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
~Kisses P.O.V~ “Mom, Dad? Who is that?” I say confused, seeing a gorgeous girl with my drunken father. “I’m Trisha. How are you?” The lady says and I look at my mother. “Go take the trash out slut. Aka, Trisha” My mother says shoving me towards the stairs. I make my way down the stairs and Trisha follows me outside where I take a seat on the steps. “Honey, are you okay?” She asks sitting next to me. “This is the first time you’ve see my father drunk isn’t it?” I look at her and she nods. “I figured” I say getting up. “I’ll be right back, I need to grab my phone” I say running around back and grabbing my phone off my bed to see a bunch of texts. I decide to call since it’s easier. “Hey Dan, Kylie’s with you?” I whisper cringing at the screams coming from inside my house. “Yes, Kisses what happened? What’s wrong? Do you need me to pick you up?” Daniel says as my head starts pounding. I squeeze my eyes shut, hoping to reduce the pain. “My dad came home drunk, with a girl and
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