I Hate You...I Think Page 10

  The light shining in from the hallway reflected on all the little dust particles floating in the air. The bed was covered in it, like an inch thick. The smell of mothballs and stale air filled my nose. Kimmy turned on the light as I stepped into the room.

  Tears filled my eyes as I looked around. Stepping into the room farther I went to the bed picking up a blue shirt that lay crumbled up there. His shirt. My shoulders shuttered as I cried harder. Burying my face into the soft fabric I inhaled but is scent was no longer there. Faded away just like he had so many years ago. Coughing I tried to get the dust out of my lungs.

  There was a knock on the living room door. Dropping the shirt I turned on my heels and exited the room quickly. Passing Kimmy, who looked after me sadly, into the living room.

  Alex was standing awkwardly with my family photo in his hands staring at the front door. I pulled the door open and before me stood a large puffy eyed woman. It had been six year since I had seen my Aunt May and she had grown quite large.

  "Lyly!" she exclaimed grabbing me up in her meaty arms. She lifted me off the floor and I yelped in pain, she released me instantly.

  "What's wrong?" she asked shocked. I gritted my teeth as my ribs ached, trying to think of something to tell her.

  "She fell down a flight of stairs and took me with her," Alex said appearing at my side. At least that explained both of our injuries. I hadn't thought about how I'd explain the large white bandage on his head. May laughed, her voice echoed off the walls of the silent hallway.

  "Lyly has never been able to stand on her own two feet."

  I grimaced. I hated that nickname.

  "Are you her boyfriend?" Aunt May mused looking Alex over.

  "Oh, no!" Alex shook his head, his eyes wide in shock.

  "Ever, is like a sister...that would be weird."

  I smiled at his nervous demeanor. He glanced over my shoulder, undoubtedly at Kimmy. Aunt May followed his gaze her face dropped into one of distaste.

  "Oh miss Lee, your here..." she turned her nose up.

  Kimmy and May had never gotten along from the moment they met. That is how I got my nickname actually. When dad died May was around a lot more, she never got along with him so kept her distance until his death. She hated Kimmy and had insisted I stop being friends with her or I would be sent to boarding school. I had lied and said we were no longer friends. Later on she found out I hadn't stopped and gave me the name Lyly. (Lie Lie)

  "Hello, May," Kimmy replied sweetly.

  "It's Mrs. Morter actually," May replied in the same false sweet tone.

  "When is the funeral," I broke in.

  May peeled her eyes off Kimmy, and they began to water again.

  "Tomorrow at three, in West Oak cemetery."

  "How did...?" I left the question unfinished frowning.

  "The poor dear drank herself to death," May shook her head.

  "It's a shame though; she never could get over Paul's death."

  "She drank before Daddy ever got sick. She has been drinking since I was born," I told her in a hard tone. How dare she blame my mother's alcoholism on his death.

  "No, I think I remember better, you were too little then. I wouldn't be surprised if you don't remember him. Though you didn't miss much," she commented bitterly.

  Before I could think rationally I was attacking her. My hand collided with her squishy cheek and bounced off but it was enough to knock her down. Her eyes were wide and she gasp.

  "Don't you ever talk about my Daddy like that. I do remember him and that was the happiest years of my life. Mama didn't drink because he died. Mama drank cause she hated life and she hated me and she hated him. Don't you dare blame her death on him ever again!"

  Stepping back I slammed the apartment door in her face. Turning to face Kimmy and Alex they were staring at me in shock. I slide down in the floor against the door. Kimmy came to my side and pulled me into a hug. I'm not sure I want to go to the funeral anymore. It would be the right thing to do, she is...was my mother after all. We did have good times...very few but some.

  "What the hell am I going to do now?" I sighed.

  "We'll rent a hotel, cause I know my parents are not going to be happy to see me," Kimmy reassured me rubbing circles on my back.

  I shook my head. “We don't have money for that. We'll just go home. This was a wasted trip."

  Alex scoffed. "Do you want to go to the funeral?"

  "Well yeah, but-"

  "Yes or no."

  "Yeah," I muttered.

  "Then we are going to a hotel."

