The Broken Girl...9
Sorry it took so long. Lot's been going on. I promise to post again soon.
Chapter 9
"Hi." She spoke softly after seating herself in my passenger seat. I picked her up, just like I said.
"Hey." I answered, followed by an awkward silence. I drove forward and off her street before she spoke a gain.
"I'm sorry." She said, looking over at me. "I've been kind of," she paused again, "Closed off, I guess." I glanced at her. It was just like her to apologize about acting like any person in her position would.
"You have every right to be." I replied. She shouldn't be sorry for that.
"But I don't want to be." She offered back.
"You don't have to tell me everything." I said. She gave me a worried look.
"Do you not want to know everything?" She asked.
"I want to know anything you want to tell me." I said, giggling at how concerned she looked. She smiled back, lighting up her whole face. That's more like it, I thought.
"Where's the sis?" She asked, enthusiastically. The mood shifted completely. It was like nothing bad ever happened. Like to last few days were erased. I didn't know how long it would last.
"Uh, she's already at the school. Cheerleading, I think." I said, beaming at the moment.
"Kylie, cheerleading." She shrugged. "Makes sense." We both laughed. Like normal. I pulled into the school and parked. "Um, I was wondering if I could use your guitar again." She asked, as we started toward the front doors.
"Yeah sure, why?" I said. "I don't know. There's just something about it." She sighed. "It gets the words out of me." She wanted to write again. I smiled at the memory of her sitting on my coach, strumming chords and singing melodies that somehow, fit together perfectly on the first tries. I remember I brought her over not knowing what to do or say, just knowing that I wanted to keep her safe. She sat there and poured out everything she was feeling into that song. It was like when she had a guitar in her arms, she wasn't ashamed of anything. She just let go and played. I found out so much about her, and about the guy I thought was my best friend. I found her.
She wanted to write again. She wanted to let go. We headed to her homeroom. Brooke put her books down on her desk. Kylie was already there, waiting patiently in the seat behind her. She tapped Brooke on the shoulder.
"Hey, Brooklyn!" She chimed. Brooke turned and tried to smile. I laughed to my self. They were so different. I still remember when Brooke would come over when they were still in grade school. They were a lot alike then. Things changed when Brooke's parents died. She changed, and Kylie stayed the same. It was as simple as that.
I didn't know much about Brooke's parents. I knew her mom started up the cafe. I knew that everyone in town knew who they were because they grew up here, and never left. And I knew they died in a plane crash when Brooke was 10. It was hard to believe, really. My parents made me go to the funeral. I was 13, and it was the first one I'd been, too. I almost felt selfish, and now, being closer to her, I felt it even more. I had never lost anyone, and she already had the two most import people taken away from her. And Payson, she had just graduated high school, and stopped everything to be there for her. They were both forced to grow up so fast. It just felt unfair.
I didn't feel sorry for her, though. She would hate it if I did. She hates sympathy. I think it's because she thinks she can't handle it. The more people who tell her how bad they feel about every bad thing that's happened to her, the less she believes she can get through it. But she can. I know it. There's just something about her. It's the same thing that makes me want to watch over her, and not let anything touch her. I love her for it.
After school, I drove Brooke to my place, while Kylie went out with some people. It was raining. Hard. I opened the garage to pull the car in, and saw my mom's car parked in the usually empty space. I looked over at Brooke sitting next to me. She looked just as confused. My parents were never home early. Ever.
I parked the car in the driveway and we both ran to the door, trying to keep ourselves dry.
"Mom?" I yelled, taking of my shoes and peering around the corner. I walked into the kitchen. "Mom?" I repeated. Brooke followed, her arms folded over her chest. She was cold. I took off my soaked jacket, and then pulled my sweater over my head. "Here, you look freezing." I said, handing it to her. She smiled and slipped it on. I chuckled. She looked cute with it almost to her knees. I refocused. "Mom, where the hell are you?" I shouted again. Still no response. I turned to Brooke. "One second, okay?" She nodded. I stepped down the basement stairs and into her home office. She sat, with her back to me, with a laptop on the desk in front of her.
