ChloeI woke up the next morning, feeling better than I did last night. My stepfather wasn't home when I got up. My mother was already in bed, and my brother wasn't home either. Despite that, I had another nightmare and ended up sleeping in the bathroom. Self-consciousness crept back in, and I wondered if it was my fault. Maybe the clothes I wore had something to do with it. Perhaps I should go back to wearing baggy shirts and sweatpants. Shaking off those thoughts, I glanced at the mirror and wiped away the fog. My wet hair clung to my skin, but my face didn't look as bad today. Usually, I'd have bags under my eyes and wear a grumpy expression.I got dressed, making an effort not to blame myself for what happened last night. Despite the nagging thoughts in my mind, I knew deep down that it wasn't my fault. It couldn't be. I grabbed my bag and phone, then headed downstairs, only to find an empty house.Nobody was home, not even my mother, which left me a bit confused. Nevertheless, I
ChloeTime flew by quickly and It was now lunchtime, and my mind felt overwhelmed with a multitude of thoughts. Choosing just one thing to focus on proved to be difficult.As I entered the cafeteria, I inwardly groaned upon seeing Isaac approaching me. "Hey, Chloe," he said, flashing a smile. I wondered if I needed to remind him of what he had done."Hi," I replied, and he nervously put his hands in his pockets. "I'm sorry about what happened the other night. I was drunk and mistook you for my girlfriend," he lied. Despite that, I nodded and forced a smile."It happens," I said playfully, and he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck before smiling back at me."My friends and I are heading down to Lake Tali later. Come with me?" he asked. Coincidentally, I locked eyes with Hayden, who smirked and made a quick gesture with his fingers, indicating a gun.When he glanced at Isaac, I knew he meant it in two ways: a gun and...I cleared my throat, feeling my cheeks heat up as I looked bac
ChloeI stepped outside, and as I approached, he swung the passenger door open for me to get in. I entered the car without saying a word, placing my bag by my feet as he started driving."Did you put my stuff in your room?" I finally broke the silence, avoiding eye contact, and I felt his brief gaze upon me."Why?" he asked, his voice filled with suspicion. I looked up at him."Did you?" I inquired, my voice tinged with concern."What's going on?" he questioned suspiciously, and I let out a breath, bracing myself for the truth."I found my phone and wallet in your room. All of my money is gone, Hayden," I confessed, my words hanging heavily in the air. He remained silent.His silence spoke volumes, and I sank into my seat, overwhelmed by a mix of disappointment and betrayal."You took it, didn't you?" I confronted him, desperation creeping into my voice. Still, he didn't respond. "I trusted you. I really did. And now look what happened," I lamented, shaking my head in disbelief. I gra
Chloe Today is the day of our graduation. I stood in front of the mirror, admiring my long gown flowing down to my ankles, perfectly complemented by the matching color of my heels. A sense of excitement and relief washed over me as I realized I would finally be done with high school. I was grateful that I wouldn't have to return to that dreadful place anymore."Chloe, Daniel is here!" My mother called from downstairs, and a smile spread across my face.I descended the stairs, giving my mother a quick kiss on the head and assuring her that I would see her at the ceremony. Then I stepped outside to find Daniel looking a bit uncomfortable."Do I look fat in this?" he asked, and I laughed, giving him a hug. He chuckled and kissed the top of my head before playfully shaking me by the shoulders."Today is the fucking day!" he exclaimed, and I giggled as I noticed the neighboring kids staring at us, clearly taken aback."We made it," I said, taking a deep breath as reality sunk in.He open
SlimI glanced at her sleeping form in the passenger seat beside me, noticing her completely altered appearance. There was something about it that unsettled me, but for now, I was just grateful to be free again.Originally, I was meant to drive her home, but instead, I took her to my house. Maya had no idea I was out, so this would be a surprise to her. Not that I particularly cared either way. Stealing from me was one thing, but stealing from Chloe ignited a rage within me that night. And she knew exactly what would save her-she called the police. So, I did what any rational person would do: I kicked her out.Stepping out of the car, I walked around to her side and opened the door. I picked her up and with my foot, I shut the door. Carrying her, I made my way to the front door, locking my car before entering the house and closing the door behind me.I heard movement coming from the kitchen, confirming that she was still here, despite knowing I would return. Ignoring her shocked exp
Chloe I stood in front of the mirror, scrutinizing my body as I undressed. Sighing, I realized that I still wasn't as skinny as I hoped. However, I noticed a slight improvement, my body becoming more defined. It seemed that pretending to be confident actually had its benefits.Stepping into the hot shower, steam quickly enveloped me, fogging up the glass. I absentmindedly washed my hair, lost in my thoughts, when suddenly, arms wrapped around my waist, startling me. I pressed against the person's naked body, feeling their solid erection against my lower back. My eyes widened, and I bit my lip, a mix of surprise and intrigue. His lips landed on my shoulder as he spun me around, pulling me closer. I couldn't help but let my gaze trail downward, trying to hide my surprise. Sensing my reaction, he gently lifted my chin with his finger and brought his lips to mine. The kiss started slowly, gradually intensifying. His hand slid to the back of my head, entwining his fingers in my hair, ge
