I Stole Your Girlfriend

by Gulsvik Doneck

  "But... you can't be in love with me. I am straight."4

  "Oh my god Sadie! Are you really that naive or are you just fucking with me?"1

  "You really are in love with me? Although you know you'll never have me like that?"

  Peyton nodded, "you didn't give me much of a choice... you are just... everything I've ever dreamed of. Well, almost everything."

  "Wow... I'm so sorry Peyton... "

  Peyton waved her off, "eh... there's lots of fish in the sea. I'll get over you eventually."2

  Sadie frowned. She didn't know why those few words hurt so bad and cut so deep. A tear escaped her and she wiped it away harshly. There was something that was bothering her, "which box do I not check?"

  Peyton chuckled, "is it not obvious?"

  Sadie just looked at her.

  "You're a homophobe Sadie. You may not be completely straight but you are a homophobe."

  "What the hell is 'I may not be completely straight' supposed to mean?"

  "It means that you probably have lesbian tendencies. You're probably bi. I can tell these things and I am usually right."8

  Sadie sighed, "whatever Peyton..."

  Peyton laughed, "so you're not going to argue with me about that?"

  "What's the use?"

  "Oh my god! I am right aren't I?"1

  Sadie sighed very loudly, "look, even if I might be bi or whatever I made a promise to myself that I will never fall for a girl because it is wrong. Okay?"

  "Sure Sadie whatever helps you sleep at night. You know what I think though?"

  "What?" Sadie asked very guardedly.

  "You owe your mother a call. At least let her say she is sorry because I know she is. I am sure that's why she calls every Saturday. She just wants to explain everything to you because I am sure you didn't give her much of a chance to do so four years ago. Does she know you live like this?"

  "I don't know about that... and no, she does not. She does not even know that dad lost his job, sold the dog and drank away his entire half of the money from when they sold the house. She calls every Saturday to invite me to lunch. Sometimes with her alone, sometimes with her and her 'girlfriend' and also to let me know that she put money in my bank account. That's how I live. I use that money to buy food and clothes. And pay the rent for this shithole. I'm thinking of getting a job though and tell her to stop sending the money."5

  "Sadie... you're being very unfair to your mother."

  "Me?! I am being unfair?! She is the one who left and that's why I ended up like this!"1

  "You didn't have to. You could have lived with her! You could have been comfortable! You are just too full of shit!"

  "What the fuck Peyton?!"

  "Hey, I am probably the only person who will tell you like it is. I am not going to lie to you to make you feel better. You're wrong. I know how you feel about your dad and all but it is his fault that he decided to shit his life away. Have a mind of your own goddammit! And stop blaming your mother. You had as much a hand in this situation as she did."

  "Fuck you! Get out! Get out Peyton!"6

  "Come on Sadie really?"

  "Yes Peyton! I am not taking this from you any longer."

  Peyton remained on the couch, "you miss your mother don't you?"

  Sadie calmed right down at that question. She looked at Peyton and nodded as a few tears fell.

  "Well, call her. I know it's killing her that you hate her."

  "She probably hates me by now."

  "Trust me, she doesn't. The woman calls every Saturday! Try not to wait till she stops calling. The only thing we want is for the people we love and care about to say, 'it's okay. I still love you. You're still you.' or some shit like that. Don't punish her anymore for being who she is. I know how that feels. It hurts like a bitch. It's not her fault. She loves you Sadie."2

  By the time Peyton was done Sadie was crying once again. "You really think so?"

  Peyton nodded, "I know so. And while you're at it, you should give Casey a call as well."

  "Casey? Why?"

  "Just call her and tell her exactly these words - Peyton said it's okay, you can tell me what you've been keeping from me."

  "Why?"

  "Just do it Sadie. And please, don't fuck it up."

  Sadie nodded, "fine. I'll call them tomorrow. I need a little time to compose myself. Plus, you're here today and I intend to cook for you. I am going to put some meat on those bones." She said as she lifted Peyton's arm and inspected it.

