Broken Cycle

PREVIEW

My mom was very outspoken--since I was thirteen--about what her, Grandma, and Great-Grandma went through. She didn't hover, but she made sure I was safe. Which, I was grateful for, but there were so many things I couldn't do because my mom found them dangerous.

Mason, my twin, never questioned Mom. Maybe it was because Mom was a single mom. She'd dated a guy named Elliot, but it didn't work out. Not because he was a bad guy, but because their interests set them apart.

"Emma!" My friend Carrie waved as she ran to me.

"Hey, girl!" I hugged my best friend.

"You coming to my house tonight?" She asked.

"Duh. Just gotta tell my mom," I shrugged.

"You know she won't let you go. She doesn't like me," Carrie said.

"It's not that she doesn't like you," I said. "She's iffy about your older brother. She's a little paranoid."

"Well, we're gonna eat junk food and see a movie," she said.

"Okay," I said.

"Hey, babe," Liam, my boyfriend, kissed my cheek.

"Hey," I said.

"What are y'all doin?" He asked, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind.

"Planning our girls night," Carrie said.

"That's fun," he said. "Ready for class?"

"I guess," I mock-rolled my eyes and laughed. "Later, Carrie."

Liam took my hand as we walked to class.

"Hey, Emma," Mason said.

"Hey," I said.

Liam and Mason didn't exactly get along. I didn't understand why, but whatever. Liam and I made it to class and we sat in our seats. Neither one of us paid attention. I coul do this in my sleep if I needed.

"Meet me in the hallway," I whispered in Liam's ear. "Ms. Brown, I need to go to the bathroom."

"Okay, Emma," she nodded and I walked out.

I stood outside the classroom door for a minute and Liam came out. He kissed me and I wrapped my arms around his neck. Who needs science anyway? He held my head in his hands and I laughed.

"Why do you laugh every time I hold you?" He asked.

"Cause it feels funny," I said.

"You're a dork," he poked my side.

"Hopefully a cute dork," I said.

"Let's get outta here. We can go get food and I'll drop you off at Carrie's later?" Liam suggested.

"Sounds good to me," I said.

He took my hand and we ran to his truck. I got in the passenger side and he started the truck.

"Where do you wanna go?" He asked.

"McDonalds!" I said.

"Okay," he laughed and we drove to McDonalds.

*

After school, my mom blew up my phone.

"Hello?" I answered her call.

"Where are you?" She asked.

"Carrie's," I said. "Remember?"

"This is the first I'm hearing about this," she said.

"Well, I told you," I shrugged.

"Be home tomorrow," she snapped.

"Kay. Love you. Bye," I hung up.

"Mom driving you crazy again?" Liam petted my hair.

"Yeah, but it's whatever. Can I go to Carrie's now?" I said.

"Kay," he kissed my cheek.

He drove me to Carrie's and I went inside her house.

"Hey, Mrs. Diane," I said to Carrie's mom.

"Hey, sweetie," she said. "Carrie is in her room."

"Thanks," I said as I went upstairs.

"Hey," Carrie said when I opened the door. "Ice cream?"

"Yes!" I laughed, taking it from her.

"So when are you gonna tell your mom about Liam?" She asked.

I shrugged. "When the time is right."

"Okay," she laughed. Her phone buzzed and she checked it. "So stupid," she laughed.

"What is it?" I asked.

"My dad sent me a picture of him being silly," she showed me.

He was attempting a duck face and doing the peace sign.

"So, what movie are we gonna see?" I asked.

"Not sure. We can stop by Redbox," she said.

I nodded. "So what time is your dad coming home?"

"Tomorrow," she said.

"Let's go on a walk," I said.

"No it's late. Let's just chill," she said.

"It's not that late," I said.

"You're a wild child, girl," she said.

"But you love me," I said and we walked out her house, telling her mom we'd be back.