#sure he was going to the hospital already to ask about Adrian Andrew’s

[the-southern-cereal-king]

Phoenix Wright, who (presumably) hasn’t slept in three days, is trying to make sure Maya comes back alive, has barely processed edgeworth is back, and has been through two hellish days of investigations and a trial, brought Franziska von Karma flowers while she was in the hospital.

[collateralfiction]

17

Bailey

My fingers combed through my tresses slowly, easing the small knots out of my hair. I had promised Austin that I would help him with his summer work and I was going to stick to that deal. Although last night’s event with Lonnie replayed over and over in my head, I couldn’t really treat Austin any differently because he’s not the reason for any of this. This was something I had to bring up to Adrian when the chance presented itself because last night… wasn’t the right time to do so. Matter fact, we have a lot to talk about and since Adrian doesn’t want anyone leaving the house today, this gives us more than enough time to do just that. I quickly placed my hair in a ponytail before exiting my bathroom. I felt better than I have in the past few days and to be honest, I’m not sure if that should be a good thing I should grow accustomed to or be a bit worried that I feel good in this predicament.

I threw on one of my Crooks N Castles sweatshirt before leaving the vicinity of my bedroom quickly. I told Austin to meet me downstairs in the kitchen and left advised, he did what I said and sat at the counter with a plethora of papers scattered around the area next to him. Though he missed a big chunk of first grade while recovering at the hospital, Justine was able to get a personal teacher for Austin to be around and help him to stay on top of things. That alone is the only reason he’s progressing into second grade where he belongs. But, the work doesn’t stop yet, so I offered to pitch in and help with as much as I could. “Hi, Austin,” I grinned, taking the available seat next to him. I pinched his cheeks obnoxiously before looking over what he was working on. “What’re you working on now?”

“Science and I hate it,” he stressed badly.

“It’s second grade science, how bad can it be?” I teased playfully. “Let me see,” If it’s one thing I can say, Austin will definitely be a well-rounded kid. I know that most of the things that’s sitting in front of him aren’t required of him to learn just yet but Justine slid things of that nature in anyhow. “Liquid, solids and gases; light work!” I said, quickly reading over the directions. Austin had five subjects he had to get through today or at least this morning; English, Writing, Math, Science and Social Studies. I see he’s attempting to do the hard subjects first. “Alright, label what each phase is and then write how they differ,” I said, sliding the paper back his way.

“Differ?” he questioned, uncertain like.

“What’s different about them,” I chuckled. “Got it? Good,” Since Austin was pretty much self-motivated, I didn’t have to do much convincing for him to do this on his own and he didn’t have much questions either. I used his iPad and surfed the web while he continued to work diligently. We had finished the science portion and was now working towards the math section. Not once did he ask for my help and he breezed past it easily. I guess it was due to the fact that Adrian is a great mathematician, so it must have rubbed off on Aussie. While Austin worked on the last few math problems, I stared at him and couldn’t help but feel like I’m in the wrong.

I did see some similarities between Lonnie and Austin and because I’m just now seeing it, it’s hitting me hard. I’m not too sure what Adrian has planned when this is all said and done, and I don’t know what Adrian will eventually do to Lonnie either. Apart of me is worried that he’ll resort to drastic measures and Austin will forever be affected by something like this. It’s clear that Austin doesn’t see his father as much as he should and there’s a reason for that, which I’m not aware of. It just makes all of this even more difficult to do. I’m also curious to know why he didn’t say anything to begin with. Maybe it was strategic of him but it’s backfiring in the end. I didn’t even want to think about Justine and her involvement, to be honest. That was something I would have to confront Adrian about because I don’t even know how to go about explaining that to her. Not that I want to anyhow.

This is someone I actually befriended and now I’m messing with her ex? Messy. “Baileyyy,” Austin dragged out, stabbing me with his eraser multiple times. I grabbed it away from him and slammed it on the table. He laughed it off while continuing to say what he had on his mind. “Can you help me with this now?” he said, pointing towards the next worksheet. I grabbed his math worksheet to look over while examining the new one.

“Oh, so you’re learning about Native Americans, huh?” I smirked. “Let me give you the real story,” I said, draping my arm over his shoulder. It took me roughly fifteen minutes to explain the true story, well as I learned it, to him and from his attentive stare, I knew he was paying attention. It was literally like I was telling him a bedtime story and this story is one for the books that he would remember forever. “So, what did you learn from that?” I asked.

“Andrew Jackson adopted an Indian son but made Indians leave their home on the Trail of Tears,” he said. He has such a good memory.

“Say Native Americans though, alright?” he nodded. “Alright, so what you have to do is just answer these questions concerning the passage, but I basically already gave you the answers so just fill it in,” I sighed, standing up to go grab something to for me to eat. “You want something to eat, Aussie?”

“Pizza?” he asked.

I looked over at the clock on the wall. “How about I make a sandwich instead and then you can ask your uncle for some later?” I bargained with him. He pouted cutely but nodded anyhow. Other than Austin and I, the house was relatively silent but I knew that people were awake and around. It was just peculiar at how quiet things were when normally it’s loud as shit. “What type of meat, Austin?” I asked.

