I Stole Your Girlfriend

by Gulsvik Doneck

  "Girls! Dinner is ready!" Mrs Dexter called up to them from the bottom of the stairs.

  They both made their ways downstairs in record time to find food already put out on the dining table with Mr and Mrs Dexter awaiting their arrival.

  "Hey mom! Dad!" Kimberly greeted them both with a hug around the shoulders and a kiss on the cheek.

  "Mr D. Mrs D." Peyton greeted with a slight wave and smile as she sat down and smiled at her plate. The Dexters' were so understanding of her trouble to eat but they insisted that she eat even a little at every meal time. So, when they serve food they always serve her a very small portion on a little plate and it always looked so cute and thoughtful she could not help but eat it.

  "Peyton, we got a little something for you." Mr Dexter said while trying his damndest to stop from laughing.2

  "You didn't have to." Peyton said although she was extremely curious to find out what it was and why Kimberly didn't get something too.1

  Mrs Dexter bent to the side and picked something up off the floor and put it on the table.

  "What's... Ohh..." Peyton's face turned red as she read the label on the bottle. "Really, you didn't have to."

  They all burst out laughing, "it was just a joke. Unless you really think it will help your little situation." Mr Dexter laughed.

  "No way in hell am I ever using spray tan." Peyton said. Plus, I've already found the perfect solution to that problem.6

  "So, how was the first day of school girls?" Mr Dexter enquired with an expectant smile after they all composed themselves and began to eat.

  "Eh... it was okay." Was Peyton's short and simple answer.

  "Okay? Just okay? That's all you could come up with to describe today?!" Kimberly said in a disbelieving tone.1

  "Yes. The food is great. Thanks! How was you guys' day?" She asked in an effort to change the topic.

  "Thanks honey. And our day was good as usual. A little hectic but the same." Mrs Dexter replied and continued with a sly smile, "I would much rather hear all about what happened with you guys though."

  "I second that!" Mr Dexter said with great exuberance.3

  Peyton sighed audibly and rolled her eyes as Kimberly began telling the tale of their first day at school.

  "So, let me get this straight," Mr Dexter said in slight confusion, "you went out and bought yourself the boys' uniform and then wore it to school and then talked yourself out of trouble and into being allowed to wear it?"1

  Peyton could not help my smile broadly, "yep!"

  "Wow. You should be an attorney or something." Mrs Dexter said, "in all seriousness."

  "Well, the principal did suggest that I join the school's debate team."

  "You should." Mr Dexter encouraged.

  "Nah... I'm more of a sports person. I think I'll check out the athletic clubs that they have."5

  "That's good. It would be something good for you to do." Mrs Dexter said, "it will be a way of working off some of the stress and anger you have."

  Things suddenly seemed to be taking a serious turn and Peyton grew uncomfortable. She hung her head and played with her food. She was only halfway through the small meal but she had suddenly lost her appetite.

  "Peyton," Mrs Dexter continued, "you have to work on these things. You have to work it out and deal with it or it will bite you in the ass later on in life. Trust me on this."

  Peyton just nodded. She knew that Mrs Dexter was right but for now she preferred to ignore everything that had happened to her and push it as far back into her mind as possible and move on. She hoped that one day she would even forget about it all.

  "You cannot fully move on until you face everything Peyton. Ignoring something and pretending it never happened is not the answer nor is it a healthy thing to do." Mr Dexter added as if he had just read her thoughts.

  Peyton just nodded, "okay. Can I be excused now please?"

  "Sure." Mrs Dexter said in a sad voice as she looked at the girl across from her feeling her heart ache for her but knowing there wasn't much more she could do for her. At least not yet. She has to give her more time.

  Peyton gave her thanks and got up. She cleared her dishes from the table and went to her room where she just lay on her bed and stared at the ceiling as memories flashed through her mind at a rapid rate. She felt so full of emotion yet so empty at the same time.

