“Lan, can you get me some water?” I look behind me and see Mark standing sleepily on the stairs.
“Yeah honey go back to bed I will be there in a minute.” I turn my focus back to Brandon.
“I think you should leave. I will see you in the morning.” I get up and head to the kitchen. I hear the door shut and I break. I am not sure if I am crying over him in particular, but I cry so much that when I am done I’m more exhausted than ever. I crawl up with Mark and that is where I am when I am awoken by the doorbell going off ninety times in a minute. Time to get ready. I head down stairs and stop dead in my tracks to find my damn aunt and uncle here.
“Well good morning sleepy head.” My aunt says. I narrow my eyes at her.
“Carol don’t be nice to the little brat.” And it begins.
“Hello, first off you can’t talk to me like that in my house or you can leave. Second off we are not due at the church for another hour, so why are you guys here?” My uncle makes his way towards me, his fist in a ball and I know what’s coming. Stupid ass should have never had a child of his own. Wonder if he hits his wife like this as well.
“You listen here.” He grabs my arms so tight I can’t move. “This is my brother’s house not yours. I can come and go as I please and your sorry ass can’t do shit about it. Now next time I will slap you so hard you will be black and blue. You hear me?” I yank my arm from his grip. On the day of my parent’s funeral he wants to do this.
“First off, this is MY house. It is in my name now. So no, it’s not your brother’s, it’s my house. Also go ahead and hit me and I will make sure it is the last thing that you ever do. Now excuse me while I go get ready to bury my parents.” I go to walk away, but before I can, his hand goes across my face harder than I have ever been hit. I knew it was going to bruise.
“You have about five seconds to leave my house or I will call the cops for assault.” I look over at Caroline who is in shock, while my uncle just glares as he walks down the stairs and out the front door. Ashley comes running up the stairs just as shocked as I am.
“La, how are you going to hide this from people?” I look at her more worried on how Brandon is going to react. Last time my uncle almost hit me he was about to kill him.
“Ash, I am more worried about Brandon finding out. Please we need to cover this quick.” She nods her head as we run to the bathroom. I hear the ding of my phone and check it to see a text from Brandon.
Brandon: Lannie I will meet you at the church. I promise to be there on time.
I couldn’t even respond as I stared at myself in the mirror. My cheek was starting to turn a slight purple I prayed that Ashley could work her magic. We were cutting it close when Mark informed me that we needed to go. We loaded up in the limo and rode in silence on the way to the church. I was afraid that the mark was visible. I look in mirror one more time before exiting the limo.
“Ready Lan?” I glance down at my little brother who grabs my hand. I nod as we walk into the church and began the ceremony. During the whole entire ceremony I was distracted by the fact that Brandon wasn’t here. If he was than he was in the back, but I didn’t see him. Once it ended I made my way outside. I have so many people walk up telling me there sorry shaking my hand that I swear I lost count after about forty people and there were still more.
“Lannie, how are you holding up?” I look into Traci’s eyes I know that my mom and her were good friends since Ashley and I were always together.
“I have had better days. Thank you for coming and being so supportive. It means a lot to me. You are like the mother I never had.” She hugs me and then goes to talk to Ashley. I stood there watching my uncle glare at me from the sidewalk. At least he isn’t causing a scene here at the church.
“I am sorry I ran a little late and ended up sitting in the back. How are you holding up?” I look next to me and was taken back. Damn Brandon looks sexy. He wore denim blue jeans with a black collared button up shirt. He wore dress shoes and his face was clean shaved. His hair was messy, but over the last few months I got to liking it. His dark brown eyes pierced my soul and in this moment I forgot everything that is going on.
“It is okay. I am happy that you are here now. Ready to go to my house for the food part of this thing?” He nods and then he heads to the parking lot. I grab Mark’s hand and head for the limo waiting for Ashley to join. Moments later she gets in with Gage. I smile as he squeezes my hand. I am very thankful for waterproof mascara, because I would look like a raccoon if not for it.
“La, what on are earth happened to your face?” I look up at Gage who is eyeing my cheek and then back to Ashley.
