CHPATER NINE
RUNNING
I began the walk down the really long hall to the stair case closest to my bedroom. I was stopped halfway there when a door opened releasing heavily perfumed air that made me want to choke. I coughed lightly then Tina’s blonde head appeared from her powder room followed by her perfectly tanned body clad in an Armani suit and very high heels.
‘Uh hey,’ I waved nervously
‘Get in here,’ she hissed pulling me into the powder room and locking the door.
‘So, umm is this where you hang out?’ I asked pulling myself up onto the bench.
‘Enough of smart ass comments. I know you definitely got them from Simon,’ she spat out. ‘I promised I would put up with them on our wedding day but I didn’t promise anything about you,’
‘Did you promise to put up with his smart comments because you loved him or because you loved his money,’ I asked eyeing her up and down
‘You better watch it little girl, like I said I didn’t promise you anything so you should watch your back she lightly scratched my face with her fake nails; paid for with Simon’s money. I was scared but I wasn’t going to let her know that.
‘Nice bling,’ I commented snatching her ring and examining it in the light
‘Give that back?’ She cried as I reached up and snapped the pearl necklace from her neck as well. It wasn’t bought with her money. She didn’t deserve it.
‘How much did you fork out for this? Or should I say how did Simon have to pay?’ I winked at her and threw the ring into the sink. She nearly screamed as she leapt for it. ‘Nice talking with you,’ I waved before running out the door. I ran upstairs towards my bedroom fighting tears the whole way. Christina and Jack Turner could rot in hell for all I cared. I hated them both so much.
‘Layne!’ Jean called running up the stairs after me which looked very dangerous considering how high her heels were.
‘Leave me alone,’ I yelled wrenching open the door then locking it behind me. I heard Jean pulling at the handle but the door didn’t budge.
‘Layne what’s wrong?’
‘I have to go home,’ I sobbed
‘Why?’
‘Because this place has evil people in it,’ I stuffed my trackies and singlet into my bag. I didn’t want to take anything with me that had been bought with Simon’s money. I felt bad and that’s what Tina did. I did not want to be anything Tina.
‘Me?’ Jean asked sounding hurt.
‘No Jean, you’ve been the kindest by far. Thank you,’ I changed my mind about not bringing anything bought with Simons money because I would probably need a jumper.
‘Then why do you have to go?’
I paused at her question unsure of what to say.
‘Because I have school tomorrow,’ I said coming up with the lamest excuse possible.
I unlocked my door and flung it open. Jean was standing with her head in her hands and looked stunned.
‘Bye Jean. Thank you for all your help,’ I pecked her on the cheek and she hugged me to her chest hard.
‘Goodbye Layne, come back soon,’ she choked.
‘Say goodbye to Simon for me,’ I said trying to keep my expression neutral. I released myself from Jean’s bear hug and walked down the hall to Jacks room to get a jumper then I left Simons property.
