A Broken Life

Chapter 1

It's officially been two years since my parents left me. My aunt offered to take the day off, saying she could go to New York tomorrow. She's sweet for offering, but honestly I just want to spend the day with my best friend. Hanging out with Jackson, in our P.J.'s, eating pizza and nutella, while watching Netflix is all I want to do on this "special" day.

As I will myself to get out of bed, the sound of James Bond emits from my phone.

"Hello?"

"Hey Elle, happy birthday." I can hear it in his voice. He probably spent his whole morning debating if he should even call me. His voice tells me that he is ready for me to finally break down and finally cry in front of him for the first time.

The unshed tears fill my eyes, but I force myself to smile as if he could see me. "Well thanks buddy ole pal! I was wondering if you were ever gonna call me, ya butt." I force my tears to go away, not wanting him to notice I was lying.

I could almost imagine him sighing in relief and relaxing into his normal self. That's one thing I like about not talking to someone face to face, it's easier to lie and act like everything's okay.

Jackson starts talking about the cake he bought me, and how he won't head over here until around 2 because he knows I haven't gotten ready yet, and apparently I take forever to get ready. Once, we hang up on each other, I check the clock. It's 12 o'clock, which means I'm really going to have to rush my morning routine. Okay, so maybe I do take a really long time to get ready.... don't judge me.

Once I'm all done getting ready I head over to my bed to grab my phone. I brush out my long, brown hair with one hand and check my phone with the other. I have two new messages:

Jackson: I'm almost there! Ur lazy butt better be ready for cake!

Stupid Group Chat: Party at Tommie's tonight! 7 o'clock y'all invited!