The Desperation Inside

Chapter 1: Sweet Sixteen

Glory skipped up the walk to her boyfriend's house. Today was her 16th birthday and she was ecstatic that her parents had allowed her to go to his house to hang out. Her father had taken some convincing, since Alex was already 18, however he relented as they had been seeing each other for a few months, and they would have supervision. As she skipped up the front steps, feeling happy and carefree, she had no clue how much this day would change her life.

"Hi Glory," Alex's mom greeted her. "Happy birthday! Alex was excited about picking out a present for you while we were on vacation. I think he is waiting for me to leave to give it to you though. You guys need anything before I go?"

Glory turned to Alex, confusion etched on her face. "No mom, we're fine. Just go already!" Alex mumbled, as he grabbed his mom's arm and steered her toward the garage.

She laughed and looked at Glory. "See, I told you he was excited! Remember Alex, you guys need to stay downstairs. No sneaking up to your bedroom." With that, she slipped out the door to the garage.

Glory's heart dropped a little. "Alex , you told my dad that your mom would be here the whole time. That's the only reason he let me come! If he finds out she wasn't, he will never let me come over again." Glory crossed her arms over her chest, uncomfortable and a little upset he had lied to her. The idea of being alone with him made her anxious, although she could not pinpoint why.

"Relax babe. Unless you plan to run home and tell him, he isn't going to find out. Besides, she is just running to the grocery store. She'll be right back. It's not a big deal. Come on, I want to give you your present!" Alex grabbed her hand as he said this and began pulling her toward the stairs. Glory felt a pit forming in the depths of her stomach. First, he lied to her about his mom being here the whole time, and now he was going upstairs- which his mom had just told him not to do before she walked out! But this was Alex.... she had known him for almost a year. He wouldn't do anything to hurt her. He never pressured her, and the kisses they had shared since she agreed to go out with him a few months prior had been nothing but gentle and sweet."Alex, your mom said to stay downstairs... where are we going?"

"I left your present in my room. We're just grabbing it real quick. Quit worrying so much!" Alex tugged her hand, pulling her quickly into his room. He walked Glory over to his bed, pushing her back until she sat on the edge. "Close your eyes while I grab it. I put it in my closet." Glory hesitantly did as he asked. She heard a door open and close, and paper rustling. "Ok, open your eyes. This is part one."