Nobody Said Life Was Going to be Easy. And I, Should Have Known Better

6: The Truth

I opened the front door to find Mr. and Mrs. Jones sitting on the couch holding hands. I felt like I was on that show called Intervention. I put my bag down and sat down in the lazy boy, across the room.

"Honey, we have something to tell you, before we adopted you..."

"What?" I questioned.

"We got a call one night from the police, asking us if we could take in a 4-year-old for a few days at the least. We agreed and soon learned what had happened. Your mother was a hardcore heroin addict and was hardly ever sober. Your father was an alcoholic who was abusive and hardly ever home. The night we got you police were called to the house because neighbors overheard one of their fights and could hear glass smashing. The police found you in your room and decided it would be in your best interest to come stay with us while your parents were being assessed to determine if it was safe for you to be there. It was your third night here when they figured out where you were and they broke in and took you and ran. We were so scared that something would happen to you. After a few painful and panicked days of searching we got a call from the police notifying us you were in the hospital. We went in, so afraid of what we might see. You had iv's hooked up to you and your arm was in a cast with some bruises across your body. After that we decided to fight for your custody and after a few years of battling we won and adopted you."

A moment of silence passed as we sat there.

"Annalise, we're so sorry...we didn't know how to explain it to you. How are you feeling?"

"I don't know honestly. Numb, I guess. So what happened to my parents?"

"Your mom went to rehab. Your dad was required to go to AA but is in jail for assault."

We stood up and hugged. "I think I'm just going to go lay down, call me for dinner."

They nodded as I headed to my room. i laid down and stared at my ceiling. I fell asleep exhausted by the immense amount of information.

When I woke up I rolled over and noticed it was already 8:30. Ugh, I slept through dinner. I went downstairs to find my family watching a movie.

"Honey, you looked so peaceful, we didn't want to bother you. We saved you a plate though. Here, sit down, I'll heat it up."

"Thanks, Mrs. Jones."

I sat down next to Guinevere.

"Anna! You missed it! The frog just tried to kiss the Princess." Obviously the Princess and The Frog is playing. She laid down with her head in my lap. I know what she's after. I play with her hair, gently stroking it behind her ear. A few minutes later Mrs. Jones comes in with a plate of food and glass of juice.

"Gwen! Move please." the toddler quickly sat up as food was placed in my lap.

"Thank you." I dug into the burger and fries that were placed in front of me and finished watching the movie. After, Mr. Jones sent everyone off to bed while carrying to sleeping Guinevere up the stairs.

"If you want to talk about anything, don't be afraid to ask okay sweety?"

"Okay" I smiled. " I guess it's something I need to know but it doesn't change anything."

"Right dear. You belong here, with us." Mrs. Jones wrapped her arms around me. "Sleep well."

.~*~..~*~.

I was putting my unneeded books into my locker as someone slammed it shut.

"Are you kidding me?"

"Aww, munchkin did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?" Jace chuckled above me while I fumbled with my lock.

"Here! God you're useless." He pushed me out of the way and swiftly unlocked my locker.

"Wow, you must have eagle eyes Jace, you can see those numbers from your abnormal altitude?"

"Meanie." he stuck out his tongue

"What are you like, two?"

"Three, actually."

I rolled my eyes and shut my locker.

"Anyway, you want to come chill with us after school? My house, rock band, call of duty...you know, the usual."

The bell rang.

"I'll let you know at lunch. Bye Jace."

I sat down at the table with the delinquents and started my final shading. i felt something hit the back of my head and I turn around to find the boys snickering. I looked down to find a pad and then saw my purse open on the table. With anger building inside of me I lost it.

"Yeah? You think this is funny?" before I knew what I was doing I ripped open the pad, feeling everyone's eyes on me. I spit my gum on it and stuck it to one of the guy's hair. I heard a boast of laughter coming from my classmates. I gathered up my things preparing to leave but Mrs. Juneon interceded.

"Annalise! Where do you think you're--oh my! Craig, that's awfully inappropriate."

"He got it out of my purse, he went through my purse! So I decided to teach him a lesson." I smiled smugly to myself. I was beyond mad.

"Annalise, please move to Mr. King's table." I picked up everything and plopped down across from Todd, receiving his famous smirk.

"Now Craig, we know not to go through ladies' purses don't we?" She went back to her desk. "Back to work everybody."

"Well played." Todd whispered. I looked up to search his face for sarcasm but to my surprise found none.

"Thanks. Aren't you mad though? Aren't you guys friends?"

"Psh, no, he's my step-brother and he follows me everywhere."

"Oh."