I dart between then, pushing my brother into the bathroom. “That’s enough. We’re going to be late for school,” the words rush from me.
Dad’s eyes narrow on me, and a dark frown makes him look murderous as he hisses, “What did you say?”
“Jonah, please,” Mom whimpers from the side.
She reaches a trembling hand out to him, and he shoves her so hard she falls backward. “Don’t fucking ‘Jonah please’ me! It’s because you baby them that I have two gutless cowards for sons.”
When he grabs hold of Mom’s arm, I pull the bathroom door shut behind me so Brady will be safe, and then grab hold of Dad’s shoulder. “Let go of her.”
Dad swings around, and the slap to my ear stuns me for a moment. “Oh, you think you’re man enough to take me on?”
I glance at Mom. “Go to your bedroom.”
There’s a pained look mixing with the fear in her eyes, and she hesitates.
“Go, Mom!” I shout.
Dad lets out a bark of laughter. He shakes his head, a shit-eating grin on his face as he watches Mom do as I say, then he turns his crazed eyes back on me. “Let’s see if you actually have a set of balls on you because right now, I’m sure all I’ll find is a pussy.”
I clench my jaw while holding his gaze.
He lets out another bark of laughter. “See, all talk and no action. You’re a fucking disgrace.” He waves a fist in the air. “All of you are. I fucking bust my ass at the office for this family, and what thanks do I get?” He takes a threatening step closer to me. “Fucking disrespect. That’s what.”
In the past, I used to be scared shitless whenever he was like this, but after growing used to it, I hardly feel any emotion now.
The impassive expression I give Dad turns his face red with rage, and he lunges at me. Grabbing hold of my shirt, he shoves me against the wall while spitting, “Don’t give me that look. You’re nothing but human waste.”
I bite my tongue, not giving him any reaction, and it only enrages him more.
“Colton.” Hearing my name snaps me out of the past, and my eyes shoot up. Mr. Donati gives me a concerned look as he places a hand on my shoulder. He keeps his voice low as he asks, “Are you okay?”
“Yes, sir,” I mutter, shifting uneasily in my chair.
He nods, giving my shoulder a squeeze before he continues with class.
Shit, it’s the first time something like that happened. I’ve never had flashbacks before.
I clear my throat, and picking up a pen, I scribble on a page to keep my hand busy, but when I notice I’m trembling, I shove both my hands under the desk and clasp them tightly together. My heart is still beating like crazy as if it just happened.
That was the first time my father beat me so severely I couldn’t go to school for two weeks. We used meningitis as an excuse.
The bell rings, and while I’m gathering my stuff, Mr. Donati walks to me and places a piece of paper on my desk. “That’s my number. If you need to talk, just call. It doesn’t matter what the time is.”
Taking hold of the paper, I glance up at him.
None of my previous teachers cared. I was more off sick than at school toward the end of last year, and that’s part of the reason I have to repeat my senior year.
I begin to say, “I’m fi –” but Mr. Donati shakes his head.
“You’re not, Colton. I’d like to help but if you can’t talk to me, then go meet with the counselor. You need to talk to someone about what happened.”
I rise to my feet and shrug my bag’s strap over my shoulder. Shoving the paper with his number into the inside pocket of my jacket, I mutter, “Talking won’t change the past.” I walk to the door but then guilt creeps into my chest, and I pause. Glancing back at the teacher, I say, “Mr. Donati.”
“Yes.” His eyes lock on mine.
“Thanks for caring, though.”
Mr. Donati’s lips curve into a compassionate smile before I walk out of the classroom.
After the day from hell, I just want to go home, but I only make it to the lockers when I hear a loud bang, and my eyes dart toward the sound.
Michael has Brie pushed up against the lockers, and not thinking twice, I stalk toward them.
“No,” Brie whimpers while trying to free herself from his hold.
“No?” he sneers. “I thought you needed the money.”
I slide an arm between them and shove Michael away from Brie. Glancing at her, I snap, “Finish up so we can leave.”
I turn my gaze back to Michael, who’s glaring darkly at me. Then a smirk forms on his face. “Oh, brother, you’re really begging for a beating.”
“I’m not your brother.” I take a step closer to him. “Leave her alone.”
“Don’t tell me you’re into the weirdo,” he chuckles.
I give him a look of warning before glancing back to Brie. I wait for her to shut the locker then take hold of her arm. She’s so petite, it feels like I’ll break her bones if I tighten my grip too hard.
The moment we’re out of the building, she pulls her arm free from my hold.
“Seriously?” Michael laughs as he follows behind us. “I didn’t take you for a freak lover. I actually thought you were badass. Such a fucking shame.”
I know if I leave Brie here, the asshole will probably continue to bully her. I gesture to where my truck is parked. “I’ll give you a ride home.”
“Holy shit, will you look at that,” Michael hollers. “Freak managed to get herself some dick.”
I open the passenger door and snap, “Get in.”
Brie hesitates, then shakes her head. “I’ll walk.”
Tilting my head, I lean down so I can catch her eyes and only manage to hold them for a moment before she focuses on our feet. “You’re wasting my time. Get in so I can drop you off at home.”