“Pause!” Austin shouted. But it wasn’t just his voice alone, it was Caiden’s as well.

“Get your head out of the gutter,” I said, giving the two of them the eye. “Turkey or Bologna?”

“Turkey,” Austin said.

“You dead our personal chef. You mind making me one?” Caiden asked, siting besides Austin. The math questions I was supposed to be checking over, he was now looking at. I gave him a simple okay as I began to work on another extra Turkey sandwich. With Austin’s sandwich done and microwaved just the way he liked it, I placed the meal in front of him and removed the rest of his summer homework out of the way, so he wouldn’t make a mess.

“Enjoy,” I smiled at the two of them once Caiden’s sandwich was done as well. “Uh, I heard about last night. I’m glad y’all alright,” I said.

“Same here,” he mumbled. “The real props goes to August though. Neither Adrian nor I smelled anything wrong,” He tried to keep his voice low and at a reasonable level because he didn’t want Austin to hear any of this. I’m sure the gang does their best in keeping him out of this light for the best and knowing how smart of a kid Austin is, the slightest bit of information he hears will arouse any sort of question. Things they want to avoid. Lucky for the two of us, Austin was too wrapped up in his food to worry about his surroundings.

“Damn, do you guys have a clue on who did it?” I propped my elbows up and waited for him to give me somewhat of an answer.

“Our first guess is Ryan,” My heart dropped. and I froze. If their intuition is correct and indeed it happens to be Ryan, I can only foreshadow the worst happening from here on out. Burning up a car with people in it is a huge risk and not only is it a huge risk, it’s a bold statement. I can’t even dictate whether or not Ryan’s actions are genuine and if this is all part of his plan to hopefully get me back or just to make things even. I’ve known Ryan for such a long time and at this point, I can’t even tell whether his actions or genuine or not; it’s sad. But without a doubt, a part of me is scared for what’s to come. What if because of Ryan’s actions, my mother and sister is harmed in the process? I won’t be able to feel comfortable knowing that Adrian and everyone else is behind the destruction of one man who has ties to my family. Adrian said that he won’t do anything until Ryan has done something first and he has… so where does things go from here? My head clasped in my hands as I tried my best to compose my breathing. I didn’t want to overthink. but I didn’t want to ignore these feelings either. “Besides him, we can’t think of no other,” he confessed.

“So, you’re saying you don’t really have enemies?” I said, raising my eyebrow to show disbelief. There was no way they didn’t have a few enemies on them; whether it was strictly business or personal.

“When we work with people, after the job is done, we tend to cut off ties and go on ‘bout our business. And even if we did have people gunning for us, we would know, and things would have happened way long ago. On some real shit, it’s not just a coincidence that we hear Ryan got a team ready to fuck with any one of us, at any given moment and all of a sudden our car blows to shreds?” Caiden asked rhetorically. “That’s just not how shit works,” he shrugged.

“But where’s your evidence?” I asked. “How do you know it’s him?” He stared at me with this stoic expression before the corners of his lips tugged into a smirk.

“First things first, it’s not about evidence at this point. It’s common sense and your instincts. But I see where you’re getting at. You trying to protect that old flame of yours, right?” he asked, pointing at the Poland Spring bottle of water that rested in the corner of the kitchen. I sighed and grabbed him one and as he gulped down a hefty some of the room temperature drink, his eyes stayed glued on mine. Seeing that I had yet to respond, he spoke up again, “You can’t protect a grown man. It’s just not going to happen. You not even worried about him, especially since he done you wrong. It’s about your sister and mother. They’re not the targets,”

“You say that now, Caiden,” I mumbled.

“It’s better than what Adrian would have given you,” he shrugged. “Thanks for the food though, B. Catch me in the gym,” he smirked, messing with Austin as left.

“Hulk looking ass nigga,” I chuckled.

“I heard that!” Caiden yelled.

Austin laughed, pulling me away from my thoughts. “Why don’t we come back to the homework much later and for right now, let’s go play on one of your game systems,” I needed a distraction, like yesterday and with Austin’s young self, I’ll be distracted for a long time.

“You can play video games?” he asked, hopping down. I grabbed his plate and placed it in the sink.

“Of course!” I smiled. “Where’s your mom by the way? I haven’t seen her all morning,”

“She’s still asleep. I don’t think she feels good,”

“Let’s make her Chicken Noodle Soup after I destroy you in one of these games,” I smirked.

“Bet,”

__

So, after four rounds of a game that consisted of fast pace car racing, Austin and I stuck to our promise and made his mother some Chicken Noodle Soup. Justine was actually sick, but it wasn’t for the obvious reason Austin would suspect. It was just her monthly gift from Mother Nature and her cramps were bothering her like no other. Austin stayed for as long as he felt needed before his mother told him he could depart and do whatever he felt like. That didn’t leave me off the hook though. So, I remained in her room until she finished eating. “Thank you for this by the way. I just want to sit down and do nothing all day now,”

“That’s you every day,” I chuckled. “I peep. But question that I need an answer to, did you have a job prior to coming here?” It was random, but I wanted to know.

