My New Boyfriend (Sequel to My New Brother)

Part 5

My alarm clock woke me up, reminding me of the cruel world we live in. Braden was asleep next to me. I slept with him last night because he was acting unstable and I didn't want him to fall into a relapse. That would suck.

He groaned at the alarm, putting the pillow over his head. 

"I know you don't want to go." I said. "Just do this. Maybe mom and dad will think of you more highly."

"But it's hell Hallie!" He said.

And then he threw up. 

"Hangovers...they're a bitch." I said.

He glared at me. "Just shut up."

I sighed. "Look, just get ready. I'll be back in a minute to get you."

I went in my room and changed. Then I brushed my teeth and hair. I grabbed my backpack and ventured off into the world. 

Braden met me outside and we got on the bus. Let me just say it was a big mistake.

"Oh look guys, it turns out the freaks didn't kill themselves after all!" Monica said.

I'm assuming she made up some bullshit rumor saying that we committed suicide and that is why we weren't at school for second semester.

No Monica, we were actually killing Braden's abusive father.

Everyone stared at us as we took our seats.

Then as we were sitting there a girl, I think her name is Nikki, said "Is it true?"

Braden and I spun around so fast, trying to find out exactly what "is it true" meant.

"Is what true?" I said.

"What happened to Braden...it was all over the news. Is it?"

Braden immediantly tensed up and I didn't dare look to him.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I said.

I know, I sounded like an idiot.

"It's okay." Nikki said. "I won't tell anyone. But some people are bound to know, if they watch the news that is. I'm really sorry that you had to go through that shit. I can't begin to imagine what it would be like. The worst that's ever happened to me is an abusive boyfriend but it was never as bad as your father. If you need anyone to talk to I'm here. And you could always come to my group therapy sessions. They are helpful."

Braden didn't reply, he just blocked her out. The subject was touchy and something he didn't want to talk about. 

"He's a little...um shy." I said.

Nikki gave a look of pity. "Well, I'll see you two around."

I nodded to her as we left the bus.

Monica bumped into the both of us on purpose, nearly knocking us both down.

"Freaks." Michael said as he walked by us.

"Don't listen to them." I whispered into Braden's ear. 

But I could tell it bothered him. His whole life he's been put down. His life with his dad was the worst part of his life of course. But life now was pretty bad as well. And we had a tramatic experience this spring/summer in Seattle. And God knows what happened to him in foster care. 

I just wanted to do something for him to make him happy. Because even though his parents were gone he was still extremely depressed and the bullies were not helping the matter one bit.