Vulnerable || h.s

Chapter 1

An annoying ring slowly brings me out of slumber as I wake up to reality. Without opening my eyes, I try to find the alarm clock with my fingertips.

When I finally turn the damn thing off I remember what today was. The beginning of senior year. Great. Just f.ucking great. I turn from my side to my back wondering; where the f.uck did summer go ? Oh yeah, that's right, I spent most of it stuck in the house with my mother and my annoying as f.uck-step father.

After a painful reminiscence of my uneventful summer, I sigh and raise up from the bed. I open my closet knowing what I already wanted to wear. I pick up a pair of black high waisted jeans and a perfect fitted burgundy crop top that has the perfect amount cleavage.

After approving my outfit choice to go into the bathroom and I look in the reflection that stares back at me. Light brown eyes, big curly brown hair and I touch my colored skin on my face. What the f.uck am I going to do with myself? Senior year and i'm not sure where I'm going. Ignoring the question is just asked myself. I begin washing my face and brushing my teeth. I apply eyeliner and quickly grab my converse and bag and head downstairs, where my mother's presence awaits me.

"Don't you ever wear colors?" My mother says observing my outfit. I smile and kiss her cheek. My mother has beautiful curls that fall down shoulders. Her eyes are the prettiest brown I've ever seen that match her colored skin complexion perfectly. She is the smartest woman I know proved by the fact that she works for one the most important companies in New York City. Observing her outfit, Light blue button up tucked in with a pencil skirt I can tell she was getting ready for work.

"Good Morning to you too, ma". You can say my mom is one of my best friends. At least, she was. I could tell her anything and know she will only give me the best advice. That all change after she met Matt. My mother and Matt have been to together for the past two years and since he's been in our lives he's completely taken away the mother that I could tell anything to. His opinion manipulated her mind and now she treats me differently. There's no sense of being comfortable to tell her anything anymore all because of him.

I open the fridge, settling for Orange juice and a banana for breakfast.
"Where's the asshole?" I asked, taking a sip of my drink. I had gotten over the whole "be nice to him for mom" act. In all honesty, Matt didn't deserve my kindness, nor was I ever going to give it to him. My mom on the other hand, wasn't really appreciative of my attitude towards him.

"Watch your language in my household," she says in a serious tone.

"Matt," she enunciated, glaring at me, "Left early for work."

" See! This is exactly what I mean! You never cared if I cursed in the house until Matt showed up," I say facing my mom while she fixes her coffee.
" Well, things have changed," she retorts.

" No shit " I mutter under my breath. I watch as she stops in her tracks, obviously overhearing what I said. Lesson learned: Mom has the ears of a hawk, next time opt for witty remarks when she's not within a 2 mile radius.

"Hailey! That is enough! You're 17 for Chrissake and about to go to college. Start acting liking a young lady or you'll be treated like a young child."

" Whatever, I'm leaving for school," I leave slamming the door behind me.

**************************

New York City transit is never the best. As I try to exit the train at 34th street , I'm literally attacked by thirty people going the same way. When I finally get out the train, I feel a buzz from my iPhone in my pocket. I take my phone out my pocket to realize my best friend Val messaged me.

" Yo my bitch meet me at Starbucks? R u near school yet?"

"Yea just got out the train station, see u soon :*"

I sent the message and started walking to Starbucks. Val is the complete opposite of me, appearance wise. 5 foot 7, white, blond hair, blue eyes and everything a guy would possibly be attracted to. I've known her since the 7th grade and she's been by my side ever since. She's got me through high school with everything. My father's death, my mother's betrayal and lack of experience with boyfriends. Not complaining, too busy being a f.uck up.

At the end of the day I trust Val with my life.

I open the door to Starbucks to see Val already on line so I join her. The lady behind us huff loudly and I turn around in disgust. I'm clearly ordering with My friend. What the f.uck is the issue?

"You have a problem bitch?" I said going up to her face.

"No no no, no need for that; it's too early Hailey" Val says turning me back around.

Once we get to the front and I notice the extremely attractive guy working the cash machine. He has perfectly tanned skin, brown eyes and toned. Cutest thing I've ever seen. I flash him a smile but all his attention goes to Val. What a f.ucking surprise.

"What can I get you guys?" He says flirtatiously smiling at Val.
Getting the hint Val smiles back and tells him her order. "Two venti Passion Iced Teas, sweetened with lemonade"
"Anything for you," he says with a wink. OMG is this dude serious? I didn't realize flirting was on the terms and conditions of working as a cashier at Starbucks. He's not being professional whatsoever. Or am I just being jealous? Val finally finished flirting with the cashier guy and we move to the side to wait.

"It's senior year, can you believe it? High school went by so fast, we need to get you a boyfriend ASAP! You're not leaving high school a virgin ok? " she claims a little too loudly for everyone to hear and I laugh. I admired Val for her outgoing-personality and her "I don't give a f.uck" vibe didn't surprise me at all.

"Dude, chill. I don't plan on that this year. I plan on doing what I always do which is smoke pot and get good grades so my mom won't realize what I do on my free time" I respond bluntly.

" Who said you can't do all those things and have a boyfriend by your side? Doesn't that sound nice?" Val nudges me on my hips in an attempt to persuade me. I laugh and roll my eyes.

"I'm not going to push it, if it's meant to be then let itself happen."

"2 passion iced teas sweetened with lemonade for Val!" The Starbucks guy called out. Val walks over to our cups mimicking me. I chuckle to myself as we exit the door.
"And now we are on our way to our last first day of High school" I sigh. Let hell begin once more.

_____________________
Author's Note:
Hi! Thank you so much for reading my first chapter means a lot! I hope you like it so far. I'll try to put up the second chapter as soon as possible.
Love you guys already <3
- C.W