Its not me its him, p.3
It's Not Me It's Him, page 3
“We are taking you home,” he said, stuffing me into the vehicle.
“I don’t want to go home. I hate home. I hate my mom…and Ricky.” I folded my arms, pouting.
Britney left and reappeared with her blanket and other items. She hopped into the van, and her brother’s friend drove off. My head spun, leaving me highly nauseated.
“Wait, stop here,” I said as we approached Blake’s house.
Bryn’s friend slowed, and I stumbled out, holding onto the van for anchorage. Blake’s car was parked in the driveway. Oh, goodie. I drifted over, tapping on the driver’s glass, but he wasn’t there.
“Daphs,” Britney whispered, “get back here this instant!”
I made it to the front door, holding my stomach. Then, swallowing an awful taste, I rang the bell twice.
“Daphney, stop,” Britney shouted from the van.
I turned around, placing a finger on my lips to shush her. She could be so loud. I giggled, steadying my balance on the doorstep. “Blaaaaake…” I was about to press it again when it whipped open with Mrs. Talon clutching her white robe.
Her forehead crinkled. “Daphney?”
One of Bryn’s friends shouted profanity and sped off. I couldn’t believe they had left me here. Cowards…
“Where…where’s Blake?” My tongue felt like a paperweight. My body swayed again, and I had to hold on to the wall.
“Are you drunk? Daphney, it’s after four in the morning.” She gripped her robe tighter.
“I…I know, right? But…I want to speak to Blake. Like, now.” I stuck out my tongue, ensuring it hadn’t become a rock.
“Daphney.”
“Hm? Where’s Blake? Blaaaaaake, come downstairs. You cheater!”
Mrs. Talon disappeared behind the door and returned minutes later. “He’s sleeping.”
“I don’t care. I want him now.” Oh dear. I clutched my throat as fluid entered my lungs.
“Blake,” Mrs. Talon shouted.
Scores of vomit spilled from my mouth right onto Mrs. Talon’s feet. Clumps of whatever slid down my chin. “Where—” More vomit. More gunk. I cupped my mouth, but the slimy fluid oozed between my fingers.
Blake appeared next to his mom. “Daphney, what the heck?”
“I cannot deal with this,” Mrs. Talon tip-toed out of the vomit and shook her feet just before leaving us.
“Why were you with…with—” I dashed for the lawn, vomiting again.
“D, you’re drunk. Go home. How did you even get here?” He looked around.
“Why were you with Farah? You cheated on me with her? You’re a bastard.” I jolted towards him, shoving his chest and smearing my puke on his t-shirt. How could he do this to me?
“Daphney, stop.”
“You had sex with her, didn’t you? Because you couldn’t get it from me? Is that it? Huh? Answer me.”
He cupped my mouth, looking over his shoulder, “Shh. You’re being ridiculous.”
I tugged away. “And you’re a liar.”
“Lower your voice.” He exhaled. “I cannot talk to you like this. I’m calling your mom.”
“Wait, no.” Blake disappeared into the house. “Fine, I’ll find my way home. Don’t you ever call me again. We’re over.” I walked onto the grass, tripping over myself until I met the pavement. My head spun as the streetlights hazed. I wanted to throw up, but nothing came out. My gut didn’t feel right—it kept making a gurgling sound.
I peered at Blake’s house. He hated me. He never loved me. And the worst part was…was…he didn’t deny the affair.
I made it to the light post, leaning against it. My night couldn’t get any worse. I wasn’t back for twenty-four hours and was already a mess. Exhaling, I slid to the floor.
Blake hadn’t even returned to see if I was okay. He didn’t care. He didn’t care about me. Only Farah. Tears burned in my eyes. I should have stayed in London.
Screeching tires broke my attention. A car pulled up alongside the light post. At this point, I didn’t care what happened. It would be Blake’s fault, anyway.
“Daphney Phoebe Stone. Get your butt in my car now.”
