The Broken Road

Chapter One

Why I had to be born two days before Christmas is beyond me, but that's how it was. I celebrated my birthday with my friends, the very few that I have anyways; followed by a lovely Christmas spent with my overly large family and if you haven't gathered by now that was pure sarcasm. The New Year's Eve parties are always fun though, I mean if you like when your older sister tags along and the boy you like ignores you half the night so that nobody sees you together. Which I don't mind my sister being around, because I'm actually pretty lonely when she's not, but sometimes I wish men would figure out what they wanted.

It's the first morning back to school after Christmas break, and although I should be getting dressed; I am still scrolling through Instagram admiring my feed of over filled holiday photos. Okay, I'm just stalling because I really don't want to go today. I know that Bentley will be there and after we almost hooked up at the party I really do not want to see him, plus his best friend Kyle keeps hitting on and it's actually extremely weird.
"You're not dressed yet?!"
Ah. Another thing you should probably know about me is my parents never learned how to knock before barging into my bedroom, I made a big deal once; got the whole 'you're under my roof' speech, and then never mentioned it again; but let's be clear, I wouldn't be here if I had it my way.

My eyes left my iPhone screen for two whole seconds while I glanced at my mother who was now standing fully in my doorway. My mother was always so well put together, she handled herself well; like a woman, whatever that means.
"Kate I am leaving in fifteen minutes, I have a meeting; come on!"
That also reminds me, my car is still in the shop, which means I will be getting dropped off by mommy today; if High School didn't already suck, it definitely will now.

Before you know it we are sitting in the parking lot of my school. I'm staring down at my mid cut tan Ugg boots. I grab my bag off the floor and hang it over my shoulder in one swift movement, as I pick a piece of lint off my black Lululemon leggings. I don't much fancy high class items, but these leggings are beyond comfortable.
"There is leftover chicken in the fridge you can warm for supper, I will probably be late tonight, and your Dad isn't home for another few days yet." My mom says, tapping the wheel with her index finger. I could tell she was frustrated about Dads work meetings, but if she wants to live in the glorious house we live in, someone has to pay the bills.
"Why can't he have a normal job, you know like a normal person?" I ask, in my attitude filled voice that I always use. Don't get me wrong, I love my mother and I appreciate everything she does for me, but I don't need her to know that. I'm a Dads girl; through and through.
"I don't know, why don't you call him and ask that?" My mom says back, matching my attitude. I'm not even sorry for having one, she knows I get it from her.
"Can't. Phone. Almost dead."
"Again?! How is anyone supposed to get ahold of you?"
"Relax Mom. I'll charge it in Chem." I say as I step out of the car and close the door.

"Katie! Katie! Katie!" I know the voice before I even turn around, how am I not even half way down the hallway before she spots me. I turn around to see who is calling my name, and to no surprise my best friend Tessa is running with her arms open for a hug. I instantly turn around and keep walking, but I slow my speed and before I know it her arms are wrapped around me.
"It's only been three days Tess." I say with a smile across my face.
"Three days too long! Come on; spill. I need to know what happened at the party."
We reach my locker and I pull the lock to swing it open.
"We're still on this topic? I told you. Nothing happened."
I know what Tessa is waiting for me to say, fireworks and all; but thats just not how it happens. The fact that she still thinks I'm a virgin is beyond me, I haven't corrected her, but I also don't get why people spend so much time gossiping about their sex lives like we're on some hot television show.
"He hasn't texted. Has he?"
Sometimes I hate that she could read me like a book, but she was right. Ever since that night I haven't heard from him. I figured I would today, face to face in the middle of a hallway, Bentley style.
"It doesn't matter, because we are almost done High School, and then I can get out of here and we won't ever have to worry about it again." I said with a little chuckle, while I close my locker, loop arm with my best friend and skip down the hallway to our first class.