Chloe "Hale," I heard his deep voice call, and I groaned, slowly opening my eyes to find that it was still raining lightly outside."What time is it?" I asked, sitting up as the covers slipped onto my lap. He checked his phone."It's five in the morning. We have to leave in an hour," he informed me.It was evident that he had already showered and brushed his teeth."Did you go home?" I inquired, sliding out of bed. He nodded and took a seat in my computer chair.I stepped into my closet, retrieving a duffel bag from the top shelf, and peeked out of the doorway."How long will we be staying?" I asked, and he glanced up."A few days," he shrugged casually. I rolled my eyes, stuffing my clothes and essentials into the bag before dragging it back into the room.He gave me an expressionless look, and I laughed, grabbing my towel and deciding on an outfit for the day. I proceeded to the bathroom and went through my daily routine before changing.I wore a black, cropped off-shoulder top pai
Chloe He resumed driving, and soon we arrived at a small house. Though it was modest, the exterior was neatly decorated, giving me an instant feeling of coziness. Joshua got out and opened the door for me, helping me out just like Hayden would. I smiled, realizing where Hayden must have learned such gestures."Slim!" I heard two small voices yell in unison, and two little kids ran toward Hayden, hugging his legs.He crouched down to their level before placing his hands on their shoulders. That's when I noticed they were twins."I wonder which one is Lioness," he asked, clearly knowing who was who."It's me, Slim!" she giggled, throwing herself onto him and hugging him tightly. Her sister followed suit, and Hayden chuckled, standing up and lifting one on each hip."Slim is a softie for kids," someone commented from behind me. I turned around to find Leah. She smiled, instantly embracing me, and I hugged her back, missing her dearly."I thought you abandoned me," she said, pulling away
ChloeI sat on the floor of the apartment, surrounded by papers and pictures, as tears streamed down my face. The sound of my sobs reverberated through the room, and as the sun set, its gentle glow filled the space.Aiden, seated across from me, cried out in his own anguish. His little voice cracked, and I knew he needed comfort just as much as I did. Summoning all my strength, I crawled across the floor, unable to stand, and reached out to pick him up. I brought him close to me, holding him tightly against my tear-soaked chest. Slowly, his cries subsided, and he nestled his head against my neck. Gazing out through the large window, I looked at the city sprawled before me. "Why do you look at me like that?" I asked, lifting my gaze from my cup. He shrugged, momentarily averting his eyes."You're beautiful," he said, sliding his hands into his pockets and leaning against the doorway. "Even if you don't realize it.""You're just being nice," I replied, playfully pointing my pinky fing
SlimI stared down at her, waiting for her to speak. Her eyes widened just a bit, and I knew I caught her off-guard. But as she laughed, I raised an eyebrow."That," she paused to laugh. "That was smooth," she said, pulling away from me as she laughed.I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned back against the railing, waiting for her to sober up. As untimely as this was, it amused me how she could laugh in serious situations. It seemed like the only time she was genuinely happy."Okay, okay, let's try this again," she said, still giggling, and I rolled my eyes, taking her hand and bringing her closer to me. I lifted her chin, lowering my lips to hers before moving them to her ear, shifting some hair out of the way."Does it make any sense," I started, letting my hand slip further down her back, "if we both already know the answer?" I finished, watching as she shivered.Slowly, the moonlight revealed the dark tint of red on her cheeks, and I chuckled, tilting my head back and staring
ChloeGlancing back at Aiden, who was sleeping soundly in his seat, I wondered how we would manage taking care of him while attending school. Hayden was right. We were just kids ourselves, and now we were responsible for another child. Hayden paced outside, conversing with the person on the other end of the call. Though he spoke calmly, the slight clenching of his fist revealed his underlying tension. Finally, he ended the call, walked to his side of the car, and got in. Silently, he pulled out of the parking lot and drove down the street, occasionally glancing at me when he felt my gaze upon him."Are you okay?" I asked, concerned. He sighed, shaking his head. I decided not to press him further, turning to face him and leaning against the door, taking photos of him without his knowledge. At a red light, he glanced over, his expression blank. I laughed."The apartment is all set up," he informed me, and I realized that we were heading there instead of to the college.I nodded, marveli
