spat at me. ¡°Don¡¯t bother coming home¡± With that he gestured to his driver, who opened the door of his Bentley and he stepped inside. I sighed, there was only one place where I knew I would be safe, the only person who I knew with absolute certainty I would be let in and accepted. My true parent. It is March 5th and I went to see Ana I buzzed in¡­.. ¡° Hello, who is this?¡± I replied, ¡°Stacy Williams, your former boss''s daughter.¡± She let me in. I knew which floor and number to get too, because she was kind enough to give me the when she worked for my dad. I walked in and there was a boy standing there... looking straight into my hazel eyes. I said ¡°oh who is this little cute boy?¡± He smiled and said his name was Andrew. I knew she had a son but I never met him. She kindly asked why I was here. I said ¡°because- because¡­¡± the words unable to leave my mouth. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. It¡¯s not like me to get shy and Ana knew this. With a deep breath I opened my mouth. ¡°Because I''m very sorry, I''m sorry for the years .. you were taking care of me and I couldnt be nice to you, I''m sorry for the way I treated you I''m sorry for being involved in a gang.¡± She said back ¡°Honey I know your life was and is tough between your dad and when your mom left I know your heart is still broken.¡± We talked for about 30 minutes. I told her about my dad pushing me to date Ben or I''d end up homeless . She said I could stay here with her¡­. She found a new job as a singer. I learned that was her dream goal. She got some gigs¡­. Things are flowing nicely for her. She is always an open minded sweet person who cares alot about everyone. I am now staying with Ana and Andrew. I am so free now. I just have to break up with Ben. I walk into school. He comes up to me. ¡°Hey darling.¡± I said firmly "we are done¡± and walked away. Its april 30th I went to the restaurant¡­ I saw James. It''s been about 1 week since I saw him in class , by the way I do my own work¡­ Ana also helps me with my work. I saw him waiting at a table¡­ I walked up to him¡­ ¡°hey James why aren''t you in school¡± he said he''s too scared of Ben. He started to cry intensely , so I tried to comfort him. I hug him while we are sitting at a table . I asked ¡°How''s your grades since you are still doing the work at home?¡± He said ¡° No I''m thinking of getting my ged¡± I say back ¡° No you''re too smart for that.¡± I have the answer , I can confront the principal ¡­ I can tell them about Ben for you. You deserve it. I''m sorry Ive been rude and mean to you and I''m sorry for the nights you had to do my homework. It''s been difficult dealing with my dad. He had the biggest influence on me for me to act poorly.¡± ¡°Thank you he said¡± I kissed him ¡°No thank you for being here with me.¡± It felt great to get that out¡­ my feelings for him. I told him Ben and I broke up a few days ago when my dad and I disconnected. He stared at me with a smile. We took the bus to our homes. I took the bus to Ana''s house and he took the bus to his house. But I got his number so I told him not to worry. ¡°Ben will be handled.¡¯ Chapter 8: My date

