ℒ𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒪𝓃 𝒯𝒽ℯ 𝒟𝒶𝓃𝒸ℯ ℱ𝓁ℴℴ𝓇 [𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏]

𝟐.𝟎𝟗.𝟓- 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤

˚✧.⋅₊˚ ‧ 🩰⋅୨୧ ⋅🦢  ‧₊˚ ⋅.✧˚

["Dance To Express, Not Impress"]

Molly and Derek sat cross-legged on the floor of Brooke's room, trying to keep their heads low. They had run away to Kelly's house, needing a break from the constant tension at home. Brooke was sprawled across her bed, casually tossing a pillow in the air, while her younger brother leaned against the dresser, eyeing Molly and Derek curiously. It was an unusual scene— two kids from a different household, suddenly appearing in the Hyland home, and yet no one had said much of anything since they arrived.

The air was thick with an awkward silence, each of them waiting for someone else to speak. It was clear Molly was still reeling from the argument with her mom, and Derek, who was usually more composed, seemed equally tense.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Kelly stepped into the room, catching all four kids off guard. "What are you two doing here?" she asked, her voice laced with surprise and concern. Her eyes darted between Molly and Derek, confusion setting in as she realized these weren't her kids.

Molly shifted uncomfortably, pulling her knees up to her chest. She glanced at Derek, who gave her a slight nod, urging her to explain. With a deep breath, she finally spoke.

"I, um...I had a fight with my mom," Molly began, her voice soft but steady. "It was bad. I said some things I shouldn't have." She looked down at her lap, fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve.

Kelly crossed her arms, her gaze softening as she listened. "What kind of things?" she asked gently, though there was a hint of a motherly scolding tone in her voice.

Molly bit her lip, "I...I told her she should've kept her legs closed. Or used a condom. So she wouldn't be pregnant..." she trailed off, her words hanging in the air like a confession.

There was a beat of stunned silence before Brooke, still sprawled on the bed, let out a snort of laughter. She quickly covered her mouth, but it was too late. The room burst into nervous giggles.

"Brooke!" Kelly snapped, shooting her daughter a look. "That's not funny!"

Brooke looked down sheepishly, but her shoulders still shook with barely-contained laughter.

Kelly turned back to Molly, sighing deeply, "Molly, I know you're upset, but you can't talk to your mom like that. That's serious stuff." Her tone was firm, but not unkind.

Molly nodded, looking ashamed, "I know. I'm sorry. I just...I needed to get out of the house. Everything's been so tense. It's like I can't...breathe in there sometimes," Molly continued, her voice cracking a little as she finally let out some of the frustration she'd been bottling up. Derek nodded in agreement beside her, his face drawn with the same weariness.

"It's true," Derek chimed in, his usual calm demeanor replaced with a rare openness. "There's always tension in the air. Everyone's either fighting, or avoiding each other. Molly just needed to get out for a while...and honestly, I didn't want her to leave alone." He looked at Molly as if to say I've got your back, no matter what.

Kelly exhaled sharply, a mix of sympathy and exasperation crossing her face. She understood how overwhelming things could get at home—especially with a family as big and complicated as theirs. But she couldn't just let them run off without any consequence, especially when emotions were running this high.

"Alright," Kelly finally said, her arms still crossed but her tone softening. "I get it, I do. But running away isn't the answer. You should have at least told someone where you were going. And, Molly, I get that things are hard, but saying things like that to your mom...it's hurtful. You need to talk it out, not lash out."