Again she hesitates, but then she gets in. I slam the door shut, and walking around the front of the car, I mumble, “This day is un-fucking-believable.”
Micheal walks up to me, and I notice a group of girls trailing behind him. He’s just like Sully. An arrogant bastard who thinks he can do whatever he pleases.
“You’re picking the wrong side,” Michael warns.
“Baby, let's go,” one of the girl’s whines. “I want to get to Devil’s Bluff before everyone else.”
I climb behind the steering wheel and shove my bag into the space at Brie’s feet. Starting the engine, I give Michael the same look I always gave my father – impassive as fuck.
I reverse out of the parking, and unable to contain my anger, I bark, “Why do you let them push you around?”
Brie doesn’t answer me until I steer the vehicle down the road. She sounds scared shitless as she mumbles, “It’s not like I have a choice.”
I glance at her and take in how she’s cowering against the door. “You have zero survival skills,” I snap.
Her eyes dart to me just as I turn my gaze back to the road ahead.
“You can drop me off right here. I’ll walk the rest of the way,” she rambles.
I glance at her again, and seeing the uneasy look on her face, I force myself to calm down.
“We live on the same street. You can ride with me from now on.”
“No… thanks.”
“It wasn’t a question,” I state as I stop at a traffic light.
“But… you don’t have to pick me up,” she mutters.
I swear, a summer breeze could blow this girl right off the face of the planet. It’s infuriating.
“They won’t stop until you stand up for yourself.” Brie doesn’t respond to what I said, and it makes me grit my teeth. “It will only get worse.”
Brie stares out of the window, her arms wrapped tightly over her chest.
God, give me strength!
“Brie!” I snap, and it has her eyes darting to me. “I won’t always be there to stop Michael and Sully.” I take a breath, then add, “Or your mother.”
A look of helplessness makes t
he color of her eyes turn darker as she whispers, “I never asked you to.”
I let out a frustrated sigh. There’s no getting through to her.
Just like with Brady.
I turn up her driveway, and it has Brie gasping, “Right here is fine.”
“I’ll be here just after seven. Don’t make me wait,” I mention as she pushes the passenger door open.
She nods as she climbs out, then she hesitates and first glances up the road before asking, “Do you really live at number twenty-nine?”
“Yeah.”
She begins to shut the door, then quickly says, “Have a good night.”
I watch her walk up the driveway before I head home, wondering if I’ll ever be able to make her understand that she has to fight back.
Chapter 6
BRIE
With my mother not home to keep time of how long I bathe, I fill the tub and even add some bubble bath that I stole from her bathroom.
I slip into the warm water, and when I lie back, a smile spreads over my face. I gather a bunch of bubbles in the palm of my hand and watch as they pop.
It’s so nice having the house to myself, and I wish I could live on my own. Something small and far away from any town. Maybe a cottage in the mountains. Definitely, something cozy that’s not near other people.
I could grow my own vegetables and fruits. I could have chickens.
I pull a face at the thought. I won’t be able to hurt them, and I’d end up becoming a vegetarian or vegan.
A happy sigh escapes my lips as I close my eyes and sink deeper into the water.
I’d have a long bath every day. I’d have a room with lots of light where I can sketch. I’d hum a tune while preparing dinner. I’d binge-watch a show on TV surrounded by snacks.
I wouldn’t be careful not to make a noise. I’d sleep all day and stay up all night.
I’d paint all the walls in different colors, and it will be like living in a rainbow. I’ll get a puppy, and he’ll love me.
I wouldn’t have to ask permission for anything.
No one hurting me. No fear.
Just me living happily in my house.
I wake up and stretch out, a smile playing around my lips because I slept right through the night. I didn’t even have any dreams.
The past couple of days have been pure bliss.
Mom’s coming back today.
The thought makes a heaviness weigh down on me, and my shoulders slump as I climb out of bed.
Walking to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face, I soak in the peacefulness around me one last time.
She’ll probably be back when I get home from school.
After I’m done with my morning routine, and I’m dressed for school, I grab my bag then leave the house.
I’m hesitant about riding to school with Colton. It’s already been a week, and he hasn’t bullied me. He even stood up to Michael and Sully for me, and though he made me feel like I’m a nuisance, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Colton helped me.
No one has ever tried to help me.
I stop by Colton’s mailbox and stare at the house. The garden is pretty. The front door opens, and my heart beats a little faster as I watch Colton walk to the truck. His gait still gives off the impression that he’s prowling for prey.
Should I ride with him or find a place to hide while I still can?
Dang, I’m running out of time. I need to decide now.
Maybe we can become friends?
He’s a lot bigger than me, and the bullies will leave me alone then.
I’m still in two minds as the truck reverses down the driveway. Colton glances to his right, then to the left. His eyes skim over me and then instantly dart back, and the truck jerks to a sudden stop.
Not wanting to annoy him, I dart forward. Opening the door, I’m careful not to step on Colton’s bag as I climb into the cab.
Sitting next to him, a familiar feeling of apprehension slithers down my spine as I mumble, “Morning.”
Maybe this is a mistake.