Chapter 8 : My Date

I stood at the entrance of the restaurant, my heart racing. It felt surreal to see Stacy again after that whirlwind of emotions just a few days ago. The way she had hugged me, the warmth of her presence, lingered long after we parted. I had missed her more than I realized. As I wiped down tables, I couldn¡¯t help but glance at the door, waiting for her to walk in. When she finally did, my breath caught in my throat. She looked radiant, her hazel eyes sparkling, a soft smile playing on her lips. It was the kind of smile that made everything feel lighter. ¡°Hey, James,¡± she said, her voice warm. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you in school?¡± I sighed, feeling the weight of Ben¡¯s shadow. ¡°Just¡­ too scared of him. I can¡¯t shake it off.¡± I tried to maintain my composure, but the vulnerability in her gaze broke me. I could feel the tears welling up. It was embarrassing, but I couldn¡¯t help it. Before I knew it, I was crying¡ªtears of frustration, fear, and relief. She was right there, comforting me, hugging me tightly as if she could chase the darkness away. ¡°James,¡± she murmured, her voice soothing. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m here.¡± I felt so grateful for her presence, the way she made me feel understood. ¡°How are your grades?¡± I asked, wiping my eyes. ¡°Honestly? I¡¯ve been doing my own work. Ana helps too,¡± she said, her eyes brightening. ¡°But I¡¯ve got a plan. I can confront the principal about Ben for you. You deserve to be safe.¡± I shook my head, overwhelmed. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Stacy. It¡¯s complicated.¡± A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. ¡°You¡¯re too smart for this, James. You¡¯re better than that,¡± she insisted, her determination igniting something within me. ¡°And I¡¯m sorry I was mean. I didn¡¯t see how tough things were for you. My dad¡ªhe had a hold on me, and it wasn¡¯t fair to you.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, my voice barely a whisper. And then, almost instinctively, I leaned in and kissed her. It felt right, like everything had clicked into place. She kissed me back, and in that moment, it was as if the weight of our pasts lifted, leaving only the present¡ªraw and honest. ¡°No,¡± she said, pulling back slightly, ¡°thank you for being here with me.¡± I smiled, a warmth spreading through me. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re in my life. It feels¡­ different now.¡± ¡°Is it different?¡± she asked, her eyes sparkling. ¡°Definitely a good difference.¡± I felt a rush of hope. ¡°Oh, and by the way, I broke up with the gang. It was time to make a change.¡± Stacy¡¯s expression shifted from surprise to pride. ¡°I¡¯m really proud of you, James. You deserve better than that life.¡± We spent the rest of the afternoon talking, laughing, and sharing stories about our lives. I learned more about her dreams and her struggles, and I felt the barriers between us crumbling. As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue around us, we took the bus back to our homes. I kept glancing at her, replaying our moments together in my mind. ¡°Stacy,¡± I said, my heart racing, ¡°I know it¡¯s still new, but I really like you. More than a friend should.¡± Her cheeks flushed, and she smiled shyly. ¡°I like you too, James. I think we both just needed to figure things out first.¡± I pulled out my phone and saved her number. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about Ben,¡± I reassured her. ¡°He¡¯ll be handled.¡± ¡°I know,¡± she replied, her voice firm yet soft. ¡°Together, we can face whatever comes next.¡± And just like that, I felt a spark of hope igniting. With Stacy by my side, maybe we could rewrite our stories¡ªtogether. The Real World

Chapter 9: The Real World

Next day It''s date night at Anna¡¯s. I''m making a pizza well prepping it for James. He''s coming in 3 hours. But I''m being too careful. Ana walks in and sees ¡° It''s been a while and I can''t think straight. I have feelings and words I can''t let out .I said to Ana as she gave me a tight hug. Andrew was at school at this time but I wish he was here for his mom as she got a life changing phone call. It was a record label for music as you know she''s a wonderful singer. They wanted her to get signed by them. She quickly agreed. She already had her new album planned out. It''s called something out of the blue. It''s a sad pop album . ¡®Something out of the blue¡¯ was a hit . Everyone that listened to it loved the song. I walked into school with James we walked into the principal''s office The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. The conversion started with a ¡°Why are you here, Miss Willams and Mr Marley?¡± I talked about the bullying James got from Ben¡­. The threats and beatings he got into. It was a long talk¡­.. The Principal Miss Sophia said ''That could be true, we have rules in place to keep everyone safe.¡¯ I said ¡°Yes , James has been scared to come to school for weeks. And we both know how smart he is¡±. She took down notes and said ¡°she''ll take action right away.¡± What she meant was him being kicked out¡­¡­ James smiled a bit and said ¡°Thank you Miss Sophia¡± So now is James safe I asked She said yes She said she''s deeply sorry to him He kinda seemed ok now We got out of the school. Went to our spot at the restaurant and we talked We talked about our relationship and we decided that we''re together now. He got me something. A silver heart necklace he said he worked a couple shirts for. The rest of the money went to rent and Cassandra. He put the necklace on me and thanked him with a kiss of love and a hug. The phone rang, I picked it up. ¡°Stacy!¡± a voice that had been haunting my nightmares called out. I blocked my dad¡¯s number.