Jason Davenport
I sat on one of the old chairs at the pool after practice. I'd wanted to take a swim as I was very sweaty, but I decided to sit and relax for a while.After all, there was no rush to head on home. After the incident regarding Dad and Ashley, I wasn't sure how I felt. I knew I felt a great deal of stupid. But mostly it was. . . pain.I'd wanted to be right. I'd needed to be right. Being right meant that Ashley would disappear from our lives and that Dad and I would have a chance to work on our relationship. Being right meant that I'd never have to regard anyone else as my mother. Being right meant that I wouldn't have to call anyone else 'mom' and have to experience the pain and anger that came with it.But I'd been wrong.Ashley was weird and annoying and way too girly for my liking. Plus I hated the fact that she was a younger woman. It irritated the shit out of me. I wasn't sure I would ever accept her completely. I still hated her for tAmelia ForbesThe first thing Adrian did when he saw me at school today was to envelope me in a tight bear hug. I didn't know how to react at first but as seconds passed and I realized how much I actually needed the hug, I melted into his embrace. As he reached up to pat my head he whispered, "I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry, Mel."I gave him a small smile and nodded. I knew he was apologizing for everything that had happened with Jason. And I was. . . fine with it. He'd proved to be a good person and a good friend. And that was enough for me. We both avoided the conversation that was lurking in the air and instead talked about our upcoming exams and study sessions we needed to have.As we walked through the hallway together, I could hear the sneering and muttering of "slut" every now and then. Gripping my backpack tighter, I tried to ignore all of it and instead focused on my conversation with Adrian."Why, someone's preggo," A sandy haired boy in corduro
Amelia ForbesI had gotten to the bus on time. And now I was in second period trying not to fall asleep as Mr Redmey droned on and on about something. An hour later the class was over. I nearly cried out loud in joy, grabbing my books. For some reason I felt very sleepy, but I'd been fighting to control myself. Was it the baby? Or was the class just really boring? I placed a finger on my temple, willing my thoughts to go away. As I got up and trudged to the door, Mr Redmey called out, "Amelia?"I turned around in surprise and walked to his table. I secretly prayed it wasn't another debate he wanted me to participate in. I honestly had no energy for that. "You have a meeting with Principal Harris in. . ." He looked at his watch. "Thirty minutes."I concealed my frown. What was this about now? My grades? They'd gotten better since then, so what was it. Knowing he wouldn't be able to answer me, I nodded and proceeded to the principal's office. To
Jason DavenportIt had been a while since I'd hung out with the gang, especially with everything going on. Exams had started a few days ago and surprisingly, calculus had been pretty easy. Good.I didn't need Dad breathing down my neck and reminding me to study. Even though we both knew he could pay my way into any college. Speaking of college, the gang kept having conversations about their plans for college, Rory and Greg more interested in the hot girls they were going to meet. Smiling, I wondered if they would ever change. What if they did? Would we still be friends? These thoughts had been running through my head over and over again and I couldn't bring myself to answer them. Maybe because I already knew the answer to them. I resisted the urge to hiss. Suddenly everything was annoying to me. I needed to stop thinking and enjoy the last days I had with my friends. So I rejoined the conversation. "Whatcha gonna wear for prom?" Rory was asking Kimb
Amelia Forbes"You never told me you knew ASL," I said to Dani as we sat side by side on my bed. She only shrugged. "It never came up."She laughed when I pushed her sideways onto the bed. "Easy, Ammy. Why so serious?"When I didn't change my expression, she sighed. "Fine. I wanted to surprise you."My face dissolved. "Really?"She nodded, smiling.Something warm filled my chest. Having people do nice things for me still felt very weird. Plus, I was really beginning to like Dani, which was scary because it meant that I was left in permanent fear of wondering if she was going to leave me, let me down, hurt me. And I didn't like that. I was meaning to talk to her about it but there was no time yet.Inhaling deeply, I smiled at her and murmured a "thank you". "So. . ." She began. "You think Nana likes me?"I froze. She had called my grandma 'Nana'. Everyone else referred to her as 'your Nana' but Dani called her Nana. I figured and ho
Jason DavenportI didn't reply when I heard the knock on my bedroom door. I didn't feel like seeing anyone. And from the heavy sound, I knew it was dad knocking. After knocking twice without a response, he walked in. Surprisingly, he didn't get mad when he saw that I was awake and on my phone. Instead he only took a seat next to me. I sat up and put my phone down. "If you're here to talk about the thing with Ashley, I really don't feel like it."Dad's forehead creased. "What thing with Ashley?" I searched his face for any sign that he was denying it. But he really was baffled. She didn't tell him? Usually she'd jump at any chance to report me to my dad. "Anyway, I'm not here to talk about Ashley."I folded my arms. "Lately, we've been disagreeing a lot. Fighting over things we shouldn't be. And it's putting a strain on our relationship. We're supposed to be there for each other, especially since mom isn't here anymore."
