My Brother's Best Friend

Chapter 7

Natalia

I go around and walk in through the front door, as if I am just returning from school. I barely take a step inside when my mother grabs my hair and drags me to the restroom.

"Stop mom, my hair. Stop, it hurts," I scream, but she does not let go. She grips my hair harder.

"What is this?" she shouts as she shoves me into the restroom.

"I don't know. I haven't even been here since this morning," I cry.

"Why did you do this? Why did you leave this like this?" She looks possessed. Her eyes are bulging out and her spit flies everywhere as she screams at me.

"No, I didn't do anything," I say.

"This is disgusting. You will clean this up, plus the rest of the house. You are so dirty, Natalia, it is ridiculous. Why would you leave my house like this? What kind of people do you think we are?" She walks out of the restroom, still shouting.

This is pee, but it's not mine. Clearly, David, or one of her disgusting friends couldn't aim into the toilet properly, but, of course, it is my fault. I am always responsible for their mess. It's funny how she says I am the dirty one, yet my bedroom is the only room clean in this house.

I can't argue with her though, so I put on gloves and a mask and get to work.

Once I am done with the restroom, my mom makes me wash all the dishes, dust the whole house, vacuum, wipe the walls, clean her bedroom, pick up all their old needles, cond0ms, men's clothing, crumpled-up napkins, some oddly shaped things, and other nasty junk they leave behind. Just for her to have people over right when I am done. What was the point of that?

I watch from the kitchen for a moment. These men do not respect this house, but I guess it begins with mom. She isn't giving them anything to respect. She isn't setting rules or boundaries and is allowing them to do whatever they want. Mom should really respect herself first. I feel sick watching. It is as if I am having an out of body experience watching this all go down. I wish I had a camera to record this so she can't blame me for her guests mess ever again.

I am livid, but what can I do? At this point, it is better for her to get busy with her guests than to keep her attention on me.

I think back to Sally Venetian and my luck today. I will save enough and be out of here soon.

I lock my room up and once their music gets louder, I know I am good to go.

I look in my closet, and even though I shouldn't be bummed out because I know what my life is like, I still get sad. I don't have nice clothes to wear to a party.

I find an old dress towards the back, but when I try it on, it's too small, so I just put on my nicest jeans and a shirt with a collar. It fits a bit small too, but it gives off cropped vibes and girls wear their clothes like this all the time, so it looks intentional.

I clean my white shoes and put them on, and this is as best as I will get.

I comb my long hair, wishing there was a way to make it look less frizzy and sponged out. I wish I had straight, flat hair.

This is the best I can do.

I stare at myself for what seems like a long time. My life still seems too extreme even for me. I feel the tears in my eyes and I hate myself for it.

"You did nothing wrong to deserve this life, Natalia. You have a job now. Just hold on a little more, and you will be free. You can do this," I tell myself. I have to push myself to keep going on those days when I feel like giving up is easier.

I sneak out of my window and go grab Michael's gifts and head to the clubhouse. I don't know if I will stay for long, but I think I should at least show up.

I stand across the street, at the park, where I can see the biker's clubhouse and the big red doors with the black skulls. There are more people outside today, and the street is filled with motorcycles. Way more than last time.

I think the man standing by the doors is the same one from last time as well. He is big and buff. Bigger than the other men standing around. I get anxious about so many people. I think about just quickly writing Michael a note and leaving his gifts with the buff man.

I walk in through the gate.

I am not sure if being here is such a good idea. What if my mom finds out I was here?

"Just ask him for a pen and paper, and you will be on your way," I whisper to myself as I get closer.

"Natalia, you're back," the big, buff guy walks over to me.

How does he know my name?

I notice some of the other guys looking at me, and I also notice the big neon sign that I hadn't noticed before, or maybe it wasn't there or on last time?

Hell Bikerboyz

"Sweetheart, are you here to see Jace?" he asks when I don't say anything. His voice is still high pitched and hilarious.

"Yes..I mean, I am here for Michael's party," I say.

"Of course. Come on in. They are waiting for you," he opens the doors for me to walk in. I drag all the items and almost trip cause of these balloons.

"Yo, random girl," Billy, Michael's brother, waves at me once I pass through the curtain.

"Hello," I say awkwardly. I don't know why I can't just be normal?

"I'm so glad you made it. My brother hasn't stopped talking about you. He and his little crew told everyone to keep an eye out for you. He was hoping you'd come. He's in his cave," he says.

"Oh, okay. Is it okay if I go down there?" I ask.

"Of course. No need to ask. As long as Mike's cool with you, then I'm cool with you, and everyone here is cool with you," he tells me, and that actually feels comforting for some reason. He is gentle when he talks to me. Sometimes I feel scared when men speak to me. It's not like I speak to men often, but at school, male teachers and male staff members can be scary. I think it is because I assume all or most men will be like David, but Billy is so nice. He reminds me of Blake. He is so big brother coded.

"Thank you," I say and head for the cave.

"Natalia," I watch as Michael's eyes light up when he sees me.

"Here," I shove the box and balloons into his arms.

"You didn't have to bring me anything," he says, but he looks so excited.

He digs into the box and when he pulls put the stuffy, he laughs and hugs it.

"I love it and will keep it forever. Thank you, Natalia," He then opens the card and reads it. My stomach grumbles and all I can think about is that chocolate cake. After school, finding a job and cleaning the whole house, all I want is a little something to eat.

"You don't have to thank me," I say. but cut the cake I say in my head, hoping telepathy works cause I am starving.

Mia and Jace pull out gifts so I know it won't be cake time soon.

"Here is my gift," he opens Mia's gift and it is a small piece of string with an elephant trunk attached.

They all burst out laughing.

"An elephant g-string?" Miacheal says, shaking his head, but sporting a huge grin.

"It's so you can wear it with your boo," she laughs, but I notice how serious Jace looks.

Mike just chuckles and puts it to the side. I believe Jace is the serious one in this group.

It is Jace's turn, and he gifts him a box. He opens it and there's a watch inside. It looks expensive.

"Your initials are engraved into it," Jace says.

"Thanks man. I will never take it off," he tells him.

"Thanks you guys are the best friends anyone could ever ask for," my stomach twists.

"Yes, best friends forever. It's us 4 against the world," Mia shouts and pulls us in for a hug while she jumps up and down. Michael seems happy too, but Jace still sports that serious look. I don't say anything, just go with the flow. I have never been a part of anything like this, and just like my job, maybe for once, I can be a part of this?

Maybe I do want friends?

I just have to figure out a way to keep this life away from my home life.

"Alright, let's go upstairs so we can sing happy birthday and cut the cake. I have a little adventure I want to take you guys on." Jace says. He turns to Michael. "Bring your g-string. It's perfect for where I am about to take you," he laughs and begins heading up the stairs.

Yes, finally cake time!!! I will worry about the adventure and how to get out of it after. I just need a little food so my brain can function properly.