I Stole Your Girlfriend

by Gulsvik Doneck

  Sadie nodded, "I sure am."

  When Fiona stuck her hand out introducing herself to Sadie she stood, walked over to her and hugged her. "Nice to meet you Fiona. I am sorry for taking this long to do so."

  She sat back next to Peyton, "this is my friend, Peyton."

  Peyton gave her a small wave and a, "hi miss Fiona."

  "Just Fiona is fine."6

  Peyton opened her mouth but didn't get the chance to speak as Maggie beat her to it, "don't bother going down that road hun. Just leave her to call you miss Fiona."

  Fiona smiled, "okay then. When is lunch going to be ready? I'm starved."

  Sadie handed her a muffin, "have a muffin. They're miraculous."

  Fiona laughed heartily as she took the muffin from Sadie, "don't I know that."

  It was only about five minutes wait before lunch was ready and they all sat down to have a lovely meal. Maggie made scalloped potatoes, roasted beef, green beans and a salad.12

  As they passed the food around Peyton took tiny amounts in everything and looked at her final plate dauntingly.

  It was a small round table and Sadie was sat next to Peyton so she leaned over, "just pretend I made it."

  Peyton glanced at her, "we both know that won't work. I will try my best to eat though." She forced a smile.

  Maggie and Fiona exchanged a worried look as they observed the little conversation between the two young girls.

  The four made light conversation as they ate; everyone of them enjoying the others' company. After lunch, a slice of triple chocolate cake for dessert was offered. Peyton declined but she did eat some out of Sadie's slice.

  "Are you girls ready to head back home or would you like to stay a little longer." Maggie asked trying to hide the expectation in her voice.

  Sadie looked to Peyton and Peyton knew that Sadie wanted to stay longer so she spoke, "if you're not kicking us out, we're not going anywhere."

  Sadie beamed, "there you are! I was wondering how long it would take you to be yourself."

  "I was just trying to control my comments. I don't want your moms hating me. You know I can be a bit... out there..."

  Maggie and Fiona smiled brightly at their conversation. "We would love to have you." They said simultaneously.

  They all relocated to the living room where Maggie and Fiona sat on one couch and Sadie and Peyton on another.

  "So Peyton, I've been dying to ask you since I came in, what does your t-shirt say?" Fiona asked with great curiosity.

  Peyton smiled mischievously as she looked at Sadie. In that moment Sadie knew it was something raunchy or something along those lines because Peyton was like that.

  Peyton unbuttoned her shirt and opened it revealing her t-shirt which read: "Nobody Knows I'm a Lesbian"12

  "Peyton!" Sadie pushed her.

  "What? You don't like it?"

  Both Maggie and Fiona were cracking up with laughter as Sadie crossed her arms and glared playfully at Peyton.

  "Awww come on, you know you want to smile." Peyton teased as she began poking Sadie's cheeks.

  After a couple seconds Sadie swatted her hands away and burst out laughing causing Peyton to smile triumphantly.

  The four spoke for about an hour about everything and nothing. That is until Maggie said to Sadie, "I have something for you baby girl. I found it in my things after the move." She got up then returning several seconds later with an envelope.8

  Sadie took the envelope and immediately her eyes got fuzzy. It was the envelope that Astrid had left for her. "I... I thought I lost this..." She whispered sadly as a tear escaped her.

  Peyton pulled her in for a small hug as she composed herself. When she sat back up Maggie explained, "I left you messages about it."

  "I never read most of your messages... I'm sorry..." Sadie said with a hurt voice as she looked at her mother.

  Wasting no time, Maggie made her way back to Sadie and pulled her into a hug. Peyton and Fiona left the room leaving them to have a moment together.

  It was not until after having dinner that the girls waved and hugged goodbye to Maggie and Fiona promising to come back for lunch and dinner next Saturday.

  "So, what were you and mom talking about when Fiona and I were washing the dishes?" Sadie asked as they drove.

  Peyton smiled, "you."