How did she…oh, right. Blake. “I’m not coming home.”
“Little girl.” She unfastened her seat belt and opened the door. “Are you crazy? Do you have any idea how many creeps live on these streets?” She tugged at my hands.
“I don’t care. Leave me alone.”
“You are acting like a toddler. Get up.” She yanked me hard, bringing me to my feet. “I really don’t know what happened on your European tour, but you’re behaving differently, and it hasn’t been a day.”
She could say that again. It wasn’t me who’d been acting weird. It was everyone else. Mom guided me to the car and buckled me in like a two-year-old.
By the time we arrived home, my mouth was dry. I hadn’t moved, so mom pulled me out.
“You are unfathomable,” she said, pushing me onto the couch. “I am so disappointed in you. I know you’re better than this. You sneaked out of the house and got drunk? Why?”
Mom had separated into two bodies. Which one was real?
“You know you’re still underage, right?” She folded her arms. They folded their arms. “You could get arrested.”
I did an eye roll, groaning.
“Don’t you dare, D. I’m short on patience right now.”
The pressure in my chest surfaced again. I flew off the couch, scampering into the guest bathroom. Oh, gosh. Why didn’t it stop? Was I dying?
“This is ridiculous. I have the right to cancel your birthday party.”
I met her face with a glare. “What?”
“Don’t raise your voice at me.”
“You can’t. I will hate you forever. Dad is coming.”
“You are not acting right.”
“It’s because of Ricky. He…he doesn’t want you to have it, right? I hate him. I hate you.”
“I’m going back to bed. I don’t have time for this. When you’re sober, I will speak with you.”
“Moooom…” I cried. Being drunk was the worst ever. Never again. Never—I heaved over the sink as more clumps spewed out.
* * *
“Daphney, wake up,” mom yelled.
I groaned, flipping onto my stomach.
“Daphney, it’s after eleven.”
“Go away. I still want to sleep.” Why was she bothering me, anyway? My body ached like a truck had run over me and stopped halfway. This could never be right.
“Blake is downstairs. He came to see you.”
My eyes shot open, then I reached for my pillow, remembering last night. “We broke up. I don’t want to see him.”
“Daphney, it’s rude not to entertain your guests. “Now, get up,” she slapped my butt.
“Ow. What did you do that for?”
“Take a bath first. You stink.”
I pulled the blanket over my head, only for her to rip it off in one pull. She bundled it in her hands. “We need to have a serious talk later, young lady. Now, go get ready and speak with Blake.” She walked out with the blanket.
I huffed, blowing stray hair out of my face.
I got off the bed and tumbled down when a hammer of pain struck my head. Jesus. Maybe five more minutes. I would never drink again.
When I finally found the courage to get off my bed and take a shower, mom called again. I didn’t want to see Blake. We were over. Whatever he had to say was null and void. I put on a romper and headed downstairs. “What are you doing here? I thought I told you we were over?” I said, taking my last step. “You need to leave.”
“Have a seat, D. You’re overreacting.”
“I’m overreacting? They saw you with Farah. And don’t you dare tell me what to do. You are in my house. Don’t forget that.” No one told me what to do—not even my dad or mom—and he certainly would not boss me around.
He sighed. “Can we talk? Please.”
I folded my arms. I’d be damned if I took that seat. “About what?”
He sat on the couch. “Come have a seat next to me, Daphs.”
I resigned next to him. “Well? We don’t have all day. I’ve got things to do. So, get on with it so I can get on with my day.”
“Last night was—” Blake’s phone rang. Pulling it from his side pocket, he held the phone out, eyeing the screen.
And being my nosey self, I peeped. Farah’s name flashed on it.
4
Daphney
That little heifer.
I stood. “Why is she calling you?”
Blake ignored the call and sighed. “Calm down.”
“Why don’t you stop telling me what to do and tell me what happened last night? You’re stalling.”
“Have a seat.”
I moved to the opposite couch and glared at him.