  He held up his hand to shush me as I started to protest.

  "I'll pay for it," he smiled.

  "No, Alex you-"

  Yes, I am and that's final. Go get your stuff," he ordered with a grin.

  "And, no you’re not allowed to pay me back," he added.

  Kimmy awed. "Isn't he so sweet, Ever?"

  I gave her a look.

  "Earlier you were ready to kill him with your eyes and now your aweing?"

  She laughed and grinned at Alex. He looked away but I swear I saw a blush.

  The three of us arrived by taxi the next day at the cemetery. There were already people gathering. Many I didn't know only a few faces were familiar. I felt like I was in a display case again, and it wasn't the look of sorrow or regret. It was the look of contempt. I had never met almost any of my mother's side of the family but I could tell they were the snotty sort. However, I wasn't there for them.

  I went straight to the open casket were my mother lay, but the woman there was not my mother. Not anymore. It reminded me of seeing my father in his casket. The body lying before me was just an empty shell. The energy the life force that was once there was long gone, and all that remained was this less than human representation of that person you once knew.

  Her face look sunk in and stretched way too tightly over the bone. She looked nothing like how I remember her. Not being able to see her any longer I stepped away and a wailing woman took my place. These people, that I had never known, never seen, were crying over a woman that was not only a sad excuse for a mother but for a wife as well. She cheated on my father countless times. I remember her coming home at all hours of the morning and yelling at him, broken dishes, flying pans and one very broken little girl’s heart.

  But, as much as I despised who she was I did love her. She gave me life...but that was the only thing she had every truly gave me that I could appreciate.

  "You okay?" Kimmy asked softly staying close by my side.

  I nodded not able to find the words.

  "You don't seem comfortable hunny. If this is too much we can go," she said concerned.

  "Yeah, I don't wanna be here anymore. I seen her I paid my respects. I don't want to see them put her in the ground," I replied my voice cracking. Giving one last look at the coffin we left the cemetery.

  Chapter Ten

  Alex had insisted on taking Kimmy and I to lunch before we headed home.

  "You sure you're not trying to stay away from the wrath of Oliver for as long as possible?" I teased.

  "Can't I take to lovely ladies to lunch?" He grinned innocently. I looked at Kimmy; she wasn't buying the nice act either. Alex linked both our arms and pulled us into a very nice and expensive looking Italian restaurant. A hostess sat us quickly and a guy came up and took our drink order, winking at Alex before he walked away. Kimmy looked after the guy shocked. Alex made a face and looked between us.

  "Looks like someone likes you," Kimmy winked nudging Alex in the side.

  "Eww...” Alex stuck his tongue out.

  Kimmy smacked him in the back of the head. "Be nice."

  "I'm going to the bathroom," I announced and slipped out of the booth quickly. I could hear Kimmy scolding Alex behind me and smiled.

  The bathroom was empty, sighing I leaned against the sink and pulled out my cell phone. Seventeen missed calls and seventeen voice mails, all from Oliver. I sighed again; Oliver is going to be a pain when we get back. I lis
tened to every message. One after another Oliver sounded more and more frustrated and worried.

  At first he scolded me for going home, and then he somehow realized I wasn't home and thought I was avoiding him. In the final message he thought I had been kidnapped. Oh Oliver...

  Shaking my head I called him back.

  "Ever, where the hell are you?" he answered in relief.

  "Jeez, you get really bent out of shape from not hearing from me," I joked.

  "It's not funny. I was worried. Where have you been? Is Alex and Kimmy with you?"

  "Yeah, they are with me, and before you get mad at Alex. Know that Kimmy and I basically kidnapped him. His cell is in my apartment so it's not like he is avoiding you."

  "Where are you right now?" he demanded.

  "Safe," I laughed. If I told him he might come up here himself.

  "Ever," he persisted.

  "Oliver, stop," I frowned.

  "We will be back there soon. I'm not mad at you, I didn't get kidnapped. I....some stuff happened that I needed to take care of."

  "You have a lot of explaining to do."

  I glared at the floor. I didn't have to explain anything to him.