She gasped dramatically before sitting up in bed. “I was unemployed, got a job, didn’t like it and quit,” she expressed. “I don’t know what it is with me and jobs. And it doesn’t help that Adrian always messing with my jobs as well,”

“He doesn’t want you working?” I asked.

“I don’t know if that’s the case. You should ask him,” she winked. I know for a fact no one is aware of what happened between Adrian and I last night. It’s just obvious that we’re on better terms than we have been before. I can’t really explain the kiss or describe it, but I don’t take any of it back. It was perfect, unexpected and his lips are the softest thing around. Any other time, I probably wouldn’t have jumped the gun to kiss him but having him in my space like that did something to me. I wouldn’t declare Adrian as standoffish but he does keep his distance and this whole faux, not mixing business with pleasure no longer has any relevance because that’s already happened. After I asked him to sleep with me for the night, our make out session continued once in the confines of my bedroom but, it didn’t go further than that. As much as I would have enjoyed it, I wasn’t going to let Adrian think he was that suave to talk me out of my panties. His actions would have to prove he’s worthy enough, right?

Exactly.

“I’ll think about it,” I muttered.

“I wonder how your ex would feel if he knew what was happening,” I scooted closer on her bed to the point where I was using her pillow as my cuddling partner. I don’t really think of Ryan as much as I should have. He’s like a distant memory. Our relationship is nonexistent; I’m not mad nor bitter about it. I’m twenty-one and have the rest of my life to date. It wasn’t meant for Ryan and I and the last few months of us being together proved that theory.

“He would be annoyed but can’t do much but accept it. I know he’s not crying a river over me,” I said truthfully. “That’s not the type of man he is,”

“So, why’d you end up in a relationship with him?” she questioned.

“’Cause I loved him,”

“Loved?” she chuckled. “You don’t love him anymore? Or, you aren’t in love with him? There’s a difference, Bailey,” she said sternly. I felt like we already had this conversation before and it was all just a repeat. I did not want to have a conversation consisting of Ryan, regardless of the circumstance. It was useless. But I do want a conversation from him though; a conversation that consists of closure and nothing more. As cliché as it might sound, I have love for Ryan on the basis of a friendship but as far as a relationship goes, I was reaching for something that I don’t think he wanted in the first place. It was all too soon. I’m not in love with him and I haven’t been for a while.

“You know the answer already, Justine,” I huffed. “It’s a thing of the past and I would like for it to remain in the past,”

“Why are you so quick to write it off though? You might be suppressing some feelings,”

“No, I don’t do that,” I chuckled. I don’t suppress my emotions like most but rather, it comes out when least expected or I’m just quick to react which means my emotions are on display no matter what. However, I do tend to put other’s feelings before mine if anything. But suppressing? That’s one thing I don’t do. “I just rather move on. I mean, haven’t you done that with any of your exes?” I questioned, unintentionally leading this conversation into an unwanted direction. Or maybe not.

“It’s hard to do that when one of your exes is the father of your child,” she remarked, pursing her lips together shortly after. And that’s when the wave of guilt began to eat at me. I don’t think I can even bring myself to mention what I know to Justine. Mostly out of fear and not wanting to cause even more tension in the house. This would just be something else added to the list of things Adrian and I needed to discuss. “I met Austin’s father when I was really young, like fifteen. And he was around eighteen by then. As you can see, my mother and I don’t have the best of a relationship like some have it and I began to do things I knew she wouldn’t approve of but wouldn’t have the time to check me about either,” she sighed. I clearly could see this would bring a few tears, so I quickly hurried off her bed and over to the nightstand to grab the tissue box. I threw it on her lap, causing her to chuckle.

“I’m not a crybaby. I don’t know what happened the last time,” she laughed.

“Everyone cries,” I shrugged. “Ain’t a big deal,” I said. “But continue,”

“Mmkay, so, I started to invest in a lot of time with him without my mother knowing and the more I stayed around him, the more I learned that at that time, he was selling dope and shit,” she mumbled. “I wasn’t too surprised because almost every boy I came across was doing the same thing, including my brother so what’s the big deal? The big deal was when I found out I was pregnant, and he wasn’t sure whether or not he wanted to be part of his son’s life,” It was weird hearing everyone’s interpretation of Lonnie because I got the complete opposite.

“He wanted the fast life and I was stupid for cosigning his actions,” By her tone, you could hear the disappointment she held for her own self. “It’s just backfired in the end because he rarely sees his son and it hurts knowing that they might not have a strong relationship,”

“Why not?” I said, not wanting to be too nosy but still gain some sort of insight. Maybe there’s an alternative route I can take instead of meddling between a family like this. Maybe if Adrian would be a little more truthful, he could simply involve his sister in this matter and she may very well have the answers he seeks. For crying out loud, the amount of time I would have to spend with Lonnie to figure out one tidbit of information is nothing compared to what Justine should alreadyknow. But, I digress. There must be a method to his madness. I just don’t want this to all backfire in the end because of something that could have been easily avoidable.

“Adrian hasn’t told you?” she asked, looking at me a bit skeptical.

“About…?” I continued to push.