Blake cleared his throat. “We went for the ice and—”
“Who’s we?”
“Farah and I went for ice, but when we arrived at the quick shop, she had an asthma attack.”
I rolled my eyes.
“It was terrible. I had to rush her to the hospital.”
“So why didn’t you call an ambulance and return to the bonfire?”
“You’re being insensitive. It would be faster if I drove her. I stayed at the hospital to ensure she was okay. Then it got late, so I went home.” Blake shrugged.
I eyed him. “Why didn’t you call me or something? You know how I feel about her.”
“I’m sorry.” He moved towards me for a hug.
I shrugged away. “Wait…why is she calling you now?”
“I don’t know. Maybe to tell me she’s fine and being discharged? Come on, Daphs, I won’t do anything to mess up what we have.”
And what we had was special. Exhaling a deep breath, I let it go. “I’m sorry. I just know how she could be. I thought you were like my ex.”
Blake pecked me on the forehead as if it would dissolve all my troubles. And it did. “Do you wanna chill later?” he asked.
“Um…I don’t know as yet. Mom wants to talk to me. Plus, she threatened my birthday party, so I think it’s serious.”
“Oh, okay. Well, tomorrow, then.” He tucked a loose strand behind my ear.
“Yeah, I guess….”
Blake kissed my forehead and dragged his knuckles down my cheek. “You’re so beautiful when you’re angry.”
I scoffed.
“So, I gotta go handle an issue with my mom, plus clean up all that mess you left on my lawn.”
My face must have turned crimson. “Sorry…”
Blake walked toward the door. “Not a big deal.” When he opened it, Ricky appeared with a ridiculous grin. He exchanged a few kind words with Blake, and they parted ways. I groaned. Even Blake was warming up to him. This guy entered my home as if he lived here. Did he have a key too? The thought sickened my stomach.
“Hi, Daphney,” he said, holding a small package.
I made a face and left for my room. I couldn’t understand why my mom dated Ricky. He was the opposite of my dad—tall, weird, and reminded me too much of the guy from those old Baywatch shows mom used to watch. I just couldn’t imagine him in swimming trunks.
After an hour in bed, boredom got the best of me. I couldn’t call or text Britney because she had to help Bryn with some charity event. So the only thing left to do was to swim in the pool. I donned one of my favorite bikinis from my drawer and headed downstairs.
I stopped short at the glass door when a red-haired girl about my age lounged on my favorite chair. Who the hell was that?
Mom appeared, startling me.
She gripped my arm and pulled me into a corner. “That is Ricky’s daughter, Anastasia,” she whispered. “Be nice or no party. Do not…cause a scene,” mom warned.
“But…” I began loudly.
Anastasia took off her sunglasses and peered at us.
“But nothing. Have fun.” Mom smiled and walked off.
Ugh. First, Ricky, now his daughter? I must have stepped over a crack. No, it must have been the black cat that crossed me back in England. Damn it.
I paced over to her. “Get off my seat, Ariel. Don’t you see my name on it?” It was literally in cursive on the back.
Anastasia’s pleasant smile drooped to a frown. “Oh…sorry.” She moved to the one next to me. “I’m Anastasia, but you can call me Ana.” She reached for a shake.
I pulled my shades over my eyes and rocked back. Ana had too much energy going on. Not in the mood.
“Nice place,” she continued. “I always wanted a pool, but dad doesn’t like the idea of owning an entire house. He loves condos.”
What on earth? I stared at the lone cloud in the sky. “Why are you rambling? It’s like having a bee in my ear. I don’t care about you and your daddy issues. Shoo.” I plugged my headphones into my ear.
Ana stormed off, and I swore I heard her crying. Or maybe it was the music.
I shrugged.
As my fifth song started, someone yanked the buds out of my ears. “What the—Hey!” Mom stood over me, fuming. “What?”
“Get up.”
I leaned back in the chair.
