Broadway Heights is back to normalcy by Monday morning, the hallway is crowded with different groups mingling with themselves. I laugh at something Maria says, she gives me a look. “What? It’s true.”
“It’s not,” I reply, trying to keep the flatness out of my voice. Her dramatic gasp amuses me, she grips my shoulder. I don’t allow her intense look deter me. “You cannot walk on fire without getting burned.”
“You know nothing, my dear,” she retorts.
I make to whack the back of my head, she scurries ahead of me with a wicked laugh and goes to stand in front of her locker. I join her, she hums to herself while taking out the books for the first period. I mimic her movements, stuffing my bag with more notes than I require. I snicker when the weight of her books drags her arm down. A textbook drops, my eyes fall to the purse strapped around her waist, I shake my head.
Already sensing my remark, she squats to pick the text and says, “Shh.”
My eyelids flutter open, I squint at the bright lights pouring into my face. A sharp pain pierces my skull, I hold my hands to my head and clench my eyes shut, opening it at the caresses on my arm. Maria’s face hovers over mine, I blink to clear the dots in my vision. The headache eventually subsides, I send a small smile her way to allay her worries. With her help, I sit up and scan the room. There are only two beds and the other one is empty. Maria is on a small bench by my bed, my hand clutched protectively in hers. Light filters in from the high windows, I stare at the white walls until it clicks. We are at the school clinic. Pushing the damp hair out of my forehead, I whimper when I try to bend. My lower stomach hurts like I was beaten badly in a fight. That’s right, I was punched. Punched by that asshole in an unfair fight. Maria must have read my thoughts, she turns my face to one side while stroking my cheek and I am reminded of Ben’s fingers cutt
The air outside is a bit chilly. Of late, the weather has been deceptive. In the morning, I couldn’t stand the heat, now it’s freezing. On some days, the reverse is the case. My teeth chatter noiselessly, I lock my arms around myself and speed walk to my car. A figure with his head bowed catches my eyes, I stop, reminded of the evening with Asher. The evening that got me into the clinic. My stomach groans as if to remind me of the pain, I palm my lower belly and inhale. The figure pushes away from the motorbike to lace his sneakers, I smile when I realise it is indeed Asher. I don’t make any attempts to call him, if the bike is there, then Ben must be lurking somewhere, ready to pounce on me again. Asher might be a cutie but I will pass today. Asher notices me right as I resume walking to my car, he screams my name and I curse under my breath. I turn slowly to wave at him, my eyes darting to the front of the building. It opens and an unfamiliar face walks out, I relax slight
Maria is still not talking to me. On Tuesday, I endured it, hoping her mood swing would pass but she didn’t say a word to me. Even now, as we are strolling to our lockers, she’s quiet. Too quiet and unlike herself. I poke her, she raises a perfectly tweezed brow at me but keeps mute. My shoulders deflate, I clasp my hands and muster my best puppy eyes. In reply, she slams her locker door and sashays out of my sight. Nice one, Maria, best friend ever. I don’t understand why I’m getting punished for something that’s none of my fault. The beef she has with Daniel has nothing to do with me. I didn’t know about him talking to Olivia until he mentioned it. Speak of the devil, Daniel blocks my path right as I am about to race off in the direction Maria headed. Resting one hand on my locker, the other shoved inside the pocket of his trouser, he grins at me. “I need your help,” he says when I don’t return his smile. My eyes roam the e
Did you read it? I stare at the note in my hands until the words blur, my teeth sink into my lips, I lean on the shelf and sigh. Yesterday when I came to return the letter, my note was untouched. But today, there is a reply. I shake my head like Let—I have decided to call the owner of the letter that—can see me. I didn’t read it. I only caught a glimpse of the first line and chose not to. But right now, I am curious. Is it someone I know? The handwriting is strange, maybe like me, the person has handwriting for different occasions. Tearing out a note from my jotter, I write out one word on it: No. Curiosity niggles me, I want to know what is in the letter, I need to know. I squash the paper and tear out another piece to put up a new response. A lie. Yes. Sorry. Before my conscience weighs in on me, I shove the note into the novel, run out of the library and drive out of the school like a cast of Fast and Furious. I don’t stop to think until I am
“You are acting strange,” Maria comments. We are back to being best friends but I can’t say the same for her and Daniel, she doesn’t want to hear his name, doesn’t want to talk about him or the cancelled date. The video is still out there, she will die if it goes viral. Secretly, I am hoping she comes around so her newfound interest in Ben will fade. I am not sure it’s out of real concern for me but she has been updating me on his whereabouts. Right now, he’s in detention. He might spend another week there and I think I like that fact. I like that I don’t have to see him because my brain turns to jelly whenever he is close to me and I don’t even like the guy. I pretend to mull over her words, she slaps my forehead, I yelp. I definitely didn’t miss this part of her. “How strange?” I finally ask. We take the stairs two at a time. My attention is partially on her and the people rushing past us to the cafeteria. My eyes linger on some of the mal
