Chapter 11
1090 Words
Livia’s POV
The ride home is fun. Perhaps more fun than any other point in my life.
Ford’s offer is still swimming in my mind, and my excitement to see him doesn’t dissipate even as they drop me off. Since I don’t want them to see our house, much less have the mood be dampened by the absolute state of my personal life, I asked them to stop a whole block away from home.
I walk to our house, smiling and hugging myself.
Even walking into the house isn’t as heavy as usual.
The house is empty, the best state it could be.
No David. No Tyler.
No pain.
I head up to my room and take out the chocolate wrapper and the table napkin from my pocket. I press it between the pages of my notebook, thinking about Ford. Thinking about the next time I’ll spend time with him and Nadine again.
And for the first time in a long time, my heart is full as I fall asleep.
So this is what it feels like to like someone.
Maybe—just maybe—after spending more time, he would like me back.
***
“Someone’s cheerful today,” Nadine says as we go out into the field.
It’s our last period, which happens to be PE. My least favorite subject. Firstly because we have to go out dressed in these silly little blue shorts and these thin white shirts that turn transparent with sweat.
I always wear leggings with them, mostly to hide the scars and the bruises.
I’m usually grumpy as hell walking into this class. But not today. Not when I’m thinking about Ford.
And of course, Nadine doesn’t miss that, even though she doesn’t know.
“There’s a lot of things to be cheerful about,” I say in a low voice, lowering my head so she doesn’t see that I’m blushing. “It’s a good day.”
“You’re right about that,” she says, nudging my shoulder. “You know, you made my dad really happy.”
My eyes go wide. “Really?”
“Yeah, really.” Nadine squeezes my hand. “He loves me a lot, but I think it gets old when it’s just the two of us. He really shines when he has another person to fuss over. He’s not being too much to you, is he?”
“No, not at all.” My face feels too hot. “He’s been really nice to me. He’s… he’s great.”
“I’m glad you think so, because he finds you great too.”
I can’t help but glow from her words. Ford thinks I’m great too?
The coach starts to make up run laps around the field, which is a real pain, since the grass around the oval is overgrown and some of the blades are poking through my leggings. I start to feel itchy as we go, but I just ignore it and stay close to Nadine.
Swallowing back my pride, I ask, “What else did he say?”
“He’s excited for next week’s steak night,” she says casually. “But you know, beware of him.”
I pause a little, my heart skipping a beat. “Why?”
“Once he gets the hang of you, he’s going to want you around a lot.” She lets out a laugh. “Hey, maybe for my birthday we can have a slumber party? Maybe it could be a cool home movie night with my dad. If you want that.”
“I would love that.” I smile.
I’m about to say something else, but all my words vanish from my mind as the itch starts to become more intense.
I pause completely, and Nadine follows suit. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I just mutter.
I stand at the corner and pull up my leggings just enough to see my ankles.
And what do you know—hives.
“Jesus, Livia, that looks itchy as hell!” Nadine looks horrified. “Running here is so stupid!”
“Girls, keep running!” the coach yells.
Nadine rolls her eyes and yells back, “Livia broke out in hives because of the grass!”
“Take her to the clinic,” the coach says carelessly.
“Yeah, not happening,” Nadine mutters. “Our clinic is s**t. I will take you to my dad.”
My whole body stiffens. Both from excitement and alarm.
“Is that… okay? It’s a pretty busy day.”
“Believe me, he’ll be happy to see you.” She helps me pull down my leggings. “Can you walk? His clinic is close.”
I just nod. I can’t believe I’m getting another chance to see him again.
The itch is already going down as we get out of the school and start walking to the clinic. But I don’t tell Nadine that. A part of me feels bad for lying to her indirectly, especially since she’s been so nice, but my heart is really pushing me towards seeing Ford again.
We cross the final street, exactly two blocks away from the clinic. The streets are not busy, but there are a lot of cars parked in front of the building. It seems like the clinic is packed—would he even choose to see me?
“Come,” Nadine says to me, looping her arm around mine as we turn the corner.
But then, I hear a familiar rumble of laughter.
“Dad got us some money, so you just take your fill.”
I freeze.
I will know that voice anywhere.
Tyler.
I turn to Nadine. “Let’s go back. We can’t be here.”
“What?” Nadine stops completely. “What’s wrong?”
Frustration slashes through me. I glance behind Nadine and see Tyler walking and talking on the phone with someone, drinking liquor in paper bags and sniggering. My throat closes up. I try to pull Nadine behind the closest building.
But Tyler looks up and our eyes lock.
Too late.
He saw me.
This time, I yank Nadine’s arm and make a break for it, running around the corner as fast as we can.
I thought we’re safe as we cross the street, but then a figure zooms in and waits for us at the end of the crosswalk.
Tyler’s wide smile greets me. I can smell the alcohol and cigarettes in his breath.
“Hello, sister. Who’s your pretty friend?”
- Writer