“Daphney, get up.” She slapped my hand.
I took off my shades. “What?”
“Apologize to Ana. You’ve hurt her.”
“What is she, six? I haven’t done anything that warrants an apology. Besides, she talks too much.”
Mom snatched my phone and walked off.
“Mom,” I screamed, but she disappeared into the house.
My knuckles whitened from clutching the chair edge. Black cat, black cat. Exhaling a deep breath, I reached the pool’s deep end and jumped in. Swimming always settled my mood from haters. I swam to the shallow end and sat beneath the surface. After about a minute, I went up for air.
Unluckily for me, I found Ana sitting on the pool's edge.
A tick that never went away.
“Hi,” she chirped. “I don’t mind. I think it was my fault. Sorry.”
I ducked into the water again, but then an influx of bubbles appeared in front of me. Ana swam to me and waved, her red hair dancing in the water. I surfaced for air and quickly exited the pool. That witch.
I grabbed a towel from the rack and wrapped it around me. Ana called out, but I headed inside and ran to my bedroom, locking the door for the entire evening.
* * *
I was in and out of sleep when mom rattled my door. “Daphney?”
I dragged myself off the bed, rubbing my eyes. “Yes?”
She bore into my space and sat on the bed. “We need to have that talk.”
“Now?” I joined her on the bed, glancing at the clock. “It’s after midnight….”
“And?”
“But I’m tired,” I groaned.
“Ricky and I—”
I threw my head back on the linen and moaned. His name wore me out. It was as if he was the only one in her world.
“Daphney.”
“I’m listening, mom.” I rolled over.
“Ricky and I have been steady for a while. He’s concerned about you, and you haven’t given him the time of day.”
I groaned again.
“You will be an adult, and I think you should start acting like one. I shouldn’t have to tell you how to behave and speak. I’m asking you to give him and his daughter a chance. You’ll be seeing them more often than you think. So, it is wise that you get to know them.”
I sat upright. “What does that mean? Seeing them often?”
“We are thinking about moving in together. Well, Ricky will move here, of course,” she smiled.
“What? Are you kidding me?” I reached for my phone and stood. “Do you have any idea what this means?”
I paced, wondering why my mother thought of letting Ricky move in, knowing I didn’t like him. Not to mention, he had a daughter, a bubbly, over-spirited, and red-haired daughter, who got on my nerves.
“Sit down.”
“This is dad’s house too. You can’t just let anyone come stay here. Let alone Ricky. I am not comfortable with this.”
Mom eyed me. “What are you doing?”
“I’m calling dad.”
Mom ripped the phone out of my hand before I swiped to call. “Mom.” I was going through a crisis. Everything that followed from today meant I would have to comply and share.
Mom gave me a stern look. “Not everything is about you, Daphney,” she walked off.
I clutched the pillow and cuddled it under my chin. Europe seemed like the best place to disappear at the moment. I glanced at the picture of Britney and me sharing cotton candy on my sixteenth birthday. Things were much simpler back then.
The corridor was dimly lit, and the lights on the staircase were off. I ventured downstairs to fetch a cup of water, but the kitchen lights were off, too. Was mom trying to save on electricity?
After it took ages to locate its position, I flipped the switch. We always kept the lights on, so I didn’t have to know where it was.
I lifted the mug. Almost empty. It had enough for a tiny cup. The culprit didn’t think about filling it after they emptied most of it. I drained the contents and threw the mug in the sink. Then, a soft, wispy voice called my name.
I turned to see Ana engaging in a game of Charades with me. Why was she even up? Why was she even here still?
“What?” I said. She had me confused with all her hand movements.
Her fingers went to her lips, and then she pointed to Anita's room.
I walked over and stood beside Anita’s room with Ana. Careful not to be seen, I peeped into the small crack and faked a vomit.
Anita and our driver were kissing and rubbing hands all over each other, like teenagers in love. I faked vomit again, and Ana snickered loudly, forgetting where she was.
