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Chapter Four




The next morning:Sunlight crept through the window as I started to stir. I soon realized I couldn't move because Nick had his arm around me so I just laid there for a while. It just seems easier to stay in bed than get up and look life in the face. I heard a car pull up in the driveway which was weird since my parents were supposed to be out of town for the rest of the week. I got up carefully, making sure I didn't wake Nick and crept quietly to the window. Clear as day, I saw my dad getting out of his black expedition, briefcase in hand. Most girls would get worried about the fact that a boy was in their bed and their dad was seconds away from coming upon this discovery, but not me. I had a distinct "f*ck it" mentality when it came to my parents. Like they couldn't tell me anything. They had no authority over me because they were never around to enforce any of the rules they set. It wasn't like Nick and I did anything anyways. He's my best friend. There was a light knock at the door, and it slid open slowly. No doubt it was dad. I was still looking out the window at who knows what, but I could sense him in the room.

"Hey...Jordan," he said.

"Hey," I said shortly, not turning around. Then came the inevitable.

"Uh. What's Nick doing in your bed?"

"Sleeping."

"You're not stupid, Jord. I didn't think I actually had to say, 'no boys in your bed'"

"Nick's my best friend"

"Best friend or no, if he has a p.enis, he's not to share a bed with you." He said, getting stern.

And on this note, Nick began to wake.

I sighed, "Whatever Dad"

"Whatever my a**. You will respect me!" There was a pause.

"Since this is the first time, you'll just get a warning—"

"Who says this was the first time?" I said, before I knew what I was saying.

Nick was almost fully awake now, and could see this turning ugly fast.

"How dare you—"

"How dare I what? Hmm? How dare I protect myself? How dare I keep myself safe? How dare I have a friend!? Well, news flash, pops. You and Mom are never here. What the hell am I supposed to do when I get lonely and scared? Nick is the only good thing I've got. I'm sorry to say this, but he's done more for me than you or mom ever could. Not that you care, but if it weren't for him, I don't think I'd be doing too well right now."

Tears were streaming down my face. My dad opened his mouth to speak.

"No, don't say anything. Just pack your bags and head out on your next business venture. I don't have parents. I have occasional visitors."

He looked at me for a second, then headed for the door, closing it behind him.

They say pinned up aggression is bad. This is a key example of that. I finally said some of the things that have been haunting me for years. By the end of it all I was a bit hysterical, but a weight was lifted all the same.


I went and sat on the windowsill, still unaware that Nick had woken up. I shouldn't have been surprised when he handed me a Kleenex and seated himself beside me. Who could sleep through the commotion we'd caused that morning? We sat in silence for a couple of minutes, but I knew Nick was reading me. He had that ability. Then we saw my father loading up his expedition for his next trip.

"I can't believe him" I said, with a slight sniffle.

He got in and drove off. Nick grabbed my hand and laced his fingers in between mine as if to say "you've got me". But I already knew that.

"Was all that true?" Nick asked, running his finger over my "N" ring.

"All of what?" I said, running my finger over his "J" ring.

"When you said I'm the only good thing you've got."

I turned toward him and looked him in his big, brown eyes.

"Of course. I sincerely believe that if it weren't for you…" I trailed off.

He squeezed my hand softly, as if to say I didn't have to continue.

"You know, a lot of the time I think you're the epitome of what a person should be."

"Wow. That's a lot to live up to." Nick stated.

"Sorry for all the drama this morning."

"No need for apologies. I actually think it was good for you. I mean, how long have you wanted to tell your parents off?"

"Ha. Like 7 years."

"See!" Nick said, looking at his watch.

"Oh! 9:30. I told Troy I'd come over at 15 til ten. I'm supposed to help him build a skate ramp."

"Okay." I said.

"I'll call you later." Nick said, kissing me on the forehead, and heading out.

(Did you start crying yet?) crying