The Parker Boys

Chapter 7

A/N

Picture of Cole

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Chapter 7

I stand there is shock and not really knowing what to say. How do you explain a dark bruise that covers over half over your stomach?

Cody's eyes flare with anger "Who did that to you?! Was it someone at school?" He looks on the verge of killing someone.He obviously thinks it's fresh, but he is way wrong.

I take a look at the other three boys who look just as angry and are waiting for a response. "I..I fell?" it sounded more like a question. What? I'm a terrible liar, I've never had anyone like me or care for that matter, so no one ever found out and I never had to lie.

Conner looks at me like he doesn't believe a word I'm saying. I don't blame him, neither would I if I were him. "What really happened Kat?"

I glance at all of them and still see the anger lit in their eyes but I also see a hint of sympathy in each of their eyes. That's when I realize I cant tell them, not ever. These boys are the first people who have ever treated me normal, and if I tell them that will all be gone and I'll just be another sympathy case. NO. That is not what I want.

So I do the one thing I'm best at and put up my walls and prepare myself to push them away. I can't let them get close to me, I won't. "It's none of your damn business what happened to me, none of yours!" I shout at them, they all look taken back by my outburst, but I'm not done yet. "None of yours! So back the fuck off and keep your nose where it belongs! It's not like any of you care what happens to me. You are all probably couting down the days till I can leave and get out of your perfect little family. I know I am." and with that said I walk away leaving them gaping in shock at me.

Once inside I run straight to my room ignoring the small calls from Cameron asking if I want to play with him and Chance. I couldn't take it I fell onto my bed and let the tears fall. Why did that hurt so much?

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That night I skipped dinner and went straight to bed. I couldn't face them again. They probably hated me now. Isn't that what I wanted?

When I get up the next morning I decide I'm not going to school. I don't think I can face them without breaking down, especially with all the other kids making my life a living hell. The house starts to quiet down and I take it that the boys have left but then I hear a soft know on the door. "Who is it?" I ask timidly hoping it's not one of them.

My door starts to creak open and Lisa's head pops through, "Just me" she says and I instantly relax. "I take it your not going to school today. The boys told me what happened Is everything OK?" I nod, not really wanting to talk about it.

"So why did you come in here?" I ask curious as to why she isn't gone for work.

"Well...I came in here to tell you something" she starts off nervously which makes me nervous. Is she kicking me out? Can she not handle another kid living under her roof? All my negative thoughts are pushed to the side when she says what she says next. "John and I have a business trip that is lasting for three week and Chance and Cameron are going to be staying with their grandparents."

I gape at her trying to comprehend what she's telling me. I, Katherine Ford, am going to be staying in this house with four teenage boys alone? "Your leaving me here with them for three weeks?" I ask still in shock.

"I'm sorry it's only for a short time. If anything goes wrong we will be back as soon as possible." She tries to comfort me. It's not working. I had just made the four boys I'll be staying with alone probably hate me.

I'm freaking out on the inside but on the outside I put on a smile just to reassure her. "That's fine Lisa. I hope everything goes well. When are you leaving?"

Lisa smiles apologetically at me, "Actually John and I are about to head to the airport now. We told everyone at breakfast but you weren't there"

I nod at her, "OK then" I reply stiffly. "I guess I'll see you in three weeks then". Lisa smiles at me then gives me a light hug before waving goodbye and walking out door.

Great. What am I going to do now?

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I spend my day watching TV and snacking around until the boys come home. I'm in the middle of watching another show of Supernatural, when I hear the front door fall open and four laughing boys come falling through.

Cole laughing the hardest "Did you see his face?" he sputters out between fits of laughter. This causes another outbreak of laughter from the other three.

Caden  looks to have calmed his composure. He clears his thraot realizing I'm sitting right there watching thlush and look down at my hands and switch off the TV. The others have seem to notice me and have stopped their laughter. "I'll just...go upstairs" I say awkwardly

I start to head upstairs when I hear hushed whispers. I freeze around the corner and listen even though I know I shouldn't.

By now I know their voices, so I hear Cody saying "Guys, she's gonna be with us for three weeks we can't just ignore her presence here in the house."

"It's not like she cares, you heard her yesterday she can't wait to get out of here away from us." Cole puts in. My heart clenches in guilt. Tears start to brim my eyes by how cold his voice sounded. I missed his soft, warm voice whenever he spoke.

"She's obviously trying to keep us at a distance for a reason. It isn't her fault that she didn't want to tell us something she obviously doesn't want us knowing" Caden puts in thoughtfully. Hope bubbles inside me. Maybe I didn't push them all away. Yet.

I'm surprised I haven't heard Conner say anything, he normally always has something to say. I hear footsteps heading up the stairs and I turn and bolt into my room. The conversation I previously heard repeats itself over and over in my head. My thoughts are broken by a soft knock on the door. I look up expecting it to open and when it doesn't I get up and open it to reveal Cole.

Guilt instantly washes over me but I push it away. "What do you want?" I ask cooly. He obviously doesn't care if I am here or not so I'll treat him the same way.

Cole shuffles awkwardly and I feel bad again. "Uhm.. we're throwing a party. Just wanted to tell you in case you wanted to come join".

I sigh and look at him, "I'll think about it." I tell him more nicely this time. He seems to visibly relax and he walks away. I shut my door and sit back on my bed.

I jump up instantly and walk over to my closet. If there's a party I'm gonna have a good time. I deserve that at least. Now, What am I going to wear?