Anita broke the embrace between her and Duke and looked around frantically. Shit! We darted out of the kitchen area and stopped at the back door to catch our breaths. We were laughing like maniacs.
Who would have thought Anita would be head over heels for cranky old Duke? It was disgusting just thinking about it.
I stared at Ana, who was still trying to catch her breath from her laughter. She wasn’t as bad as I thought, but she still had a bad rep in my book because of Ricky.
“Can’t sleep?” she finally asked.
“I don’t want to go home. I hate home. I hate my mom…and Ricky.” I folded my arms, pouting.
Britney left and reappeared with her blanket and other items. She hopped into the van, and her brother’s friend drove off. My head spun, leaving me highly nauseated.
“Wait, stop here,” I said as we approached Blake’s house.
Bryn’s friend slowed, and I stumbled out, holding onto the van for anchorage. Blake’s car was parked in the driveway. Oh, goodie. I drifted over, tapping on the driver’s glass, but he wasn’t there.
“Daphs,” Britney whispered, “get back here this instant!”
I made it to the front door, holding my stomach. Then, swallowing an awful taste, I rang the bell twice.
“Daphney, stop,” Britney shouted from the van.
I turned around, placing a finger on my lips to shush her. She could be so loud. I giggled, steadying my balance on the doorstep. “Blaaaaake…” I was about to press it again when it whipped open with Mrs. Talon clutching her white robe.
Her forehead crinkled. “Daphney?”
One of Bryn’s friends shouted profanity and sped off. I couldn’t believe they had left me here. Cowards…
“Where…where’s Blake?” My tongue felt like a paperweight. My body swayed again, and I had to hold on to the wall.
“Are you drunk? Daphney, it’s after four in the morning.” She gripped her robe tighter.
“I…I know, right? But…I want to speak to Blake. Like, now.” I stuck out my tongue, ensuring it hadn’t become a rock.
“Daphney.”
“Hm? Where’s Blake? Blaaaaaake, come downstairs. You cheater!”
Mrs. Talon disappeared behind the door and returned minutes later. “He’s sleeping.”
“I don’t care. I want him now.” Oh dear. I clutched my throat as fluid entered my lungs.
“Blake,” Mrs. Talon shouted.
Scores of vomit spilled from my mouth right onto Mrs. Talon’s feet. Clumps of whatever slid down my chin. “Where—” More vomit. More gunk. I cupped my mouth, but the slimy fluid oozed between my fingers.
Blake appeared next to his mom. “Daphney, what the heck?”
“I cannot deal with this,” Mrs. Talon tip-toed out of the vomit and shook her feet just before leaving us.
“Why were you with…with—” I dashed for the lawn, vomiting again.
“D, you’re drunk. Go home. How did you even get here?” He looked around.
“Why were you with Farah? You cheated on me with her? You’re a bastard.” I jolted towards him, shoving his chest and smearing my puke on his t-shirt. How could he do this to me?
“Daphney, stop.”
“You had sex with her, didn’t you? Because you couldn’t get it from me? Is that it? Huh? Answer me.”
He cupped my mouth, looking over his shoulder, “Shh. You’re being ridiculous.”
I tugged away. “And you’re a liar.”
“Lower your voice.” He exhaled. “I cannot talk to you like this. I’m calling your mom.”
“Wait, no.” Blake disappeared into the house. “Fine, I’ll find my way home. Don’t you ever call me again. We’re over.” I walked onto the grass, tripping over myself until I met the pavement. My head spun as the streetlights hazed. I wanted to throw up, but nothing came out. My gut didn’t feel right—it kept making a gurgling sound.
I peered at Blake’s house. He hated me. He never loved me. And the worst part was…was…he didn’t deny the affair.
I made it to the light post, leaning against it. My night couldn’t get any worse. I wasn’t back for twenty-four hours and was already a mess. Exhaling, I slid to the floor.
