I'll Keep You Safe

Don't Let the Bullies Get You Down

Brooke Lynn's POV:

When I get inside, I send a text to my mom. She won't be home until 9pm at least.

Me: Hey mom, Vanessa invited me over for a sleep over so I won't be here tonight.

There was a long wait for a reply. That was unusual.

Mom: Okay...

She doesn't seem thrilled. Must be a bad day. I went to my room and changed. I had 4 hours to kill. What would I do? I threw myself on my bed and I let my mind wonder. Vanessa. She's so beautiful. She has the prettiest smile and I could get lost in her dark eyes. I laid there with my eyes closed, a stupid smile on my face. My phone started to ring.

Vanessa.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Whatcha doin over there?" she asked.

"Relaxing before I have to spend the evening with your crazy ass." I replied, laughing.

"Well that's not very nice. I'll have you know that I am a delight, Mary!"

"Who's Mary?" I asked, confused.

Silence.

"Really?" Vanessa laughed, "it's just something I say."

"So what's up?"

"Want to go shopping?" asked Vanessa.

"Is that even a question ma'am?" I replied, "You drive? Your car is better."

"Yes, get over here."

There were butterflies in my stomach now. Basically I was spending the whole day with this girl, and it was great. The drive to the mall was filled with loud music, and though I'd never say it to her, less than great driving. Who am I kidding? It was scary. I made a mental note to do the driving after this.

"Bitch, we have arrived." Vanessa said pulling into a parking spot.

I silently said thank the lord. "So what are we shopping for?"

"Anything I can use to decorate my room."

Off we went into the mall. After an hour we decided to get some coffee. We ordered Starbucks and sat in some chairs by the window. We sat chatting until two girls I recognized from school came over. Fuck.

"Hi Brooke Lynn." One said in a fake-nice voice.

"Tatiana, Morgan." I said dryly.

"Who's your friend?" Morgan asked.

"My name is Vanessa." She said in her gruff voice.

The girls laughed.

"What's wrong with your voice?!" Tatiana asked, still laughing.

"What's wrong with my voice? Bitch, what's wrong with your voice? You Minnie Mouse sounding motherfu-"

"Vanessaa!" I stopped her and turned to the bullies, "go away! Leave us alone, we aren't bothering you."

"Ohhhhh...." Morgan started, "this is a date. This is your girlfriend isnt it, Hytes?"

"N-no, Vanessa is just my friend. Please go. Go!"

The girls rolled their eyes and finally walked away.

"Bitches." Vanessa said.

"Sorry," I apologized, "they are at my – our school."

"Are they always mean like that?" Vanessa asked.

"Usually." I shrugged, "I usually just ignore them, but I didn't want them picking at you.

"Thanks." Vanessa smiled after a few seconds.

"Ready to go?" I asked.

We walked out to the car. The ride home wasn't as energetic. I was wondering what was going through her head.

"You ok?" I asked Vanessa.

"I'm okay." She smiled.
"I'm sorry about the bullies." I said softly.

"Every school has them, Brooke Lynn." Vanessa shrugged.

I nodded. We got back to Vanessa's and I ran home to grab my clothes for the sleepover.