I went downstairs and found Ben watching TV on the couch. I wasn't sure what to say. I didn't want to interrupt his show. Commercial came on and he stood and saw me.
"Oh, good, you're up. I was just about to get some chips. Want some?" He asked, going to the pantry.
"Uh, sure, thanks," I said and sat by him.
He opened the chips and put them on the table. "Sleep okay?"
I nodded. "Didn't really sleep, but yeah I relaxed. What have you been up to?"
"This," he nodded his head towards the TV.
"Do you miss your parents? Like, do you think they love you?" I asked.
"Yes. To both. I miss them, but they have to make a living so we don't go broke. And they do love me because they tell me," he said.
"They do?" I asked.
He nodded. "Doesn't your mom tell you?"
"Once," I said. "We don't have the best relationship. Turns out I'm not real good at those."
"What do you mean? You and Liam were together," he said.
I shrugged. "We're not together anymore. He just wanted what most guys want."
"You deserve better," he said.
I managed to laugh and shook my head. "Thanks."
"Have you seen this?" He asked.
I looked at his phone and nodded. "I don't care though. I'm used to it."
"They need to stop. This is cyberbullying and it's illegal," he said, typing.
"Don't get involved," I said. "It'll just make things worse."
"I have a way with words," he said and finished typing.
"Why are you defending me?" I asked.
"Because what they're saying about you isn't true," he said. "Even if it was, it's not any of their business."
"Well, thanks again," I said.
He nodded and we watched TV the rest of the day. Not once did my mom or Mason call to see where I was.
YOU ARE READING
Broken Cycle
Ficção AdolescenteEmma is the daughter of Alexis Barns. Alexis stressed to Emma (and Mason) the importance of being careful in every day life. While Mason is your average golden boy (but not cocky) Emma is the most rebellious daughter you'd meet. She puts on a show b...