Bad Reputation | S.M.

Chapter 6

I woke up on the couch, swaddling Hunter in my arms. I looked at the time on the stove to see it was ten in the morning. After Hunter fell asleep Shawn and I continued to talk and it was crazy to think a kid, just like me, is famous. We talked about his life and mine. We were talking for about three hours until I guess we finally fell asleep. I carefully put my brother down and I got up to go to the bathroom. I looked in the mirror and took a look at my exhausted face before splashing cold water on my face. I cleaned my face and grabbed my toothbrush to quickly brush my teeth.

"Nicole!" My brother yelled and I heard something thump on the ground. I quickly ran out of the bathroom and into the living room to see my brother with a bat and Shawn on the floor with a panicked look on his face. 

"Jacob put the bat down!" I said and he did as I said.

"Who the fuck is this?" He yelled and pointed towards Shawn.

"Calm down and watch your mouth." I yelled back. "I'm so sorry Shawn." I said as I helped him up. 

"No its fine, I should go."

"Yeah, thank you for last night."

"No problem." He smiled and walked to the door. "Bye Hunter!" He waved towards my little brother and he waved back.

"I'll text you later." I said and we both smiled before he left. I closed the door and turned back to look at my furious brother. He gave me a disgusted look and stomped up the stairs towards his room. I sighed and shook my head before beginning to make breakfast. I took out the cereal and began to make eggs as my brother watched tv in the living room. Soon breakfast was ready and we were all sitting at the table. There was an awkward silence, the only thing you can hear was my brother's tv show.

"So."Jacob spoke up. "He another dealer?"

"No."

"Another fuck buddy?"

"No."

"Do you owe him something?"

"No! Listen he's just a friend at I met at the diner."

"Ha, friend? When was the last time you had a friend?" He chuckled and I grabbed both of his plates, throwing them into the sink.

"What the fuck Nicole!" He stood up and clenched his fists.

"What? Are you gonna do something, go ahead, I fucking dare you." I looked into his eyes and I could see the rage. "If you're hungry make your own damn plate, you're old enough Jacob. I'm tired of you giving me shit for everything I do when the only reason I do them is for you and your brother! Ever since mom and dad you have treated me like a piece of shit and I can't take it anymore."

He looked at me with tears in his eyes and he ran back up to his room again, slamming the door shut. I sighed and sat back down, resting my head in my hands.

"Hermana?" My little brother shook me.

"Hmm." I sniffled and I could feel his small arms wrap around my legs.

"I love you." He quietly said and I slightly smiled. "Finish eating or your food it is going to get cold." I said and he sat back down. I didn't feel like eating so I just threw my food away and went to sit back down.

-

After breakfast Jacob left the apartment to God knows where and I was left watching tv with my little brother. I had to go to work at six and today I get out at two in the morning. We were watching Aladdin when a commercial came on showing toys from target.

"Hermana." I heard my brother's voice.

"Yeah?"

"Can I get a toy today?"

"You have enough toys buddy."

"But I want a new one." He pouted and I closed my eyes. I hated saying no to him.

"Okay, we'll go right now if you want." I got up and he smiled. He ran upstairs to get his shoes and jacket and I did the same. I took a deep breath in and grabbed some money from the savings jar in my room. I put on my converse and quickly put on a hoodie. I walked out of my room, making my way downstairs only to see my brother waiting at the door. I slightly smiled and we left the apartment, making it downstairs to get to my car.

The drive wasn't long it was just quiet. Once we got to target my brother ran in and I stayed behind watching him, making sure not to lose sight of him. He went directly towards the toy section and I watched him pick out at least three toys. I sighed and crossed my arms, watching my little brother fill with joy.

"Hunter."I walked up to him and knelt down to his size. "You can only get one toy buddy."

"But I want all of these." He pouted.

"We don't have enough money."

"Please Hermana." He begged and I could see people starting to stare.

"Its either one or nothing Hunter."

"But Hermana." He started to jump up and down angrily. I finally gave in and nodded my head.

"Okay okay fine." I said and he stopped and smiled.

"Yay! Thank you!" He hugged all the toys and held my right hand. We went over to the cashier when suddenly I heard my name being called.

"Nicole!" I turned around and I saw the guy from yesterday, Brandon. He walked towards me and my little brother hid behind my legs.

"Oh hey Brandon." I smiled and he smiled back.

"Hey how are you?"

"I'm good and you?"

"Good also thank you." I said and I swayed back and forth awkwardly.

"So, who's this little guy?"

"Oh this is my little brother Hunter, Hunter say hi to Brandon."

"Hi Brandon." He quietly said and looked down. Brandon slightly smiled and we both stood there awkwardly, saying nothing.

"So,"

"So," He smiled and scratched the back of his neck. "I was wondering if you wanted to go out some time."

"Like a date?" I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Yeah, a date."

"I uh don't really know."

"You don't have to give me an answer now, but I would really love to take you out on a date."

"I'll get back to you on that, I'm sorry, but I have to go." I said and held my little brother's hand.

"Oh okay, it was nice to see you."

"Yeah, you too." I said and walked towards checkout. We placed the toys on the conveyor belt and waited for our turn. Once it was our turn to pay the worker scanned all of the items making it all come out more money than I anticipated. I sighed and scavenged out some money I had in my purse, pockets, and wallet, handing it to the guy. He placed it all in the register and my brother grabbed on to his new toys as I began to stuff the receipt and change into my old wallet. There goes that.