  Peyton smiled at her, "you sure do bounce back fast."

  Sadie shrugged, "life is short."

  "You better not be playing me. I will be following up on those phone calls when you get your cute little butt to school on Monday."

  "Peyton! Don't talk about my butt."

  Peyton did not miss the blush that flashed across Sadie's face.2

  Chapter 30

  It was dark by the time Peyton left Sadie's apartment. They had spent the remainder of the day chatting and Sadie cooked a lovely meal which Peyton thoroughly enjoyed. She could not believe that she was actually eating willingly. She felt good about it.

  On her way back home in the taxi she sent Kimberly a text:

  Hey, you home?

  Kimberly answered immediately which comforted her:

  Yes.

  You doing anything important?

  No. Just watching tv. Why?

  I really really need some KPT.4

  Sure. When will you be home?

  I'm on my way. Just a couple minutes.

  I'll be here.

  Peyton smiled as she put her phone away. When she got home she noticed that neither Mr nor Mrs Dexter was at home and she was thankful for that. She needed to talk to Kimmy before she could deal with anyone else.

  "Kimmy?!" She yelled as she locked the door and walked towards the living room. She saw Kimberly sitting there looking at her with an amused look on her face. She ran up and jumped on the couch next to her, "Kimmy Kimmy Kimmy!"1

  Kimberly laughed, "yes Peyton?"

  She pulled Kimberly into a hug as she asked her, "I take it you had a good day then?"2

  Peyton pulled away and with a huge smile on her face she nodded, "you first though. How was your date?"

  "You're obviously more excited than me. We can talk about that first."

  Peyton shook her head with force, "uh uh. It's always about me. Let's talk about you first. How was it?"

  At this, Kimberly began to blush uncontrollably, "it was beyond amazing..." She said in a dreamy tone. "He took me to build a bear and he made one for me and I made one for him."5

  Peyton interrupted, "I'm assuming that is yours?" She questioned with a smile as she pointed to the bear that Kimberly was hugging.

  Kimberly beamed and nodded as she handed the bear to Peyton, "he's cute isn't he?"

  "He sure is. What's his name?"

  "Rocco. Kirk named him. And I named his own Patches. I don't know why though. I am bad at coming up with names. Anyhow, after that we went for lunch and we split the meal so we ended up sitting so close to each other we kept rubbing against each other. Then we went for ice cream. It was so amazing. I thought I was in love with Timmy. Turns out I just really liked him. I am in love with Kirk Peyton. I never imagined it could feel this way. It's like when I'm around him everything is seems so much better and I am so happy. And when we touch, it's like magic. When I'm away from him I miss him so much and I just can't stop thinking about him. Is this how you feel about Sadie?"

  Peyton smiled a bittersweet smile, "basically yeah..."

  Kimberly frowned, "awww boo, I'm sorry."

  Peyton handed her back her bear as she asked confused, "sorry for what?"

  "It must be torture being in love with someone who doesn't love you back the same way..."

  "Eh... it's not that bad really. You get accustomed to it."

  "Peyton... don't be so flippant about this."4

  "Hey, it's nobody's fault that of the two people I fell in love with,
one is straight and the other's a homophobe... Maybe one day I'll learn to make better choices."1

  Kimberly frowned again, "but that's the thing, you don't exactly chose who to fall in love with."1

  "I guess not. But, at least I can still be friends with those people." Peyton smiled. "That's good enough for me. I don't need a relationship anyhow. I'm not ready and I don't know if I'll ever be."1

  "Well that's one way to rationalise it away."

  Peyton shrugged.

  Kimberly took in a breath before changing the topic and the mood. She smiled as she asked, "so, what about you? How did things go with Sadie?"

  Peyton beamed, "well, for starters I spent the entire day there!" She went on to give Kimberly the rundown of the day. The only thing she didn't go into detail about was Sadie's parents. She thought she would give Sadie that privacy.1

  "Oh my god boo! You actually told her that you're in love with her? I'm so proud of you. That was probably so hard to do!"

