P S Y C H E

Chapter Eight

Mia

He would then just lead me to his car and I got in. I knew it was illegal but so was the trailer. So if my aunt wanted to complain about my location, I would just hide away in the music.

We sat in silence until he turned Nickelback on. I mentally smiled to myself. I like Nickelback considering how relatable the band was. I liked a lot of rock but never told anyone because nobody asked.
I then watched as we pulled into the parking lot of the small ice cream shop. I hopped out of his car and went in. I could smell the sugar from here, which was fine. It just was sweet and reminded me of my childhood.

I began to browse the menu and nodded, once I saw something I liked I would go up and tell the cashier what I wanted. She ran to go get it and I just stood there with my hand on my left arm. I looked up at Jaeden who was deciding on what to order.
Once the cashier lady had a weird smile on her face as she looked up at Jaden, I thanked her quietly and took a seat at the bar. I watched Jaeden place his order and I just stared at a crumb on a table until I heard Jaeden's voice.
I just realized he was sitting next to me. I looked over at him and licked my bottom lip. I sat there and ate my ice cream quietly, secretly praying to whatever god he wouldn't start talking. It's not that he was annoying I just know whatever comes out of my mouth may make me regret coming in the first place.

"So, if you don't mind me asking, why do you always look so tired?" I licked my ice cream and then looked up at him. "Because I am." He just smirked. I rolled my eyes. "Yes, I understand you don't sleep at night babygirl but, but there's more to it. I'm not stupid."

"Is this you trying to get to know me, Jaeden O'Conner?" I asked raising an eyebrow. He looked at me and smirked. "Maybe. Is it true?" I just rolled my eyes once again. "Sure something like that." He just nodded. "I mean you don't have to tell me-"

"No, I will," I explained before he continued. "I have siblings," I said trying to communicate it. I fell silent. How the hell was I supposed to respond to this without sounding like a little bitch? "Yeah, so does half the population." He explained it to me. "I want to know why you never have the energy to conversate with me or anyone else at school unless you're bashing their head into a locker."

"Well, if you shut up I'll explain." So, he did. I then would just look down."I mean- my parents are dead and my aunt and aunt's boyfriend take care of me. I say that with full sarcasm by the way." He chuckled to himself. "Yeah, I can tell." I give him a warning look. He stopped talking. "Continue."

"I work two jobs. Morning shift at a tea shop and after school as a bookseller at the bookstore down the street." I took in a deep breath. "I raise my siblings and take them to school and all their appointments and whatnot. So, I'm tired and really only have the energy for them and only them." I said. His face gets serious.

"You're hiding something. More than physically and Mia, I'm not stupid but you can always come to me for anything. Do you want something? It's done. All you have to do is ask." I almost started to cry. "My aunt's boyfriend... he does things to me. Or did." His jaw tightened. "What does he do to you?" I am going to say something when a group of girls walks in. There was Ana with them. I just silently ate my ice cream.
"You want to get out of here?" I asked. I just didn't want to have this conversation here. In front of them of all people. However, there was a guy following behind. He didn't take his eyes off of me and I can feel them all over my body.

I tensed, wanting to not acknowledge the way my stomach was doing flips. I looked up at him. "If you tell me, I'll tell you some of my story." I would look at him and nod. "Sure. Seems fair enough to me." I finished my ice cream and wiped my hands on a napkin before grabbing my stuff. I looked over at Ana who I envied with so much hatred.
Why couldn't I be like her? Pretty, perky breasts, mini skirt, heels, et Cetera et Cetera. I would then stand up and walk out. At least I'm not easy, made me feel better about myself honestly. Once we exited, I hopped back into the passenger seat and would just sit there. "Where too?" He asked. "The park?" He nodded. "Your wish is my command." So, then we drove off to the park.

I wasn't sure if I was even mentally prepared to have this conversation and it wasn't something I wanted to dwell on even though I would probably be doing so the minute we got to that field. It was going to be an interesting night.