ooooooooo
It didn’t take long for us to get to my house. My dad hugged Cole and me bye as Angie raced up our front steps yelling about how she was going to be the blue gingerbread man.
“See what you started?” Cole warned as he winced and grabbed his side. I knew something was wrong. He didn’t run into the counter, and even if he did, it wouldn’t be hurting that bad.
“She’s five,” I shrugged. “We’ll play one game and then I’ll set up the PlayStation. I got Street Fighter last week. We can play that.”
“One game won’t be enough. Just watch,” he rolled his eyes as he shifted his backpack up higher on his shoulder.
Once we’d said hi to my mom, I led the way downstairs. We had a finished basement, and my parents had turned it into a hangout for my friends and me. There was a large TV on one wall with several reclining leather chairs. They were oversized, and Cole and I could share one easily. A mini-fridge was in the corner along with several cabinets that held every snack you could ever want. My mom always made sure that I had plenty of chips and things. When I had friends over, we never needed to go upstairs. It was almost as if I had my own apartment down here.
There was a half bath under the stairs, and several large couches that folded out into beds. I can’t tell you how many sleepovers I’ve had in this room. The only person who has ever stayed in my room for a sleep over is Cole.
“I get to be blue,” Angie demanded as she pulled Candy Land out of the drawer in the entertainment center.
“Come on, Ang,” Cole whined. “Candy Land is for babies.”
“You promised,” she looked at me and stuck her tongue out at Cole. “It’s not fair!” She placed the game on the table and crossed her arms over her chest. “You said we’d play,” she glared at me.
I darted my eyes between my best friend and Angie. I didn’t know who I should side with. I did tell her that I’d play, but Cole was staring at me, daring me to side with her. “I promised,” I sighed as I trudged over to the table, and folded myself on the floor beside Angie’s tiny frame. “One game,” I pointed at her, and she grinned in victory before turning to stare at Cole and sticking her tongue out again.
Cole rolled his eyes and sighed, “We’re playing PlayStation after this, and you can’t play,” he grumbled at her. “Enjoy your fun,” he flopped down on the couch behind us while I set up the board.
It took us no time at all to finish. I let Angie win because I knew she’d be upset if she didn’t. Cole and I were like that with her. Even though he acted like she got on his nerves, I knew that it was just that…an act. Cole loved her and spent countless hours here with her. He’d take her everywhere he went just so she could escape their house like he seemed to always do.
When the game finished, Angie grabbed some Barbies out of her backpack and curled up in a chair. Cole and I set up the PlayStation, and stayed that way for the next hour. I’d completely lost track of time until my mom called down the stairs at us. “Wes? Cole and Angela have to go home. Their mom just called looking for them.”
“Crap!” Cole flung the controller he was holding onto the floor, and jumped in the air like his pants were on fire. “Come on, Ang, we gotta go,” he was panicked and I could see that he was upsetting Angie.
“Calm down,” I tried to help him pack up his things. “My mom can take you.”
“Dad’s the one that wants us there,” Cole mumbled. “He made mom call; I just know it.” He raced to tie his shoes as he barked orders at Angie to get her things. “I can’t do this again,” he sighed.
“Do what?” I reached for his backpack to hand it to him as he stood. When he lifted his arms, I saw what had been causing him pain all day. A huge black and blue welt covered the left side of his ribs. “You didn’t hit the counter,” I growled. “He did it again, didn’t he?”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Cole shook his head and backed away from me. “Mind your own business.”
“Did Tommy Flannigan do that?” I pushed. I knew that he was mad at me, but Tommy had been relentless the year before. I didn’t think he would continue to torment Cole this year, but maybe I was wrong.
“No,” he shook his head and began walking toward Angela. “I ran into the counter in our kitchen. I wasn’t paying attention last night when I put my dishes in the sink.”
“I don’t get bruises like that from karate class, and I’ve been kicked there,” I shook my head confused. “Were you running?”
“I don’t want to talk about,” Cole grumbled.