  Peyton nodded with a huge smile, "I know right?! But I just went with my vibes at the moment and well I guess it's better to clear the air you know? Plus, since I told everyone at lunch yesterday I didn't want her finding out that way. I wanted her to hear it from me."10

  "You sure are something else Peyton." Kimberly smiled at her. "I can't believe she's actually getting you to eat though. She sure has some amazing power over you."

  "If only she knew how much..."

  They continued talking until Mr and Mrs Dexter got home with pizza for dinner of which Peyton only ate half of a slice. After dinner everyone went their separate ways to their bedrooms for the night.2

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Sunday morning passed quietly for Peyton as she finished up her homework. She had just forced down some lunch and was currently lying in her bed listening to music when she heard her phone chime with a text message. She lazily reached for her phone and checked it. She smiled brightly when she saw it was from Sadie:

  Hey, how are you?

  I'm just dandy. You?5

  I'm okay. A little nervous though. I'm going to make those calls now...

  Oh. Really? It will be okay don't worry. You can always call me when you're done. Tell me how it went. If you want me to come over or anything. I'll be right here.

  Thanks Peyton...

  It'll be fine. Stop stressing yourself out. Who are you gonna call first?

  I'm thinking I'll call Casey first. Cause I have no idea what state I'll be in after talking to mom...

  Sounds like a good plan to me. And just remember, I'm only a phone call or a text away.1

  I know. Thanks. I just may call you afterward. Hey, if I send you a link to a song on facebook will you listen to it?2

  You better! I'll be waiting :) And yeah, of course I will.

  Okay good. I just sent it. Bye Peyton.

  Okay, Imma check it out now. Bye Sadie.

  Peyton did as she promised and opened facebook on her phone - she was too lazy to get up and go to her computer. Sure enough, she saw that Sadie had sent her a message with a youtube link. She tapped the link and waited curiously while youtube loaded the song. Her brows creased when she read the title of the song: I Don't Have the Heart by James Ingram. With a shrug she put her headphones on and tapped play.

  ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

  Your face is beaming

  You say it's 'cause you're dreaming of how good it's going to be

  You say you've been around and now you've finally found

  Everything you wanted and needed in me

  I don't have the heart to hurt you

  It's the last thing I want to do

  But I don't have the heart to love you11

  Not the way you want me to

  Inside I'm dying to see you crying

  How can I make you understand

  I care about you, so much about you

  Baby I'm trying to say this as gently as I can

  'Cause I don't have the heart to hurt you

  It's the last thing I want to do

  But I don't have the heart to love you

  Not the way you want me to

  You're so trusting and open

  Hoping that love will start

  But I don't have the heart

  Oh no, I don't have the heart2

  ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

  Peyton stopped the song and put her phone on the nightstand as she just stared up at the ceiling. She had no idea what to make of that song. 'Is it supposed to be something good or something bad for me? What is she really trying to say? I don't get this girl! Argh!'1

  She turned herself roughly onto her stomach as she mulled over the song. Although she didn't quite understand Sadie's meaning, she think she got it. 'She'll never love me. This is another fucking dead end...' A few tears escaped her as she fell asleep.9

  Chapter 31

  Peyton was jarred awake by the ringing of her phone. She started muttering curses until she saw that the call was from Sadie. She answered quickly, "hey. How was it?"

  She heard nothing on the line.

  "Sadie? Talk to me. I need to hear your voice. I need to know just how hurt you are."

  After a couple silent seconds Peyton cringed when Sadie finally spoke, "fuck you Peyton!"8

  "I take it things did not go so well with your mother?"

  There was silence again.

  "Sadie?"

  There was still no response and then the line was cut. Peyton facepalmed herself. The sound of Sadie's voice - vapid but yet cold - broke her heart. 'What the heck happened? I am such an idiot! I never should have told her to call her mother! Why the fuck must I fuck everything up?!'