"Uh, Hi." I said, walking in. She finally turned an smiled. "Ever think that may be when your son is calling for you should, I don't know, call back?" I asked sarcastically. She always did this.
"I love you, too." She said, equally sarcastic. She always did that, too. I just ignored it.
"Why are you home?" I asked.
"I decided to leave work early." She replied, hesitant. She never left work if she didn't have to. Something was up.
"Why?" I asked again. As soon as the words slipped her lips, I wished I'd never asked. I wished I was still a 5 years old, and my parents wouldn't tell me stuff like that, but make up a lie that I'd believe because they were grown-ups, and they never lied. And I wished I could've seen the slightest bit of shame in her face when she said it.
"I quit." She said, bluntly. No shame.
"You what?" I answered, in disbelief.
"Don't give me that Braden." She said, standing up. "I hated that job and all the people associated with it." She explained, like it was no big deal. Like she could just reach into her back pocket and pull out another well-paid job and start tomorrow.
"I cannot believe you." I spat out. "You know we're already barely getting by with what we have."
"I said don't give me that." She said, glaring at me.
"Why should I listen to you?" I said sharply. "Did you even consider anyone but yourself?"
"I didn't have to!" She raised her voice.
"Yes you do! What the hell were you thinking! You have a family! And dad can't pay for all the bills himself just because you didn't feel good at a specific job!" I yelled back.
"I haven't thought of my self in a long time! All I ever do is think for you and your sister, and I'm sick of it!" She returned. She had no regret, either. She didn't care at all. "I shouldn't have to wake up every morning and go to a place that I despise just because I have other people, who are clearly old enough to take care of themselves, to think about!" I felt a hand on my back, and turned to see Brooke standing beside me, with a worried look on her face. I looked back at my mom, who stood there, her eyes as cold as ice, but silent. I could tell she would do anything to get out of this. She deserved it. Selfish bitch.
"Mom, you know Brooklyn." I said, quietly and calmly. I faced Brooke, still in my sweater, still wearing a worried face. She didn't even look at my mom, just at me. I guess she heard a lot. I lightly gripped her wrist and began to lead her out of the office. I didn't look back at my mom. Apparently she had better things to think about than if her son even gave a shit about her. I just wanted to get Brooke out of there. I just wanted to get out.
It wasn't raining anymore. We dropped by the mall and picked up Kylie, who didn't look too happy leaving this guy behind. Before getting in the back, she gave him a long hug and kiss on the cheek. I'd never seen him before. She sat in the back with a pout.
"Why did you come so early?" She whined. I didn't want to say it. Especially with Brooke here. I hate how she was already involved in this. I didn't want either of them involved. I had to tell Kylie. As much as I didn't want to, it was her mom, too, and she would be a part of it no matter what I did. God, I hated this. It was going to hurt her so much. How do you tell a girl that her own mother doesn't even care about her? I couldn't do it. Not now, at least.
"Who was that?" I asked quietly. I felt like a giant lump was permanently lodged in my throat. I caught a glimpse of Brooke sitting next to me. I could tell she knew where my head was, and tried to smile. But the worried eyes stayed.
Kylie looked curiously at both of us, and kept her arms folded over her chest. "He's just a guy," she answered.
"Yeah, I think that's obvious. Who is he?" I asked again. I wasn't usually like this. I always let Kylie tell me what she wants to tell me, and if she didn't want me to know, I trusted her. But right now, I had to avoid that question again.
"A guy, Braden! It's none of your business," she said, defensively." I don't have to tell you!" I stayed silent. "What the hell is up with you, anyway?" I felt sick. The lump had grown larger. I was driving forward, but I couldn't even feel the steering wheel in my hands. Brooke turned to me.
"Pull over." She demanded, but softly. I didn't protest. Kylie had a stunned look of confusion on her face.
"What the hell is going on?" She asked, annoyed. "Braden."
"Now get out." Brooke said to me. I stepped out of the car, and she followed. I felt like I was going to pass out. I just couldn't stand it. My mother hated me, and she hated my sister. She hated taking care of her, and making her happy. There is something wrong with that. And I had to tell her. She has done nothing but love our mom and I have to tell that she doesn't give a shit about anyone but herself. I looked over at Brooke, who was now facing me.