“Nothing. Don’t worry about it.” He gives me a puzzling look. The remainder of the drive was spent in silence. If Gage noticed. It would only be matter of time before Brandon did. All I needed to do was either avoid him or cover it up more. We arrive at the house and there were already people there. Thank goodness Brandon left early. I step out of the limo and walk into the house. The first thing I notice is my aunt and uncle are in the living room talking to that side of the family. When they notice me only my uncle glares at me. I shrug it off. I head into the kitchen to pour me a drink, before I head to the bathroom to cover this up. I look out the window to see Brandon and my cousin Ginger sitting there laughing and flirting. Ginger is a sweet gal. She is a sophomore at a University in California and she is only twenty one. She doesn’t look like me. She has red hair natural of course and green little eyes. But she is a ten in looks. Especially her dress how it flows to her knees with a slit on one side and her black pumps. I swear Ashley and I are the only ones who wore red pumps to the funeral and the reason behind that was my mom. I remember it like it was yesterday.
“Baby what are you wearing?” I glance down at my black tight short dress and black pumps. It was exciting to be able to go out and drink and not have a man on my arm for once.
“It’s a cute dress mom. You said it made me look sexy and so we bought it for tonight remember? I even did a fishtail side braid and bright red lipstick. My eyes are the smoky eye look it took forever and now I don’t look good?” She smiled at me the warmest smile.
“You look wonderful, but let me teach you a little something. When you wear black dresses, you always wear red pumps. It makes a statement. And plus black is depressing and we all know, I do not do depressing. Hold on I just bought a pair of Marc Jacob’s red glitter pumps that I think can be given to you for your first pair.” She went to her room and came back with the beautiful red pumps that sparkled just right like I have never seen. I slip them on and looked in the mirror and oh my god she was so right. It makes my dress pop even more. I look way better.
“Thank you momma I love them.” She kissed and hugged me as I walked out of the house and she was so right. Got so many compliments on my heels and dress.
I look down and see the sparkle shine off the red pumps. I feel the tears slide down my cheek. I cannot believe she is gone. I wish I had her back. I slid down to the floor leaning my back against the island. I welcome the tears.
“La are you in here?” I hear Ashley say my name as I lift my hand up in view and hear her heels click on the ground before seeing her come into view.
“I was just remembering how I got these heels. Ashley I can’t believe she is gone. I was so pissed at her and my dad. I was angry and I don’t even remembering saying I love you to them. Did I?” I broke down again as she sank to the ground and held me.
“Oh Lannie, I don’t know honey. I don’t know. I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I really am. But hey look at me. Your parents knew that you loved them. They knew that you were just upset about their decision and I bet that if they could go back they would have stayed. You hear me? They are up there now probably kicking themselves in the ass for leaving you. I love you and I know you love me even though we don’t say it enough.” I cry harder as she holds me on this kitchen floor that held so many memories. So many things that I now wish I could change. The ye
lling, the fighting, oh my god there really gone.
“Okay, I am good I have people in there that I must entertain.” She hisses as I wipe my eyes.
“Not before we go cover your face up. La, its freaking more purple than it was.” I nod as she grabs my hand and led me up stairs. She began applying the makeup, but of course Brandon comes in and see it.
“What in the hell happened to your face. It was him wasn’t it?” I couldn’t say anything and neither could Ashley. Brandon was out of the room and down the stairs in record time. I was on the top stair when I saw Brandon dragging my uncle by his shirt outside. I ran down the stairs as fast as I could in heels. And made it outside just in time to see Brandon grabbing him by his collar and yelling at him all in between punches.
“I gave you a warning back in Nevada. I told you that if you ever laid another hand on her that I was going to make you regret it. She is a fucking girl first off and she isn’t’ even seventeen. Also she is your god damn niece and not a freaking rag doll you can beat the shit out of.” Brandon fist went right into my uncle’s nose causing him to stumble back and fall. He then turns to my aunt.
“You may want to get your piece of shit husband and go to the hospital before I kill him. I am a trained fighter and if I want him dead it would take one blow. He is lucky. Don’t bother ever coming back as well. Anyone else who wants to freaking bash Lannie please feel free to leave now. This is her parent’s funeral and she doesn’t deserve this shit.” My uncle stands back up punching Brandon back in the eye.