  It was not yet dark so she knew everyone in the house would still be up so, she changed quickly and left her room and headed to Mr and Mrs Dexter's room. After knocking on the door and being given the permission to enter, she pushed the door open and stuck her head in, "is it okay with you guys if I go by a friend now?"

  "Peyton, it's Sunday evening. You have school in the morning. No." Mrs Dexter said firmly.2

  This rose Peyton's anger immediately. "Why the fuck not?! I will make sure I get to school!"5

  "Peyton!" Mr Dexter scolded, "do not talk to us like that! You were given an instruction. Follow it."

  He was right and she knew it. She tried to calm herself and push her anger away but it was no use. Sadie needed her right now and they were keeping her from doing so. "I'm not going to some party or anything. I'm not that irresponsible!"

  "Peyton, you already got your answer." Mrs Dexter said calmly.

  "Fine!" She yelled as she turned and stomped away.

  As she was descending the stairs Kimberly was coming up and stopped her, "what the hell is going on? I was watching tv and I heard you all pissed. What's up?"

  "Nothing!"

  She tried to continue down the stairs but Kimberly stopped her, "hey! Get a grip! What is going on?"

  "Your parents won't let me leave!"

  "Where are you even going?"

  "Why does it matter?"

  "Boo, what has you this upset?"

  "I just fucking told you! Your parents won't let me leave! I don't even know why I asked them in the first place!"

  "Because it's the right thing to do. And try to remember that I know you better than you like to think. I know there is something wrong and it's not the fact that my parents said no. So, you better tell me. Now."

  Peyton glared at Kimberly, "it's nothing okay!"4

  "Peyton!"

  "Fine! It's Sadie okay! I told her to do something and she did it and now she's hurting and it's all my fucking fault! I was just going to go over to her place to make sure she's alright because she refuses to talk to me on the phone." A tear fell down her cheek when she was done. She didn't even bother to wipe it away.

  "Did you tell my parents that?"

  "Why would I?"

  "Because smartypants, they are not heartless. If you told them the truth they just may let you go. Stop letting your a
nger control you."1

  Kimberly grabbed her hand and tugged her up the stairs. She had to practically drag Peyton into her parents' bedroom.

  "Mom, dad, on behalf of this very angry little girl, I apologise. And I am here to be her mouthpiece."4

  She went on to explain to them Peyton's reason for wanting to leave and, sure enough, they told her she could go she just had to be back by midnight.

  Peyton thanked them with a rather embarrassed demeanour before asking Kimberly to borrow her car.

  She was soon by Sadie's door knocking and hoping that she would open it for her. It took Peyton all of five minutes of persistent knocking to be finally granted the opportunity to enter. Sadie had just opened the door and walked away to the couch where she curled up and just stared at Peyton. It was obvious that she had been crying a hell of a lot. Her eyes were red and puffy and her cheeks were tear streaked.

  Peyton closed and locked the door before making her way over to Sadie. She sat next to her and turned to face her but Sadie just stared ahead. When Sadie made no attempt to do or say anything, Peyton whispered, "I'm sorry..."

  "Why are you here?"

  "You're hurting. I wasn't going to leave you by yourself." Peyton said as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

  Silent tears started rolling down Sadie's cheeks and although she thought it was not the best idea, all things considered, Peyton shifted close to her and wrapped her arms around Sadie's curled up form.

  At first Sadie tensed but less than five seconds later she leaned into Peyton and continued to cry silently save for a sniffle here and there.

  Peyton just held her. She said nothing. She did nothing.

  After about twenty minutes of that Peyton nudged Sadie and pushed her away gently. Sadie was confused by Peyton's actions. She missed being held by her, although she refused to admit it even to herself. Peyton stood and she looked at her quizzically. Peyton offered her a sweet smile as she stuck her hand out, "come."

  She wasn't exactly in her senses at the moment so she just complied with Peyton. For some reason she felt that she could trust the girl. Peyton led her to the bathroom and turned on the faucet handing her a bar of soap, "wash your face."3