  Chapter 16

  That night Peyton could not sleep. She pretended she was asleep when Kimberly came to check on her because she was in no mood to talk about what was bothering her or to pretend to be fine. When she was certain everyone in the house was asleep, she got out of bed and quietly made her way down to the kitchen. She looked at the contents of the fridge, not finding anything she wants, she thought to herself; I could do with those sleeping pills right about now. I miss those little buggers.

  She closed the fridge door with a heavy sigh and made her way to the living room. I guess it can't hurt to watch a little tv.

  She turned the volume down so low it may as well have been off but she did not want to disturb anyone. She decided on watching some cartoons since, in her mind, you don't really need volume for cartoons. It's the same thing with or without sound.4

  Roughly an hour had passed since she sat there and was now totally engrossed in some random cartoon so she had not noticed when someone went into the kitchen. Only when the person said something to her before taking up the seat next to her did she notice them. She jumped almost out of her skin actually.

  "Mr D?" She questioned while holding her now racing chest, "I'm sorry, I'll go back to bed. I didn't want to disturb you guys. Sorry."

  She said it all in a rush as she got up and began walking away.

  "Hey hey hey," he called, "come back here. I was not running you and you did not disturb me. I got up to pee and then I felt to have a snack. Only when I came downstairs did I notice someone was in here."

  Peyton let out a small breath, "oh. Really? That's good then."

  She returned to her seat and Mr Dexter offered her a bowl of cereal which she took. They sat in silence after that watching the soundless cartoons.1

  Before she could stop herself, Peyton asked Mr Dexter a question that had always bugged her but it seemed to be downright haunting her recently. "Umm... Mr D? Why don't my parents love me?" She did not give him the opportunity to answer yet as she continued, "what have I done so wrong? I mean, I know the whole lesbian thing is a problem but aside from that... they've always hated me even before I came out. What could I have done differently? Why don't they love me they way they love Jason? The way you guys love Kimmy? What is wrong with me?"9

  Peyton was clearly upset and frustrated by this. Mr Dexter put his cereal bowl down on the coffee table and turned to face her. "Nothing is wrong with you sweetheart. You are perfect just the way you are. Your parents are just major fucking assholes. They cannot appreciate the good, beautiful child they had. You are our child now and we love you just as much as we love Kim. I know it's not the same thing as your own parents but we do love you and we would never give you up or hurt you. We care about you more than you will ever know. Believe me when I say that. There is nothing you did wrong and there is nothing you need to change some people just refuse to see what they have right in front of them. And the difference between you and your brother is that he is very much like your parents and that is why they like him and they don't like you. You are not like them. You are a far better person than either of them could ever dream of being."7

  Peyton's eyes had glazed over but she forced back the tears. Regardless of the sincerity with which Mr Dexter had said what he said Peyton still had a hard time believing him. Well, believing everything he said. She believed that he and Mrs Dexter do love her like their own. They have proved it in so many ways recently. What she did not believe was that there was nothing wrong with her and that there was nothing that she could have done to make things better. She is one hundred percent positive that it has everything to do with her. It is and was all her fault.
>
  "Umm... Mr D?"

  "Yes sweetheart?"

  "I think I am ready to take you guys up on that offer to see a psychiatrist."

  "Really? That's great. We'll make the appointment while we're at work tomorrow. You will get a lot of help out of it I assure you."

  "Thanks." Maybe I'll even get some sleeping pills or something too...12

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  The morning had gone by well and it was now lunch time as Peyton and Kimberly walked into the cafeteria to find their new friends.

  "Hey, look, it's the love of your life you little mute." Kimberly joked as she nudged Peyton and showed her Sadie waving at them from the line.6

  Peyton tried her damndest but she could not suppress the smile that beamed on her face at the most adorable girl in the world waving at them in the most adorable way possible.3

  Kimberly took hold of her hand and led her across to Sadie.

  "Hi guys!" Sadie greeted, "how's the day going so far?"

