Broken Branches (Bleed Me Dry/Drown Me In Sequel)

Stars

"Just find a way to get home, there's space in my heart, open arms for you to run to." Stars, Alessia Cara.

MJ

My dad and I have really bonded these past few days. Nothing emotional, just the basic ice-breakers. Unfortunately the closer we become, the farther and farther I am from my mom. I love her I really do, but she needs to grow up and let me be happy with the family she's kept me from having. I asked my dad if he knows anything about my mom and her family. Just so I can know where I come from, but he only knows that they live in Ohio and that they kicked my mom out of the house because she couldn't get into college. I knew she never went but I always assumed she never wanted or tried to go. At least now I have one detail I'm searching for. I will get to the bottom of my past.

I was able to learn about my dad's past. He told about how he lived in Edison, New Jersey and went to college at NYU and law school at Columbia. He must have been really smart. His mother died when he was 14 and his father died when he was 21. I asked if he felt alone without them but he never answered me. He just continued on about moving to Wall, getting a job at a law firm and meeting my mother in Wrigley's. He stopped talking after that, I guess we aren't quite to the point where he tells me why he left almost 18 years ago.

When I see Holland I tell him about the meeting with my father. I get an indescribable rush when I'm telling him because I know the closer I get the better of a chance I have with him. I admire his soft brown hair and chocolate colored eyes, even the way he walks is beautiful.

"I'm really proud of you MJ," he tells me.

"Thanks Holly," I tease him with my favorite nickname.

"Stop it," he jokes back.

"Do you think you could give me a ride home today? My mom has my car because hers is getting serviced."

"Yeah no problem. Do you want to leave early? There's a pep rally today that I don't feel like going to."

"Yes! I hate pep rallies."

"Alright just have your mom call the office to have you leave early."

"Can't wait!"

I beyond excited that I'll get all of two minutes in the car with him today. It's pretty pathetic but I don't really care.

Later that day I see Holland in our 7th mod science.

"Hey MJ, I can't get a hold of my mom so you're going to have to help me sneak out today," says sounding a little worried.

"Okay," I say dragging it out because I'm confused.

"You don't have to if you don't want to."

"No it's fine what's your plan."

"You're going to go get your release ticket from the office while I sneak out the school. I'll wait for you at my car and when you meet me there I'll Give you my keys. Then you'll put me in the trunk, drive my car down the hill like it's yours, and let me out when it's all clear."

"God, I've never done anything like this before. Are you sure it's safe for you to be in the trunk?"

"I'll be fine."

When they release the students for the pep rally I got get my ticket. Holland is standing outside his car just like he promised.

"Alright I'm going to get in the trunk now."

"Okay," I say taking a deep breath.

My hands are shaking when I put his key in the ignition. When I go to adjust the gear the handle won't move.

"Holland I can't figure out your damn car," I say in a panic.

"Did you put your foot on the brakes?" he says.

"Oh god I'm so stupid."

"It's really cool we can talk through the trunk."

"Yeah I guess that's why kidnappers always put their victims back there."

"Very funny, would you hurry up it's getting hot in here."

"I'm going, I'm going."

I hand my ticket to the guard when I pull up to the gate. I slowly drive Holland's piece of crap car down the hill while still shaking rapidly. When I think the coast is clear I pull over to the side, still not completely down the hill.

"MJ, I'm really hot now," he complains.

"I'm coming I swear."

I pop open his trunk and his beautiful face is shining with sweat.

"That was awesome!" he says.

Just as I'm pulling him out of the trunk a car comes rushing down the hill.

"Do you think they saw us?" I ask.

"Probably, I think it was a teacher."

"I can't go down for being a kidnapper. I've come too far."

Holland laughs and says, "MJ, I think we're fine now give me back my keys.

Holland drives me home the rest of the way. Before I get out of the car we jam to 24k Magic by Bruno Mars, his favorite song. But when I get out of his car I have a different song in my head, one that tells me everything is changing and I think I like where it's headed.