Maria is still not here. I send her another text, she replies with a red face emoji and a wink. I should have come with my car. My gaze drifts to the brown building in front of the parking lot. The library is behind it. I am tempted to return inside and retrieve the note but I am too scared of him finding me in there.What if he’s someone I hate? I have considered the possibility of it being someone I’m mean to but what if he’s someone who has been mean to me? I go out of my way to keep to myself, for me to react, I must have been provoked. I rest my head on the hood of Maria’s car and try not to think of him. He deserves a reply, it’s the least I owe him after taking his letter.A tug on my back has me raising my head, I look behind to see Maria grinning like she didn’t keep me waiting. If she wasn’t my best friend, I would have knocked some of her teeth out. She taps on her car fob, a beep follows and I unlock the passe
I don’t get another reply from Let until Friday.Let: I don’t need your pity. I don’t need your wishes. You can keep the fucking letter.Me: I’ve never been to a high school party before. I’ve never dated or kissed anyone, I think I might die celibate because no one ever looks at me like they want me. I’m not sure what alcohol tastes like. My parents see me as this innocent child and I don’t want to ruin that image for them. Daddy is busy all the time but he tries to be there for me. Sometimes I wish he will lose his job so I can see him more often. Lol.At school, I am bullied. I try to be tough when the pranks and bullying start but it really gets to me. My best friend tries but sometimes it’s not enough. I go home thinking, wondering if they will still bully me if I looked a little more like them and less of myself. But then, I like how I am, at least for most part of the time.Sorry for takin
I fiddle with my new bracelet, trace the tiny letter beads with my name on it while waiting for my turn. Miss Jota takes note as Whitney performs. Much to my annoyance, Whitney’s red pointed heels connect hard to the wooden floor of the stage, producing ear-scratching sounds. I focus on Miss Jota’s face, trying to tell if she’s pleased with Whitney’s performance but she gives nothing away. Whitney finishes with a mock bow, her friends clap and she climbs down the stage. Miss Jota picks a sheet from the table, squinting at the list. “Theresa Mower?” I raise a hand. “Your turn.” My heart thumps against my ribcage, I rumple the script and shuffle to the stage. Twice, I almost trip and the girls seated behind me giggle. I release my breath when I make it to the stage, turning to face the small crowd. “You are auditioning for the role of Juliet?” “Yes,” I answer with a nod, very much aware Whitney also auditioned for that role. I must get it. Miss Jota recli
I feel like sexual assault against the male genders is not talked about as much as in the case of the female genders. As a friend to a few males who have been molested by people who were supposed to care for them, I knew I had to write about it someday. And I hope I was able to bring awareness to this, however little, through Ben. It’s never okay to molest a child. It’s never okay to molest anyone. That being said, here are some fun facts about this book; 1. It’s my first attempt at teenfiction. I was almost certain readers would notice and call me out on that. 2. BBTB was supposed to be a short story project. I was so worried it would be a flop so I planned to make it between 40-80 chapters. But the story grew wings and took off on its own. 3. This is the longest story I have ever written. I am just as surprised as you are and I was pleasantly shocked to see comments wanting their lovestory to go on for much longer. Those comments kept me going even on the bad days. So, thank y
It hurts too much. My body is on fire and it’s not yet right to push. Why isn’t it time? I need them to get the baby out of me. Not later, now. Sweat drips down my forehead and my eyes sting with tears. The doctor has stopped the bleeding. I have been cleaned up, changed into a hospital gown. They say everything is fine but it’s not. The contractions are ripping me from inside out and all Ben does is mutter unintelligible gibberish. He put the baby inside me, he should experience the pain too. “Are you okay?” Ben asks. I glare at him. How can I be okay? Whatever the doctor gave me is keeping me awake so I have no respite from the pain. Ben pushes my hair away from my sweaty forehead and I lean into him for comfort. I’m tired but I’m glad our son is okay. “I’m sorry, Gracie,” my husband says. Pushing past my pain, I offer him a questioning glance. Maddie is fine, right? My parents are okay too, right? Ben wipes the tears spill
I am packing up for Maddie’s weekend getaway when Ben strolls into her room. He picks a toy from the floor, tosses it into the air and catches it. I stall when he crosses over to me. All his attempts to take over the packing from me are futile. He protests by shaking his head. I am pregnant, not handicapped.When the bag is zipped up, I lower myself to the bed to catch my breath. Maybe I should have let him do it. But he never lets me do anything.Worried eyes stare into mine as Ben kneels between my legs. I’m fine, just tired. I pick the stuffed bear he dropped on the bed and sniff it. It smells like Maddie. And if I listen closely, I’ll hear her voice as she sings along with her favourite characters on TV.Maddie’s grandparents—my parents are in town because I’m due next week. They don’t want to miss it. She’s spending the weekend with them.Ben pries the bear from me and traces the