She sighed and began to fumble with the ends of her sweater. “Well, you know Austin was kidnapped and beaten and that all happened under Lonnie’s, Austin’s father, supervision,” she said slowly, trying to prevent herself from crying.

“Oh, that makes sense,” I muttered to myself. Probably one of the reasons why Austin is in Justine’s custody fully.

“Anyway, that’s why I can’t move on from my ex,” she chuckled, attempting to brighten the mood. I laughed along with her, so she wouldn’t have the chance to suspect anything.

“You still love him, and I mean essentially, in love?” If she happened to be in love with him, that would reshape everything that was bound to happen and if she feels this confident to express so much to me, me going behind her back to just help Adrian get even at Lonnie isn’t even worth it. But, if she surprises me and says that she isn’t, I guess she wouldn’t feel that butt hurt in knowing something of this caliber. Still, this is the aftermath of something Adrian has to deal with, especially if this is his sister!

I turned my head to get a better look at Justine as she contemplated her next words to express her feelings about Lonnie. I was hoping that her response would be the latter of my thoughts but by her prolonged thoughts, I knew the answer.

“No but since he’s my child’s father, I now have unconditional love for him,” I sighed in relief discreetly. It’s better than her being in love with someone who just might end up dead.

A well-deservednap and slice of cheesy Pizza later, everyone seemed pretty much ready to call it a night, especially with us all wearing ourselves out tonight by doing extraneous activities Austin came up with. It was actually fun, but you would think Austin would be the most tired out of all of us, not at all. He was ready to do this all over again as soon as he finished his Pizza and received his medicine for the night. As soon as Justine made sure that he was washed and well taken care of for the night, he would be right back downstairs in the confines of the living room where everyone was at. Well, more so where Adrian and I was at. Everyone was used to doing something and going out but today was an exception. Adrian wanted to take extreme caution to ensure everyone’s safety so the lockdown for the day seemed suitable. That is until everyone seemed cranky during some part of the day. But from here on out, I don’t know what’s to come. Adrian and the guys have already had their little discussion late last night while everyone was supposedly asleep, like he would have thought I didn’t notice him slipping out of my room and made arrangements I’m not included on.

“Adrian, we need to talk,” I muttered, tapping my nails against the couch cushions. A little over a week ago, Justine and I had went to a nail salon around the area called ‘Feisty Nails’ and as a treat for me, Justine paid for a manicure and pedicure for us and now my long acrylic nails were colored white, really bringing out my skin tone.

“We were just talking less than a minute ago, what changed?” he mumbled, flicking through the channels aimlessly.

“No, I mean we have to discuss a few things that I have questions about,” I spoke.

“Go ahead,”

“First round of discussion, your lapdog Elsa. Seriously, how does she know about my father?” I didn’t sleep peacefully knowing that Elsa knew something that personal. I don’t talk to the bitch and she definitely doesn’t talk to me, so how does she have a clue? I’m going to believe Adrian in him telling the truth of not saying much to her about me, but something isn’t adding up.

“She ain’t my bitch anymore,” he grunted.

“I don’t care. That’s not my question,” I said sternly, realizing that he was going to beat around the bush.

“I told you, I don’t know. I didn’t say anything to her about you. I would never,” he mumbled, stopping his channel surfing.

“Can you look at me?” I snapped. “I know you don’t give a fuck about my father, but can you at least show you care somewhat!?” From the other side of the couch we both resided on, he sat up and gave me his undivided attention. I was being dead serious right now and no amount of foolery would make me feel otherwise.

“Alright, you’on need to yell at me, B,” he said in a rough tone. “I told you I don’t know and that’s my word. Why the fuck I need to lie to you for?”

“You don’t know, huh? If I were you, I would find out,” I said. “Why might you ask? Sure, I’ll tell you. If this bitch knows about my father, she also knows that I’m kidnapped. She knows that I’m kidnapped, she’ll eventually run and tell someone because you cut her off!”

“She wouldn’t dare,” he said way too calmly for my liking, his eyes lowering.

“You’re way too lax right now,” I said, shaking my head lightly.  

“So, what do you want me to do to make you feel comfortable?” His voice sounded condescending and I didn’t like the tone he was using. Let it be Justine in my predicament here, he would blow a roof but for me, it’s different. I see.

I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest. “Do nothing,” I mumbled. “I bet Justin or Caiden would have an answer for me before you do,”

“Alright, glad that’s cleared,” he nodded. If the expression on my face wasn’t enough to show how turned off I was by his behavior, me walking away was more than enough. If he wasn’t going to listen to me or take me serious enough to have a conversation about things related to me, then there’s no point in me saying anymore. Before I could even reach the staircase, he was already pulling me back into his strong arms. “You like me running after you, huh?” he said near my ear.

“No,” I said. “I hate that’s you’re not listening when I need you to the most,” I pouted.

“Alright, alright. Come back and talk to me. I’ll listen,” he pleaded. Pushing his body away from mine, I walked past the living room we were just in, past the kitchen and outside towards the pool area. I don’t know why but having conversations outside with Adrian are easier for me to get through oppose to when we’re inside the house. I sat down first, tucking my feet under my ass and he plopped down beside me, really giving me his undivided attention now that there were no distractions available. “I’m all yours, go ahead,”

Taking a deep breath, I repeated my worries to him once again. “If you didn’t tell Elsa about my father and I didn’t either, how would she know such a thing, Adrian? And be honest. If you were being carless and she overheard, let me know!”

