Broken Promises

Vibrant Red.

“Rylee?” Melissa snapped her fingers in my face.  

“Huh, oh yeah?” I answered slightly startled.  

“You okay?” She asked as everyone started to party.  

“Yeah, my head just hurts” I smiled reassuringly.  

“Okay, well do you want to go chance? It's going to get a little hot in here” She smiled.  

“Yeah, sure I'll be right back” I smiled as I walked upstairs.  

I searched my closet for something long sleeve but lightweight or belly shirt, something I could still hide my arms under but be comfortable enough to hang out with everyone still. I looked over at a dresser that I hadn’t really warn anything in a couple of months. I pushed clothes around a little before pulling out a black shirt, it had a deep V line, off the shoulders but long sleeves and a crop top. It was perfect, I looked through a couple more drawers, finally finding a short, black bowknot pleated skirt.  

I walked back downstairs my head high as eyes were on me, I guess information about the bet is out huh? Max and Luka walked over to the bottom of the steps with an angry look on their faces, I gave them a confused look and raised a brow as I got closer.  

“What's wrong?” I asked confused tilting my head slightly.  

“Everyone knows” Luka said lowly so only Max and I could hear.  

“I figured; Lucas is good at getting the word out I'll give him that” I slightly laugh at the annoyance of it.  

“It wasn’t Lucas” Max replied, tensing his jaw.  

“What?’ I said confused as anger started to come back.  

“It wasn’t Lucas, I already asked him” Luka said lowly.  

“So, who else knew?” Max replied gritting his teeth.  

“I mean everyone in the house knew because of the meltdown this morning.” I answered. 

“Whoever put it on Spoony made it known you found out about the bet by accidently grabbing Lucas’s phone, and that I took you home.” Luka answered as we made our way to the drink table.  

“I’m going to f*****g kill him” I gritted my teeth as all the clues started to come together, I only fully talked to one person about the events that unfolded, one person that seemed to want to know more about it, one person who asked me directly. 

“Who?” Max looked at me confused, I pushed past him walking as fast as I could till, I got to the back smoke area where I knew he hung out at when we had parties, I stopped when I saw Jessica on his lap. My breath caught in my throat before I pushed a feeling of sadness down, I felt Max’s hand on the small of my back before I could even see him. I smirk fell over my face.  

“So, Jay, you like telling everyone's personal business?” I smirked as I walked by the speakers turning the music off.  

“What?” He scoffed.  

“I thought we were pass the childish games” I smiled, and paused for a moment. “But I guess not” I stuck out a pouty lip.  

“So, if you want to put my business out there, why not put it all out there huh?” I smirked as I started to pull my arm out of my shirt.  

The realization hit him and his eyes widened as he could just barely see the bruising.  

“It’s funny when someone you trust hurts you the most isn't it?” I rounded him.  

“I mean, I knew what could happen when I slept with Lucas, however I didn’t expect you to be the one to betray me completely” I said with a condescending smile as I pulled my arm fully out of my long sleeve shirt, making everyone aware of the bruises I was hiding.  

“What are you doing?” Jason hissed. 

“Oh, you want me to the play the good girl Jay. But I’m just a little to broken” I smirked walking towards him.  

“And as for you,” I bent down in Jessica’s face. “I’m tired of you” I smirked.  

“Mutal feeling” She smiled.  

“But at least Lucas didn’t break up with me for disrespecting you” I smirked as a look of embarrassment flashed across her face, her cheeks red as tears lined her eyes.  

“What the f**k is your problem?” Jason scoffed as he pulled Jessica closer.  

“I’m just tired of playing nice” a smile on my lips as I pushed my hair back.  

“I think it's time for a change” I bit my lip and winked before walking away leaving everyone in awe. I was aware all eyes were on me as I walked out of that party, but I didn’t care much anymore. I was so tired of feeling helpless, tired of feeling lost and letting everyone walk all over me.  

“Where to now?” Max smiled as he walked up beside me.  

“You got a car?” I smirked.  

“Come on” He replied dragging my hand down the street a little.  

He opens the door for me and I climb in as he rounds to the driver's side. I smirk at the smile that comes across his face as he shakes his head and drives off.  