Laughter erupts from the living room, a kid’s voice follows and my lips curve in a smile. I pause the YuuTube tutorial I’m watching and set my tab down on the counter. I’m trying a new recipe I found online. Ben has been working extra hours so he can’t cook as much anymore and I’m tired of takeouts for dinner.With a hand under my belly, I meander to the living room. Maddie is on her feet, clapping and giggling at the television. There’s an old show playing. A family series I starred in one year after graduation. I clear my throat and my baby girl spins to face me. She grins and everything feels right. The nine hours of labour, the screams, the pain. They don’t matter.Running towards me, she stops a few inches from me and grabs my hand. “See Mummy,” she says, pointing at the television. I’m helping the second male lead set up his outfit for work. Her blue eyes flash with childlike innocence when she run
I feel the stare before I turn to Maria. “Will you stop?” I mutter. She says nothing but her eyes lower to my swollen belly, making it so obvious she had been staring. “Maria Vega.”“Theresa Carter.”Pink colours my cheeks. I hide my face in my palms and she bursts out laughing. It still feels so surreal being Mrs Carter, Ben’s wife. Our wedding was small and private like we both wanted. Aside from our family, we had our friends. Maria. Leah. Mira. Calum. Olivia also showed up. She and Ben are still in contact. We are kind of cool.Thinking about the wedding makes me smile and I twist the ring on my forth finger. My promise ring remains on my middle finger.I sit up and cross my legs. There are some pictures from the wedding scattered all over the living room floor. Maria didn’t get a chance to see them before her flight. She had a concert that day. I rub a hand over my stomach. Ben didn’t
Where is Ben? We will be late.I step out of the bathroom in only a towel and sashay to the wardrobe to get the gown for our date. There are a few options but I select a navy blue off-shoulder gown. Flipping through my playlist, I settle on Maria’s new single and settle down in front of the vanity to make myself up.A smile curves my lips as I brush my hair. I don’t look so bad at all. The makeup tutorial classes on YuuTube and Maria’s extra sessions come in handy as I apply foundation to my face. My gaze flies to the door. I’m in my room. Ben wasn’t in his room when I checked but he should be getting ready.The door creaks. I look up but Ben doesn’t walk in. My eye makeup is done. I apply a bright red lipstick and the door finally opens. Ben stalks into the room wearing a tux. My man is hot but in a suit and Oxford leather shoes, he is hotter. He closes the door with his foot and leans on it so I can assess
The drive to Ben’s office is a blur. I’m out of the car and in front of his office in a flash. I miss him. And I haven’t seen him in eight hours.I knock once on the door and open before he ushers me inside. Locking the door behind me, I bridge the gap between us and crush him in a hug. We live in the same house but God, I want to be in his presence all the time.“You’re back so early,” Ben says against my lips. I kiss him hard to make up for the hours without any kisses. Ben chuckles and hoists me on the edge of his desk. Then, he stands between my legs. “I missed you too, babe.”I grin. “I missed you more.”Ben touches his forehead to mine. “You’re here,” he says. His smile is sad. I nod against his body and his hands slip into my gown. I help him with the zip and pout. “I didn’t think you would make it today.”I had a pho
The mixer whirrs to life. I throw in more flour, add three eggs and whisk the batter into a smooth mix. Calum, my unwilling apprentice, watches from behind the counter. He came in last night. On my command, Calum oils the pans for the cake and turns on the oven. Done, he edges close to me. I swat his hand before he dips his finger into the mix. “Come on, Tessa. I came all this way, let me have some.” I roll my eyes. He came all this way, uninvited but I’m happy to see him. I empty the batter into the small pan. We will eat from that. “Just a taste.” “Fine.” I shove the spatula in his face and he snatches it from me. My face scrunches in disgust when he licks the spatula clean like a hungry dog. “Calum, what’s wrong with you?” He shrugs. “Nothing?” It feels like there’s something but I continue emptying the batter into the pans. When I’m done, I bring out the ingredients for the icing. Today is Ben’s
A look of fear flashes across her face. She levels me with a stare that shows she’s trying to control her temper. It’s unfair that I have to watch her kiss other guys under the guise of it being part of the job. “You are just making up scenarios that don’t exist,” she says. “Your job doesn’t even require it, Benny.” “But your job does...” I twist my hands so hard they ache. She doesn’t get it. “...and I don’t like it, Gracie.” Various emotions flicker on her face. She opens and closes her mouth twice without saying a word. The third time, she murmurs, “You asked me to trust you when Elena was involved, right?” I did. And I’ve established boundaries at the office, at school too. For fuck’s sake, she’s my screensaver, I wear my ring. They know I belong to Gracie. “So, can you please trust me on this one? It’s just a job, babe.” “Babe, it’s not the same.” Gracie stomps her feet in annoyance. I grit my teeth. She’s not the only one getti