THE STORM

15. Bria

The next morning when I wake up, I instantly think about the dream I had last night. I smile.

The smile is gone when I hear Liam say we have a few things we need to do today. I roll over and, see he is looking at me. I ask him if we can stop at a phone store and, maybe buy cell phones. He thinks about it for a minute. Then says, “yes it would be nice to be able to get a hold of you. whenever the f**k you’re out all night”.

I roll over, get out of bed, grab my clothes and go into the bathroom. As I’m changing, I look in the mirror. I can see the marks around my neck, so I make sure to put my hoodie on. Thirty minutes later we are pulling into Alltel. Liam, and I go in together. The store guy hooks us both up with razor flip Phones. They put us on the dollar a day plan. I instantly put $30 on each phone. That will get us 30 days of unlimited talk, and text.

When we walk out of the store, I feel proud. I just made a big girl purchase. That is soon replaced with Liam asking for money because, he owes his friend for weed. I ask him how much, and he tells me he owes Jake a hundred. Liam then says, that “he wants to buy more”, so he will need more money. I tell Liam, I only have a hundred and fifty left out of my check. Liam laughs, saying “well good then you have enough.” I go to say “no” but then he gives me a look. I don’t say a word. I just give it to him. I’m going to have to start hiding money to save anything.

Luckily, I have to be at work soon. So, I won't have to be around his ass all day. We go to a few more places, and he puts gas in his dads Car. Then we head home for me to change. When we pull into the driveway. I hurry out to get changed into my work clothes. Luckily, work lets me wear a hoodie. Liam takes me to work.

When we pull in Courtney, Candy, and Bridgett are waiting outside for me. They, walk up to the car, and they tell Liam “they will bring me home after work.” Liam agrees that it would be nice, so he didn't have to waste time to come back over here to pick me up. He smiles and, goes to leave. Candy goes to say something to Liam. She stops when, she hears Bridgett say, “what the f**k happen to your neck.” They all turn to look at me. Liam takes off (Like a coward). “I don't want to talk about it right now.” I tell them, and we go to work.

On the way into the building, I give Courtney, Candy, and Bridgett my cell phone number. I get that proud feeling again because, I paid for this phone. We are deep in work. Call, after call is coming in. I don't realize 4 hours have passed until, I finally get a break to chill for a few minutes. my phone vibrates in my pocket, and I smile because, I have been added to a group text with Courtney, Candy, and Bridgett.

(Group text)

Courtney- “Hey b***h you think you can go out again tonight.”

Bria- “I don't know, Liam was pretty pissed off last night about me coming home late.”

Bridgett- “Did he choke you?”

Candy- “Leave his f*****g ass Bria.”

Bria- “I’ll message Liam and ask him. Dodging Bridgett’s question.”

Candy- “Bria! He is not your boss. If you want to go out with us, then let’s go.”

Texting Liam is scary because this could get me in trouble for asking.

(texting Liam)

Bria- “Can I go cruising with Courtney, Candy, and Bridgett. Tonight, I promise to not lose track of time again. This time I have a phone to know what time it is.”

Liam- “The only way you are going out tonight is with me in tow.”

Rolling my eyes, I text the group. Telling them what he said.

(Group text)

Courtney- “Are you kidding me.”

Bridgett- “I can ride with mike.”

Bria- “Are you sure? I don't have to go it’s no big deal.”

Courtney- “I have an idea! I think I can get my dad’s SUV. Let me message my dad really quick.

Bridgett- “it’s perfectly fine my boyfriend was just messaging me. Asking if I would ride with him

tonight. So, no need to get a SUV.”

Courtney- “ok”

Candy- “Liam is going to kill the mood tonight.”

I laugh because she is right.

We all go back to work.

It's finally the end of the day. It's time to go out and have a good time. Well, as good as I can with Liam in tow.

Courtney, Candy, and me go out to her car an head towards my house to pick up, Liam. We don’t leave until Mike has picked up Bridgett.

The mood is tight in the car as we leave to pick up Liam. Making my anxiety worse. When we pull up, I see Liam and Jake are, both waiting.

I go to say something when Courtney stops me saying “it's fine.” So, I keep my mouth shut, getting out and letting them in. It’s a tight fit because, a mustang only seats two in the back. I let candy have the front seat and, I set in the back smashed between Jake and Liam.