“Where to first?” he smiles.  

“I need hair color” I smirk.  

“But I like your hair” he gives me a pouty face.  

“Trust me” I smile as we pull into the parking lot of a Walmart.  

Max waited in the car while I went inside. Something about making a phone call I guess, I walked in and headed to the hair dye.  

“Rylee?” I heard a voice from behind me. 

“Alisha?” I asked confused narrowing my eyes.  

“What are you doing here?” she asked.  

“Looking for hair dye” I smiled as she walked closer.  

“Alisha let's go!” Her mother said rounding the corner.  

“Mom, Rylee is straight” Alisha scoffed rolling her eyes.  

“If you don’t believe her, my boyfriend is in the car waiting for me.” A momentary lapse of judgement as the words poured out of my mouth.  

“Boyfriend?” Her mom raised a brow as Alisha looked at me confused.  

“Yeah” I smiled nodding my head. In too deep now.  

“What are you doing here?” She asked in an annoyed tone.  

“I’m going to dye my hair” I smiled.  

“Oh, great let me help!” She smiled pushing Alisha aside. She used to be a hair dresser so I trust she’ll know what looks best.  

“This color would look great!” She smiled handing me a box of a bright vibrant red. 

“Thank you!” I said happily taking the box.  

“Would you like to come over? I can help you dye it?” She smiled politely 

“Oh no, I would feel as if I was imposing” I answered kindly.  

“Nonsense! You must come over” She answered with a smile.  

“Okay, sure. Alisha, could you send me the address for my boyfriend?” I smiled handing her my phone to put her number in.  

“Sure” She smiled taking my phone and handing it back to me.  

“I’ll see you in about 20 minutes Rylee” her mother smiled at me before turning around, Alisha and I shared a confused look before she followed her.  

I paid for the hair dye before heading to the car, catching a glimpse of Max looking irritated through the car windshield.  

“Everything okay?”  I smiled as I got in the car.  

“Yeah, just my mom” He huffed.  

“What’s going on?” I ask  

“She wants me to go get Noah so she can go out” He scoffed.  

“Let's do it” I smiled.  

“What?” He asked confused.  

“How old is Noah?” I ask. 

“13” he replied rolling his eyes.  

“Okay, so I ran into an old friend in Walmart and her mom wants to do my hair, she invited us over, she has a son who is 14” I smile.  

“Are you sure?” He asks  

“I’ll text her right now and ask if it's okay, okay?” I smile pulling out my phone.  

“Okay” he sighs.  

‘Hey we have to go get my boyfriend's brother; would it be okay that he comes with?’  

‘Yeah, I don’t see why not, let me ask’  

‘She said it’s fine. And boyfriend?’ 

‘Thanks, and Yes' 

‘You didn’t mention that yesterday when my mouth was on your neck’ 

‘Oh well’  

“Boyfriend huh?” Max laughs over my shoulder.  

“Yeah, I kind of lied” I smirk.  

“What do I have to do?” He rolls his eyes as he starts to drive. 

“Pretend you are my boyfriend, and that we’ve been together for a little while” I smile.  

“What does that entail?” He smirks.  

“What do you mean?” I ask tilting my head to the side 

“Holding hands? Kissing? Pet names?” He laughs looking at me.  

“Yeah” I smirk as his cheeks turn a slight red.  

“Okay.” he says clearing his throat.  

We stop by his house picking up his brother Noah before heading to Alisha’s.  

“So, is this your girlfriend?” Noah asks as he gets in the car.  

“Yeah” Max smirks looking over at me.  

“How come she’s never been to the house?” Noah asks.  

“When have I ever brought a girl home?” Max laughs.  

“You’ve got me there” Noah laughs from the back seat as we near Alisha’s house.  

“Okay, just a warning they are kinda..” I started to say as we pull into the driveway. 

“Rich” Max’s eyes widen at the size of the house.  

“Yeah” I say lowly scrunching my face.  

“And why do I have to be your boyfriend again?” Max says lowly as he opens my door.  

“I’ll explain later” I bite my lip before heading to the door where Noah is already waiting eagerly.  