“I don’t talk business around Elsa but if you want to put the blame on someone, it’s my fault for allowing her inside the house but it ain’t come from me,”

“So… maybe one of your boys?” That chances of that were slim.

“Nah,” he said with ease. “But, I’ll look into it for you, okay?” he questioned, pulling me closer towards him. I nodded slowly; I had no choice but to be okay with it for now. I’m sure it raised a few concerns in Adrian’s mind but he wasn’t speaking of it verbally to me at least. I just hope that Elsa bringing that up wouldn’t be my demise nor Adrian’s. “Anything else?”

“Yes, there is actually,” I said, loosening up. I might as well lay it on all on the table now that I have his attention. “Why didn’t you tell me Lonnie was Austin’s father?” I whispered harshly, afraid that Justine or Austin might hear. His eyebrows raised as he stared at me through squinted eyes. Whatever excuse that spews out of his mouth, better be a good excuse.

“Because of that reaction there,” he mumbled, bringing his hand down his face tiredly. Just by looking at the tiredness in his eyes, if the time called for it, I would have discontinued the conversation and let him get his rest but at a time like this, nope. Now that I finally have him all to myself, there’s no way I was going to let him get his beauty sleep. He would have to put up with me and my inquiries until I’m satisfied. “It’s not like it was meant to remain a secret but I wasn’t trying to cause you to jeopardize this shit and have you slip by mentioning it to either Justine or Lonnie,”

“Well that was probably one of the worst ideas you’ve ever come up with,” He looked slightly offended, but that only caused me to chuckle slightly. “Do you know Lonnie showed me a picture of Austin and I almost blurted out his name before he had the chance to do so? What if he heard me? Then what?” I questioned.

“Then, you play it off,” he said casually. Although by the irked expression on his face, I know he’s the least bit happy in me slipping; not me finding out that this is Austin’s father I’m messing with. I mean, the truth was going to come out one way or another but I think it would have been much better if Adrian was just upfront about this all along, so I wouldn’t feel guilty about my actions. But, along the way, I’m learning that Adrian is selfish and being that I am the complete opposite, that doesn’t mesh quite well.

“Does Justine even know about any of this?” I asked, already knowing the answer but I wanted him to explain to me why she doesn’t and what good does that do. He shook his head like I knew he would. “And why is that?” I muttered.

“I know Justine is still in love with that nigga and if she was to hear some shit like this, she would try to stop it and meddle in between something that doesn’t concern her as much as she thinks it does. Maybe if she would have thought of working with me and not against me in helping, you wouldn’t be in this predicament. It’s best that you don’t mention a damn thing to Justine about this anyhow. I should have known y’all was going to grow close and that’s a mistake on my part. But under any circumstances, I don’t need you telling Justine shit,”

“So, you will?” I said, leaning on my side to face him. His fingers danced along my Dream Catcher tattoo that was strategically placed along my side. He was becoming distracted, so I gently grasped his large hand in mine and stopped his hand movements, forcing him to look up at me.

“When the time calls for it. Just watch what you say around her, that’s all,” He makes it seem so easy. “Is that it?”

“No,” I said.

Adrian

Yesterday and today has been nothing but tiresome. With the bombing of one our cars to Bailey and her inquisitive mind, I don’t know what’s worse. I’d like to think the latter is the worst of the two but they both hold the same weight. I have no doubt that Ryan was the one that set that up. That was something he would do, especially with larceny being his signature style and choice of execution. No one can tell me otherwise until I have legit proof someone else could have done it. This is definitely a bold move on his part and although this doesn’t mean war just yet, this does have my eyes and ears wide open. If he can place a bomb in one of my cars, that means he’s been following me somewhere in order to know which one is my car, and to spot where I was yesterday. As much as a huge stunt that must have been for Ryan, if he was really smart, he would have followed me until I got to my residence and then tried to bomb me. But he isn’t as well thought out as you would think for someone who wants to bomb me, right?

Well, at least that’s how I look at the situation.

Now, it’s my turn to make the next move.

“What more is there to question me about?” I said. I dead felt like I was in a police station, getting questioned over and over for something that is out of my control.

“Why did you make me kill someone?” I could still hear some lingering hate in between her words even though her words were whispered.

“I didn’t make you do anything,” I countered.

“Bullshit,” she muttered. “What was the purpose of that?” she continued to press. This one topic she would not let go so I knew I had to start coughing up some answers.