Amelia ForbesI sucked in my breath as Benson finally took off the piece of cloth he had used to cover Nana's full length mirror. If I wasn't consciously present, I wouldn't have believed that the girl I was staring at right now was me. As I slowly twirled, my mouth fell open. I knew the dress Adrian's mom had picked out for me was nice but I didn't think it was THIS hot. "Well fuck," Dani whistled, as she walked in. "I just had an orgasm from staring at you."I whipped around, my eyes wide. "Dani! Stop being so nasty." I covered my eyes with my hands. She replied with a loud laugh and did a once-over in the mirror. She wore a baggy, all black suit that fell around at the ankles.Duh. Dani was the only person I'd ever met that could rock a baggy suit and make it look hot. "Oh shush. You look good, girl," She winked at me. Turning to Benson she said, "You did a great job on her hair and makeup y'know. It's awesome."I held
Amelia ForbesThe first group of people we saw when we stepped out of our limo was Kimberly and her minions. I swallowed nervously, trying to keep my head high. During the last few weeks of exams, the principal had made a public announcement concerning the rumors about me being pregnant. His last verdict was that anyone caught talking about it would be expelled. That helped in keeping them all quiet for a while. So I hadn't really crossed paths with her since. I didn't want any snide comments to ruin my day. You can do this, Mel. That phase of your life is over. The bullying, everything. She's got nothing on you. With the small pep talk and the comfort of having the three people who really cared about me by my side, I knew I could do it. Malia saw us first. She did a double take. Then looked away and reverted her gaze back to us. As recognition hit her, her jaw fell open and she tapped Kimberly urgently. Kimberly looked annoyed at
Amelia ForbesI was beyond confused when my name was called out as this year's Prom Queen. At first I thought it was an expensive joke, courtesy of Kimberly and Jason. But it was called out again. And the spotlight was turned on me. Everyone was clapping and cheering me on. And all of a sudden, everyone wanted to take selfies with me, talk to me. Some dude even tried to hug me.Since Adrian was Prom King, we walked up the stage together. Secretly, I was glad Jason hadn't won. Because I sure as hell wouldn't have stood on the same stage with that bastard. He'd been stealing glances at me all day when he thought I wasn't looking. Seeing his face today, brought on a lot of unwanted memories. But I was trying hard to stay on track. When Adrian and I were crowned, the middle of the stage was cleared for us to have our dance. Surprisingly, Adrian turned out to be quite a good dancer. "Is there anything you aren't good at?" I stage whispered, shaking my head in
Amelia ForbesThe day had gone by so fast and it was already about time for our dinner date. Dani came over to help me get dressed. She and Adrian were open about their relationship status now and they looked so good together I thought I would cry.She did my makeup too. I didn't look perfect because I still had a little bit of my tummy showing after the delivery, but Jason didn't care. Dani enveloped me in a tight hug as she saw me off to the limo."You look amazing, Ammie," She whispered. "Off you go. Be a good girl now."I whipped around, eyes widening in embarrassment. But she only winked at me and stalked off.God, I loved to hate her.I didn't know where we were going, and no matter how many times I'd asked, Jason wouldn't tell.Finally we arrived. He had set something up at one of the spots on the hill. There were lights and food, and even someone to play the violin.Again, how would he know I loved the violin?Benson.After about an hour of
Amelia ForbesIt had been a while since I'd had the baby now. Two months precisely.I had so many dreams I had wanted to realize after high school, so much I wanted to do. But all that was gone now. At least for a while. In the beginning it had saddened me deeply. But now, all I wanted was to make sure my baby got everything she deserved, and then some more.Being a mother changes a lot. Everything, in fact. And I really love my baby, but in she's always crying, and it's even worse at night now. We finally went to the doctor a week ago and realized it was colic. Thank God.I said a silent prayer. If I'm being honest, I don't think I could've handled it alone. Especially with Nana gone. The thought of her brought tears to my eyes. She had passed away peacefully at the elderly home. And I missed her a lot. Every day I would imagine all the beautiful words she would've used if she could talk.I thought of those times when she really was the only thing that kept me go
Amelia Forbes I deliberately sipped my hot cocoa slowly, as I watched Dani say hi to Adrian briefly and walk into the kitchen toward me. She pulled up a chair and lowered herself onto it, watching me with hawk eyes."What's going on?" Her tone was crisp."What do you mean?" I cocked an eyebrow.She rolled her eyes. "So pretty boy gets into an accident and all of a sudden you move in with him?"The anger that flashed within me knew no bounds as I raised her eyes to meet hers. "It was an attempted suicide," I said quietly.Her hand froze halfway to her lips. "What?" She managed to croak. "I...I had no idea that-""No you didn't," I snapped. She hung her head but didn't say anything more."And if Nana was still home, I probably wouldn't be living here now. So please don't play that card.""I'm sorry," She managed.I shrugged, eyeing her curiously. "And what about you?" I asked innocently. "Is there anything you wanna tell me?"She threw
