Ugly Secrets, Pretty Lies

Twenty-nine

So how did you guys like chapter 28? :)

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I woke up to find Thomas's face above me. I blinked and let out a small shriek and shot up, my head hitting Thomas's. He stumbled back, surprised. 

"Quinn!" he said, holding his head.

I glared at him. "What are you doing in my room?" 

Thomas smiled sheepishly. "You didn't meet me at homeroom and I got worried so I came over. Your sister let me in."

I swung myself out of bed, eyes widening. "Homeroom? Sister?"

"It's nine thirty, babe," Thomas said. "And yeah, the woman who came to the door said she was your sister. Tall, long, brown hair."

"It's fricking nine thirty?! My alarm didn't go off!" I shrieked, scrambling around my room. I hurried into my bathroom and ran the sink, splashing cold water on my face and rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I brushed my teeth as fast as possible and comb my hair in quick strokes before dashing out. "Turn the sink off for me, Thomas!" I yelled, stripping out of my pajamas. Now was no time to be modest; he's in the bathroom anyway. I threw on an oversize black sweatshirt and loose jeans, grabbing my backpack. Then I ran out the door. Scampering down the stairs, I called to Mom who appeared from the kitchen, a blank look on her face.

"You overslept, Quinn."

"I know, I know, Thomas's giving me a lift," I rushed the words, slipping my feet into sneakers and tying the laces.

"Your boyfriend."

"Yes, Mom, sorry I didn't tell you. I need to go now."

"Your sister's here."

I paused, my hand on the door handle. "What?"

"Jessica's here. She told me you two met some time ago and you didn't tell me?" Mom raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms. 

I turned to look at her, seeing Thomas coming down the stairs. "I'm sorry, Mom. It just slip my mind."

"Slip your mind," she repeated. 

I sighed, rubbing my feet against each other. "Yes. Can I go now? I'm really late."

"Then don't go to school today. I'm letting you stay home. I'll talk to your principal."

"Mom! I'm already dressed and I have my backpack and I need to go!"

"Why do you need to? It's just a day off."

"Why are you so mad that I forgot to tell you Jessica's back?"

"Because you knew!" Mom said, her voice rising.

Thomas came over, stopping next to me. "Quinn?"

"Go ahead. I won't be at school today because my mom fucking needs me!"

"Language!"

I ignored her and gave Thomas a quick kiss. "Just go," I whispered.

Thomas looked at me, unsure. I nudged him toward the door. He pecked my cheek and opened the door, stepping out and closing the door behind him. The lock clicked. 

"Come to the kitchen," Mom said, already halfway there. 

I took my shoes off and tossed them aside, letting my backpack fall to the floor with a loud thump. Then I went to the kitchen and leaned back against the counter, arms crossed. Mom sat on one of the chairs, her arms crossed. To my surprise, Jessica sat on one of the other chairs, her hands wrapped around a mug, her wavy, long brown hair tied up in a ponytail. She wore a frilly white blouse with the top buttons unbuttoned and loose blue pants. And...