I woke up a little before school ends to see a glass of water next to the bed along with my phone and book bag. A thin blanket covering me and the door separating the room and office closed to give me privacy.
I pick up my phone to see texts from Daniel, Christine even Kylie.
Daniel: Come back
Daniel: Where are you?
Daniel: Kisses seriously, wtf happened?
Daniel: I’m fucking worried
Daniel: Mother of all things large and small where’d you go?
Daniel: Why aren’t you in any of your classes?
Daniel: I’m going to the hospital
Daniel: Dammit your not here
Daniel: Are you still at school?
Daniel: What’s your address?
Daniel: I’m waiting outside the school. I’m be here till I have football practice.
Me: I’ll be there
Christine: Kisses
Christine: He’s a dick, come back
Christine: Where do you go?Christine: At least tell me your okay.
Me: I’m fine. Thank you.
Kylie: Where’d you go?
Kylie: Daniel’s worried sick
Kylie: He just punched the guy
Kylie: Are you okay? You aren’t in class.
Kylie: Meet me with Daniel after school please
Me: I’ll be there.
The bell rings and I head out thanking Mrs. Green and she nods smiling at me.I see Daniel pulling at his hair and Kylie trying to calm him down. “She’s okay Dan” I hear Kylie say and Daniel looks up and we lock gazes. He runs over to me relief washing over his face.
“Kisses, where did you go? I was so worried. I’m so sorry. I-“ Daniel starts rambling and I start talking to shut him up. “I didn’t feel good so I went to Mrs. Green. I’m fine now” I say giving him a fake smile.
“Kylie and Christine told me what happened. You do know that’s not true right?” Daniel says and I nod smiling. “Yeah, now lets go. I miss Porsha” I say and we go to Daniel and Kylie’s car. Since Daniel needs to be back for football practice he’s just going to bring me with him so I can get my car. I’m going to the Green’s house after too so we all can do homework together.
The ride goes by pretty fast and soon we are at the shelter causing me to smile. “Hi Kisses, you brought friends?” Kimberly says and I nod smiling. “Yup, hoping to adopt a certain someone today” I say my smile growing and Kimberly looks at me surprised.
I walk over to Porsha pen and she starts wagging her tale when she sees me. I bend over and pick her up bringing her outside.I play with her a little while Kylie and Daniel watch from a distance so Porsha doesn’t get freaked out.
“You guys can come in now” I say sitting down and placing Porsha in my lap. She cowards into me when Daniel and Kylie come in but soon slowly gets out of my lap and goes over to them sniffing them. This is progress.
“Try to throw the toy” I say and Kylie slowly picks it up, careful not to scare Porsha with the sudden movements.
Kylie gently throws the toy and Porsha slowly walks over to it, picks it up and brings it over to me. “Go over there” I say pointing to the twins. Porsha plops down next to me just staring at them.“Try putting your hand out, palm towards you” I say and they do so. Porsha looks at me, then them, me again and then slowly walks over to them smelling their hands. She sits in-between them and the slowly pet her. A few minutes after she relaxes a little bit and Kylie try’s with the toy again. Porsha runs to it and brings it back to her.
I lightly clap happy that she trusts them. “So?” say and they nod. “She’s adorable and seems to be okay with us” Daniel says and I nod. “You’ll grow on her. I started off like you guys” I say and they smile. “I think this might work” Daniel says and a huge smile spreads upon my face, tears brimming my eyes.
“Thank you guys” I say pulling them in a hug causing them to laugh. “She’s a sweetheart and will be in great hands during the day when your at school” Kylie says and the tears start falling out of my eyes causing Bella to jump on me making sure I’m alright. “Lets get you out of here Porsha” I whisper to her.
We go through the adoption papers and I’m officially the owner of Porsha. “It’s only 3 so lets go do homework and have you and Porsha meet my parents” Daniel says grabbing my free hand and pulling me to his car.
“Mom, dad. We have the dog and her owner here” Daniel says walking into the door. I have Porsha tucked under my arm and Daniel’s arm around my shoulder.
“I’m coming honey” I hear someone yell from the top of the stairs and I nearly drop my phone at the sight of the person.
“Kisses, honey is that you?” Mrs. Green, also know as my moms old best friend Tara Green says and I just stand there, memories of when me, my mom, Tara and Kylie would hang out at the park come flooding into my brain.