  "You were talking about me? What about me?"

  Peyton shrugged, "just random stuff. She told me about how when you were five you were convinced that your dog was a pony and you used to ride on his back declaring you were princess Sadie."2

  Sadie facepalmed herself.

  Peyton chuckled at Sadie's embarrassment but it soon died as she thought about what she had asked Maggie and what her response was.

  Chapter 38

  "Do you think mom is right?" Sadie asked Peyton as they lay on the ground next to the couch for the night.

  "About what?"

  "Moving."

  "Yes I do."

  "But I can't leave dad on his own. He can't even pay the rent."

  "He can't or he won't?"

  "Peyton..."

  "Come on Sadie, he's an adult. He is making his decisions. I do not see him considering you at any point. I agree with your mother."

  Maggie had told Sadie that she did not like the living situation she was in and that she would rent her a proper apartment in a safer neighbourhood but she was to leave her father because in her opinion he was endangering Sadie. Not to mention he is perfectly capable of getting a job and seeing after himself. It is not Sadie's responsibility.

  "You could always stay with me." Peyton suggested.

  "Nah. I don't want to intrude. Plus, I've grown accustomed to having the space basically to myself and I have definitely become accustomed to living by my own rules. Plus... I like being able to spend time alone with you."

  "I completely get what you mean. I had a fucking hard time adjusting to living with Kimmy. Always having people asking where you are and why. There was a certain freedom I had living with my parents. But I do have my own room. We can spend time together there."

  "No offense, but that's not good enough for me. As much as I like Kimmy, I can't stand her walking in every time I am having a moment with you."

  Peyton blushed at Sadie's confession, "so does that mean you want to have more moments with me?" She meant for it to come out sounding rude and suggestive but it ended up coming out sounding shy and insecure.1

  Sadie turned and looked at her, "of course I do. I don't want to just have moments. Eventually I want to have entire periods of time."

  Peyton chuckled, "way to explain yourself love."

  Sadie nudged her, "you know what I mean."

  "Yeah, I think I do. Hey... are you gonna read that letter?"

  "Yes... I'm just not ready... I know it's stupid but I want to wait a few days..."

  "It's not stupid. If you want you can always let me know when you're going to read it so that I can come over in case you need a shoulder to cry on."

  "Thanks Peyton."

  "Anytime love. I forgot to ask... Astrid is the reason your mom thought you were into girls right?"

  "Yeah. Well, as least I can't see it being for any other reason. We were a little too close if you know what I mean."

  Peyton chuckled, "Yeah, I understand. We should try and get some sleep now though we still have homework to finish for Monday."

  "Goodnight Peyton."

  "Sweet dreams love."

  As Peyton drifted off to sleep she replayed the question she had asked Maggie in her head; a small smile graced her lips as she replayed Maggie's answer.1

  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  "Hi mom!" Sadie answered her phone cheerfully.

  "Hi baby girl. Are you busy now?"

  "No. I'm just doing some crosswords."

  "You finished your homework?"

  "Yep. I just have to do a little more studying for a test on Friday but it's only Wednesday so I'll do that tomorrow."

  "Okay good because I don't want to i
nterrupt your studies. Now, your school called me today."

  "I hope you don't mind, I gave them your number on Monday."

  "I don't mind at all sweetheart. I am honoured."

  "Wait, what'd they call you for?"

  "That's what I want to talk to you about. The principal said that a teacher, Ms Kruger, is complaining about you and your involvement with Peyton."

  "What?! Why is she such a crab?!"

  "Sadie!"

  "I'm sorry mom but she is!"

  "What is going on Sadie? She said something about you "infiltrating her detention to perform inappropriate lesbian activities with Peyton". She is also claiming that Peyton is a "bad seed". I told the principal that I will speak with you and sort this out. What is going on Sadie?"3

  "Thanks for saying that she claims Peyton is a bad seed."

  "Well, I met Peyton and she is nothing but a sweetheart."