  "I'm going now, Oliver. Bye," I snapped my phone shut and shoved it in my pocket. He doesn't own me. I can do what I want when I want, and I don't have to tell him anything. Jerk.

  I came out of the bathroom and headed back to the table. Kimmy and Alex's back was to me but Alex looked nervous.

  "I was wondering if you'd maybe...you know sometimes, when your free that is, want to hang out with me?" he asked not looking at her. I stopped a little ways from the table to listen to Kimmy's response.

  "That has got to be the worst way to ask someone out I've ever heard," she laughed.

  "So, is that a yes?" Alex looked at Kimmy questioningly.

  "Absolutely," she grinned. I resisted the urge to awe at them. Pretending like I didn't hear anything I made my way to the table.

  "Hey there," Alex grinned. His whole face was glowing. "I was about to send a team to look for you, thought you might have fallen in."

  Smiling I shook my head. "Was talking to Oliver."

  Alex cringed.

  "You not in trouble. I explained how we basically forced you to come, but me on the other hand. I'm in a lot of trouble," I rolled my eyes and took my drink.

  "So anything interesting happen while I was gone?" I asked raising my eyes brow at Alex.

  "What? I...you heard?" Alex started blushing. I can't believe what I was seeing.

  "She is talking about the waiter," Kimmy smiled.

  "Oh," Alex sighed.

  "Why did something else happen?" I pressed. It was amusing to watch Alex so nervous. Alex looked lost for words but Kimmy came to his rescue.

  "Maybe."

  The subway ride back was agonizingly long. Did I want to tell Oliver what happened? I mean it's not like I have some horrible secret. I want Oliver to know, and I want to know more about Oliver it's just...I don't want to get my heart broke.

  Kimmy pulled into the driveway and we slowly got out. I half expected Oliver to be standing at the door. Alex went first; he pushed the door open and went inside. Oliver stood in the hall waiting for us. He glared at Alex.

  "Don't give him that look. He didn't do anything," I told Oliver frowning.

  "Can I talk to you alone," he said his voice hard and emotionless.

  "Whatever you have to say you can say in front of them," I smiled innocently. The air was tense as all the guys watched.

  "It wasn't a question."

  I glared at him. "I'm not a part of your gang, Oliver. You can't boss me around. Trust me I'm more stubborn that you could ever imagine."

  "Fine," he hissed. "Where have you been?"

  "In the city." I told him simply.

  "Why?"

  "Personal reasons. I'll tell you when you have stopped being and asshole."

  He gritted his teeth. "This isn't a game, Ever. This is serious. You are with me, so you tell me where you are at all times."

  "I don't have to tell you anything, Oliver," I snarled right back. "You don't own me. I'll go where I want when I want and you can kiss my fucking ass."

  "Damn," Logan muttered. Oliver turned his glare on him.

  "Would you stop it," I ordered stepping between him and Logan.

  "You pissed at me remember not them. They had nothing to do with it. Can't you just drop it? Can't you just wait until I'm ready to tell you?"

  "No."

  "Then you’re a damn idiot and you'll never know. If you don't have enough respect for me to wait for me to tell you then you don't need to know me at all," I yelled, turning on my heels I stormed out of the apartment. Kimmy running after me.

  "Ever!" Oliver called after me. Kimmy jumped in the driver seat of her car. I paused by the passenger door, rounding on Oliver. He was standing in the middle of the yard. The guys poking there head out the front door.

  "My mother died, you stupid jackass. Is that what you wanna hear? Congratulations, know you know!"

  I slammed the car door behind me, and Kimmy pulled out of the driveway quickly.

  "Why does he have to be so bossy, so controlling? Why couldn't he have just left it alone?"

  "I don't know hunny," Kimmy said softly. She reached over and squeezed my hand. However, it didn't make me feel any better.

  It had been a week since the funeral. Class with Oliver was...at best...awkward. He had not spoken to me at all. It made me very...I guess you could say disappointed. After I told him you would think he would feel guilty and want to come and make up. Clearly it's not in his nature. I honestly shouldn't be disappointed though. He was my teacher after all but after everything, going to class every day and having him call me Miss Fox, made my heartache. It was foolish to think that we could have anything more.