  Kimberly answered with a, "surprisingly great. I'm actually enjoying this school!" Followed by a small chuckle. Peyton, on the other hand, gave a thumbs up with an accompanying smile.2

  Sadie just laughed at her actions, "cat still got your tongue huh?"

  Cat? What cat? You've got my tongue you ridiculously gorgeous human being!9

  Peyton just smiled and shrugged.

  The line moved quickly and soon they were making their ways outside. Apparently Sadie and her friends eat outside. Apparently there are tables for eating outside.

  "This school is so cool!" Kimberly blurted at learning this fact.

  "Hi folks! These here are my and Casey's new friends!" She said as she set her tray down and proceeded to introduce Kimberly and Peyton to her friends.4

  So, there were four of them including Sadie and Casey. The other two were Justine and Kirk.3

  "Where's Casey?" Kimberly asked after she and Peyton had taken their seats.

  "Yeah... where is she?" Sadie questioned.

  "She's finishing a test. The teacher got to class late so the test started almost half an hour late." Justine responded.

  "And how exactly do you know this?" Kirk questioned in humor.

  "Because... I am in that class."1

  "And you're not doing the test why?" Sadie asked seriously.

  "I didn't know shit on that paper! Then lunch came and I'm starving so I left."12

  They all burst into laughter. Except Peyton. She just smiled really hard.1

  Roughly ten minutes later Casey joined them, "I see you guys have all become acquainted." She said while gesturing between Peyton and Kimberly and Justine and Kirk.

  They all fell into conversation about random things while they ate. That is until Kirk spoke to Peyton, "umm... no offense, but do you talk?"4

  Peyton simply nodded.4

  "Oh, okay. It's just that you haven't said a word since you got here."

  Peyton shrugged and Sadie decided to talk on her behalf, "for some reason she only becomes mute around me." In her voice could be heard a hint of hurt.10

  Peyton threw a quick glance at Sadie before looking off into the distance. She had no idea what an appropriate response should be right now. She didn't have long to think on that, however, because Kimberly spoke up. "Don't worry Sadie. She has nothing against you. She is just rendered speechless by your absolute beauty."6

  "Kimmy! What the fuck?!"1

  "And she talks!" Kimberly said with a broad grin and an applause.

  Casey could not help but notice the distinct blush on Peyton's face. She obviously tried to hide it behind her annoyance at Kimberly and it seemed to work because nobody seemed to pick up on it. Well, at least no one mentioned it. But Casey took note of it.1

  Now that Peyton's mute spell seemed to be broken, she spoke when Justine asked her about her uniform. She gave a short answer but an answer all the same, "I hate skirts."

  Kimberly relayed the incident with the principal when Kirk asked about how in hell she was allowed to wear the boys' uniform.

  Soon lunch was over and before they made their separate ways to class, they said goodbye and Kimberly and Peyton assured the others that they would be joining them for lunch everyday from now on.

  Before leaving, Sadie faced Peyton directly, "bye Peyton. Guess I'll see you tomorrow then." She smiled.4

  Peyton stared at her as she clenched her teeth after opening her mouth and having no words come out. What the fuck is wrong with you?! What is wrong with me? You mean what is wrong with Sadie? Why does she have this effect on me?2

  "Okay. Well bye then." Sadie said with a little disappointment as she gave a half-hearted wave and walked away.7

  While sitting in class, trying not to annoy this teacher who apparently hated her with her very presence, Peyton felt her phone vibrate. She pulled it out to see a text from some random number.

  Hi! So I thought that since you still can't seem to talk to me in person, maybe you'd be able to talk to me in text?4

  Peyton decided to play ignorant.

  Who is this?

  Sadie! Who else would it be?5

  Oh...

  Apparently she was just as tongue tied via text message.

  So I'm not even going to get a "Hi" or anything?

  Hey...

  How is class going?

  The teacher hates me! I wish I was actually talking to you in person so that I could admire you. Peyton did not actually send that. What she did send was a thumbs up emoticon.10

  Okay, I give up. Nevermind.

