Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones

Chapter Eighteen

"I don't think that's a good idea." I began, giving Aaron a pleading look.

"You guys need to improve your bio project or you'll never get to Yale." Adelias scolded. I nodded, knowing I couldn't live up to Achilles. I was stupid and ridiculously wrong. It takes few words to make me like this. I could handle being ugly, fat, or annoying. Stupid, I could not. It meant I wasn't good at anything.

"Alright." I turned to Aaron. "Where do you want to meet? The park?" It was a fairly central location. He nodded, rather dismally.

I blinked back tears threatening to drop to the ground as I strode to my car. People were bustling and rushing away from the mall, because the food vendors were closing early today for maintenance. I ate up the black pavement in my Coach sneakers. Finally, I reached my car and ignited the engine. Adelias and Penny bickered the entire ride to the hospital.

"Why are we here?" I rubbed my temples and listened to Adelias whining.

"I've been driving all day and have all of my work to do." I was clearly upset. However, he just pushed my buttons.

"You have it so bad, huh? Because you've lived in the hospital for the past 5 years! Because you still have mom and dad! Because you can actually feel full hair on your skull!" Adelias slammed the door.

"Do you want to go home or with him? I can come get you at 9." I faced Penny with a flat expression. She slid out, silently.

The clock read 6:00. I had another three hours of Aaron before I could do anything. I crumpled against the steering wheel and drove to the park. Tears stained my cheeks and my eyes were red. I was so done. My stress is at 170% everyday and I can't handle it. Aaron is wasting my time. Adelias is the worst brother ever. He thought he was the only one, like this only ever happened to him. Like I didn't spend my time in a jail cell. Like I didn't wish my parents loved me, but it was harsh reality. Like it doesn't hurt me to tell my friends everything's fine, when I feel myself jumping headfirst into a volcano. Like dad didn't leave because of him. Like I didn't wish it was me. Like I didn't wish I was dead sometimes, so it could all go away. But I couldn't die. Everything is so ridiculous. The worst thing is when you know someone's always wrong, but they justify what you've always thought about yourself.

My hands were red at the steering wheel. Luckily, I was here.

I melted into the seat, wanting to disappear.

A few minutes of sobbing later, I wiped my tears. It was dark enough for no one to really see me through the car windows. I rolled them down and let the smell of rain on soil fill my nostrils. Luckily, my backpack was still in my car and the rain had eased. I fished for my project papers and waited. I repeated the alphabet in my head to keep from thinking.

A car honked behind me. I quietly found my confidence and made my way to the bench. My legs felt like they were propelled robotically.

"Hey." He greeted. "What's up?"

I held up the papers and began refining our work.

"Aurora. Are you alright?" He asked. Tears flooded my eyes, but did not escape. I blinked them back and smiled.

"What's going on Ari? You're working two jobs?" My throat was sore, but who cares?

"Three, actually..." I gave him a flat look to urge him to go on. .

"My dad lost his job. I'm trying to compensate a little. It's like $8.50 an hour at Hollister. $10 at the diner. $12.20 at Ashley's Ice Cream."

"I'm sorry Aaron. If there's anything I can do to help, let me know. Even if you wouldn't want my help financially, I'm always a shoulder to cry on."