Jason DavenportIt'd been five days since I was discharged from the hospital. My head still hurt, but I'd never felt better. Dad had convinced me to come back home and I'd agreed, on the condition that I'd keep working until I could afford to pay for college. And it'd been going great. My friendship with Adrian was still a bit shaky but we were working things out. We'd resumed our weekly hangout at my house to play either basketball or video games and it felt nice. Sometimes Amelia popped in to check on me but she never stayed for too long."Hey?" I shook Adrian as we both sat on my bed. He quickly tried to put his phone away and I eyed him suspiciously. "Who are you texting?" I asked. He blushed. "Um, no one?"I patted his back. "Tell me everything, my friend."An hour later, Adrian had narrated the love story that had sprung between himself and Dani Daniels and I stared at him in shock."Dani?!" I stage whispered, putting a hand to my mouth. "Holy sh
Jason DavenportI still wasn't sure what miracle had occured while I was unconscious.At first when I woke up, my first feeling was that of disappointment. I was disappointed that I had survived. Once again I'd proved that I'd always be a failure.But when Amelia had barged into my ward, a crying mess, and enveloped me in a hug, I thought I was dreaming. I still couldn't wrap it around my head but I was glad for it. Whatever had happened, I prayed that it would stay that way. As I relaxed my pounding head onto the pillow, my door swung open and I swallowed as I saw Adrian walk in.He stumbled awkwardly and took a seat beside me on the bed. "Hey.""Hey."For a while we sat there, not uttering a word to each other. "Why'd you do it?" Adrian finally whispered.I didn't need to ask to know what he was talking about. I took my time to gather myself. "I guess... I guess I was just tired of being such a failure..." I trailed off.Saying it brough
Amelia ForbesI sat fidgeting in the waiting room. It'd been three hours since we arrived at the hospital and everyone was seated, quietly. The truck driver had given a clear description of what had transpired. No one said a word.Tears flowed down my cheeks. He has attempted suicide.The thought broke me down more than I thought it could. I felt sad, guilty. I blamed myself for pushing him out in the rain and saying such hard words to him.I guessed those few weeks had put him into some deep state of depression. He was in such a state that he had seen suicide as the only option. It was then that I realized that he'd been honest the whole time.He'd been sincere. All the effort he'd been putting. I stifled a sob.What if something happened to him?My heart pounded in my chest. What would I do? I couldn't take care of a child alone. I couldn't...And he was so good with her. He'd be such a good dad. I couldn't... I couldn't lose him.I burie
Jason DavenportAs Amelia pushed me out into the blasting rain, I realized something. I was exhausted.I was tired.I was tired of the crying, tired of the begging. I knew I deserved everything that was happening right now and then some more, but I was tired. This was what I'd also be. The rapist. The criminal. No matter how hard I tried. No one would ever see the good in me.And it was all my fault. I showed the good in me too late. Way too late. So late that everyone would stand waiting for me to draw the curtains and prove to them that it was all an act. I'd always be the asshole. The monster. The beast.I looked up at the sky and sobbed. "Are you disappointed in me too, mom? This is what your boy turned out to be. A useless piece of shit."I slumped to the floor, my chest feeling like it was about to explode. "I'm a criminal, mom. I lost every-every thing. My friends, my family, my dignity. This is what I've become.""Nobody wants me m-mo
Amelia Forbes"I got in."Dani walked into my room beaming, a white envelope in hand.And although I knew what she held-a college acceptance letter, I asked, "Into what?"She rolled her eyes at me and laughed. "Bloustone College?" "Oh," I finally managed to mutter after a while. Dani stared at me in disbelief. "Really? That's all you're gonna say? I've been working my ass off for this and that's all you're gonna say?" She was right. I did sound kind of selfish."I'm sorry, Dani. I didn't mean it like that," I pleaded. "Of course I'm happy for you. It just.. it took me by surprise, that's all. You know how hard I've been rooting for you."She gave me a small smile and wrapped her arms on my shoulder. "It's okay, Ammie. I'll miss you too."My throat tightened. I was going to miss her. Even more than she thought. She was one of my best friends. She'd been there for me when no one else had. She'd practically forced her way into my life.I giggled
Amelia ForbesI woke up to the soft cry of my baby girl. We'd moved her from Nana's room to the room that used to belong to my parents.Careful not to wake anyone up, I tiptoed to the room and received a startle when I saw Jason cradling her in his arms.My first thought was to go in and snatch her away from him. If he hurt her, I swear. But I waited. And I watched.I watched her stop crying as soon as he picked her up. I watched him coo her, kiss her cheek and began to hum a tune. Was he singing? I wondered, my mouth agape.What had happened to the Jason Davenport from high school? And who was this softie? Was this all an act? To gain my forgiveness?But he knew everyone was asleep. So why would he act when there wasn't an audience. I don't know how long I stood there for. But i watched them, a wide smile permanently plastered on my face. He knew just how to hold her. How to rock her back and forth so she would fall asleep.How?What changed?