Basorexia

Chapter Eleven

For two months, Grant and I were irresistibly drawn to one another-unable to be parted by our classes or our families. I got along with his foster family better than my own blood-but I knew there could never be a time that he could sit down at my family table and talk sports and cars with my father. Hell, I couldn't even do that. The only thing my father wanted to discuss was how I was a disappointment to him and everything I did from the way I dressed to the way I walked embarrassed him. But ever since Grant and I were together...I could feel the pain and pressure melt away-but the minute I had returned home, it all flooded back.

And this night was the worst...

"This is the last time I will tell you to not disappoint me! Everyone in my life has done it! You are supposed to make me proud as my only child, and yet-you screw up every day and act even more like a slut then your mother-"

I closed my eyes, forcing the tears to stay hidden before I felt his harsh hand grab my chin.

"Look at me."

I resisted as I was then pulled to my feet and shoved up against the wall. Tears poured down my cheeks as I did everything in my power to stop the waterworks-but it was no use.

"I haven't done anything!"

"Your best friend who got herself knocked up was seen chatting with you and you affiliate yourself with someone so slutty-"

"I could say the same to you."

His brow raised.

"Do you think because you are getting older that you can talk to me however you like?" Within seconds, before I could pull away, he took a blade from his side and placed it against my cheek. "I am fed up with having to defend this family. I am tired of lying to protect you. If you want to screw every guy you meet, I won't do anything to stop you anymore."

"There's nothing you could do anyway."

He glared.

"I knew it, you slut!" His hand swiped across my face as I was now leaning on the bedside table. Feeling my cheek already ache from the imminent bruise, I turned-unable to take the pain any longer.

"I am tired of this!" I screamed, surprising him. "It is not my fault that mom is gone! I miss her more than anything! But you take everything out on me because you couldn't keep her, you have ruined my adolescence and blaming me for what mom did is nothing but stereotyping. The truth is, you are a stoic, angry, cruel, and devastating man with nothing but an iron fist and harsh words. I have nothing but hate for you. I have stayed quiet for years in hopes that if I did, everything would fade. But I am DONE being made a fool! DONE!"

"You aren't gonna walk out of this house!" He yelled as I stormed down the stairs.

"Good luck trying to find me." I said as I ran down the road in tears until making it to the front door of his residence. With the tears just drying, he opened the door with wide eyes before seeing where the blade had been set against my cheek.

"That bastard is gonna get what he deserves!" Grant yelled as I pulled him back towards his bed.

"If you do anything, he could ruin everyone-please."

"I know you want to save me, but dammit, Jane...he can't get away with this."

"He won't. But for right now, I just want you to hold me...I don't care if it's cliche."

He nodded as we laid back in his bed, with my body fitting perfectly against his. Although I had not slept a wink, having his arms around me felt as though I was truly protected.

"Where are you going to go?" Grant asked as he placed a random hair behind my ear.

"With Rae...my dad doesn't pay attention to her...-"

"I would feel better if you would stay here."

"I don't want to put any of you or your family in danger-"

"Then at least let me drive you there."

"I won't object to that." I said with a smile as he placed the sole helmet on my head and we drove across town to Rae's house. I saw her watching from the window as we pulled up and he delivered a passionate kiss. The feeling of his lips on mine allowed me to escape from the thought of being discovered by my dad.

We discussed boys for the remainder of the night before growing bored of it and then turning on the television and flipping through channels. Passing on the reality shows that were supposedly unscripted, I found the news to be on a fire in our very town. For a moment, we discussed how disturbing it was how things could suddenly change-when I saw the location.

It was Grant's family garage....engulfed in flames...