  "Well, she is but she does have a bit of a temper and she can be very rude and defiant."

  "So is this teacher right about..."

  Sadie cut her off, "wait, let me finish. Ms Kruger despises Peyton. She is always getting her in trouble."

  "The way I understand it from the principal, Peyton is in lunch time detention for the remainder of the school year for being constantly disrespectful."

  "Yeah but Ms Kruger provokes her!"

  "Sadie, calm down. I am just trying to get to the bottom of this and what you involvement really is."

  Sadie explained to her mother everything that went down between Peyton and Ms Kruger.

  "Well, I do not deny that Ms Kruger is wrong and excessive in her punishments but Peyton is also wrong. She should not react to Ms Kruger's bad attitude. She should be the bigger person."

  "I know. But it's Peyton and she has serious anger issues amongst others. She didn't exactly live a charmed childhood."

  "I do not dispute that Sadie but that is no excuse for her to be disrespectful to those in authority."

  "I know but it's really just with Ms Kruger. I mean, look at how she was with you and Fiona."

  "Okay Sadie. Now, how did you get involved in this detention? Ms Kruger does not even teach you."

  Sadie sighed, "well... I missed Peyton at lunch all of last week. Some days I didn't even get to see her at all. So... this Monday when the detention had started I walked into the class and told Ms Kruger that I was having evil thoughts and that I needed to be punished and I heard that she was holding lunch time detention for several students. It is actually almost a class full of students! Anyhow, she was glad to have me and told me to sit anywhere. I saw there were students working together on assignments and stuff so naturally I sat next to Peyton."7

  "Sadie... that was not necessary. You could have just spoken to Peyton over the phone in the evenings."

  "I know mom. That's what we did last week but it was not enough... I miss her mom. I want to actually talk to her in person. I want to see her. Things did not start off too well with us and we recently worked everything out and I just want to spend as much time with her as I could..."

  "You are in love with this girl aren't you?"

  "Yes. Are you okay with that?"

  "I am. I like her. I just have one question, what was Ms Kruger referring to when she said you were engaging in inappropriate lesbian activities?"

  "I really am not sure. Maybe it's because Peyton wears the boys' uniform and well we do smile at each other a lot. Oh wait, I think I know what she is talking about. Today something went in my eye and when I was rubbing at it Peyton put her hand on mine and then moved it from my face before she leaned in and blew in my eye. That's really the only thing she could be referring to. Trust me, I am not brave enough to have any public displays of affection with Peyton or any girl. I have only just technically come out to you. The only other people who know are Astrid and Peyton. As far as my friends thought, up until last week that is, I am a homophobe."

  "Okay baby girl. I understand. Thank you for telling me all of this. I truly am happy to be able to have this again. I missed you a lot."

  "I missed you too. And you have Peyton to thank for this. She is the one who knocked sense into me."

  "Well, I already told you I like her. You made a good choice in befriending her. I think she is good for you. I have never seen you this happy."

  "I really am happy mom. And she has had a very positive effect on me and I think I have done similar for her."

  "Sadie sweetheart, I heard a song the other day and I would like to sing it for you. It's kind of like some advice I would like to give you. Would you like that?"3

  "I would love that mom! Please do. I missed you singing to me..."

  "Okay, here goes... I don't know if you know it. It is called Tell Her You Love Her by Echosmith."3

  ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

  Tell her a story

  Tell her the honest truth

  You treat her better

  Make sure to see it through

  Don't be just everything she wants

  Be everything she needs

  When she says she loves you

  Tell her you love her too

  Oh oh oh oh oh oh

  Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

  Give her a reason

  Reason to love all you do

  She'll tell you secrets

  You'll tell her secrets too

  She'll tell you all her hopes and dreams

  You'll tell them too

  When she says she loves you

  Tell her you love her too

  Tell her you love her too

  But don't you run away run away

  When you get tired

  'Cause this will slip away slip away

  And start a fire

  That can never be put out

  Oh hurry time is running out

  But don't you run away run away

  Before you tell her you love her

  Oh oh oh oh oh oh

  Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

  When she says she needs you

  Tell her you need her too

  You tell her clearly

  Speak what your heart wants you to

  Tell her she's lovely

  Always tell her the truth

  When she says she loves you

  Tell her you love her too

  But please don't run away run away

  When you get tired

  'Cause this will slip away slip away

  And start a fire

  That can never be put out

  Oh hurry time is running out

  But don't you run away run away

  Before you tell her you love her

  ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫

  Chapter 39

  It's been two weeks since Peyton and Sadie's visit with Sadie's mother - Maggie. They visited again as promised the last two Saturdays as well.

  Maggie had stuck to her word and by last weekend Sadie was out of the apartment she shared with her father and was set up in a small but quaint apartment in a much safer neighbourhood. It was a one bedroom apartment but it actually had real walls separating it and the bathroom from the kitchen and living room.

  Maggie and Fiona had actually come during the week to help Sadie and Peyton with the move and everything.

  Things were great. For everyone. That is until Peyton began to have something reminiscent of a nervous breakdown.

  She was happy, there was no denying that but there was something that was bothering her.

  "Peyton?"

  She stopped pacing and turned to a confused looking woman, "Mrs D, did I wake you? I'm sorry."

  "No, I came to get some water and I noticed the door was open. What are you doing pacing about out here at after one in the morning?"

  "I... I can't sleep."

  "What's bothering you sweetheart?"

  "It's nothing really. I'll get over it. You should go back to bed. Don't let me keep you up, you have work in a few hours."1

  "And you have a test."

  "I know... b
ut I'm ready for it."

  "Peyton, I am not going to leave you here in distress." Mrs Dexter sat on the chair swing, "come, talk to me Peyton. That's what I'm here for."

  Peyton gave her a small smile before sitting next to her.

  "Okay, so what's wrong sweetheart?"

  "I'm freaking out!"

  "About what?"

  "You remember that girl, Sadie?"

  "Of course. How could I not? She was a darling."1

  Peyton smiled, "I'm glad you think so. She is."

  "Do you like her?"

  "I'm in love with her."

  "So she is the one who you've been spending the last three weekends with?"

  Peyton nodded with a nostalgic smile. "She introduced me to her mother. I think her mother likes me. I like her. She's cool. Like you."

  Mrs Dexter smiled, "well I can tell you that Sadie is having quite the effect on you. You have been clamer these days, I have not seen you have an anger outburst in the past two weeks. Also, you are putting on a bit of weight."2

  Peyton smiled, "she cooks for me. I don't know why but I can eat her food." Peyton added quickly, "I'm not saying anything bad about your food!"

  Mrs Dexter chuckled, "I took no offense at that. I am just glad that somebody can get you to eat."

  "She brings lunch for me everyday and on the weekends she makes whatever I ask her for."

  "So if things are this good, what are you freaking out about?"

  "I... like I said, I love her. I'm in love with her. I've told her that. I always tell her and she tells me the same..."

  "Do you not believe her?"

  Peyton shook her head sadly, "I want to because I don't think she is a liar and I know she won't say something like that if she didn't mean it but I just don't understand why."1

  "You don't understand why she loves you?"

  Peyton shook her head as tears began to flow. "She has no reason to. I ain't lovable Mrs D."8

  Mrs Dexter wrapped her arm around Peyton's shoulder and Peyton rested her head on her shoulder. "You are every bit as lovable as anyone else."

  "No..." Peyton sniffled, "I'm not." After a couple seconds she continued, "if I was my parents and brother would have loved me. I know it is stupid but sometimes I can't stand seeing Sadie interact with her mother. It breaks my heart. It's the same with Kimmy only difference is I am accustomed to you guys and Kimmy so it isn't so bad anymore. But I can't help but wonder what I did wrong. Why don't they love me? Sometimes I wonder if I was wrong and weak for leaving. I should have stayed and fought. I should have faced my life and..."