I looked at Angie. I could tell she wanted to say something, but was unsure where her loyalties were. Her index finger was resting against her lips as she nibbled on her nail. Cole narrowed his eyes on her as he slowly shook his head. At first, I didn’t think she’d say anything, but as Cole turned them to make their way upstairs, she blurted out, “Daddy did it!”
“Ang!” Cole hissed. “You’re not supposed to tell.”
“What do you mean?” I rushed over to them.
“I didn’t clean up the dishes last night after dinner. I had to finish getting things ready for school this morning,” he shrugged. “Dad got mad. Shoved me. I hit the counter,” he shrugged again. “No big deal.”
“Let me get my mom,” I gasped. “She can take you to see my dad. He’ll fix you.”
“No!” Cole grabbed my arm. He had a panicked look on his face. “I’m fine. It was an accident,” he reassured me before glaring at Angie. “Right?” She nodded and then tipped her chin so she was staring at her shoes. “We gotta go,” Cole grabbed her hand, and began tugging her up the stairs. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he called over his shoulder before disappearing from sight.
My mom took Cole and Angie home that night, and we never talked about what I saw. I knew something was wrong. I knew his dad liked to yell at him. He’d tell me about that all the time. I never thought he’d hit him though. I spent most of the night in my room trying to decide what to do with the information. Part of me knew I should tell someone. That was what they always told us in school. It sounded easy enough, but when it was your best friend, a friend who you knew would be upset if you did tell, it was a lot harder to do.
I kept my lips sealed at dinner that night. I knew my mom thought something was wrong. She asked me if Cole and I had been in an argument. I shook my head, and asked to be excused. She said fine, and then informed me that Mr. Walker had told her that Cole wasn’t going to be allowed over here for the rest of the week because he was late coming home. I wasn’t sure what that meant at the time, I just knew that something bad was going to happen tonight.
Cole was my best friend, and he was going to suffer tonight all because of me. If I hadn’t asked him to come over, he wouldn’t have been late going home, and whatever punishment he was receiving wouldn’t be happening. I had to help him. I just didn’t know what a ten year old could do, and how do you help someone who lied to your face about what’s going on? How do you protect them from the person who’s supposed to be taking care of them? I wasn’t sure, but I knew I needed to try.
Chapter 2
Angela- Age 9
“Did you see what he was wearing today?” my best friend Ally giggled as she sat down on the grass beside me. We were waiting for football practice to finish, and trying to stay cool in the shade of the few trees that surrounded the field.
“How could I not?” I sighed as I stared out at the team. My brother was out there knocking heads with the other players while I was exiled to the sidelines. I was used to it. Over the years, Cole had always done something after-school. Whether it was a sport, or hanging out somewhere, we were never home before dinner. We both learned years ago that staying at school was best for both of us.
My dad had been drinking more lately, and Cole had suffered because of it. He protected me as much as he could, but there had been a few times that he wasn’t able too. Like last month, I shifted to cover my leg. The scar on my thigh stayed hidden under my uniform mos
t days, but today it was hot. I had pushed my socks down as far as they would go, and shoved my sleeves up. Ally had changed into shorts, but I knew better. My dad wouldn’t have approved. He’d gotten mad that I’d torn one of my uniform shirts, and he’d whipped me across the legs. He’d managed to break the skin, and now I had an angry pink scar on the side of my thigh.
Cole had thrown himself across me in the midst of my father’s rage, and suffered a black eye because of it. That was the thing about my dad. He knew with me he needed to cover the damage he inflicted. He didn’t worry with Cole. He’d always play it off that Cole got hurt playing sports, or in fight at school. Cole never contradicted him, so people just believed it.
“I can’t believe you live with him,” Ally murmured bringing me out of my thoughts.
“Wait! Are you talking about my brother?” I guffawed. “That’s... eww!” I made a gaging face.
“You don’t know how lucky you are,” she began picking at the grass between us as a sappy smile spread across her face. “I’d give anything for him to be my boyfriend.”
