Tie-Dye Beauty

Rookie

CHAPTER FOUR:

Turning off the lights, I grab the remote, my comfy blanket, my bowl of popcorn and press play to the movie. I'm home alone and have decided to watch when a stranger calls. Although, every minute that passes I regret this decision more. Why did I think watching a horror movie alone was a good idea?

I pull the blanket high up to my face in a way to keep me safe. My heart begins to beat fast when the main girl in the movie hides from the killer under the stairs and I pray he doesn't find her. I'm sitting on the edge of the couch when my phone rings making me scream with fear. Of course, my phone would ring at the same time the killer attacks the girl.

I attempt to calm my fast beating heart and put my bowl of popcorn down beside me on the couch and grab my phone. Perhaps it is Paisley or maybe Ace? I rush and unlock my phone and I smile like a crazy person when I see Ace's message.

Ace: Can you talk right now?

I think about it. Maybe I should play hard to get and make him wait a bit before I answer? I put my phone down and stare at it. Who am I kidding, I can't play hard to get I need the money.

Tie-Dye Beauty: Of course, how's your night going?

Ace: It's better now.

Aww, he is a sweetheart. Stay focus Hartley, you can't fall for this guy.

Tie-Dye Beauty: Sweet talker;)

Ace: I'm not. I just say the truth.

I smile. I like his honesty.

Ace: Can I ask you something?

Tie-Dye Beauty: It depends... what is that you want to ask me?

Ace: Why are you really on this website for?

Tie-Dye Beauty: That question has a few answers.

I'm beginning to worry, what if he knows about my plan? Perhaps he can tell that I'm here for the money.

Ace: How about you tell me the main one?

Tie-Dye Beauty: Would you believe me if I tell you I'm lonely?

That is half true, at least I'm not lying about everything. I don't have many friends.

Ace: I doubt a pretty girl like you is ever lonely.

I'm blushing now.

Tie-Dye Beauty: I don't have many friends.

Ace: I don't think that is true either.

Scarlett: Well it is, I have only one good friend. Her name is Paisley and I have known her since kindergarten.

Tie-Dye Beauty: One good loyal friend is better than one-hundred fake ones.

Tie-Dye Beauty: I guess you are right. How about you? Why are you on this website?

I don't blink once as I wait for his answer.

Ace: Would you believe me if I told you that I'm lonely too?

Tie-Dye Beauty: Is that the main reason you are here?

Ace: Yes.

I feel worst now. I can't do this to someone who already feels low.

Tie-Dye Beauty: I'm assuming you don't have a girlfriend or a wife?

Ace: You assume correctly. I'm not one to cheat, I wouldn't be here if I did.

Tie-Dye Beauty: That is good to know. I hate cheaters.

Ace: I hate cheaters too and liars.

Tie-Dye Beauty: I guess we have a lot in common then.

Ace: Tell me more about yourself.

Tie-Dye Beauty: What would you like to know?

Ace: What do you like to do for fun?

Tie-Dye Beauty: I love to paint.

Perhaps I shouldn't be telling him things about me that are real after all this is all about money.

Ace: Oh?

Tie-Dye Beauty: I love to look out of my window at night and look at the stars, even though they can barely be seen in the city. I get a lot of inspiration that way. I paint the first thing that comes into my mind. How about you, any hobbies?

Ace: I love to star watch too! I have a special place where I do so.

Tie-Dye Beauty: Maybe one day I could watch them with you?

Ace: I don't know.

Tie-Dye Beauty: I can be good company.

Ace: I don't doubt it. I'm the one who is not a great company.

Tie-Dye Beauty: How about you let me be the judge of that?

Ace: Perhaps.

Great, we are making progress. I need him to agree to meet me eventually.

Scarlett: So how come you don't have a girlfriend?

Ace: I don't do dating...

Tie-Dye Beauty: You don't? How many girlfriends have you had in the past?

Ace: Zero.

Tie-Dye Beauty: You are kidding, right?

Ace: No.

Tie-Dye Beauty: Oh. Can I ask why?

Ace: I rather not talk about it.

Tie-Dye Beauty: Come on, I won't judge you.

Ace: The last girl I liked betrayed me.

I think for a minute what I should say, but I come out blank.

Tie-Dye Beauty: Oh?

Ace: I don't want to talk about it.

Tie-Dye Beauty: How about we talk about something else?

Ace: Yes.

Tie-Dye Beauty: Do you have any pets?

Ace: One dog, his name is Rookie.

Tie-Dye Beauty: Interesting choice of name, I would love to hear the story behind it.

Ace: There isn't a story. I found him going through my garbage one night and when I let him in my home he was wearing a nametag which had Rookie written on. I tried to get him back to his home, but I was never able to find who he belonged too.

Tie-Dye Beauty: Well it was sweet of you to give him a home.

Ace: Do you have any pets?

Tie-Dye Beauty: No, I don't have any. But I hope someday I will.

I add wanting him to think highly of me. If he likes animals I will too.

The front door opens, and I see my parents walk in. It is time for me to make my way to my room. The last thing I want to do is be near them right now, after all, it is their fault I must do this now.

xxx

The next morning, I rush down the stairs, I'm running late for school and can't wait to be out of this house.

"Hartley," My mother stops me as I attempt to make my way out the door. "Can you please come to the living-room, we need to speak to you." I look at her. She is wearing a red expensive dress that I have never seen on her before. I am sure she bought it with my money.

She flips her chocolate brown hair and her electric blue angry eyes challenge me to walk out the door; which I begin to do.

"Hartley!" She calls bringing me to a halt.

"I'm going to miss the school bus." I bluntly answer her. I'm not letting them get away with what they did to me, without making them feel bad about it. They have changed my future and they will forever be responsible for where my life goes from now on.

She gazes at me more and places a hand on her waist, "I'm not asking you... Living-room now Hartley." She points her finger and I roll my eyes.

I walk to the living- room and see my father sitting on the big brown couch. The one they bought last month.

I stare at him. He looks tired, I would even go as far to say that he looks worried. He is wearing a simple pair of black jeans and a button-up shirt which is not usual for him. His velvet black hair is a mess and his eyes finally meet mine.

"It's nice to finally see your face, Hartley." He says, and his voice irritates me so much.

"I can't say the same." I spit out.

"Hartley!" My mother yells at me. "Do not speak to your father that way."

"Can we get this 'talk' going before I'm late to school," I tell them irritated.

"You need to stop being so angry." My father tells me. "You need to get over it." He adds.

"Get over it? ...GET OVER IT?" I scream, "You took my one chance of getting out of this crappy house and crappy town."

"Hartley we-" My mom comes near me, but I back away. "Please, we are sorry."

"Can I at least know where my money went?" I ask.

"Will that make you feel better?" They look at me.

"No... You had no right to spend my money and ruin my life."

"Your mother and I have been talking and we think we can come up with half the money for next year. You can re-apply and get a job this summer and save." He tells me cheerfully.

"I don't want to wait until next year," I shout.

"I'm sorry Hartley, but there is no way we can put you through it this year." My mother tells me, and I have had enough. I head out of the living room and out of the house.

I scream as loud as my lunges will allow me. This is not how my senior year was supposed to be like. It was supposed to be exciting and fun. Now I can't enjoy it because I don't even know if I will be going anywhere after high school like my friends. Wanting to be as far from this house I walk fast. If I miss the bus I will have to walk all the way to school.

A/N: Hello, please comment:)