Prematurely Adults

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Ryan Kavanaugh

Stacey has lost a lot of weight in seven days. It could be of the pregnancy or Nora the aunt who in my book is a certified crazy bitch. She starves my girl for weeks on end. She has done it countless time.  I can only imagine how far she would go if she learns of Stacey's pregnancy. Nora is vindictive and takes great pleasure to watching her niece suffer. I inwardly sigh. Thinking back to moments ago when Stacey ignored me. When she came walking down the stairs at Jacky's house. I wanted to throat punched Con when he was greeted with a smile and in return he returned the smile and winked at Stacey. Con and it made me furious. He was laying the charms on thick to get a rise out of me. He almost got my fist in his face for that stunt. The car ride to my house is silent and tense. I fucking hate the silent treatment. But it's of my own doing. I told her to not speak to me and to stay out of my way. She is doing what I demanded and yet it's pissing me off. She's under my skin like some fucked up DNA that I can't get rid of. The answer is, that I don't truly want her out of my life.  This girl got under my skin and she won't get out.   The glimpses of her reflection in the window breaks my heart. She looks miserable, cheeks are sunken and her complexion is paler than usual. I hope it's the pregnancy that's causing the gaunt look and not something serious.

Mom's car is here. "Don't get out" I instruct which earns me a hateful glare. I ignore it and get out of the car. I didn't expect mom to be at home. I help Stacey out of the car. She huffs defiance evident on her face. "I'm not an invalid" she snaps and swatting at my arm. But I'm persistent and she eventual success to my charms. I guide her by resting my hand on the small of her back. "I wasn't that long gone. I know where the front door is" she hisses like a snake teeth bared showing her annoyance. Again I ignore her hissy fit and continue to guide her to the front door. "Stacey darling!" Mom shrieks when she lay eyes on my girl. Okay it was a bit of a stretch seeing that Stacey isn't my girl anymore. "Uh hi, Mrs. Uh mom" Stacey is quick to correct herself sounding unsure. Mom rushes Stacey and pulls her into a mamma bear hug. "Where have you been my sweet girl? I want to snort at the use of the word sweet girl. Mom thinks that I am cheating on Stacey with that toxic bitch Chelsea. I'd never seen my mother so furious when Chelsea came over to visit. Her behavior was atrocious and she acted like she owned the house. She Helped herself to everything. Opening and closing cupboard doors. Offering to cook dinner. Rearranging mom and Riley's wardrobes. My sister was pissed and almost stabbed Chelsea with a steak knife at dinner. Stacey has been coming to our house for two years and not once was she forward like that cunt. Even though mom invited Stacey daily to make herself at home and to help herself to anything. My parents see Stacey as a family and a daughter. It's why mom was confused when Chelsea walked through our front door and addressed mother as a mom. She even hooked her arm through mom's like they were best of friends and demanded a tour of the house. She had oohed and aahed when mom showed her the rooms. And had the nerve to give mom decor tips and repaint the walls. Because the current colors are dull and it doesn't suit her personality. If looks could kill that day. I would be maggot food by now.

Dad's disapproving look had established how much I had fucked up the day Chelsea was in our home. She touched dad's arms and stomach. And made comments about him being a hot pastor with nice muscles and abs. If prayer could kill someone on the spot. Mom would've done it in a heartbeat. The plastic hag had the nerve to ask dad for prayer alone in a room. In front of mom and giving mom a sickly sweet fake smile saying "You don't mind do you?" It was when I realized I had to get her out of our house. But she was like a stubborn bull and wouldn't go. In the end, my parent's kindness overshadowed their dislike toward Chelsea and allowed her to stay for dinner. That's when my sister wanted to gut her with my dead grandma's family heirloom steak knife. It was passed down from generation to generation.

"Darling girl, are you sick?" Mom's worried tone of voice pulls me from my unpleasant thoughts. Fuck I forgot about Stacey's increased weight loss. I should be worried. Mom has a knack for sniffing out the truth. One wrong move on my and Stacey's part. And everything will come spilling out. Why the hell is Stacey looking at me? The wariness on her face doesn't help my case. Now, mom is watching me too. Like I'm some evil villain in a superhero movie. Who wants to destroy Stacey's existence from the face of the earth? I mouth what the fuck at Stacey when mom's attention returns to her. Now she is frowning
"Ryan?" Mom says eyes back on me. Was this Stacey's intention? To make me look like the bad guy? Or was it to put me on the spot and hope I would spill my guts? There's no way I'm taking the fall for an act we both enjoyed. I remember every last detail of what we did in my bedroom. It's seared into my brain like a porn movie I can't stop watching. Stacey was as vocal as I was. And had begged me for more sex. The baby currently growing in her belly is on both of us. "I had the flu mom" Stacey finally blurts when the room has become unbearably quiet. I'm instantly consumed with guilt. She is lying because of me. "Sweetheart you've lost so much weight and your face are extremely pale. Is there anything I should know?" Mom press the issue. Her gaze ping-pong-ing between Stacey and me. Shit! It was a bad idea to bring Stacey here. I should've driven straight to Moon Lake. In my defense, I thought that my parents were staying in the apartment near the university. "When I get sick I don't have much of an appetite" the lie rolled Stacey's tongue like melted butter. This lying to mom is going to bother Stacey. I know this because she views mom in high regard. Mom nodsnodssd but reluctance is written all over her face. "Okay baby but please let me know if there is anything you need that I can help with" mom relents when it's clear she wants to ask more questions. "Thank you," Stacey says in a choked whispered tone of voice and decides to avoid mom's gaze by staring at her feet.