by K. Walker
“Okay,” I relented.
“Okay, enough of this crap. Let’s go get drunk or something. My place.”
“Yes!” Zeke grinned and slapped Chad in the back. “That’s what I’m talking about. Man, I tell you, some girls are just pure drama. No offense, ladies.”
“None taken,” Liz and I said unanimously.
“Come on,” Chad said again. “Let’s bounce.”
I signaled Amanda and Stacey and they joined us.
“Where are we going?” Amanda asked.
“To Chad’s,” I replied. “Getting our party on!” I laughed and bumped hips with hers.
“Someone’s in a good mood, which is weird considering I saw Callie walking away. What did she want?”
I frowned. “To ensure that her existence meant eternal misery for everyone else,” I said bitterly.
“This is so old,” Amanda said and shook her head in disbelief. “Will she ever stop?”
“She will…eventually,” I smirked when I envisioned how her entire dynasty would crumble when whatever information Chad’s father had shared with mine got out. It would shock everyone, I was sure of it.
“Wait for us a second,” Chad said as we came upon the boys’ locker room.
“Sure,” I replied. “We’ll be in the parking lot.”
All five of us walked out the back door and strolled behind the bleachers and to the side entrance that led to the parking lot. We were milling around, checking our IG accounts and checking social media when Callie and her girls exited the building.
“Don’t look now, but Cruella is approaching,” Liz said in a sing-song voice. “Should we just stone her?”
I laughed. “I wish we could.”
“Why can’t she just leave well enough alone?” Amanda asked. “We’re all the way over here, and she has the nerve to go out of her way to make sure she says something mean. That’s got to be a clinical disorder.”
“Just don’t respond to her. Maybe she’ll get the gist and walk away,” I said as I leaned against my car and returned my attention to the phone screen.
“You do know you all are accomplices, right?” she asked as she stopped a couple of feet from us.
No one answered.
“If Brody goes down, I’ll make sure and tell the cops that you all were a part of it.”
The door banged across the yard and I glanced up to see Chad and the rest of the guys approaching. Callie started to back off when her attention wasn’t returned.
But she didn’t leave like she wanted to taunt even him.
He wore a devious smile when he approached and her brows arched. “What?” she asked him.
“Nothing,” he replied. “Except, I suggest you stop spreading your lies about Brody.”
“They aren’t lies,” she spat. “Everyone deserves to know we go to school with a criminal.”
“And what about skanky bitches who would do anything for a little more popularity, huh?”
Her face turned pale. “What are you talking about?”
“One more word about Brody and everyone will know about what really happened after race day— including your girls.”
Callie’s face turned pink and she folded her arms. “You wouldn’t dare!”
“Wouldn’t I?” he asked and walked away. “Try me.”
“What happened?” I whispered to Amanda.
“Beats me,” she shrugged. “But she knows and he knows. And that’s enough to shut her up!”
Callie balled her fists at her sides and stomped furiously before walking off in a hurry. She was overheard snapping at her girls when they obviously asked her what was wrong.
But she wasn’t my concern. “Anyway, come on. We’ve got some celebrating to do. For two different reasons,” I gloated as I pushed off of my car and got in. Doors slammed as we all slid behind our wheels and followed Chad out of the parking lot.
If nothing else, Madison Falls was a den for excitement and drama. If not for the few friends and the awesome boyfriend I had found after arriving, I would have walked right out and enrolled in a different school.
But the R8 in front of me gave me plenty to smile about.
Chapter 9
Callie
My tennis shoes squeaked on the marble tiles as I walked hurriedly inside the house, my arms stiff at my sides and my eyes searching. “Mom! Mom! I know you’re here!” I screamed as I walked from room to room, searching for her. “Mom!”
She came hurrying out of the office as I approached, smoothing her skirt and trying to look inconspicuous. I glanced behind her. “Who’s in there?”
She grabbed my arm and wheeled me around. “No one, dear,” she grinned, her cherry red lips parting to reveal perfect white teeth. “What were you shouting about?”
I whipped my hand and got loose, right before I skirted her and ran to the office. She had someone in there she was hiding. I knew her too well. I froze in the doorway when I saw the elderly man as he rose from the chair, an uncomfortable smile slowly turning his lips upwards.
“Judge Peyton?” I asked and looked back at an embarrassed Mom. “What are you doing here?”
“He was just leaving,” Mom said as she hurried over to me and took my hand. “Weren’t you, Judge?”
“Uh, yes,” he said and looked anxiously at Mom. It was clear I had interrupted their meeting.
I folded my arms and tapped my feet as he hurried past us and towards the front door, his satchel clutched to his chest like he had a mega secret inside he needed to protect.
“Really, Mom? The Judge? What did you do this time?”
She waved me off and walked off towards the kitchen. “Nothing. I didn’t do anything. But I might,” she said, her white cover-up billowing around her ankles as she walked. She walked to the bar area just outside the kitchen and took up a glass. “Wine, dear?”
I scrunched up my face. “No,” I said.
“Suit yourself,” she said as she poured a glass and placed it at her lips. Then her eyes lifted over the rim, and it was like she just realized I was still there. “What?”