“You better say goodbye to Mark, because of this little outburst I am going to make sure he gets taken away from Lannie and you.” Brandon shoves him before he walks away heading towards his house as I stand there watching my aunt and uncle leave. I watch as family that I have never known tell me they were sorry and they kept handing me numbers telling me to stay in touch. Then Ginger walks up lastly before leaving with her dad, my other uncle.
“I’m sorry about Uncle Tim. I grew up with them hating you, because that was what everyone was suspected to do to get Grandma’s approval. I didn’t know that he beat you or did that. I will make sure that he can’t take Mark from you. My dad is a lawyer and by the looks of it, he is disgusted with his brother. Let’s stay in touch, I know you don’t know me, because of a stupid decisions we never got to know each other, but now we can. You’re very lucky to have Brandon there for you. The whole time outside he couldn’t shut up about you. Don’t let him go.” I smile at her, a true smile.
“We aren’t together. He’s just a good friend, but we defiantly should stay in touch.” She looked as though I was joking, until she realizes that I‘m not.
“Well sweetie you better snag him before it’s too late.” She hugs me before leaving. I sigh as Gage comes outside with Mark.
“Mark wants to head over to Brandon’s. I will check on him. Mark is a little scared by what happened. He doesn’t want to be taken away.” I nod as Ashley follows with Gage. I walk inside and start cleaning up. I cannot believe that Brandon beat the shit out of him for me. Oh my god what if Traci saw? Could he get fired? I pick up my phone, but before I can type anything I see a pair of DC shoes that I would recognize anywhere, on the floor. I look up to see the sorrow painted all over Brandon’s face. He has a bruise forming around his eye. I reach up and touch it he flinches a little, but then welcomes my touch as he leans his head into my hand.
“I am so sorry Brandon. I didn’t want you to know. Now I may have caused you your job, Mark, and I made you get hurt.” He laughs a little.
“Baby, you didn’t get me hurt. This is nothing, I have had much worse. Now I should be the one apologizing for what I may have just caused you.” I lean into him.
“Don’t worry. I have a feeling that if he does try to get Mark removed than I have back up, I’m not going to let it happen. Worst case scenario we go to court. I have witnesses that he hit me. Plus a phone.” He smiles as he pulls me closer. He stares into my eyes before grabbing the back of my neck and making our lips connect. I know that this is so wrong, but it feels so right. How is that possible? I feel his tongue go into my mouth and that makes me melt right here making a moan escape my mouth. He grabs my legs, lifting me up on the counter and sliding my panties off as I undid his pants. I gasp at how big he was. He was surly not a boy or even close to what I have had.
“Like what you see?” I grin as I make our lips connect again. He slides in me and I swear there are fireworks going off behind us as he slowly pushes back and forth.
“Baby, you are going to need to go harder and faster. I like it rough.” He yanks me down, bending me over the counter and begins slamming into me. It takes everything I have to not go right at that moment. I have dreamed about this for months, but this is by far better than I could ever imagine.
“Damnit Lannie, you are so fucking tight. You feel amazing.” Just as I am letting lose I hear a voice.
“La, where are you?” Our eyes shoot up as I realize, I am the only one who has clothes on. I try not to laugh.
“Damnit. Ashley always ruins shit.” I laugh as I pull my dress down and head out into the living room.
“Hey Ash, what’s up?” She look at me confused.
“Umm where is your phone? I have been trying to call you for the last thirty minutes.” I try to keep a straight face as I think about where my phone is. I look down by the couch and spot it.
“Oh here it is. Huh wonder how it got down there.” She watches me as I bend down and get it. Sure enough there’s missed calls and text from Ashley.
“La, why are you acting funny.” Just then I feel him behind me before he spoke,
“I didn’t think she was acting funny. We’ve been cleaning up the kitchen.” Brandon speaks so freaking calm. Seriously? I am a mess here.
“Right. So Brandon you missed a button there.” I lost it after that I can’t help but laugh my ass off. Ashley smirks as Brandon’s face turns red as hell.
“So Ashley, umm want to help clean up the house?” I turn to Brandon who is trying to hide his face.
“I don’t know. If cleaning is what you guys were doing, than no I am good. Don’t worry my lips are sealed.” I wink at her as she grabs the trash bag.
