Crooks & Nooks

And It's Monday.

Chapter 15

"Brandon please," I pleaded.

"Okay, okay I will. I'll meet you at Starbucks in ten," he finally agreed.

I was sitting in the parking lot waiting to go to school. I had skipped my first class and I wasn't planning on skipping the second. Brandon was bringing me a fresh change of clothes and some makeup to cover up the bruise, which was looking pretty nasty. I made Will go to school, even though he didn't want to, I couldn't be the reason that he failed school. I didn't want to go home, but I couldn't keep staying at Will's, and I didn't want to burden any of my other friends' parents, because I'm sure that my parents had called all of my friends and asked if I was there. Luckily, we hadn't gotten to the point where either of my parents had Will's number, so that was where I went.

I unlocked my phone and decided to ease Charlie's worries. I quickly tapped on his name and called him.

"Rayna?" Charlie asked.

"Hey, Charlie," I said easily.

"Where have you been? I've called you more than twenty times. Mom called and started freaking out. She's scared that you ran away, but she couldn't call the police because it hasn't been 24 hours yet. What happened?" Charlie said in a rush.

"I've been staying at Will's house because Mom hit me. She slapped me and now I have a humongous bruise sitting on my face. I'm waiting for Brandon to come with some clothes and makeup," I explained.

"She hit you? Why?" Charlie asked.

"We got in an argument about redecorating my room and she slapped me out of nowhere," I said.

"You know she hates posters. Why would you bring that up again?" Charlie asked.

"I am and eighteen year old. I don't need her permission," I said.

"Until you stop living under her roof, you do. Look, you'll be going to college in less than a year. You can wait it out," Charlie said.

"Okay, Charlie. I think I see Brandon. I'll talk to you later, okay?" I said and hung up.

I walked out of my car and went in. I ordered my usual iced caramel macchiato and waited until they called my name. I ignored the questioning glances thrown in my direction about the bruise on my cheek. I grabbed my coffee and went back out. I walked over to Brandon's friends' car and waited for him to finish talking to whoever he was talking to.

"Holy shit, Ray. Are you okay?" Brandon asked, obviously worried.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Can you tell why I need the makeup?" I said and gestured to my face.

"Well, it's a good thing I know what concealer looks like," Brandon said and handed me a bag with clothes and makeup in it.

"Thanks, Brandon," I said and gave him a quick hug.

"Yeah, yeah. Now, I should get back to school, but I'll see you after school, all right?" Brandon said and went back into his friend's car.

"Yeah, I'll see you at home. Bye," I said and walked back into my car. Brandon really was the best brother ever. I was happy to have a better relationship with him now.

I applied all my makeup and changed clothes and then I checked my phone again. I decided to send a text to Liz telling her that I was all right.

To Liz: I'm okay, I stayed at Will's last night and I'm gonna come to school now. Tell Mason, Matt and Chris.

I hit the send button and started up my car. I drove to school and went into class. Second hour was almost done but I still wanted to go. I sat down in my seat after giving my teacher my pass. Third and fourth hour passed quickly, and then it was time for lunch. I sat down at our usual table and waited for the rest of my friends to come. Liz came first and sat down.