“Listen, I have a hard way of expressing myself and I tend to go to the extreme at times but that’s just me,” I shrugged. It was true, she didn’t have to kill anyone but at the time, that was the price she paid for having that sense of doubt and not being able to fully trust me. No one likes to be doubted and it didn’t sit right with me knowing that Bailey was questioning me like I would intentionally put her in harm’s way. Maybe having her kill someone was a bit too excessive, but it got the point across, at least in my mind it did. It didn’t really matter whether someone else saw what I did as fit or justifiable because it was only me who got the satisfaction out of it at the end of the day. “It’s just the way I get my point across,”

“That sounds contradicting,” she chuckled. “You have a hard time of expressing yourself, but you get your point across better than what I would expect,” she elaborated. I knew she would say some shit like that so that’s why I kept quiet and allowed her to rant. “I believe you have no problem expressing who you are and getting your point across. It just bothers me that you feel the need to be sneaky and then you have the nerve to get mad when I question you on shit like this. I just don’t think it’s fair, especially when you use excess aggression,”

“Compared to a lot of people, I barely touch you,”

“Oh, but when you do it’s a problem,” she quickly retorted.

“So, I won’t touch you,” I smirked, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Ugh!” she groaned, hitting me with the circular pillow. “You’re such a fuckin’ douche,”

“Sometimes,” I replied nonchalant like. “But look, I hear what you’re saying. It ain’t going in one ear and coming out the other type shit, alright?”

“Mhm,”

“Yo, I’m deadass though. You not tryna believe me?”

“I didn’t say that,”

“So, what are you saying?” I questioned.

“You’re one difficult ass man,” she said, rolling her eyes.

“Don’t do that,” I mumbled.

“Why not?” she asked.

“They’ll get stuck like that,” I chuckled. “You ain’t see that SpongeBob episode? That Spongey nigga and his lazy sidekick was making them ugly ass faces n’ shit,”

“How would you know?” she smirked, sitting upright.

“My nigga Ace be watching that shit,”

“Austin?”

“Yep!”

“Well look at that! Adrian watching SpongeBob? That must be a sight to see,” she giggled. I shook my head and stood up from the area. She followed suit as we strolled into the house and back towards the living room. Before she could turn to walk in, I grabbed her hand and made her follow me upstairs. She stumbled along the way causing me to chuckle. “That’s not funny. Where are you taking me?” she questioned. I ignored her inquires while continuing the distance towards my bedroom. She played a nigga last night; I can’t even front. In my book, kissing automatically leads to sex but she put a stop to all of that shit. “I know you be fuckin’ other bitches so I hope these are clean sheets,”

“You got jokes. I’on bring bitches to my crib anymore, not with Austin around,” Which was true. There were certain things I didn’t want to expose him to, let alone think is right so it’s best that he’s censored from it. However, if he so happens to have a question concerning something I do and what he sees, I won’t sugarcoat it from him. I’ll have no choice but to be blunt about it because I’ll be damned if he finds out from someone else.

“Well that’s good. He needs a good role model,”

“Yeah, yeah,” I mumbled, catching her subliminal message.

“Well, there must be a reason why you want me here, right?” she inquired. Hell yeah but I know she not ‘bout to do it. “Hmph, thought so. Let’s talk,” I think she might have read my mind.

“We been doing that for the past hour, B. You don’t ever want to just relax and look at the moon?” I watched the many expression change on her face in a matter of seconds before she busted out laughing. “Alright, alright. What you in the mood to talk about, again might I add?”

“Uh,” she began, sitting on the edge of my bed. Funny how she had the illest crush on a nigga and know she’s trying to distance herself away from me. I pulled her closer towards me and made her look at me. Bailey a funny one.

“Don’t even have a topic to discuss,” I chuckled lowly. “But aye, you were really scared for a nigga or what?”

“Ugh, how many times do we have to go over this?” she questioned. “But yes. I was. I already lost a lot of people as is and even though you treat me like shit, I still have a heart and worry ‘bout yo ass,”

“Hm, who you lost?”

She hesitated for a moment. “A lot of people actually. I’m not speaking just literally but… have you ever lost a friend before? But they’re still alive?” she asked, stopping her rambling quickly.

“A friend? Yeah,” I nodded. I mean, who hasn’t?

“Well, yeah. I’ve lost friends before. Like when you kidnapped me…” Kidnapped sounded like such a bad word to use. I’m sure she can come up with something better. “… I left behind a whole family, friends and shit. I don’t know when’s the next time I’m going to see them. Do you?”

“How long you gon’ have this attitude ‘bout that shit? I know what I did wasn’t right. I know. But like I said, I take extreme measures and always have. I feel bad that you feel like you lost your family but they right where you left ‘em. Them niggas coming for my dome anyhow. They alive,” I shrugged off.

“Can you be considerate for a second?” she grumbled. “Or, I’ll just leave and talk to Aussie for the night,”

“Austin and me are the same people. Fuck you though this is?” I smirked.

“Nuh uh. He’s way nicer and he’s way too smooth to be like you,”

“That’s not what your actions say but I’m sleep,”

“Whatever,” she dismissed. “I finally know what I want to talk about though,”

“Go ‘head,” I nodded.

“What is your goal in life?” she asked, attempting to be deep and shit. Probably trying to figure me out. Anyhow, I did take the question into serious consideration as I thought about it. I remember in High School, each year they would make us write our dreams and aspirations down on a piece of paper and write alongside how we would accomplish it. I think mine always said the same thing each year and that was to be able to comfortably take care of my family. I don’t know what type of mother my mom was, but it wasn’t one of those traditional types. My grandmother practically raised me and if I have anything to say about that, it goes to show my mother wasn’t shit and still isn’t. The least she could attempt to do is make sure she’s present in Austin life because I’d be damned if I had a kid and her ass isn’t around.