I folded my arms. “What are you doing about Chad, and Sophia, and Derek?” I asked furiously. “You told me you would take care of it, and last I checked, I’m not winning!”
She scoffed. “Callie, you’re seventeen. Shit happens. You don’t always win. Suck it up!”
I gasped in horror. “Suck it up? That’s really your best advice to me right now?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know what you want me to say,” she said. “You came to me whining about that boy, and I made some calls and, you know, tried to help. Relax. It’ll happen.”
“Nothing’s happened!” I spat. I was angrier than ever. There was no way Sophia Daniels was going to get everything that belonged to me. Chad would have come back to me. I know it. If she hadn’t come along and fucked things up, none of this would be happening.
“Chad doesn’t even like me anymore,” I complained.
Mom rolled her eyes and sipped her wine. “Callie, I don’t know what to tell you, but I have to go out.” She set the glass down onto the counter and checked her hair in the mirror on the wall.
She was unbelievable. “You know what? Screw you! There’s never been a time I’ve needed you when you’ve been there.”
“Don’t you speak to me like that, young lady,” she said, her lips twisting. “You’re still my daughter.”
“Am I?” I asked as the tears stung my eyes. “Do you even know what it’s like to be a mother?”
“I’ve given you the best life has to offer,” she countered as she walked up to me. “Best school. Best car. Best of everything.”
“Yeah,” I sniffled. “Best nannies. Best sitters. You’d pay for anything as long as you wouldn’t have to do it yourself. You’re so busy running around with these Judges, and Senators,” I spat. “Wonder what Dad would think about all of that?”
I felt the stinging sensation before I realized she had slapped me across the face. “The next tim
e you talk to me like that, you’re not going to like it!”
I clutched my cheek as it throbbed under my palm. “You hit me!” I screeched and lunged at her.
“No, no, no!” Nurse Sandy cried as she suddenly appeared between us.
“I can have you arrested for that!” I screeched at her.
“You could, and then, who would you whine to?” she asked and walked away.
And I was left standing with the mother of my enemy.
“Are you okay?” she asked as she searched my face.
“I’m fine,” I spat and walked back to the kitchen. Nothing that a cooling patch couldn’t solve. Not like it was the first time – she would be a bitchy mother, and I would call her out on it, and then I would get punished for it.
I hated all of them!
I pressed the cold compress against my cheek as it slowly cooled. I checked the mirror and saw that there wasn’t any permanent damage. I would be fine for school, after some extra makeup, of course.
“Do you realize you work for me?” I heard mom shouting.
I thought she had left. Who was she fighting with now?
I walked slowly down the hall that led to Uncle Travis’ room on the eastern wing. It was sort of a secluded part of the house, where he could have his private care. The shouting was coming from there.
I walked faster and caught them as Nurse Sandy stood in front of the door, blocking Mom.
“Move!” Mom said tersely.
“You know I can’t,” Nurse Sandy replied as she stretched out her arms and placed them on the door jambs. “And I don’t work for you.”
“This is ridiculous. He’s my brother. I should be able to see him any time I want. And this is my house.”
Nurse Sandy nodded. “It is your house, but I still can’t let you in there without supervision,” she said firmly. “I’m sorry, but you know I can’t.”
“What’s going on?” I asked as I crept slowly towards them. “Why can’t Mom go in there to see him?”
Nurse Sandy glanced over at me, even as she maintained her position. “Callie, stay out of this.”
“No!” I sneered. “Does that mean that I can’t see him either? What is this?”
Nurse Sandy sighed. “Mrs. Humpry, you know I can’t let you in unless I’m there to oversee. Callie you’re free to go in. But I’m his caretaker, and I’m doing what’s best for him.”
“And I’m not?” Mom asked incredulously and folded her arms.
Nurse Sandy stared into her eyes. “You know why you can’t,” she replied softly and glanced at me, right before Mom grimaced and stomped off.
“What does that mean?” I asked as I chased after her. “Why can’t you go see Uncle Travis?”
It didn’t make sense to me. Uncle Travis was mom’s only brother. They had always been close, as much as I can remember. In fact, he had been more like a parent than an uncle, and I adored him.
“Stay out of it!” Mom hurled at me as she grabbed her purse and breezed through the front door.
The door slammed after her and I wheeled around just in time to see Nurse Sandy coming up behind me. “I’m sorry, but what did I miss?”
“Your uncle is asking for you,” she said and turned around again. “I suggest you come now. He’s very tired and needs his rest.”
I ran past her and into the room. I hated going into that room. If it were someone else other than Uncle Travis, I might not have gone in.
His face was thin, and his eyes sunken. His face was ash-gray, and as I approached, he stretched bony fingers toward me. He still had the same smile, and I sat on the chair next to his bed, taking his now diminished hands in mine.
The room smelled like disinfectant and medication, and my eyes drifted to the pouch attached to his side that collected his urine. It was all very depressing and too sad for a man who was nothing but a ray of sunshine all his life. It was unfair, and I could think of far more deserving people.
“Hey, Uncle T,” I said and rubbed the back of his hand. “You’re looking good today.”