ChloeI dragged him down to the parking lot where his car awaited, and he unlocked it, holding the door open for me. I smiled and slid into my seat as he closed the door. Then he walked around to his side, briefly checking his phone before getting in and looking at me."I want to take you somewhere," he declared, his eyes mesmerizing me. And somewhere along the way, I managed to ask my question."What about the others?" I inquired, and he rolled his eyes, shrugging."I don't care," he stated plainly, and I burst into laughter, trying my best to maintain composure. Once I sobered up, I took out my phone and called Kai."Hello?" he answered."Hey, Kai," I began. "We'll see you guys back at the dorm," I told him."Okay. Why? Are you guys going to f-" "Kai! Leave the girl alone!" Leah yelled in the background. I couldn't help but laugh, covering my mouth, and heard them on the other end joining in. Then there was shuffling."Chloe? We're going home once we leave here. But we'll be back n
ChloeAfter he left, I stepped into the shower, feeling the cold water wash over my body, instantly relieving the tension in my muscles. With each breath, I could feel myself relaxing, ready to continue my shower. Once I finished, I wrapped myself in a towel and walked out into my room. I noticed Hayden sitting on my bed, engrossed in something on his phone. As I entered, he placed his phone next to him and rubbed his hands together before leaning back. He silently watched me as I grabbed some underwear, his eyes following my every move. I casually placed my bra at the bottom of the bed and proceeded to put on my underwear. Just as I was about to reach for my bra, he intercepted it, tossing it next to him. I rolled my eyes at his playful gesture."Really?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him. He smirked mischievously, patting his lap.I shook my head, chuckling, and he rolled his eyes as he sat at the edge of the bed. Then he sighed, picking up the bra and holding it out to me. I nai
Chloe "Hale," I heard him call. My eyes slowly opened, fluttering as they adjusted to the sunlight.Once my eyes were fully open, I looked up and found Hayden standing in the doorway. As I shifted slightly, my body felt as though I had run an entire marathon."Yes?" I replied, sitting up and watching as the sheets fell onto my lap. I was covered by one of his shirts that I had stolen, and I slid out of bed, making my way to the bathroom.I looked back at him, waiting for him to speak, but instead, he leaned against the door frame and smirked at me as I forced my legs to work properly. Rolling my eyes at him, I entered the bathroom and began brushing my teeth. Today was Saturday, and I planned on spending it sleeping."The others are coming," he said.Or not."When?" I asked, looking up at him in the mirror, and he smirked, walking over and placing his hands on my hips."A few minutes," he said. "But that doesn't matter," he finished, shifting some hair out of the way before placing a
Chloe My phone began vibrating on the nightstand, and I managed to pry his arms off me before standing up and walking over to pick up the phone without even checking the caller ID."Hey," I heard a familiar voice say, and I smiled."Hey, Daniel," I replied."You didn't even tell me goodbye!" he exclaimed, and I felt a pang of guilt before bursting into laughter."I'm sorry, but you weren't answering," I explained, and he sighed.Arms encircled my waist, pulling me back into him, his head burying itself in my neck. He placed a single, open-mouthed kiss against my skin, causing me to melt."I want to come visit you," Daniel said from the other end of the line, and I was about to respond when Hayden's hand started sliding down my body.I tried to push it away, but he smirked, his hand trailing lower. Just as his hand reached the waistband of my pants, he turned me around and pulled me flush against him."Chloe, are you busy?" Daniel's voice echoed, and I was about to respond again when
Chloe I woke up to slight movement in my room. Slowly, I opened my eyes and found Hayden sitting at the edge of my bed, his phone in hand. Sensing my gaze, he looked over at me, and in an instant, he laid down on top of me."I have classes right now," I informed him, attempting to push him off, but he merely buried his face in my neck. He didn't say anything in response, and I sighed, reaching up to pinch him. Without even looking at my hands, he pinned my arm to the mattress."Just stay in bed," he murmured into my neck, resting his head there. I rolled my eyes at his request. In a swift motion, I lifted my knees and used my free hand to push him off. Knowing that he allowed me to push him away, I swiftly got up and moved away from the bed as he tried to grab hold of me."My education is more important," I reminded him, and he rolled his eyes once again, crossing his arms behind his head, observing me as I made my way into the bathroom.Entering the bathroom, I welcomed the warmth o
Chloe "Hey!" He answered cheerfully, and I smiled."Hi, Kai," I greeted."Do you like your new college?" he asked, and I sighed."I did, until I realized who my roommate is," I told him, and he laughed."No way," he exclaimed, sounding like he was eating."Yes. Did you know about this?" I asked."I didn't. Otherwise, I still wouldn't have told you," he admitted honestly, and I sighed, laughing a little and shaking my head."You're such an asshole, Kai," I told him, and he snickered."A bloody good one, innit?" he replied, attempting a horrible British accent, and I laughed."Goodnight, Kai," I said, and he chuckled."Goodnight, Chloe," he replied, and I heard him kiss the phone screen, making me laugh again.Ending the call, I placed my phone on the nightstand and went to bed, eager for this day to be over.~It had been a while since I last saw Hayden. In the mornings, we would pass each other without a word, but I would catch him staring at me. However, his demeanor was always cold