“Be nice” Max says sternly gripping his shoulder, he pauses for a moment. “And do not break anything”  

I laugh as I knock on the door. 

“Calm down, I won't” Noah scoffs as the door opens, I laugh again covering my mouth with my hand.  

“Knock it off” Max whispers in my ear as we are led through the house.  

“Rylee!” Leo runs over to me giving me a hug.  

“I haven’t seen you in forever, you’ve grown so much” I smile hugging him back.  

“Leo this is Noah, he’s around your age” I smile before he looks at Noah and starts asking him if he wants to play video games.  

“Rylee darling” Mrs. Anderson smiles as we walk into the kitchen.  

“Mrs. Anderson, this is Maxwell. My boyfriend” I smiled as Alisha rolls her eyes. 

“Please, its Denise Rylee. Nice to meet you Maxwell” She smiles before turning to the bottom of the steps.  

“We will be in the solon if you need us boys!” She yells up the steps.  

“Okay” The boys yell from upstairs as she smiles and walks through the living room to the back area of the house.  

“Solon?” I whisper to Alisha.  

“Added it last year” She whispers rolling her eyes.  

“Come sit Rylee” She smiles rounding a chair.  

“Babe I forgot the hair dye in the car can you grab it please?” I make a pouty face to Max; I smirk as I see his body tense.  

“Of course, Amor” He smiles walking out. Alisha following close behind him.  

“So where do you live now Rylee?” She asks politely.  

“In a group home, about 5 blocks away from Bridgewood academy.” I smile, knowing her thoughts already but she wouldn’t dare to say them aloud.  

“I heard a girl killed herself there last year, did you know her?” She asked, I felt my heart sink in just a few moments.  

“Yeah, we were close” I smile. Hoping to not let her see the pain behind my eyes as she put the cape on me, brushing out my hair.  

“Oh, I'm sorry I didn’t know” She replied a hint of sadness in her voice.  

“It’s okay. Really” I smile.  

We sat in silence for a few minutes waiting for Max and Alisha to come back in.  

“So do you like the group home?” She asks curiously.  

“Yeah, it’s nice.” I smile. Don’t get me wrong I hated the group home but I loved most of the people in it. I’m just tired of being a stepping stone now and It’s time to change things up.  

“Finally” I smirk as Max rolls his eyes walking into the solon. 

“Sorry, that was my fault. Say where did you and Max meet?” Alisha asks.  

“Through my brother?” I give her a questioning look.  

“Which brother?” She asks confused.  

“Jason, I actually met him when I was really sick in the bathroom. He held my hair back for me” I smile lovingly at him noticing a disgusted look on Alisha’s face.  

“And when did he ask you out?” She asks with a smirk.  

“Well, he hinted at it for a few weeks after we met when he started coming around more and more. About two weeks after we met officially” I smile.  

“And what did you say?” she asks. 

“Well, I said no at first. I wasn’t really looking for a relationship but after a few weeks of hanging out with him I realized Maxwell was super sweet and kind so I said yes” I answered.  

“Where was your first date?” She scoffed.  

“Stop asking so many questions Alisha!” Denise shouted making me flinch, without a second thought Maxwell was in front of me on his knees with his hand on my lap. 

“It’s okay” He smiled up at me a stupid cheesy smile. 

“I know” I smiled back at him.  

“I’m sorry Rylee I didn’t mean to startle you” Denise said lowly.  

“It’s okay, sometimes I just get startled when there is yelling or loud noises. Growing up in the foster system isn’t all that great” I smiled, looking at Max.  

“Luckily, it gave me Max” I smile lovingly at him, this was supposed to be convincing so I made it look convincing, however I wasn’t lying; I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without Max.  

“That’s so sweet” Denise said as Ailsha made a gagging face. I rolled my eyes in her direction.  

“Alisha, go get Rylee a cup of water please” Denise demanded.  

“Max, do you mind helping Alisha please” I asked nicely. He nodded and left the room rolling his eyes.  

“Rylee I'm sorry about how I acted before” she said lowly walking around to face me.  

“It’s okay” I smiled shrugging it off.  