“Gross,” I gagged again. “That’s my brother; he’s not cute,” my face twisted as I glanced back out at the field. My eyes caught a glimpse of the boy I thought she was talking about, and I softened. There, leaning against the fence was my current obsession, Weston McKay.
Wes was Cole’s best friend, and the hottest guy in the school, if you asked me. He and Cole had been friends for years, and me being the little sister, I got to tag along everywhere they went. My brother always made sure I was invited when we’d hang out with Wes, and I soon became the third member of their group.
The positives, I got to see Wes up close and personal almost every day. The negative, he never looked at me the way I wanted him to. He’d had girlfriends over the years, but I was never one of them. I don’t think he ever thought of me as a girl because he was so much older than me and I was Cole’s little sister.
I glanced over at the field once again. Then I let the note I’d written, the one tucked in my backpack, filter back in my head. Today was the day; I was going to tell him how I felt. I’d spent my recess time writing out everything on some of the pink stationery that Ally had let me have last week. It’d taken me four days to work up the courage to do it, and now I just had to give it to him.
I smiled dreamily as I stared at him leaning against the fence. He didn’t play football for the school, but he always waited for Cole to get out of practice so we could hang out together. His dad would pick us all up, and drop us off at their house then we’d get a ride home from whoever was there to take us.
My parents never bothered to come get us, or take us anywhere. I don’t think my mom has left the house in the last six months. She quit her job years ago, and hasn’t had any desire to go back to work. I’m sure that’s Dad’s doing. My dad really did a number on her the last time they’d fought. Her arm was in a sling for weeks. Wes’ dad never minded driving us anywhere, so that was our daily thing. Sometimes Cole would stay the night, but my parents never let me. My dad always used the excuse that I was a girl, and it wasn’t proper. Like he cared. On those nights, I’d usually just barricade myself in my room like Cole wanted me to.
“So who’s the mystery man?” Ally knocked my shoulder. “I saw you drawing hearts today, and writing something in them.”
“No one,” I slowly shook my head as I continued to stare at Wes. He’d taken his shirt off now and was only wearing the black pants of his karate uniform.
“Riiiight,” she drawled out the word, “and I’m not your best friend.”
I sighed as I leaned back, staring at the branches of the tree swaying above me, “If I tell you, you can’t tell anyone. I mean it, Ally, no one.”
“Cross my heart,” she grinned as she dragged her fingers over her chest. “Now spill.”
“Wes McKay,” I mumbled so quietly I almost couldn’t hear myself.
“Wait,” Ally turned to face me fully. “You’re over at his house all the time,” her eyes scrunched up as she studied me.
“Yeah,” I nodded “and I’m nine. He’s fourteen.” I took a deep breath. “He doesn’t even look at me,” I pulled my legs up to chest and rested my head on my knees. “I’ll never get someone like him.”
“Well,” she grinned as if she’d thought of the perfect plan. “Your birthday is next week; ask him for a kiss.” She giggled as she flopped back on the grass and then broke into a fit of laughter.
“I can’t do that!” I screeched as I stared down into my lap.
“Can’t do what?” His voice rang out from above me. I’d been so lost in my thoughts that I hadn’t even seen him move from his place by the fence.
“Nothing,” I swallowed as I dropped my legs and fixed my skirt.
“Well,” Wes smirked. “I was going to invite you out to pizza after practice if you want. Your brother said to check with you,” he smiled a dazzling smile, and I was lost. “Invite your friend,” he tipped his head in Ally’s direction.
“Um,” I stuttered and Ally elbowed me in the ribs.
“Ow,” I scowled at her before looking up at Wes. “Ok,” I bit down on my lip as my heart thundered in my chest.
“See you later, Angel,” Wes called out as he jogged back down to the fence to wait for practice to end.
I was so done for. I don’t know why my little nine-year-old heart thought that someone like Wes would even look at me, but the fact that he’d given me a nickname and took the time to talk to me somehow had morphed into feelings. I had convinced myself that he wanted to be my boyfriend.
