Thank You, Sir

Chapter Five

Thursday morning, I woke up and checked my phone. There were no messages. I began to worry that maybe he changed his mind. What if Aaron decided that the date was an awful idea? My thoughts were interrupted when my door swung open. Jill stormed in. Actually, it was more like staggered in. She was hammered. 

"You little bitch. You're such a slut. Why don't you just kill yourself," she slurred. I was used to this. Daddy was away on a business trip so she was left with all the responsibilities. My two year old sister, Alissa, wobbled in behind her. She was only my half sister, but that baby girl was the light in my dark world. When Jill is sober, she keeps her away from me. However, when she stupid drunk I become the parent. 

"Sissy, what's wrong with mommy," Ali wondered out aloud. I was about to answer when a hand struck me across the face. I fell to the ground, grabbing my cheek. Ali screamed and began to cry. My awful step mother just laughed and walked out. I wiped my eyes and picked myself up. Sweeping my baby into my arms, I calmed her. 

"Stay right her, Baby Girl. I have to get ready for school. Then we can leave. Okay?" I kissed her forehead and walked away. The tears continued to fall as I got dressed, brushed my hair, and did my makeup. Finally, I had to stop. I grabbed my stuff and got Ali. We were out of the house faster than you could say bitch. Dropping her at daycare made me a little late for school. I ran to my locker and went to Aaron's class as fast as I could. The last thing I need is him mad at me too. I was only about five minutes late, but as I was reaching for the doorknob someone spoke behind me.

"You really have a bad habit of running late. Don't you, Love," someone spoke causing me to jump out of my skin. I whirled around and realized it was Aaron. Tears welled up in my eyes. I knew I had a bruised cheek, but there was nothing I could do to hide it. Without thinking about it, my hand skimmed across it. His eyes moved to where I had just touched and saddened immediately. Just as fast as the sadness came, the anger took over. Before he could ask any questions, I turned around and threw open the door. Braxton greeted me with a warm smile. My classmates were used to the random bruises, so they all pretended like the didn't exist. However, my best friends didn't give me the same treatment. Mr. Forbes started his lesson, but his eyes wouldn't stay off me. 

"Oh, Lilly. Not again," Braxton shook his head.

"She was still drunk when I woke up this morning. Ali saw the whole thing this time. Brax, what am I going to do," I whispered back. 

"Man, Ms. Brinks. You really cannot stay out of trouble. Please stay after class so we can discuss you talking during the lesson." I didn't even bother trying to argue. This wasn't actually about the talking. Braxton scoffed and started to actually pay attention to the lesson. It drug on and on, then finally the bell rang. Everyone gathered their stuff and left. 

"Lillian," he said while brushing hair from my face. "Who did this to you?"

"Um...my step mom," I whispered.

"Does she do this a lot?"

"Don't you have a second hour?"

"No actually. It's my plan period. I will email your next hour. You're all mine," he said, wrapping his arms around me. 

"Then yeah. Every time my dad goes out of town, she gets so drunk that it lasts until morning. I'm used to it now, but today was different. My baby sister saw it. She was so scared. Tears streamed down her face and it was so awful." By the time I was finished, I was pretty much sobbing. He didn't say anything. Honestly, that was a major relief. Aaron held me until I finally stopped crying. It was almost time for me to go. 

"Um, Aaron?"

"Yes, Baby?"

"You never texted me the details. Did you...did you change your mind," I all but whispered.

"What? God no! I just got busy with grading papers. I was going to as soon as school got out. Be ready by 5. Wear a nice dress, okay? Also maybe pack an overnight bag," he smirked. I turned bright red. I couldn't tell if he was kidding or not. Either way, tomorrow was going to be amazing. Bruised cheek and all.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pic is of Gabby