“Making sure my family is set. Yours?”

“No, no, no. Like, your personal goal?” she tried to clarify but that was my personal goal.

“That is my personal goal,” I chuckled.

“I think you need to make one for yourself,” she mumbled, laying her big ass dome on my chest.

“In due time,” I mumbled. “What about you?”

“Uh, reconnect with my father and make sure he doesn’t hate me after all of this madness and put my degree to use. Sounds good, right?” I nodded my head, feeling a little bad for putting her through this shit. But, what’s done is done and I can’t take shit back. You live and you learn, right?

[theoddcatlady]

Sticks and Stones

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

A flawless saying used against bullies to defend yourself from teasing... according to parents and teachers.

Her name was Bessie. Bessie moved here during fifth grade right before Christmas. By that time all of us had our groups set. Our own friends. We weren’t quite willing to move over to make room for someone new. Especially ‘Moo Cow Bessie’.

It wasn’t my idea to call her Moo Cow. She wasn’t even that fat, a little chunky sure, but no more than any other kid that age. That was Kyle’s idea. 

Kyle was one of the popular kids. He always had the coolest birthday parties and sleepovers. To be on the invitation list was a blessing from the gods. I always wanted to be go. So when Bessie was introduced to the class, and when Kyle took one look at her and muttered ‘Mooooo’, well, the deal was sealed.

I didn’t really know Bessie. She was very quiet, liked to keep to herself. But every chance Kyle got to pick on her he did, and soon we all joined in.

I wish all I did was ‘moo’ at her like everyone else. Whenever Bessie walked to the front of the class, the quiet chorus would start up. 

“Moooo!”

Poor Bessie would sink her shoulders in and say nothing. The teacher would step in once he heard it, but Mr. Ford was half deaf and we all knew it. 

The teasing got taken up a notch when Bessie was picked to sing a solo at the Christmas program. Bessie could sing very well. For cliché’s sake, she sounded like an angel when she sung. The first time she sung for the class even Kyle was spell bound.

That didn’t last long. 

See, Kyle had a twin sister Kylie. I didn’t care about Kylie. She was a girl. But Kylie had also tried out for the solo, and she got overlooked. It wasn’t exactly a shocker- Kylie had the singing skill of a blender full of nuts and bolts. But Kyle took insult to the fact ‘Moo Cow Bessie’ got the part and his sister was just part of the choir. 

So he settled on a plan. 

Post it notes covered in slobbering cow heads doodles covered her locker. The mooing followed Bessie onto the bus, and since the bus driver didn’t give two shits unless someone pulled like a knife, we'd moo all the way to Bessie’s house. An entire school bus of children mooing at the top of their lungs. I bet most of the kids didn’t even know why they were mooing. Poor Bessie would shrink in her seat and hum under her breath.

I take full blame for the milk prank.

I wanted to impress Kyle, his birthday was in January and I was determined to get on that invite list. No matter what it took. So when a gallon of milk went bad at my house, I snuck it into my school bag and approached Kyle at lunch.

Kyle looked up at me, raising an eyebrow. “Andrew?” He guessed.

“Adrian, actually.” I sat next to Kyle, much to the table’s bafflement, and lowered my voice. “I want your help to prank Bessie.”

That got Kyle’s attention. He grinned and leaned in. “Whatcha got in mind?” He asked.

I told him about the milk and reminded him that dress rehearsal was that night. You could see the wheels turning in Kyle’s head as he put together my plan. He clapped a hand on my shoulder and I felt like God himself had given his approval to me.

“Adrian, I never thought I’d say this, but you’re a genius.”

That night we laid off of Bessie. No more mooing, no more snickering whenever she walked passed. Kyle even gave her a pep talk before she went up for her solo, telling her she was going to do great and that he was sorry for being jealous. 

I never saw Bessie so happy as she did on that stage. I never would again.

We were hiding out by the playground, Kyle had set up that Bessie would come meet him so he could ‘give her more tips’.

I was the one holding the milk jug. I was the one that tipped it over her head when she was facing Kyle, completely unaware I was there.

Chunky milk spilled down Bessie’s hair and dress, her eyes popping out and her mouth formed an ‘o’ shape.  Then she smelled it and immediately hurled, vomit splattered on the ground and her shoes.

Kyle started laughing hysterically and we all popped out of our hiding spots, mooing at the top of our lungs. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I saw the exact moment where Bessie accepted her situation. That she was a ‘Moo Cow’, that everyone hated her and that she would always be the butt of the joke.

She ran off home crying. Kyle let me sleep over at his house that weekend. We ate ice cream and made more jokes about Moo Cows. By Monday the choir teacher let us know that Bessie had chosen to drop out and that Kylie would be taking her place. 

This is also when Bessie started wearing hats to school.