“You guys know each other?” Daniel says dumbfounded and I see a lightbulb go off in Kylie’s head. “That’s why you looked so familiar” She says smacking her head.
“It’s so great to see you honey, How’s your mother? I haven’t heard from her in forever” Tara says running down to hug me making Porsha shrink farther into my side. “Yeah, she happens to do that” I mumble hugging her back.
“Is this Porsha?” Tara says and I nod, “Yes, but she has had a really bad history so it takes a little while for her to warm up to people. She’s still not 100% okay with Kylie and Daniel” I say and Tara nods understanding.
“Alright mom, we are going to go do homework” Daniel says giving me the look that tells me I’m going to need to explain everything to him. “Alright, you should stay the night” Tara says to me and I shrug, secretly wishing I could.
We make our way to Daniel’s room and Kylie parts ways into her room to make a phone call. Daniel’s room is a typical football players room …. Not
It’s a crème color with a low to the ground grey bed sticking into the center. It’s neatly kept and looks nothing like how I would picture it. Behind his bed is an action shot from one of his football games. The picture covers the whole wall and adds an amazing finish on the room.
“Woah” I breath out at Daniel throws himself onto his bed. “Not your average teenage football player room. I know. OCD will do that to you” He chuckles getting his books out of his bag.
“You can say that again” I laugh sitting next to him and getting my history book out of my bag as Kylie walks into the room.
“How the fuck did I forget that?” Kylie says staring out me and I shrug.
“I forgot to Kyl” I chuckle and Daniel stares at us realization flashing across his face.
“No fucking way. Your Kylie’s childhood friend. You’re the one who I had a huge crush on” Daniel says wide eyed.
“Wait, what?” Kylie and I both gasp at the same time.
Well shit.
Recap: “No f?cking way. Your Kylie’s childhood friend. You’re the one who I had a huge crush on” Daniel says wide eyed. “Wait, what?” Kylie and I both gasp at the same time. Well shit Reality: Daniel just exposed himself for having a Childhood crush on me …. “Um, okay then. How about we do this homework” Kylie says as I shift uncomfortably. “Uh yeah, that sounds good” I say taking out my finished math homework and 5 other sheets of it, copying down the answers for a bunch of Daniel’s friends. “Uh, Kisses? What are you doing?” Kylie asks seeing the 6 copies of our math homework. “Doing some of the jocks homework” I say finishing up one page of it. “You still do that for them? Kiss, stand up for yourself” Daniel says taking the pages away from me. “Daniel, incase you haven’t noticed. I can’t fight. I don’t go to the gym or football practice everyday like you and the rest of the guys on your team. I’m the schools nerd who works two jobs just to make money to go to any college.
I woke up to what I thought was my alarm clock but was really Kylie calling me. “Hello?” I mumble into the phone. “Hey Kisses, What’s your address? I’m gonna drive you to school today” Kylie says happily into the phone. “Thanks Kyl but I have work after school so I’m just gonna drive myself. Thank you though. See you at school” I say quickly hanging up and getting dressed. I change into a grey hoodie that has the word ‘coffee’ across the front in dark, bold block letters. I put on some leggings and my converse because I have gym again today. I write a sick note quickly and then curl my hair a little bit. I cover up the hand print as best as I can and grab my bag and keys and head to school. I’m in the middle of my third period class when my teacher comes up to me. “Kisses, the nurse is looking for you” I quickly thank her and head off to Mrs. Green’s office. “Hey Kisses, just wanted to check up on that bruise of yours” She says smiling and I nod lifting my shirt up. “Any pain?”
