Odd Living

Thirtytwo

Since the two of them were in my bed, I decided to sleep on the lounge. I quickly changed and grabbed a blanket from the foot of the bed.

As quietly as I could, I stumbled to the lounge room and got myself comfortable on the couch. Just as soon as I settled in, I fell asleep.
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I heard a knocking on the front door so me being curious, I got up and looked. I couldn't see anyone out of the peep-hole so I opened the door.

It was Brandon. How does he keep finding me?

I tried to quickly shut the door but he stuck his foot in the opening before I could completely close the door.

He threw the door open and grabbed my arms with a tight grip. I let out a scream hoping to wake someone up.

The house was dead silent. Where the hell is everyone? The guys were right outside, why can't they hear me?

"Brandon, get the hell away from me. Or else," I threaten.

"Or else what you little bitch? You can't do shit," he sasses back.

"I'll fucking kill you. I swear. Don't test me asshat," I scream hoping someone out there was listening.

Brandon chuckles in my face, spit shooting off of his poisonous tongue. He then throws me to the ground causing me to get light headed.

I scream even louder now. Wishing for something to bring this to an end.
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I wake up in a cold sweat with Max standing over me. Hot tears are pouring down my face.

"Mack its okay. Brandon isn't here, its just me," Max whispers as he pets my hair like a mother would.

"It was terrible Max. This can't keep happening to me," I say in between sobs.

"And it isn't going happen again. You got five protectors always watching you now. I know I said it wouldn't happen before, and it did. But this time I mean it, Mack. I love you too much to have you go through this again," he engulfs me in a hug.

"Max, I'm sorry I got mad at you for hitting Ian. We were meaning to tell you but we knew you'd get pissed. I'm sorry," I say still hugging Max.

"Mackenzie, I'm the one who should be apologizing. I was shit-faced and upset to see you two together. I am sorry I overreacted. Please forgive me," Max says beginning to cry.

"Oh Max. I do forgive you, just trust my decision with Ian. I really like him, he makes me feel safe." I manage to get Max to stop crying.

Max decided it was best for him to sleep on the lounge with me just to make sure nothing happened. Right before I drifted to sleep I heard him mention something about making it up to me tomorrow.

"Goodnight Maxy boy" I said quite sleepily.

I awoke to the smell of bacon being cooked on the stove top. It was George making breakfast. I don't think I have ever seen him cook actual food.

He noticed me shuffling on the couch and greeted me, "Morning sunshine. Rough sleep, huh?"

I stretch, "Yeah. A nightmare. I should be better after I eat some of that bacon."

"You woke up at the right time because breakfast is ready," George said brining me a paper plate with bacon, eggs, and two blueberry pancakes.

"Thank you so much Joji," I thanked him as I was shoveling eggs into my mouth.

He chuckled as he got back into the kitchen.

"Hey, what is so funny?" I question.

"You have eggs hanging out of your mouth like you haven't eaten in days." He laughs again.

"Well technically, this is the first I've eaten since I got home yesterday," I said forgetting about the burgers we had on out way home from the police station. "Question, are you and Mikaela a thing?"

"I haven't decided. I'd like to be something with her but I don't know if she feels the same way, ya know?"

I do know.

"Yeah. I get that. Well I think she really likes you so don't screw this up mister." I scold him.

George sarcastically salutes and grabs a plate for himself. He joins me on the lounge. "Shit, what time is it?" I begin to panic.

"Its only 7am, whats the rush? Got a hot date or something?" He jokes.

"I have work in a hour, would you mind driving me? I don't want to wake anyone else up" I throw him the puppy dog eyes.

I give him one of those awkward side hugs and get up to throw my plate in the waste bin. I sneak into my room and grab a black dress shirt,a black skirt, and my shower equipment.

I take a brief shower allowing me to get to work early enough to explain everything to Mr. Ludwig.

Joji is a pretty fast driver, fast enough that the law allows of course. As he pulls to the curb to drop me off, I thank him for everything and give him a kiss on the cheek before I exit the car.

Mr. Ludwig, being the greatest human being alive, understands what I've been though and sweeps all that b.s. under the rug.

He gives me a list of tasks to complete before the end of day and I begin with stocking the shelves.