Reading Between The Lines (studxstem)

2

Toni

Two Days Later

"Where is mom " Zoey asked while bringing her last suitcase downstairs

"I don't know"

"She always does this and it's not fair . I'm tired of worying where I'm going to lay my head every night.  What happened to us being kids instead of the being adults ? " she continued to go on and on how my mother sucks at parenting . I felt tears build up in my eyes but I refuse to cry . So I grab one of my books from bookshelf and zone out . Reading for me is an  escape from reality. 

"Ugh Toni this is not the time to be reading . Are you even listening? "Zoey screamed while throwing her hands up in defeat

"Wait what's this " she held up a envelope taking my attention from the book .

"Read it "

Zoey opens the envolope and holds up some cash along with a piece of paper . I was really confused who left this ..

Her eyes scan over the paper then she begins to read..

To My Dear Daughters,

I apologize for what your about to read . I've chosen to leave and go to back to our hometown  . The money you have in your hand now is enough to get you a decent hotel for the next two weeks . It's about time I make a good decision.  I do love you and I hope that you take care of each other . To my dearest Zoey please finish college and get a great job I know you can . To my little princess Toni I want you to know I'm proud that your comfortable in your own skin . Be the woman I know you can be . Once you came out to me I was upset ,hurt, and angry . But when I realize that you did something I could never do which was be brave .  That proved to me that you were no longer my little girl,you are a young woman . With the biggest heart for everyone although you try to stay in hidden. Your light shines bright and people notice it everyday . So to my daughters I encourage you to be bold, courageous, and confident. 

Love,
Mom

P.s. Zoey watch Toni I think she's hurting herself again .

We both begin to cry in each other's arms. Where are we going to go ?

Dakota

"Dakota come clean this room up"My mom yelled downstairs .

"Later ma " I roll eyes and go outside to smoke a blunt .

After smoking for awhile I see Toni sitting on her porch reading  . She had on joggers and a sport bra . She had a nice body though  . I put my blunt out then walked over to her .

"Hey " damn why is she ignoring me "Helloooooo " "Yes "She replied with an attitude ."Whatchu reading? "

"A book "

"Obviously " I take a seat next to her .

"What is it Dakota? " Toni said while closing her book giving me her full attention ."So look ...wait why is your face so red? Have you been crying? "

"No "she said looking away

"Toni are you ok ?" I asked while putting my hand on her knee ."Mhm " she said sniffling while biting her bottom lip ."Do you want to talk about it ?" . "No I'm fine thanks Kota "Toni got up and begin to walk off

What the ....

"Wait Toni " I walked over to her

"Leave me alone . How do you even know my name and you smell like weed ." She said while walking faster .I pulled  her back by her wrist "I see you all the time Toni I don't care what people say . I like to get to know people for myself " .Toni looked me up and down then pulled away "Why "

"Maybe because I see that your upset and I want to help "

"Thanks but no thanks "She walked away without looking back

Toni

Why is Dakota showing a sudden interest in me now. It must be a game or some type of prank . Not going to lie she looked good with her hair in a bun . Doesn't she have a girlfriend anyways ...

"Lil bitch I'm back " I yelled while walking in the house

"So I was thinking we could go to stay with aunt Dorothy until we both get jobs . She said it would be ok . " I roll my eyes at the thought of living with her . Aunt Dorothy house smells like moth balls and old people .

"Nooooo "

"Well that's all the family we have sweetie " she said while sitting on the couch ."Let's have a movie night you know sister quality "She cheesed

"Alright nothing to sad "

"Nothing to scary "

So basically I need some quick  cash.  I could always text my weed guy and see if I can make deliveries .

Me: Hey Marcus do you have any jobs

Marcus T:nah but how much you need

Me: 3k

Marcus T: damn ugh give me ten minutes
*******15 minutes later*****

Marcus T: need some help with packaging

Me: thanks what time

Marcus T: After you get out of school

"No more phones " Zoey takes my phone out my hand