  Chapter 17

  That evening Mr and Mrs Dexter informed Peyton that she would have her first appointment with the psychiatrist on Friday morning at nine. In that case she had the choice of skipping the entire day of school or going to school late. She decided to wait until the last possible moment to make that decision.4

  After dinner and the completion of their respective home works, Peyton joined Kimberly in her bedroom and they just talked.

  "So, what's really up with you and not talking to Sadie?" Kimberly enquired.

  "I honestly don't know." Peyton seemed to think for a moment, "I just can't seem to get the words out. Then, after I get over how beautiful she is for the millionth time, I can't help but see Adam sucking on her face."

  "So that's your problem?"

  "What?"

  "You really cannot get over the fact that she is in a relationship with Adam huh?"

  Peyton shook her head. "I know it's none of my business but it just bugs the fuck out of me."

  "You really should tell her."

  "I can't."

  "Why?"

  "She's just... she's too sweet. I don't want to hurt her."

  "But aren't you hurting her more by not telling her the truth and allowing her to continue on in a toxic relationship?"

  "Well, why don't you tell her then?"

  "Because, although I have no problem doing it, I think you should. You're the one who has wanted to do it long before you even met her. Plus, you're the one who could really tell her the truth about Adam."

  Peyton sighed, "yeah... I guess... I'll tell her one day. Hopefully soon."4

  Kimberly just patted her on the back and suggested that they get some sleep since it was almost midnight. Peyton agreed regardless of the fact that she was wide awake and knew there was no chance of sleep anytime soon for her. She kissed Kimberly goodnight, on the cheek, after tucking her in and left for a long sleepless night in her own room.

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  "So Peyton, I want to ask you something." Kirk said soon after they had all joined for lunch again.

  "What?"

  "Now, I'm not stereotyping or anything but it's just that all the evidence suggests..."

  Peyton cut him off, "get to the point and ask your question Kirk."

  "Okay, sorry. Are you gay?"

  "Yes."2

  "Wait! Wow! Just like that?"

  "What did you expect me to do?"

  "Well, I don't know... I just didn't thin
k you would have answered like that. So straightforward and at once..."2

  "Well, it was a yes or no question. And since the answer was definitely nowhere near no, I said yes. Because, I like me the girls. They're so beautiful and sweet. I'm sure you agree with me on that."

  Kirk beamed, "yeah I do! Finally I have someone to talk to about girls! Because in case you didn't notice my three best friends are girls and sometimes they just don't see things the way I do. You don't know how sick I am of hearing how hot this guy is and how many abs that guy has and how he looks like he's good in bed." Kirk ended on a note of frustration.3

  Peyton glanced at Casey and caught a sad look on her face before she pushed it away. Peyton looked back at Kirk, "don't worry, you'll never hear those nauseating lines from me. Maybe one day we could go to the mall and see how much we have in common when it comes to taste in girls."

  Kirk put his hand out for a fist bump with Peyton; which she returned. "Sounds like a plan!"

  "You two cannot be serious!" Sadie exclaimed disgustedly.4

  "What?" Kirk asked.

  "So you're going to the mall trolling for girls?! That's disgusting!"

  "That's not what we're going to do! We're going to do exactly what you three always do with guys. Admire from afar."3

  "And you Peyton. How could you?! A girl of all people, taking advantage of her fellow peoples." Sadie shook her head in distaste, "you should be ashamed of yourself."8

  Peyton just stared at her, the disgust evident on her face as she stared Peyton down. Peyton's anger rose up as she looked at Sadie and for the first time she spoke to her, "why don't you say what you really mean?"

  "I did!"

  "No. You did not."6

  "Oh? And how would you know? Suddenly you've become an expert on me?"

  "Just say it Sadie! I'm a big girl, I can take it. I just hope you're a big enough girl to take my response."5

  The other four at the table looked on at the two who seemed to be the only ones in existence for each other at the moment. They were all very much interested in what was taking place so no one made any effort to intervene.