Thick As Blood {A Menendez Brothers Fic}

30. Tainted

Elegantly dressed to impress only the ones I felt like impressing, I slipped my black heels on I recently purchased upon Stacey's request, feeling rather lackluster at the thought of tonight's oncoming festivities. Stacey has become a rather close friend since first meeting on UCLA grounds. But not close enough to be apart of our little circle. She wouldn't understand, and we couldn't exactly tell her. So I simply kept my secrets from her, pretending I am a happy little rich girl with the perfect boyfriend and family who had nothing but an optimistic outlook on life. The only part being true, was Erik. In my eyes, he is the perfect boyfriend. But, he would argue he's absolutely not.

"I gotta go Stace. But I promise we're going out soon!"

"You have to make good on that promise. Or I will come over there and drag you out of the house. Got it?" She playfully said, which earned a real, genuine laugh from me in return. Softly hanging up the phone, I deeply sighed from the mere thought of going next door tonight. The only plus was having Erik and Lyle with us. I nervously fiddled with my ear rings to make sure they were latched perfectly, smoothing out my dress that was red in color to look semi decent.

"You look awfully nice for just going next door. Are you trying to mask something? Is there something you aren't telling me, Ana?" The low rumble of my fathers voice from directly behind me, was enough to set me completely on edge. I was simply wearing a summer dress that went down to my knees, nothing particularly special, but enough to look elegant.

"No dad.... I just want to dress to impress. That's what you've always told me to do." I reminded him of the numerous times he's made me impress a room with my figure rather than my smarts, noting the importance of that in his features. He was impressed that I had listened. But, was still skeptical of my motive.

"You and that Erik have been spending lots of time together. I know about all the wicked things you do for him. And how with your body, you distract Lyle as well. I'm not blind, Ana." I simply sighed while placing my purse over my shoulder that matched the dress I was wearing, thankful Ava was at a friends house that she begged me to take her to because she couldn't face a night of being with our father. At least, not right now. After Erik and Lyle made our dad think they went home, we all met outside to just talk. That's when Ava asked in the most pitiful voice imaginable if she could go. I couldn't say no.

"Dad.... You know how I feel about Erik. That won't change. And I'm not distracting Lyle. He's just my best friend. He's.... He's like my big brother." Just gazing upon me in a rather strange light, he simply kept his composure, something he never does. But his eyes seemed to scan my stomach region, igniting an uncomfortable feeling within me.

"Best friends don't kiss. Big brothers don't kiss their little sisters. And as for you and Erik? I better not find out that you're pregnant. Because there will be consequences. Whether you like it or not." He simply shoved me into the wall before exiting out the front door, my cheeks aflame from pure anger. No tears were shed in that moment, because my anger was greater than my sadness.

"Don't worry about him sweetheart. Don't let any of them destroy your night, okay? Just enjoy your time with the boys. And I've called the Jone's residence. Ava is fine and having fun. She wanted me to tell you that she loves you. And Erik and Lyle." I couldn't contain the smile from forming on my lips once Helen gave me an update on Ava, worry always threatening to destroy me when she wasn't with me. I simply hugged her, tighter than i ever had in my entire time of knowing her, placing a sweet kiss to her cheek to let her know how appreciative I am of her.

"You're the best Helen. Well, I guess I'm off. Wish us luck." And by us, I meant Erik, Lyle, and I. Because we're going to need it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(At Dinner)
I softly knocked on the door upon taking a rather slow approach to reaching their residence, even if it was mere feet away from ours. My father had walked alone, leaving me time to think without his bickering and hatefulness to bog me down.