Something to Dream About {Slow Updates}

Thirteen

♪ Malachi ♪

"Smile," my mom said, giving me a death glare as she angled a polaroid camera at Layla and I.

Funny how she wanted to stay in bed all day and remain an absent figure until anything romantic was involved. She treated her children like we were dolls. Something to play with when she felt like.

We had that argument before, though. So I didn't start anything tonight. Not when Layla was around.

Layla, who looked a million times better in reality than she did in the photos.

My arm was around her waist as we waited for the photo. I was sure I'd pass out if I kept touching her.

The camera flashed and I detached my arm from Layla as a picture rolled out. Mom plucked it, gave a little shake, then set it on the TV stand.

"You look amazing," she said, giving me a quick, awkward hug. "And you," she aimed her next words at Layla, "you are absolutely stunning."

"Oh, thank you, Mrs. Kekoa. You're beautiful as well."

In reality, my mother had deep bags under her eyes and calling the bun she had messy would've been a compliment.

I knew the animosity I harbored towards my parents wasn't exactly nice, but it was justified. Especially after what happened when I was in California for a baseball tournament back in October—back before I quit the team.

I'd come home to my siblings extremely hungry and un-taken care of. Mostly Lani. On top of the tornado that seemed to have flown through the apartment, my sisters both had eaten next to nothing that whole weekend because there were no snacks or easy meals.

That was when it came to my attention how incredibly un-raised my sisters were.

I couldn't look at my parents the same anymore, knowing that they'd let my sisters get like that.

"Oh, call me Halia," Mom said to Layla.

She let out an awkward laugh. "Okay then."

"We should get going," I said, looking back at the blonde. "I'm gonna go say bye to my sisters. Do you wanna come with me?"

I didn't want to leave her with my mother. Mostly because I didn't want to share treasure with trash.

She nodded then followed me to my sisters' room. I instantly knew they were listening to the CD I burned for them because none of their others had If We Have Each Other by Alec Benjamin, which was what was currently playing.

Kiki was painting Lani's nails, but they both looked over at us as we entered.

"Woah," Lani said, her eyes widening at the sight of Layla. "You look so pretty."

"Thanks! You do too."

Kiki remained her usual quiet self.

"We're out. Will you guys be good while I'm gone?" I asked. They both nodded. "Anything you need? It'll be a few hours. I can order food if you guys want."

They looked at each other excitedly before looking at me again.

"Panda express!" Lani exclaimed.

I smiled. "You got it. Text me your order, I'll get it for you."

"Bye! Bye, Layla!"

"Bye," my date replied brightly.

‧₊˚♪𝄞࿐₊˚⊹

"A dog, Clancy!" Indi exclaimed to her boyfriend, pointing to a woman walking her border collie.

"I know," Ezra said, smiling down at her. "Go ask to pet it."