"Finally Alex, what made you realize that Kayla-Boo needed quality time with her bestie?" Kayla giggled as she engulfed me in her arms. I smiled weakly as I wrapped my arms around her, struggling to keep my laughter down. "Sorry Kay-Bay things have been... Weird at home." I wobbled backwards, as she let me go. "What do you mean by weird? Weird as in, David is finally doing something for once or he's having another episode?" She crossed her arms. I stopped short a breath and hustled past her over to the couch. "How about we watch a movie?" I said, short of breath. "Alex," she sighed and grabbed my wrists. "What's going on? You haven't been the same since.. You and him have been together." "What are you trying to say?" I snapped, pulling my hands from her. Kayla, she was my best friend and all, but something she doesn't realize is, I can do things by myself. I don't have to be constantly watched over. "Nothing.. Nothing.. So, have you talked to Niall lately?" She sighed, placing her frail, slender hands on her lap. "No," I looked down at my fingers, pulling on a string at the hem of my shirt. "Not ever since our little fight." I shrugged, looking up and meeting her intense emerald green eyes. "Oh.. Well I have great news." She smiled, perking up. "What is it?" I couldn't help but smile along. "I got backstage passes to their concert for tomorrow," she giggled. "And you're coming with me!" She placed her hands on my shoulders. I gulped, a pit of fire opening up in my stomach. "Aren't you excited? You guys were best friends if you don't remember." She met my gaze, a sympathetic smile tugging at her lips. "I am, really. I just haven't spoken to any of them." I sighed. She opened her mouth to speak, but was silenced by ringing of my phone. "Well? Aren't you going to answer it?" Her lips thinned as she sat up straight. My breath started to strain again as I read the caller I.D. David. "Uhh. Hello?" I spoke into the phone, speaking as casually as I could. "Where are you?" He grunted, slurring slightly. "Are you okay?" I looked up at Kayla, who shrugged. "I'm fine, come over here." He sighed impatiently, and I knew he was upset. "Now?" I squeaked. "Right now. Or else, you know what'll happen. 15 minutes sharp." His gruff raspy voice was replaced by the dial tone. "Who was it?" She smiled lightly. "Oh. Just my aunt, she wants me to pick up something for Brian, he's sick." I hesitated, faking a smile. "Oh! Okay. I guess I'll see you later? Tell Brian I say to feel better." She grinned as she led me to the door. I nodded, walking right past her and down the narrow sidewalk. "Bye Alex. I'll call you later!" She called through the door. I looked back at her, waved and went back forward. As soon as the door shut, I made a run for it.
"You're 2 minutes late." David's voice echoed through the creaky stairwell. He stumbled out his room and supported himself with the wall. "I'm sorry.. I had a little trouble.." My lips started to tremble as I made my way up the stairs, standing right in front of his tall, skinny frame. "I don't want any excuses this time doll." He grabbed my hair, tugging it up. "I'm sorry." I whimpered, trying to unclamp his fingers from my hair. "I said NO excuses!" He roared, throwing me against the wall. I felt my tears drip down onto my wrists as I slid down. "I'm so done with you, you don't respect me you little brat." He hissed through clenched teeth, crouching next to me. "David, please don't do this." I cried harder, moving closer to the stairs as I supported myself with the railing. "No, I'm not sparing you again. No respect for me, no respect for you." He loomed over me and kicked my rib cage, which sent me rolling down the stairs. I shut my eyes tight, feeling pain throughout every part of my body. And then I just laid there, hoping for tomorrow to come.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You look so plain Alex." Kayla giggled as I stood in her doorway, in only a longsleeved loose top and skinny jeans, and flats. "Well, it's not like I'm going to impress somebody." I laughed nervously, pulling down my shirt, making sure none of my skin showed. "Uh huh, "she mumbled, dragging me to her room. "Woah, what are you doing, we're going to be late!" I protested as she sat me down in front of her vanity. "Alex, shut up, I'm going to do your makeup." She flicked me with her brush and started applying away. She even curled my hair at the tips. "That's better." She grinned at our reflection. "Thanks Kay." I smiled up at her. "No prob! Now cmon, I think someone's at the door." She grabbed her purse and my arm and pulled me to the door. "You're so hyper I swear," I laughed, opening the door. "Holy shit.." my jaw dropped in awe as I stared at a sleek black limo, waiting on the street. "Did you..?" She looked at me, grinning from ear to ear. I nodded no, walking slowly towards it. A man in a black suit came out, greeting us with a smile. "Miss Alex, Kayla, this is your transportation for the concert." "Who sent this?" I laughed surprised. "Oh, we all know who." She giggled, nudging my arm as she stepped into it. I rolled my eyes, and got in after her. I guess this can't be so bad after all.