Blake hadn’t even returned to see if I was okay. He didn’t care. He didn’t care about me. Only Farah. Tears burned in my eyes. I should have stayed in London.
Screeching tires broke my attention. A car pulled up alongside the light post. At this point, I didn’t care what happened. It would be Blake’s fault, anyway.
“Daphney Phoebe Stone. Get your butt in my car now.”
How did she…oh, right. Blake. “I’m not coming home.”
“Little girl.” She unfastened her seat belt and opened the door. “Are you crazy? Do you have any idea how many creeps live on these streets?” She tugged at my hands.
“I don’t care. Leave me alone.”
“You are acting like a toddler. Get up.” She yanked me hard, bringing me to my feet. “I really don’t know what happened on your European tour, but you’re behaving differently, and it hasn’t been a day.”
She could say that again. It wasn’t me who’d been acting weird. It was everyone else. Mom guided me to the car and buckled me in like a two-year-old.
By the time we arrived home, my mouth was dry. I hadn’t moved, so mom pulled me out.
“You are unfathomable,” she said, pushing me onto the couch. “I am so disappointed in you. I know you’re better than this. You sneaked out of the house and got drunk? Why?”
Mom had separated into two bodies. Which one was real?
“You know you’re still underage, right?” She folded her arms. They folded their arms. “You could get arrested.”
I did an eye roll, groaning.
“Don’t you dare, D. I’m short on patience right now.”
The pressure in my chest surfaced again. I flew off the couch, scampering into the guest bathroom. Oh, gosh. Why didn’t it stop? Was I dying?
“This is ridiculous. I have the right to cancel your birthday party.”
I met her face with a glare. “What?”
“Don’t raise your voice at me.”
“You can’t. I will hate you forever. Dad is coming.”
“You are not acting right.”
“It’s because of Ricky. He…he doesn’t want you to have it, right? I hate him. I hate you.”
“I’m going back to bed. I don’t have time for this. When you’re sober, I will speak with you.”
“Moooom…” I cried. Being drunk was the worst ever. Never again. Never—I heaved over the sink as more clumps spewed out.
* * *
“Daphney, wake up,” mom yelled.
I groaned, flipping onto my stomach.
“Daphney, it’s after eleven.”
“Go away. I still want to sleep.” Why was she bothering me, anyway? My body ached like a truck had run over me and stopped halfway. This could never be right.
“Blake is downstairs. He came to see you.”
My eyes shot open, then I reached for my pillow, remembering last night. “We broke up. I don’t want to see him.”
“Daphney, it’s rude not to entertain your guests. “Now, get up,” she slapped my butt.
“Ow. What did you do that for?”
“Take a bath first. You stink.”
I pulled the blanket over my head, only for her to rip it off in one pull. She bundled it in her hands. “We need to have a serious talk later, young lady. Now, go get ready and speak with Blake.” She walked out with the blanket.
I huffed, blowing stray hair out of my face.
I got off the bed and tumbled down when a hammer of pain struck my head. Jesus. Maybe five more minutes. I would never drink again.
When I finally found the courage to get off my bed and take a shower, mom called again. I didn’t want to see Blake. We were over. Whatever he had to say was null and void. I put on a romper and headed downstairs. “What are you doing here? I thought I told you we were over?” I said, taking my last step. “You need to leave.”
“Have a seat, D. You’re overreacting.”
“I’m overreacting? They saw you with Farah. And don’t you dare tell me what to do. You are in my house. Don’t forget that.” No one told me what to do—not even my dad or mom—and he certainly would not boss me around.
He sighed. “Can we talk? Please.”
I folded my arms. I’d be damned if I took that seat. “About what?”
He sat on the couch. “Come have a seat next to me, Daphs.”
I resigned next to him. “Well? We don’t have all day. I’ve got things to do. So, get on with it so I can get on with my day.”
“Last night was—” Blake’s phone rang. Pulling it from his side pocket, he held the phone out, eyeing the screen.