“I’m going to go hang out with Mark and Gage. I will call you later tonight. Okay?” I nod as he kisses my cheek and walks out the door. I know Ashley’s twenty question are coming.
“So bitch how was it with Brandon?” I laugh I can’t help it.
“You are a cunt. I freaking didn’t get to finish we barely got to the good part when your ass came in yelling my damn name.” Ugh I hope we can finish soon.
“Oh shit, I am sorry just after the little fiasco that happened here and then not being able to get a hold of you I freaked a little. Sorry. So what does this mean?” I honestly don’t know.
“I am unsure. Oh well maybe I can find out tonight, right?” She nods as we finish cleaning up. I make it to the kitchen before she did and thank goodness, because my red thongs were right there on the floor. I grab them and slip them on just in time as Ashley walks in with Gage beside her.
“La, you okay there?” I nod.
“I’m going to head out okay? I promised a nice alone dinner with Gage. So I will see you tomorrow. Want to get our nails and toes done?” I hug her agreeing to meet up at the same saloon as always. She leaves and I go and take a hot bath. Relaxing is defiantly what I need. I slip into the hot bath water and grab my phone. I see that Brandon has texted me around six and it’s now seven. I can’t believe that this day has gone by so dang quick.
Brandon: Whatcha doing?
Me: Hmm I am not sure if I should tell you.
Brandon: Don’t be mean. I care a great deal about you and want to know.
Me: Okay, I am taking a bubble bath relaxing.
Brandon: Shit you were right I didn’t need to know. How is your face feeling?
Me: It is fine. I am more worried about your eye and oh I don’t know your job?
Brandon: Don’t stress it. I will worry about it. I talked to my lawyer today. Your uncle can’t take Mark. The judge signed off today. He is officially mine.
Me: Oh thank god. That makes me feel a whole lot better.
Brandon: Can I come over after Mark falls asleep. I just want to talk and be with you.
Me: I don’t know. I don’t want you to risk your job for me.
Brandon: I will quit then.
Me: No I won’t allow it.
I wait and wait for a response, but nothing. Shit. I jump out of the bath and throw on shorts, a tank top and my hoody before slipping on flip flops and hurrying down stairs. I lock up my house and run to his house. I stand there debating whether to knock or not. I’m about to knock when I hear his voice. Where was it coming from? I walk to the side of the house and into the back yard to see him lying on the hammock on the phone. I hate ease dropping, but damnit I couldn’t walk away. I tip toe closer hoping I can make out what he‘s saying.
“Yeah, oh she did? Well that is awesome. Yeah. Wait no you didn’t tell me that. Wow. Talk about game changer. Nope no clue. Look I am let you go. I will see you tomorrow for sure. Oh Mark will be with us I hope that is cool. Awesome. Yeah we are a package deal, the kid is growing on me and I’m kind of liking him. Alrighty see you tomorrow. Bye.” I smile I can’t believe that he loves Mark. I see him typing something on his phone and then hear mine chime. Shit. He hears it too.
“Are you going to stand in the dark all night or come join me?” I laugh as I walk towards him slipping off my flip flops and crawling into the hammock with him. I crawl into him, resting my head on his chest. I want to discuss about the text, but this moment right here I want to cherish it. We can talk later. I lay here staring at the sky as his fingers start stroking my damp hair relaxing me. I feel my eyes getting heavy, but I can’t stop them and I close them while I’m still coherent, Brandon starts talking.
“Lannie, you are going to be the undoing of me. I feel the pull that we have when we are near or with each other. It is unlike anything that I have experienced. My father was a great man. You would have loved him. He always told me that when I found the one I would know. It would be the best, but worse feeling in the world. I stopped believing in love, but it seems that our paths always cross in the past, present, and god I want them to be crossing so bad in the future. To say I am not scared is a lie. I am terrified that I’m going to get fired, lose my license, but like I said what is it worth if we didn’t at least risk it. If we just gave up from the beginning. I know that you are worried, but baby I can protect you, save you, and guide you to where the right path is heading. I just need these months before you leave. Once you leave I am not sure if we will have a chance. I couldn’t protect before, but I can now. I promise that I will.” He leans down and kisses my forehead, before I daze completely into a deep sleep and have the most peaceful sleep I’ve had in months.
Trouble Page 11