The Arrangement

16

Lili
I woke up with Dakota curled up in a ball beside me. I sat up and stretched. He looks up at me and I stroke his head. His tail wags and I get out of bed. I go to the bathroom and wash my face and brush my teeth. I open the door and take Dakota outside.

I step back inside and go to the kitchen. Everyone was still here and Tess was ignoring me. Mom set a plate in front of me and I took a couple of bites out of the toast. "You have to eat more than that." she sighs. "Why does it matter?" I ask. "You are pregnant. You have to eat so the baby can grow." she states and I let my head fall back with a groan.

I finish the plate and go to the living room. I sit on the couch and grab the remote. I pull my legs up and Dakota jumps onto the couch, resting his head in the crook of my knee.

I settle on a movie and throw a blanket over us. He wiggles his head until his nose is the only thing peaking out from under the blanket. I giggle and take a picture. They came into the living room and I poke his nose. He licks my fingers and I turn to watch the movie.

"Why did you pick a scary movie?" Dylan asks. "What's the matter? Can't handle a little of fake blood?" I smirk and he glares at me. Someone moves my feet, making Dakota growl. I look over and Cole has put my feet in his lap.

The movie finishes and I look for another one. "Not another scary one." Dylan states and I turn on Spongebob. I give him a sarcastic smile and he returns it. "Why did you pick a childish show?" Bree scrunches her nose in disgust. I take a breath and look at Dakota. He wiggles and out his face between my knees. I chuckle and shake my head.

He cuts his eyes at me and I turn back to the tv. "You never answered my question." Bree states. "Because she is childish." Tess says and I remain quiet. "That makes sense." Bree shrugs. I pull my legs back and Dakota whimpers. I run my finger up and down his snout and stand. I go to the kitchen and get a water. I heard Dakota growling in the living room.

"Lili!" Tess shrieks. I sigh and step into the living room. "What?" I ask. "What's wrong with Dakota?" she asks. "I thought you were ignoring me?" I reply and she rolls her eyes, making Dakota growl a bit louder. Bree was practically hiding behind Dylan. "Dakota." I say and he sits in his spot. They all stare at me in disbelief. I whistle and he follows me to my room. I lock the door and change into something comfy.

I put the leash on Dakota and everyone was at the door. I put my phone in my pocket and grab my keys. "Where are you going?" Mom asks. "Out." I open the door and close it behind me.

I open the back door to my car and they all watch me. Dakota gets in the car and I close the door. "Maybe she will take him to the vet and he will get shots or put down or something." Bree says and I clench my fists. I get in the driver seat and start the car.

I start driving and pull up at Cami's house. "Hey. What are you doing here?" she hugs me. "I'm tired of everyone ganging up on me at the house so I'm here." I smile.

We talk for a while and she makes dinner. I look at my phone and turned it completely off. She sets a plate in front of me and her phone rings. "Who is it?" I ask. "Cole." she rolls her eyes.

Cami
"You should answer it." she says. "You sure?" I ask and she nods. I swipe the screen to answer the call.

Cami: hello?
Cole: is Lili with you?
Cami: is she not at your house?
Cole: no. She left a while ago.
Cami: well. I will keep you posted if I see her.

I hung up and she giggles. "It's too bad you're pregnant, otherwise. We'd be drinking." I sigh.

"Well. I'm gonna head back now." she stands and I head outside with her. I hug her tightly and she leaves.