“No, I should have left you explain what you were going through at the time. But I acted impulsively and unreasonably. That wasn’t fair to you or Alisha to cut off almost every part of the life you had before” She looked at me with sad eyes.  

“Before my parents died. It’s okay you can say it” I smiled.  

“I’m just really sorry, Alisha came out as bisexual a week after that and I thought it was because of you. I placed all the blame on you and I know that wasn’t fair or even the case but I made her stop talking to you in an effort to save my daughter. It’s been years since and she still tells me she’s bisexual; I realize it wasn’t you now. It’s just who she is. I’m learning to accept that now.” She smiles at me before returning to my hair.  

“It’s really okay Denise. I’ve moved on from it and the events that happened that night weren’t really me” I pause, thinking of all the times Alisha and I did stuff after that night. “But I've grown up, gone to therapy and it’s helped me realize I was looking for love and attention in the wrong places.” I smile thinking about all the time and energy trying to figure out how to fix myself. When one little thing happens and I break instantly I look at my arm, Pulling my sleeves farther down.  

“Everything okay?” Max asks handing me my drink I didn’t even want.  

“Yeah” I give him a half smile.  

“Okay” He smiles back as Alisha continues to hound him with questions about us.  

“Hey, where are the car keys?” I hear a deep voice round the corner.  

“Oh, I didn’t know Rylee was here.” I look up to see Nolan. Alisha’s older brother who I kind of had a crush on as a kid.  

“Nolan” I smile.  

“Nice to see you Roo” He smirks.  

“Nice to see you to Nol” I smirk back, realizing Max’s intense stare I clear my throat and focus back to Denise.  

“Who’s this?” He asked looking at Max.  

“This is Rylee’s boyfriend, Max” Alisha smirked as my face went red.  

“Woah, Roo got a boyfriend?” Nolan smirks.  

“Oh, shut up.” I scoff rolling my eyes.  

“Have you seen them kiss yet?” Nolan asks sitting beside Alisha.  

“No” She scoffed rolling her eyes looking between Max and I.  

“You kids are annoying” Denise smirks.  

“Annoying?” Nolan laughs.  

“You’re all done then Rylee, you have to let it sit for at least 30 minutes. I need to go make dinner for our guests; would you like to stay as well?” She smiles.  

I look at Max who just nods his head in agreement before answering.  

“Sure, whose all coming?” I ask nicely.  

“The Huntsbergers.” She smiles before leaving the room. A hint of panic flashes across my face before I couldn’t breathe.  

“Rylee it’s okay, we can leave instead” Max comes rushing to my side.  

“What’s wrong?” Alisha looks between Max and I.  

“Panic attack.” Max says without looking away from me, he puts his hand on my thigh making gentle strokes before settling his hand on my hip.  

“It’s okay Rylee, if he says anything I'll just hit him.” Max says in an effort to make me smile.  

I laugh as Nolan and Alisha look concerned.  

“Better?” He smiles, I nod my head swallowing hard without saying a word.  

“Okay someone fill me in?” Alisha says confused.  

“I slept with Lucas last night” I sighed and shook my head.  

“I kind of expected that” She laughed, Nolans Jaw tightened.  

“The bet?” He scoffed.  

“Yeah” I said lowly.  

“What bet?” Alisha said angerily.  

“Who could sleep with me first” I rolled my eyes.  

“What?” She scoffed slamming her hands down on the table.  

“Max you're okay with this?” Alisha asked.  

“We gave each other a pass last night.” He smiled saving me from being a cheater.  

“A pass, to sleep with Lucas?” Alisha scoffed.  

“Oh, shut up Alisha, we all know you wish it were you she slept with instead. Bigger things are happening right now” Nolan blurted out.  

“At least I didn’t make a stupid bet” Alisha rolled her eyes.  

“I wasn’t apart of it. I don’t view woman as s*x objects.” Nolan scoffed.  

“Seems like it with how many girls you bring home” Alisha mocked him.  

“They all know I’m not the relationship type before coming over here.” He answered giving me a slight smirk.  

I rolled my eyes and focused my attention on Max who was now holding my hand aggressively. Like if he left go, I would die.  