"I can't do it Brooke. I can't hurt her." I managed out. It was hard to talk. It was hard to stand. I felt completely worthless. I wasn't angry or disappointed anymore. I was just hurt. And whatever I was feeling know, I couldn't do it to Kylie, too. I almost never cried. I've come close, especially with what's been going on with Brooke. But now, it was all I really could do. So I did.
Brooke walked closer and leaned into me. It had always been her crying, and me comforting. I had always been the one to be there for her. That's how our relationship worked. But I needed her now, and she was here. I knew she would be. She whispered, "I'm so sorry." She wrapped her arms around me. "But you have to say something, or your mom will for you." I didn't want her to be right. She was, though. It was better it came from me than her. I stepped back, and composed myself before opening the door. Brooke moved to the sidewalk. "I'll walk the rest of the way." She said with a smile. I hint of worry swept over me. Her walking two blocks alone. It didn't sit well. I was surprised I was even thinking straight enough to pick up on it. I guess that little bit of protectiveness would always be in the back of my mind.
"Wait," I called after her. I wasn't ready to let her go. She stopped and turned. "Just wait here." I said holding out my hand. She waited, and I sat in the car, and closed the door. Kylie was still in the back, sitting silently. I could tell she wasn't annoyed anymore, just concerned. I had to do this. I thought.
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Sorry, but my computer flipped out Twice after typing these huge long comment replies (they were literally a paragraph each... lol) and I don't have time to do it AGAIN.
Thank you to all the commenters: Reemcreamy, Jose, Miaa, Gabby and Em! I promise to reply next time :) Check out the comment questions!
---------------------------------------------------------
The house was empty when we got home. All the furniture was still in place, all the books and pictures still on the shelves. But she was gone. I hoped she'd never come back.
Comment Questions
1. Do you like the sudden switch up? Or should I stick to focusing on Brooke?
2. Do you think Brooke and Braden's relationship is growing for the better? Or is it too dull now?
3. So, who's worst? Chad or Mama Thompson?
4. Do you want to see more of the guy Kylie was with?
5. What do you think about the incorporation of music in the story? Do you think it makes a difference, or it doesn't matter?
"Hi." She spoke softly after seating herself in my passenger seat. I picked her up, just like I said.
"Hey." I answered, followed by an awkward silence. I drove forward and off her street before she spoke a gain.
"I'm sorry." She said, looking over at me. "I've been kind of," she paused again, "Closed off, I guess." I glanced at her. It was just like her to apologize about acting like any person in her position would.
"You have every right to be." I replied. She shouldn't be sorry for that.
"But I don't want to be." She offered back.
"You don't have to tell me everything." I said. She gave me a worried look.
"Do you not want to know everything?" She asked.
"I want to know anything you want to tell me." I said, giggling at how concerned she looked. She smiled back, lighting up her whole face. That's more like it, I thought.
"Where's the sis?" She asked, enthusiastically. The mood shifted completely. It was like nothing bad ever happened. Like to last few days were erased. I didn't know how long it would last.
"Uh, she's already at the school. Cheerleading, I think." I said, beaming at the moment.
"Kylie, cheerleading." She shrugged. "Makes sense." We both laughed. Like normal. I pulled into the school and parked. "Um, I was wondering if I could use your guitar again." She asked, as we started toward the front doors.
"Yeah sure, why?" I said. "I don't know. There's just something about it." She sighed. "It gets the words out of me." She wanted to write again. I smiled at the memory of her sitting on my coach, strumming chords and singing melodies that somehow, fit together perfectly on the first tries. I remember I brought her over not knowing what to do or say, just knowing that I wanted to keep her safe. She sat there and poured out everything she was feeling into that song. It was like when she had a guitar in her arms, she wasn't ashamed of anything. She just let go and played. I found out so much about her, and about the guy I thought was my best friend. I found her.
She wanted to write again. She wanted to let go. We headed to her homeroom. Brooke put her books down on her desk. Kylie was already there, waiting patiently in the seat behind her. She tapped Brooke on the shoulder.