“Morning.” Colton checks the road, and as he reverses onto it, he says, “Put on your seatbelt.”
I quickly do it and then stare at the street ahead.
“Did you sleep okay?” Colton suddenly asks.
I nod. “Yeah.” There’s a pause before I ask, “And you?”
“Yeah.”
The atmosphere feels so awkward it makes my neck and face heat.
Colton must notice because he asks, “Are you okay?”
I nod and swallow hard before I explain, “I’m just awkward around people.” I dare a glance in his direction and see the corner of his mouth lifting.
Is he going to laugh at me?
“Me too.”
His words stun me, and I end up staring at him. “Really?”
“Yeah.” A grin forms on his face, and he doesn’t look as scary anymore. “People tend to suck.”
Maybe we can be friends, or at least get along like Aspen and I do.
Feeling hopeful, the corners of my mouth lift, and I don’t feel so uneasy anymore.
COLTON
I was surprised when I saw Brie waiting at my house. Yeah, I said she can ride with me, but I didn’t think she would.
When we walk into school together, it feels like all eyes are on us. Brie falls back a couple of steps, and I wonder if she doesn’t want to be seen with me.
Glancing over my shoulder at her, I joke, “Too late to worry about your image now.”
“What?” she gasps and shaking her head, she catches up to me. “I was worried about your image.”
I let out a chuckle. “I don’t care what everyone thinks.”
“Damn, you should,” Sully says from behind us. He shoves Brie hard, making her stumble.
Turning around, I shove him back. “Don’t touch her.”
Sully lets out a burst of laughter and manages to not lose his balance. “So, it’s true?” He shakes his head. “I thought everyone was talking shit, but you’re really into her.”
Brie scurries to her locker, and as I walk by her to get to mine, I snap, “You really need to start standing up for yourself.”
If she doesn’t start defending herself, they’ll never stop, and it makes me so damn frustrated.
I grab my book for English as Brie darts down the hallway and disappears around the corner. A sigh escapes my lips, and I shake my head.
“So, are you really into Brie?” Sully asks as he leans a shoulder against the locker next to mine. “Because you’re wasting your time with that one.” A bunch of girls passes by us, and he points at one. “Get someone with an ass like that.” He bites his bottom lip as he checks the girl out.
I slam the locker shut, and glaring at Sully, I growl, “Stay away from Brie.”
“Or what?” he laughs.
I glare darkly at Sully until he becomes uncomfortable, and an uneasy smile forms on his face. He rams his shoulder against mine as he walks away.
I’ve lost count of how many times Brie was bullied today.
It’s infuriating.
Once we’re driving down the main road, I grumble, “Why do you let them push you around?”
When she doesn’t answer, I glance at her. There’s a frown on her forehead, and she’s nibbling her bottom lip. She looks as frustrated as I feel.
Finally, she mumbles, “What am I supposed to do?”
“Fight back,” I snap.
Her gaze darts to me, and for the first time, I see something close to anger flash over her face. But it’s gone as quickly as it came.
“They’re bigger than me,” she states the obvious.
“Yeah, but they’re only picking on you because you allow it,” I argue. “Tell them to go to hell.”
“It doesn’t work,” she mutters.
“Then report them.”
She lets out an annoyed sigh. “I’ve tried that, and nothing gets done.”
“So you’re just going to take it?” I ask, e
xasperated.
She doesn’t answer me, and I shake my head, not happy at all. I wish I knew how to get through to her.
“I’ll walk from your house,” she says, and it makes me wonder whether she doesn’t want her mom to know that she rides with me. I don’t ask, and the instant I bring the truck to a stop in my driveway, Brie scrambles out. “Have a good night.”
My eyes go to the rearview mirror, and I watch until she’s out of sight before I get out.
With a heavy feeling in my chest, I walk into the house. I’m frustrated and… scared. It looks like Brie’s already given up, and it feels like I’m running out of time to help her.
Chapter 7
BRIE
The slap against the back of my head sends me stumbling forward, and I slam into the counter.
“You’re just like her!” Mom shouts. I hunch my shoulders, keeping my body turned sideways.
Since my mother got home, she’s been ranting about Kingsley Hunt living the life she should’ve had.
“It should’ve been me,” she cries again. “Because of her, he ruined me instead of marrying me.”
She’s referring to Mason Chargill. When my mother tried to drown Kingsley, she got sentenced to probation for what she did, and Mason Chargill exposed my grandfather for fraud. My mother was shunned from the wealthy circle she belonged to and lost her social status. Mason and Kingsley got married, and from what I can tell, they’re happy.
Unlike Mom.
“Just looking at you exhausts me to my core,” She cries furiously. “You should’ve colored your hair like I told you to.” My mother moves, and I flinch, but instead of hitting me again, she goes to open a drawer. When she pulls out a pair of scissors, fear prickles over my skin. I begin to shake my head, and the instant she takes a step toward me, I dart away and run for the safety of my room.
My heartbeat explodes into a frantic pounding.
“Get back here!” I feel her fingers claw at my back, and my body lurches forward. I take the stairs two at a time, and dashing into my room, I slam the door shut behind me.
Not My Hero: Black Mountain Academy Page 5