“I’m here to see your mother” Tara says and I freeze again. “Um, she’s not home right now” I stutter out not knowing what to do. “It’s okay, I can wait. May I please come in?” She says and I nod, mentally giving myself a pat on the back for cleaning up all the beer and wine bottles earlier. “Please, sit on the couch. Would you like anything to eat or drink?” I ask and she shakes her head no and turns her attention to the TV. I sit next to her just waiting for my mom to get home. When I hear the car pulls up a warm feeling picks up in my chest and I know what’s coming, an anxiety attack. I stand and walk slowly towards the door and open it. “Mom, you have a visitor” I say pointing to Tara. “Tara? Why are you here?” She slurs and cringe hoping she doesn’t realize. “Are you drunk?” Tara says concern lacing her voice. Of course she’ll realize she’s an adult. “No, not at all. I just want my daughter to go get me food. Go now, I want pizza. Leave me and Tara to talk alone. Drop of
I wake up and get changed into a navy blue tank top, a gray cardigan and black ripped jeans. I pair it with some high heel boots. I throw my hair into a cute messy bun and do my causal makeup. I grab my backpack and duffle bag that I’m bringing to the Green. The drive to school was happier. I spent the drive listening to music and looking forward to tonight. “Hello Ms. Kisses” Kylie says as her and Daniel walk up to me when I get out of the car. “We are going to have so much fun” Daniel says in a girly voice and throws his arm around me. “Shut up Dan” Kylie says causing me to laugh. “Thanks guys. It’s nice to have friends as inviting as you” I smile at them and Daniel blushes a little. “Eh, don’t thank us. We love you Kiss” Daniel Says and I hug her. “Let’s get to class” I say and we walk to class right in time. I go to my car and follow the Green to their house. Thankfully Mrs.Green taught me how to wrap my side so I can do that on my own now and the bruise on my face has fa
I woke up to someone shaking me awake. “Kiss, you have to get up. Scarlet’s here” Daniel’s says and I open my eyes to see the yellow and white jersey with ‘Green’ written across it. “What time is it?” I scratch my eyes looking at Daniel. “It’s 11. You slept late, Sleeping Beauty” He chuckles while he throws on a shirt over his head, covering the view of his perfectly chiseled abs. “Did I fall asleep last night?” I say blushing at his previous comment and getting out from under the covers. “Yeah, It was no problem. Soon after you feel asleep Kylie went into her room and I felt too bad to wake you up so you just slept in here while I slept on the couch” He says and I nod, feeling guilty. “Sorry Dan, you could have woken me up. I feel bad” I say and he shakes his head. “Don’t be silly. It wasn’t a problem at all. Trust me” Daniel says as Scarlet walks in. “Hey honey, can I take a look?” She says and I nod as she lifts up my shirt to reveal the worsening bruise. “Hi Mrs. Green.
~Fast forward two weeks~ “What’s that from?” Daniel says lifting up my sleeve a little more to reveal the obvious bruise. Shit I forgot about that one, “I bumped into my counter last night. You know me, clumsy” Daniel looks at me knowingly “I have to get to class but I’ll meet you at lunch. My treat” I say running off to class. That was a close one. Daniel and Kylie have been getting suspicious. Tara comes over every now and then and brings Daniel and Kylie but I don’t allow them over any other times. I can’t take the risk. I think they know that there is conflict between my parents and I. They just don’t know the extent of it. My ribs are fully healed thankfully and I’ve been working a lot but making sure I’m home early. Daniel, Kylie and Christine have been amazing friends and I don’t know what I would be doing without them. Kylie took me shopping and payed for a bunch of stuff because I’m low on money. My outfits are now decent and don’t look the same every day. I got some col
“Daniel, I-l”I stutter, too shocked to process anything. “Kisses, I’m begging you” He says, eyes glossy. “I can’t. I can’t put that burden on you, your parents. I can’t do it” I say looking down at my hands. “But you can. My mom has said it, you basically live here. You are like her daughter. It would make her happy to know that you are safe. Please, do it for me, for Kylie, for my mother” He says tilting my head up to look into his eyes. “Daniel, I appreciate it. I love you and your whole family. But I’m okay at home. I’m almost 18, and then, I’ll have no fear of reporting them to the police. I need to go now” I say giving him a hug. “Kisses, I can’t let you go home. Do you know what it will do to me? Do you know what it has been doing to me. From the second I saw you I knew you were different in many ways. When I got to know you I knew there was something you were hiding from everyone. This exact situation had crossed my mind and I pushed it out, in fear of being right. I can’t