"Hey, Brooklyn!" She chimed. Brooke turned and tried to smile. I laughed to my self. They were so different. I still remember when Brooke would come over when they were still in grade school. They were a lot alike then. Things changed when Brooke's parents died. She changed, and Kylie stayed the same. It was as simple as that.
I didn't know much about Brooke's parents. I knew her mom started up the cafe. I knew that everyone in town knew who they were because they grew up here, and never left. And I knew they died in a plane crash when Brooke was 10. It was hard to believe, really. My parents made me go to the funeral. I was 13, and it was the first one I'd been, too. I almost felt selfish, and now, being closer to her, I felt it even more. I had never lost anyone, and she already had the two most import people taken away from her. And Payson, she had just graduated high school, and stopped everything to be there for her. They were both forced to grow up so fast. It just felt unfair.
I didn't feel sorry for her, though. She would hate it if I did. She hates sympathy. I think it's because she thinks she can't handle it. The more people who tell her how bad they feel about every bad thing that's happened to her, the less she believes she can get through it. But she can. I know it. There's just something about her. It's the same thing that makes me want to watch over her, and not let anything touch her. I love her for it.
After school, I drove Brooke to my place, while Kylie went out with some people. It was raining. Hard. I opened the garage to pull the car in, and saw my mom's car parked in the usually empty space. I looked over at Brooke sitting next to me. She looked just as confused. My parents were never home early. Ever.
I parked the car in the driveway and we both ran to the door, trying to keep ourselves dry.
"Mom?" I yelled, taking of my shoes and peering around the corner. I walked into the kitchen. "Mom?" I repeated. Brooke followed, her arms folded over her chest. She was cold. I took off my soaked jacket, and then pulled my sweater over my head. "Here, you look freezing." I said, handing it to her. She smiled and slipped it on. I chuckled. She looked cute with it almost to her knees. I refocused. "Mom, where the hell are you?" I shouted again. Still no response. I turned to Brooke. "One second, okay?" She nodded. I stepped down the basement stairs and into her home office. She sat, with her back to me, with a laptop on the desk in front of her.
"Uh, Hi." I said, walking in. She finally turned an smiled. "Ever think that may be when your son is calling for you should, I don't know, call back?" I asked sarcastically. She always did this.
"I love you, too." She said, equally sarcastic. She always did that, too. I just ignored it.
"Why are you home?" I asked.
"I decided to leave work early." She replied, hesitant. She never left work if she didn't have to. Something was up.
"Why?" I asked again. As soon as the words slipped her lips, I wished I'd never asked. I wished I was still a 5 years old, and my parents wouldn't tell me stuff like that, but make up a lie that I'd believe because they were grown-ups, and they never lied. And I wished I could've seen the slightest bit of shame in her face when she said it.
"I quit." She said, bluntly. No shame.
"You what?" I answered, in disbelief.
"Don't give me that Braden." She said, standing up. "I hated that job and all the people associated with it." She explained, like it was no big deal. Like she could just reach into her back pocket and pull out another well-paid job and start tomorrow.
"I cannot believe you." I spat out. "You know we're already barely getting by with what we have."
"I said don't give me that." She said, glaring at me.
"Why should I listen to you?" I said sharply. "Did you even consider anyone but yourself?"
"I didn't have to!" She raised her voice.
"Yes you do! What the hell were you thinking! You have a family! And dad can't pay for all the bills himself just because you didn't feel good at a specific job!" I yelled back.
"I haven't thought of my self in a long time! All I ever do is think for you and your sister, and I'm sick of it!" She returned. She had no regret, either. She didn't care at all. "I shouldn't have to wake up every morning and go to a place that I despise just because I have other people, who are clearly old enough to take care of themselves, to think about!" I felt a hand on my back, and turned to see Brooke standing beside me, with a worried look on her face. I looked back at my mom, who stood there, her eyes as cold as ice, but silent. I could tell she would do anything to get out of this. She deserved it. Selfish bitch.
"Mom, you know Brooklyn." I said, quietly and calmly. I faced Brooke, still in my sweater, still wearing a worried face. She didn't even look at my mom, just at me. I guess she heard a lot. I lightly gripped her wrist and began to lead her out of the office. I didn't look back at my mom. Apparently she had better things to think about than if her son even gave a shit about her. I just wanted to get Brooke out of there. I just wanted to get out.