And being my nosey self, I peeped. Farah’s name flashed on it.
4
Daphney
That little heifer.
I stood. “Why is she calling you?”
Blake ignored the call and sighed. “Calm down.”
“Why don’t you stop telling me what to do and tell me what happened last night? You’re stalling.”
“Have a seat.”
I moved to the opposite couch and glared at him.
Blake cleared his throat. “We went for the ice and—”
“Who’s we?”
“Farah and I went for ice, but when we arrived at the quick shop, she had an asthma attack.”
I rolled my eyes.
“It was terrible. I had to rush her to the hospital.”
“So why didn’t you call an ambulance and return to the bonfire?”
“You’re being insensitive. It would be faster if I drove her. I stayed at the hospital to ensure she was okay. Then it got late, so I went home.” Blake shrugged.
I eyed him. “Why didn’t you call me or something? You know how I feel about her.”
“I’m sorry.” He moved towards me for a hug.
I shrugged away. “Wait…why is she calling you now?”
“I don’t know. Maybe to tell me she’s fine and being discharged? Come on, Daphs, I won’t do anything to mess up what we have.”
And what we had was special. Exhaling a deep breath, I let it go. “I’m sorry. I just know how she could be. I thought you were like my ex.”
Blake pecked me on the forehead as if it would dissolve all my troubles. And it did. “Do you wanna chill later?” he asked.
“Um…I don’t know as yet. Mom wants to talk to me. Plus, she threatened my birthday party, so I think it’s serious.”
“Oh, okay. Well, tomorrow, then.” He tucked a loose strand behind my ear.
“Yeah, I guess….”
Blake kissed my forehead and dragged his knuckles down my cheek. “You’re so beautiful when you’re angry.”
I scoffed.
“So, I gotta go handle an issue with my mom, plus clean up all that mess you left on my lawn.”
My face must have turned crimson. “Sorry…”
Blake walked toward the door. “Not a big deal.” When he opened it, Ricky appeared with a ridiculous grin. He exchanged a few kind words with Blake, and they parted ways. I groaned. Even Blake was warming up to him. This guy entered my home as if he lived here. Did he have a key too? The thought sickened my stomach.
“Hi, Daphney,” he said, holding a small package.
I made a face and left for my room. I couldn’t understand why my mom dated Ricky. He was the opposite of my dad—tall, weird, and reminded me too much of the guy from those old Baywatch shows mom used to watch. I just couldn’t imagine him in swimming trunks.
After an hour in bed, boredom got the best of me. I couldn’t call or text Britney because she had to help Bryn with some charity event. So the only thing left to do was to swim in the pool. I donned one of my favorite bikinis from my drawer and headed downstairs.
I stopped short at the glass door when a red-haired girl about my age lounged on my favorite chair. Who the hell was that?
Mom appeared, startling me.
She gripped my arm and pulled me into a corner. “That is Ricky’s daughter, Anastasia,” she whispered. “Be nice or no party. Do not…cause a scene,” mom warned.
“But…” I began loudly.
Anastasia took off her sunglasses and peered at us.
“But nothing. Have fun.” Mom smiled and walked off.
Ugh. First, Ricky, now his daughter? I must have stepped over a crack. No, it must have been the black cat that crossed me back in England. Damn it.
I paced over to her. “Get off my seat, Ariel. Don’t you see my name on it?” It was literally in cursive on the back.
Anastasia’s pleasant smile drooped to a frown. “Oh…sorry.” She moved to the one next to me. “I’m Anastasia, but you can call me Ana.” She reached for a shake.
I pulled my shades over my eyes and rocked back. Ana had too much energy going on. Not in the mood.
“Nice place,” she continued. “I always wanted a pool, but dad doesn’t like the idea of owning an entire house. He loves condos.”
What on earth? I stared at the lone cloud in the sky. “Why are you rambling? It’s like having a bee in my ear. I don’t care about you and your daddy issues. Shoo.” I plugged my headphones into my ear.