“Bah,” he chuckled and waved me off. “So, how’s my beautiful girl doing? Still breaking hearts?”
I blushed. “You know the usual. School sucks. So do the teachers. And don’t get me started on Mom,” I rolled my eyes. He chuckled again and then started into a fit of coughing. “Do you need water? Can I get you anything?”
“No,” he said and clutched my arm. “I don’t need anything,” he said and coughed again. “Listen, there’s something I want you to do for me.”
“Anything,” I said as I stared into his sunken, gray eyes that seemed even paler than usual.
“Don’t let her get to you,” he said and chin-pointed at the door.
I looked behind me. “Who? Nurse Sandy? Because she wouldn’t let Mom in, and I don’t know why.”
“I don’t want her in here anyway,” he said in a gravelly voice and looked up at the ceiling. “She’s been nothing but a black pit just sucking the life out of you. You deserve better, and I’m worried about what will happen when I’m gone.”
“Don’t say that,” I implored. I didn’t want any end-of-life speeches. Not from the one person who seemed to actually see me and love me for me. “I don’t want to have any gloomy conversations.”
“I’ve made sure that you’ll be alright,” he smiled at me, in a weird and suspicious way.
“What-what do you mean?” I stammered.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” he said and reached up to stroke my face. “One day, everyone will see the precious gem that I see every day.”
The tears flowed freely after that. He didn’t have long to live – the cancer was quickly eating away at him and leaving me defenseless against Mom. He had been my rescue so many times when Dad had been too busy to notice.
If Uncle Travis died…
“I’m sorry,” I blurted out and hurled myself out of the room and right into Dad’s broad chest.
He grabbed me, and with wild eyes searched mine. “What is it, Callie?”
“Nothing,” I said and swiped my eyes, quickly replacing my frown with a smile. “I have to go upstairs.”
I hurried past as Nurse Sandy and Dad walked into Uncle T’s room. I was almost at the end of the hallway when I stopped. All three of them were in the room. That was weird. I stopped and looked behind me and then turned.
Wonder what they’re talking about.
I started to walk sneakily back to the room. I was close enough to hear hushed whispers and I stood just inches away from the door, pressing my ear against the wall as my heart beat hard against my chest.
“She can’t know about this,” Uncle T was saying.
“She won’t,” Dad said. “Not if I can help it, but you should be fine now.”
Uncle T laughed. “Define fine. I’m still dying.”
“Yeah, well, you won’t go faster than you need to anymore. Sandy will supervise your meals as she’s been doing.”
“Long as you don’t let her near me, I’m good,” Uncle T said. “That bitch would do anything to…”
I stepped into the room just then, my mouth agape, and my eyes wide with astonishment.
“What aren’t you telling me?” I demanded from both of them. “Tell me! What did Mom do?”
They looked from one to the other, and Dad sighed before he walked over to me and took my hand. “You might want to sit down, honey.”
My legs grew wobbly and my heart palpitated. I was breathing quick, shallow breaths as I sat stiffly on the chair I was sitting on before.
“Okay,” I said shakily, already dreading what they were going to tell me.
Chapter 10
Sophia
I wasn’t looking forward to what would happen the next day at school after Chad had called out Callie. In fact, I was expecting it to rain hail – Callie wouldn’t take anything lying down. She would find a way to get back at Chad for whatever, and that usually involved me.
I sucked in a deep breath and walked to my
locker. The coast was clear – only a few students were lingering in the hallway, giggling and carrying on as they usually did before class.
I reached for my phone as I reached my locker.
Sophia: Amanda, where are you? Five minutes before class starts and I DO NOT want to face Cruella alone.
Amanda: Lol! I just parked. Be there in a second.
I slipped the phone into my jacket pocket and opened my locker as I readied for first period. So far, no sign of Callie.
My thought came too soon. As soon as I did, I saw the goon squad entering the hallway. They looked lost, and it didn’t take long for me to realize why – there was no Callie.
That was weird. She was always front and center, her heels clicking on the floor like she was writing a spell with her steps or something.
Christine sneered at me as she passed, and Zoe just appeared listless. Paris was chatting animatedly on her phone like she didn’t realize Callie wasn’t there – or maybe that was why. I hardly ever saw them speaking out of turn like they had to have her permission.
But I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. No Callie was always a good thing. Maybe she was staying home for the day, even better. I wondered if she had considered taking a longer time off— much longer.
Or home schooling.
I snickered at the thought and turned to see Amanda coming upon me. “What’s so funny?” she asked and opened her locker.
“I was just wondering what life would be like now without Callie,” I grinned. “I just saw the cheer squad and she wasn’t with them.”
Amanda tilted and looked over my shoulder. “That’s odd. Anyway, come on. I don’t have time to even fantasize about cheer bitch supreme,” she said with a roll of her eyes.
I giggled. “I swear you have the best phrases for her.”
We laughed as we walked to class, and I was feeling much lighter as I sat down. I was glued to the teacher, absorbing the lesson when the door banged open. Mr. Anglin stopped speaking and pressed onto his desk on his knuckles, clearly annoyed, as he looked at the angry teenager walking in.
“Callie, you know I don’t tolerate this kind of lateness,” he scolded.