It wasn't raining anymore. We dropped by the mall and picked up Kylie, who didn't look too happy leaving this guy behind. Before getting in the back, she gave him a long hug and kiss on the cheek. I'd never seen him before. She sat in the back with a pout.
"Why did you come so early?" She whined. I didn't want to say it. Especially with Brooke here. I hate how she was already involved in this. I didn't want either of them involved. I had to tell Kylie. As much as I didn't want to, it was her mom, too, and she would be a part of it no matter what I did. God, I hated this. It was going to hurt her so much. How do you tell a girl that her own mother doesn't even care about her? I couldn't do it. Not now, at least.
"Who was that?" I asked quietly. I felt like a giant lump was permanently lodged in my throat. I caught a glimpse of Brooke sitting next to me. I could tell she knew where my head was, and tried to smile. But the worried eyes stayed.
Kylie looked curiously at both of us, and kept her arms folded over her chest. "He's just a guy," she answered.
"Yeah, I think that's obvious. Who is he?" I asked again. I wasn't usually like this. I always let Kylie tell me what she wants to tell me, and if she didn't want me to know, I trusted her. But right now, I had to avoid that question again.
"A guy, Braden! It's none of your business," she said, defensively." I don't have to tell you!" I stayed silent. "What the hell is up with you, anyway?" I felt sick. The lump had grown larger. I was driving forward, but I couldn't even feel the steering wheel in my hands. Brooke turned to me.
"Pull over." She demanded, but softly. I didn't protest. Kylie had a stunned look of confusion on her face.
"What the hell is going on?" She asked, annoyed. "Braden."
"Now get out." Brooke said to me. I stepped out of the car, and she followed. I felt like I was going to pass out. I just couldn't stand it. My mother hated me, and she hated my sister. She hated taking care of her, and making her happy. There is something wrong with that. And I had to tell her. She has done nothing but love our mom and I have to tell that she doesn't give a shit about anyone but herself. I looked over at Brooke, who was now facing me.
"I can't do it Brooke. I can't hurt her." I managed out. It was hard to talk. It was hard to stand. I felt completely worthless. I wasn't angry or disappointed anymore. I was just hurt. And whatever I was feeling know, I couldn't do it to Kylie, too. I almost never cried. I've come close, especially with what's been going on with Brooke. But now, it was all I really could do. So I did.
Brooke walked closer and leaned into me. It had always been her crying, and me comforting. I had always been the one to be there for her. That's how our relationship worked. But I needed her now, and she was here. I knew she would be. She whispered, "I'm so sorry." She wrapped her arms around me. "But you have to say something, or your mom will for you." I didn't want her to be right. She was, though. It was better it came from me than her. I stepped back, and composed myself before opening the door. Brooke moved to the sidewalk. "I'll walk the rest of the way." She said with a smile. I hint of worry swept over me. Her walking two blocks alone. It didn't sit well. I was surprised I was even thinking straight enough to pick up on it. I guess that little bit of protectiveness would always be in the back of my mind.
"Wait," I called after her. I wasn't ready to let her go. She stopped and turned. "Just wait here." I said holding out my hand. She waited, and I sat in the car, and closed the door. Kylie was still in the back, sitting silently. I could tell she wasn't annoyed anymore, just concerned. I had to do this. I thought.
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Sorry, but my computer flipped out Twice after typing these huge long comment replies (they were literally a paragraph each... lol) and I don't have time to do it AGAIN.
Thank you to all the commenters: Reemcreamy, Jose, Miaa, Gabby and Em! I promise to reply next time :) Check out the comment questions!
---------------------------------------------------------
The house was empty when we got home. All the furniture was still in place, all the books and pictures still on the shelves. But she was gone. I hoped she'd never come back.
Comment Questions
1. Do you like the sudden switch up? Or should I stick to focusing on Brooke?
2. Do you think Brooke and Braden's relationship is growing for the better? Or is it too dull now?
3. So, who's worst? Chad or Mama Thompson?
4. Do you want to see more of the guy Kylie was with?
5. What do you think about the incorporation of music in the story? Do you think it makes a difference, or it doesn't matter?
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