  Kimmy and I seemed to be growing apart as well; she was always busy with classes and dates with Alex. It was for the most part...very lonely. So I usually went for walks in the park near my apartment. This being one of those nights. It was nice just being out in the fresh air. It helped me think. Not that I should be thinking certain thoughts in the first place.

  The park was quiet and peaceful. No one came here. Why, I don't know. The sky looked ominous through the thick tree limbs above me. I felt something cold and wet hit my cheek and knew it was time to go home. I moved down the dirt path quicker. Hopefully I get home before it starts pouring. But, just as those thoughts entered my mind the sky seemed to unleash a typhoon upon my head. The cold droplets stung as they hit my bare shoulder. Tank top, shorts and flip-flops, don't seem like the best choice of cloths now.

  Picking up the paces I hurried through the rain. My body getting completely soaked. It was hard to see two feet in front of me. Suddenly, my foot caught a tree root and swept my legs out from under me and of course with my luck, down a steep embankment. I tumbled down the hill throwing my hands out in front of me to break my fall. I finally hit the bottom landing smack dab in a mud puddle. Groaning, I pushed myself up and started trying to climb the steep hill. However, it was too muddy to get back up. My arm was also gushing blood, I have no idea how I got cut in the first place.

  Quickly I pulled out my phone. Who should I call though? Kimmy couldn't pull me out of the ditch. Maybe Jet would be better...but then that meant Oliver. Sigh, in defeat I called Jet.

  "Hello," He answered.

  "Jet?" I asked shivering.

  "Ever? What's wrong?" He asked worried.

  "I need a bit of help," I told him sheepishly.

  "Where are you? Are you hurt?" He demanded.

  "Relax, I trip and fell in a ditch and can't get back out," I laughed at how stupid that sounded.

  Jet chuckled as well. "Leave it to you to fall in a ditch. Did you know it's raining?"

  "Oh, really? Is that what that wet stuff is?" I replied sarcastically.

  He laughed again and I told him which park, I just had no idea which embankment I had tripped d
own. After Jet said bye I snapped my phone shut shoving it in my pocket. I tried again to climb up the hill. I heard a twig snap behind me. I spun around staring out into the rain. There was a laugh and someone stepped closer. I couldn't make out what they looked like but I could tell it was a guy. He's taller than I am. He took a few more steps closer and I could finally see his face. He had black shaggy hair that was matted to his forehead by the rain.

  "Well, what do we have here," he commented with a smirk. "They just seem to fall right into our hands don't they, Derek?"

  Derek stepped into view now he was buzzed with an eye brow piercing. He smirked at me as well.

  "Yes, they do, Luke," Derek took a step forward. I stepped back and toppled over into the mud puddle.

  "A bit dirty but she'll do," Luke sneered. My stomach clenched. I shoved myself off the ground.

  "I'd love to stay and chat but I got things to do so..." I made to step around Derek. He stepped in my way. Stopping in my tracks I made to go left but Luke blocked that path.

  "Why not come with us. It would make this so much easier, "Luke held out his hand. I wrapped my arms around my stomach tightly not about to take his hand.

  "But, then again it's much more fun for us it if you scream," Derek sneered reaching into his pocket and pulling out a knife. I cringed at the sight of it and turned to run.

  "Get her," Derek yelled.

  Luke lunged at me. Screaming, I launched a fist into his face. He let out a grunt and I took off running.

  "Dammit, after her!" Luke yelled. I ran through the trees. My flip-flops slipping in the mud. There heavy foot falls behind me.

  "Get back here!" Luke screamed at me. I didn't stop. I ran aimlessly through the forest not being able to see through the pouring rain. Looking over my shoulder I only saw Luke behind me. Where had the other one gone? Suddenly my shoe got stuck in the mud sending me flying. I collapsed in a heap. Scrambling up quickly I kicked off my other shoe and dove into a thick bush. Hoping that it wasn't poison ivy. That would totally just make my day, NOT. Pressing my body against the ground. His footsteps got closer. He stopped right in front of where I was hiding.