~Kisses P.OV~ I find it hard to concentrate on my homework even with the little amount of liquor in my system. I guess I’m a light weight. Soon time passes by and I hear a soft knock on my window. “Kisses, oh thank God you are okay” Daniel breathes out when he finally gets into my room. “I’m f-“ I star to say but Daniel hugs me and that’s when it all goes downhill. “Ugh, I’m such a baby” I say crying. “Sh, no you aren’t” Daniel coo’s pulling me over to my bed. “What happened?” Daniel says as I stare into his gorgeous eyes that I could get lost in, suddenly feeling calmer. “I came home and told my parents about the game and they said I can go if I had some beers with them. I took a sip and absolutely hated it. How can people enjoy that? Anyways, I then went to the bathroom and poured most of it down the drain. My parents made me chug the rest so I had a little less than half of that bottle. Then they handed me another one that is right there actually” I say pointing to the beer
The much awaited day had finally arrived. Kisses Jackson would officially become Kisses Jackson Green and Daniel would finally marry the love of his life. All of the last minute preparations were being carried out diligently. The wedding was to be the event of the year. The groom, the biggest corporate honcho in all of North Carolina and the bride, a well established doctor and socialite. All the big names in both the industries had arrived from all over the world to witness their union. Back in his hotel suite, Daniel was fidgeting with his cufflinks in anticipation and nervousness. Today was the day the love of his life would become his, truly. ****************** Kisses Pov When the veil was finally placed over my face, the back of it pinned to my hair with a crystal hair pin I let out a breathe I had been holding in for quite some time. Kylie was yelling at the wedding planner to make minute changes over the phone to the decorations while the poor woman who was overlooking thing
After 4 years Kisses POV Finally, I have already finished college and have my own degree as a veterinarian. I am so happy that, despite the circumstances in life, I was still able to make my dream come true. My entire journey in college is not easy. It is like I’m on a roller coaster ride. Being far from my relatives and especially Daniel, is like I’ve been surviving. Daniel visits and sleeps in my condo once a week if he doesn’t have practice football. Despite all the hardships I have encountered, I am still thankful that there are people willing to extend their hand for help. Tomorrow is the day I have been waiting for. I am excited about having my diploma. I need to have beauty rest for tomorrow’s special event in my life. I wake up with a smile on my face. I feel mixed emotions: happy and sad. I am happy that my relatives and friends will be present on my special day. Sad because my parents will not be there. But still, I need to have happy vibes for my day. I quickly get a show
~Daniel’s P.O.V~ Kisses leaves for school in a couple of days and to say I’m devastated would be an understatement. She hasn’t left my house unless it was for work or with me. I want to do something special for her today. I’m going to invite everyone over as a last little party to end the summer and get her a couple of things. I just finished my workout, Kisses is still passed out in bed. I get a couple of things together in the kitchen and prepare a small breakfast for her. She hasn’t been sleeping great. I’ve tried to talk to her about it but she just denies it. I know that she’s been having her night terrors. I think it’s stress-induced. I cut up some fruit and made a little platter, mixing some pancake batter together. I drop a couple of chocolate chips in them and let them cook. Once the food is all done I brew a cup of coffee and bring the food upstairs. Much to my surprise, Kisses is rubbing her eyes, the comforter covering her body. “Good morning, baby” I kiss her foreh
Last night was eventful if you know what I mean. Daniel has been a bit out of hand lately because I’m leaving for school soon. Speaking of school, I still haven’t packed yet. I don’t want to pack yet. I’m excited about school but not the location. It’s so far from Daniel. I grab my phone, checking the time to see that I have to get ready for work. I’m only working half a shift today, maybe then I’ll have time to pack. I slowly get out of bed, careful not to wake Daniel up. I ruffle through my bag, wanting to put some pants on. “Mm, I can’t wait to wake up to this every morning one day” A raspy voice comes from behind me. “Oh shush” I laugh, shaking my head. “It’s actually been a sort of dream I’ve had since I was little. My wife and I cooking breakfast in the morning. Me in a pair of sweatpants, you in my oversized t-shirt with a cute messy bun and no makeup” He smiles, his eyes tired. “Go back to bed” I shake my head, walking into his bathroom to change and get ready. When I