“He’s so cute,” I sighed as I watched him lean against the fence once again. This time his back was to me. His back flexed and the tanned skin shifted as his muscles moved underneath. He didn’t have a lot of definition at fourteen, but compared to boys my age, he was perfect.
“So are you going to ask him?” Ally giggled as she slowly stood and brushed the grass off her shorts.
“Ask him what?” I continued to stare at his back.
“To kiss you for your birthday,” she shrugged. “I bet he’d do it.”
I swallowed, “No! I didn’t even invite him to my party.”
“So do it now.” She cupped her hands around her mouth, and shouted, “Hey, Wes.” When he turned around to look at her, she pointed at me, “Angela wants to ask you something.” When Wes started jogging back to us, she grinned at me and took off running toward the parking lot, “You can thank me later.”
“What’s up?” he stopped when he got closer, worry etched across his face. “Do you not want pizza now?”
“It’s not that,” I toed at the ground as I picked at the hot pink bracelet that was tied around my wrist; it was another reminder of the boy in front me. He’d won it in one of those grabby arm video game things. “My birthday’s next week.”
“I know,” he smirked.
“I’m gonna be ten,” I looked up at him. “Not a baby anymore,” I mumbled.
“I don’t think you’re a baby, Angel.” His voice was soft, as if he was really thinking about what he was saying to me.
“I’m having some friends meet at the movies to celebrate, and I was wondering if maybe…”
“We’re all done,” Cole shouted as he raced up behind us, effectively cutting me off. “Let’s go, I’m starving,” he wiped the sweat from his forehead as he turned to make his way to where Wes’ dad was supposed to pick us up.
“Never mind,” I muttered as I slung my backpack higher on my shoulder and trudged after him.
“Hey Angel?” Wes called as he sidled up beside me. “I’d love to come to your party,” he whispered conspiratorially in my ear as he slung his arm around my shoulder.
“Really?” I gasped. “You don’t think it’s for babies?”
“Why would I think that? You’re my special Angel,” his lips curved higher as he tipped his head and winked at me.
“Great,” I grinned. I could feel my heart speeding up once again, and I blus
hed at his nearness, and I just hoped that Wes didn’t notice. How embarrassing would that be?
“I’ll get you the details tomorrow,” I nodded as we approached Cole and Ally. They were standing there watching us with confused expressions on their faces.
Ally grabbed my arm, pulling me away from Wes, and shoving me in the backseat of the car. She took the middle seat so she could squeeze in beside my brother. Eww, gross. Wes sat up front with his dad.
“Why were you touching my sister?” Cole leaned forward and growled into Wes’ ear. “She’s too young for you.”
I know he thought I wasn’t listening to their exchange, but I was, and Wes’ response crushed my heart.
“She invited me to her party; I was being nice. I know she’s your sister,” he turned slightly in the seat to look at Cole. “Dude, she’s like a sister to me, too.”
I sank lower in the seat and hid my face as I stared out the window. Ally leaned into me, offering comfort while I tried not to let my feelings show.
That day was just the beginning of what would be a lifetime of unrequited feelings. I followed after Wes for years before he ever showed even an inkling of interest. We had terrible timing, and my brother never failed to remind anyone that came near me that I was his sister.
Chapter 3
Angela- Age 11
We buried my dad today. In the cemetery of the Sacred Heart Church, we sat in a small circle around a pile of dirt and said our goodbyes. It was a small service, just a few family friends along with the three of us.
I don’t remember much about the days surrounding the service. The police have been at our house on and off investigating what happened. I really don’t remember that night. Cole won’t talk about it. He’s completely shut himself down. Mom keeps telling him that he ruined things for us. She says Dad took care of us. What she really means is that whatever happens to our family is going to be all Cole’s fault. Cole shot my dad and forever changed things.
Was it for the better? I don’t really know, but I do know that now, when it’s all said and done, I don’t have to barricade myself in my room at night, and I can sleep now.
My Broken Angel Page 2