“Max?” I asked lowly so only he could hear while Nolan and Alisha fought in the background.  

“Huh?” He looked at me, then at my lips and back up to me.  

I smirked biting my lip seductively, gaining widened eyes from Max as a smirk crossed his lips. f**k this boy is going to get me in so much trouble and I already know it.  

He went back to looking at Alisha and Nolan as did I, for a few moments I just listened to them fight about who's the bigger w***e, Alisha, Nolan, or Lucas. I smirked to myself before looking at Max again who was staring at my lips, I bit them once more. 

I looked at him for a minute in amusement before doing it again, this time gaining me a warning look, I did it once more just to see what he would do before he reached up and kissed me, passionately. Sweet and gentle but hard and rough at the same time.  

“Wow” Alisha said. I couldn’t help but laugh, breaking our kiss. It was our first kiss ever and I ruin it by f*****g laughing.  

“Well, there is no question anymore, they are definitely dating. Excellent job Roo” Nolan smirked.  

“Rylee, we need to rinse your hair” Denise smiled walking in the room.  

“Okay” I smiled, as Max gave me a quick kiss before returning to his seat.  

Denise rinsed my hair and blow dried it, ending it with a quick curl before letting me or anyone else see it.  

She spun me around to face the mirror, I had a very bright vibrant red hair with big curls in it. I smiled brightly before even saying anything.  

“It looks amazing Denise!” I shrieked.  

“Do you like it?” She said sheepishly. 

“I love it! I love it so much! Thank you!” I said hugging her.  

“Of course, darling” She smiled, before opening the door that everyone was waiting outside of.  

“Rylee” Alisha smiled admiring my hair.  

“Roo it looks dope” Nolan smirked.  

“Her hair does not look dope, it looks beautiful” Denise corrected him.  

I gave Max a questionable look followed by a smile hoping he’d like it as much as I do.  

“You look gorgeous.” He smiled pulling me in for a kiss.  

“Gross” Noah said rounding the corner.  

“What’s up bud?” Max asked looking at him.  

“I’m hungry, but Rylee you look hot” Noah smirked.  

“Leave” Max pushed him lightly towards the door.  

“Dinner is almost done Noah” Denise smiled following after him Alisha right behind her. Leaving just myself in the room as I looked at myself in the mirror, I pulled up both of my sleeves exposing the fresh cuts and part of the bruise on my arm.  

“Woah, Rylee” Nolan gasped rushing to my side.  

“f**k Nolan, why didn’t you leave with everyone else” I said quickly pulling my sleeves down crossing my arms over my chest.  

“Rylee what the f**k happened?” He asked concerned.  

“I’m fine Nolan” I answered pushing past him.  

“Does Max know?” He said sternly before I walked out the door.  

“About the bruises” I answered lowly.  

“And Lucas?” He asked.  

“About the bruises.” I answered again biting my cheeks.  

“And the cuts?” He asked concerned.  

“Today” I replied.  

“Because of...? He asked, his words trailing off.  

“Yeah” I sighed.  

“f**k Rylee!” He shouted. 

“Keep your voice down!” I whisper yelled at him covering his mouth with my hand.  

“I’m fine, it was just once okay.” I reply.  

“Was it just because of the bet?” he asks.  

“No, there's other things” I replied.  

“And the bruise?” He asks.  

“Ex-boyfriend.” I answer.  

“Before Max?” He asks.  

“The one before Max yes, but it happened a few days ago” I answer honestly.  

“You okay? Do you need help in any way?” he asks again pulling me into a hug.  

“I’m fine Nolan, seriously.” I reply hugging him back.  

“Okay Roo” He answers before releasing me.  

“Everything okay?” Max asks as I turn around.  

“Yeah babe, everything is fine” I smile, walking over to him.  

“You sure?” He gives me a questionable look.  

“Yeah” I smile kissing his cheek.  

We walk out into the living room where Alisha sits watching some show she got into to, as she’s explaining what it is about the doorbell rings. My heart starts to race as I realize who it is, Max quickly wraps his arm around me pulling me into him before the door opens. In comes Mrs. Huntsberger, Mr. Huntsberger, Luka and of course Lucas.