Today was the worst. Daniel had practice all day and I had to work all day. We were both so busy and I can’t even see him tonight. My phone sounds telling me I have a new text. Daniel: Baby Me: Daniel. Hey, what’s up? Daniel: I love you so f?cking much Me: I love you too hun. Is everything okay? Daniel: Nope Me: What’s going on? Daniel: Gotta go. Kisses I stare at my phone, confusion covering my face. I quickly dial Daniel’s number. It goes straight to voicemail. “Cody, I’m going to Daniel” I grab my keys, water, wallet, and phone charger and rush out the door. On my way I call Kylie, her voicemail greeting me. I get even more worried. Kylie always answers everyone right away. I hesitate to go faster than the speed limit, images of what happened last time flash through my brain. I ignore them, seeing the huge hill that leads to Daniel’s house. Soon enough I pull up to the house, rushing out to see a single car in the driveway. The house is silent except for the silent h
I wake up with a sharp pain in my lower abdomen. Great. Daniel’s not in the bed, he must be downstairs. I get out of bed, trying to ignore the shooting pain. Surprisingly there’s not a stain. Thank God. “F?ck” I mumble, dragging myself into the bathroom, ransacking the medicine cabinet. “Kisses? What are you doing? Are you okay?” Kylie asks, seeing my pained expression. I shake my head. “Can I borrow a pad and some Midol or something?” I lean against the sink. It’s never been this bad. “Yeah, sure” Kylie nods, running to grab the stuff. “I don’t have any Midol, I have Advil though” She holds the pad out to me. “No, that’s fine. Thank you” I take it from her and quickly change only to see there’s nothing to change. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Kylie asks from the other side of the door. “What’s wrong?” Daniel’s panicked voice asks. “I’m-“ I start before a horrible feeling overcomes me. Soon, I’m doubled over the toilet. “Oh my gosh,” Daniel rushes over to me, holding my h
I woke up to Daniel’s cold fingertips running up and down my bare thighs. I turn over, smiling up at his peaceful looking face. “Good morning babe” He kisses my forehead. “Good morning Mr. Green” I giggle as his fingers tickle my sides. He smiles before checking his watch. “I need to go to practice and then see Ms. Price. Kylie said she’s not doing great. I’ll come back over tonight when I’m done” He grabs his clothes and slips them on before tossing a baseball hat on his head and going into the bathroom. Yesterday was awful. My mom wants my forgiveness but I don’t know what to do. She seems better, but I can’t trust them. My father is a lost cause. He’s just as bad sober, as he was drunk. I’m reminded of the awful night terror I probably woke the whole house up with last night. When he comes back out he sits on the bed next to me, caressing my cheek. His shirt fits like a glove, showing every muscle and feature of his that I adore. I have to stop myself from drooling over him.
~Daniel’s P.O.V~ Words are spewing out of Kisses mother’s mouth faster than a volcano erupts. I’m watching Kisses, knowing her walls are slowly breaking and her heart is racing. I wrap my arm around her waist, whispering in her ear, ‘Deep breaths’ She nods, leaning into my chest. “Daniel, sweetie, thank you for protecting my daughter. I don’t know what I would do without you” She turns her attention over to me. I nod, withholding from the long line of profanities I wish to let out. “I know you don’t like me, and that’s understandable. But I hope you both will forgive me” She continues. Neither of us answer and she presses the issue. I can feel Kisses slipping away. Each word her mother says, more and more pressure is being put on me to hold her up. She physically is struggling to be present in the conversation, I can only imagine how she is feeling mentally. “Mom, please” She whispers, her grip on my arm tightening. “Kisses, you need to forgive me. You’re my only daughter. You’
Today was such a stressful day at work. The business has been increasing and there has been hardly anyone working with me. Most of the day I’m alone or have one co-worker with me. “Hey, Sydney can I talk to you?” I knock on her door. “Yeah, of course. What’s up?” She motions for me to sit. “I’m sorry, and I know it’s not my place but it’s getting very busy” My voice gets low. I can’t afford to be fired but it can’t go on like this. “I know. I’m sorry, I have three people in for tomorrow and I’ll take you off. Take the day tomorrow, please. I’ll pay you your normal and send you the check in the mail. Don’t worry about it. I’ve been trying to get dependable people on but no one’s showing up. I did increase your pay for the last two weeks because of how hard you’ve been working” She gives me a sincere smile. “Oh, no. I can come in tomorrow, it’s not a problem. Thank you. So much” I nod. “No, please take the day off. You need it. You look exhausted. Now go, watch a movie or hang out