When she initially came into class, I didn’t even realize it was her. She was wearing a beanie and her hair was all pulled up into it. Mr. Ford looked up and frowned. "Bessie, dress code states-" Before he could finish that sentence, Bessie shoved a piece of paper into Mr. Ford’s hands. 

He took a few minutes to read it before his expression changed to shock. “Oh, Bessie, I’m… I’m so sorry, do I need to do anything?”

Bessie stole the piece of paper back and wrote down something before lifting it up. Mr. Ford read it again before nodding. “Of course, of course. Whatever you need. I’m here for you Bessie.” 

When Bessie passed Kyle’s desk, I heard him quietly mutter ‘moo’. 

But this time Bessie didn’t just retreat back to her desk. 

With her full strength, she shoved over Kyle’s desk, sending him to the floor along with his friend Ben. Kyle shouted in shock as Bessie walked to sit next to Kylie, crossing her legs and smiling pretty. She set her hand on Kylie’s shoulder and squeezed like they were old pals. Kylie looked baffled but said nothing. She probably didn’t want to get shoved over too.

Kyle set back up his desk while complaining loudly that Bessie attacked him. Mr. Ford claimed he didn’t see anything, but I saw a gleam behind those thick glasses that I hadn’t before. Perhaps Mr. Ford hadn’t been so ignorant of Bessie’s torment. 

Bessie no longer seemed able to talk. Mr. Ford never called on her or tried to make her speak. Even when it came to our Christmas Vacation report Bessie got a pass to turn in a written report instead of speaking it in front of the class. 

Kylie was now Bessie’s ‘best friend’. Bessie walked everywhere with Kylie. She’d give Kylie little gifts, from cute erasers to little homemade pies that could fit in your hand. Kylie seemed too afraid to deny any of these gifts. Bessie would always have this little smirk when she delivered these gifts. Like she was aware that the whole school knew that ‘Moo Cow Bessie’ was now Kylie’s BFF. She even made them best friend bracelets, which of course Kylie had to wear daily wherever she went. 

I guess that’s why Bessie got invited to the twins’ birthday bash and sleepover. After all, they were ‘best friends.’

By this time, Bessie had gained a lot more weight, but it wasn’t fat, it was muscle. One of her arms was thicker than two of mine put together. She must have had her dress taken out- I recognized the stains on it. It was the one she wore to the dress rehearsal. 

It was everything I thought it would be. The newest video games we could all play. An ice cream bar. Pizza of every combination of toppings. There was even party games that had prizes like full size candy bars or money. 

It was almost midnight when Kylie stood up, Bessie standing behind her with her little smile.

“Hey, everyone! It’s… it’s time for hide and seek in the dark!”

Kyle looked confused, but his confusion was outweighed by everyone’s excitement. Kyle’s house had a big forest behind it, it was the perfect place to play hide and seek. The dark added an element of fun to it. 

We all marched outside, Kylie saying she’d seek first. I climbed up in a tree and wrapped my hoodie around myself. Even if Kylie found me she wouldn’t be able to get me. I thought it was perfect. 

As time wore on though, I started to get bored. No one was running around, there wasn’t any giggling or loud complaining when someone got found. I was starting to consider hopping down when someone stumbled out of the bushes. I only recognized her as Bessie after she pitched a rock at my chest, sending me toppling from the tree. 

I fell with a scream, hitting the ground with a crack. My whole body went cold except for the fiery hot pain in my back. I couldn’t move. I could barely breathe. I saw Bessie’s vomited soiled shoes step into my line of sight before she bent over to look me in the eyes. 

She’d stopped wearing the hat now. Her brown hair mixed with clumpy white locks was wild and thick, and her eyes had gone almost completely black. But what scared me most was the horns. Two sharp, ivory horns, sticking out from her temples.

Bessie gripped her weapon, a sharpened stick that was already covered with blood and gore. She raised it in the air like a spear. 

Then Kyle barreled though the bushes.

“Adrian? Adrian are you okay- OH MY GOD!”

Bessie turned and charged with a bellow. Her horns impaled him right through his belly. I saw Kyle’s face go white as a sheet before Bessie tossed her head back, throw him to the ground. She then used the stick, stabbing him repeatedly until it snapped... and then she beat his already dead body with her hands. She only let up when Kylie cried out, “He’s dead already! Stop it! Please, please stop!” 

Bessie slowly craned her neck to the sighed and made a soft humming sound. Kylie walked out, her face covered in tears. “I did what you wanted, okay!? Please just leave me alone!” 

Bessie contemplated this for a moment before she cocked her head at me. Kylie walked up to me, kneeling by my limp body.

“… He’s dead. Please, just... just go.”

I must’ve passed out after that. I woke up in the hospital. 

I was the only survivor, but I would never walk again. Every other kid had been killed in horrific ways before their bodies were mutilated. Kyle had the worst done to him- they only ID’d him because he was the only other boy unaccounted for. Kylie hadn't been found. Neither had Bessie. The police chalked it up to whoever had done this had kidnapped the two girls. They'd probably never find out what happened to them.

My class was so much emptier after the birthday party massacre. It was the most morbid silence. Even knowing what happened, some kids tried calling me wheels to tease me. I learned to ignore them.

Sticks and stones, after all.