Ana stormed off, and I swore I heard her crying. Or maybe it was the music.
I shrugged.
As my fifth song started, someone yanked the buds out of my ears. “What the—Hey!” Mom stood over me, fuming. “What?”
“Get up.”
I leaned back in the chair.
“Daphney, get up.” She slapped my hand.
I took off my shades. “What?”
“Apologize to Ana. You’ve hurt her.”
“What is she, six? I haven’t done anything that warrants an apology. Besides, she talks too much.”
Mom snatched my phone and walked off.
“Mom,” I screamed, but she disappeared into the house.
My knuckles whitened from clutching the chair edge. Black cat, black cat. Exhaling a deep breath, I reached the pool’s deep end and jumped in. Swimming always settled my mood from haters. I swam to the shallow end and sat beneath the surface. After about a minute, I went up for air.
Unluckily for me, I found Ana sitting on the pool's edge.
A tick that never went away.
“Hi,” she chirped. “I don’t mind. I think it was my fault. Sorry.”
I ducked into the water again, but then an influx of bubbles appeared in front of me. Ana swam to me and waved, her red hair dancing in the water. I surfaced for air and quickly exited the pool. That witch.
I grabbed a towel from the rack and wrapped it around me. Ana called out, but I headed inside and ran to my bedroom, locking the door for the entire evening.
* * *
I was in and out of sleep when mom rattled my door. “Daphney?”
I dragged myself off the bed, rubbing my eyes. “Yes?”
She bore into my space and sat on the bed. “We need to have that talk.”
“Now?” I joined her on the bed, glancing at the clock. “It’s after midnight….”
“And?”
“But I’m tired,” I groaned.
“Ricky and I—”
I threw my head back on the linen and moaned. His name wore me out. It was as if he was the only one in her world.
“Daphney.”
“I’m listening, mom.” I rolled over.
“Ricky and I have been steady for a while. He’s concerned about you, and you haven’t given him the time of day.”
I groaned again.
“You will be an adult, and I think you should start acting like one. I shouldn’t have to tell you how to behave and speak. I’m asking you to give him and his daughter a chance. You’ll be seeing them more often than you think. So, it is wise that you get to know them.”
I sat upright. “What does that mean? Seeing them often?”
“We are thinking about moving in together. Well, Ricky will move here, of course,” she smiled.
“What? Are you kidding me?” I reached for my phone and stood. “Do you have any idea what this means?”
I paced, wondering why my mother thought of letting Ricky move in, knowing I didn’t like him. Not to mention, he had a daughter, a bubbly, over-spirited, and red-haired daughter, who got on my nerves.
“Sit down.”
“This is dad’s house too. You can’t just let anyone come stay here. Let alone Ricky. I am not comfortable with this.”
Mom eyed me. “What are you doing?”
“I’m calling dad.”
Mom ripped the phone out of my hand before I swiped to call. “Mom.” I was going through a crisis. Everything that followed from today meant I would have to comply and share.
Mom gave me a stern look. “Not everything is about you, Daphney,” she walked off.
I clutched the pillow and cuddled it under my chin. Europe seemed like the best place to disappear at the moment. I glanced at the picture of Britney and me sharing cotton candy on my sixteenth birthday. Things were much simpler back then.
The corridor was dimly lit, and the lights on the staircase were off. I ventured downstairs to fetch a cup of water, but the kitchen lights were off, too. Was mom trying to save on electricity?
After it took ages to locate its position, I flipped the switch. We always kept the lights on, so I didn’t have to know where it was.
I lifted the mug. Almost empty. It had enough for a tiny cup. The culprit didn’t think about filling it after they emptied most of it. I drained the contents and threw the mug in the sink. Then, a soft, wispy voice called my name.
I turned to see Ana engaging in a game of Charades with me. Why was she even up? Why was she even here still?
“What?” I said. She had me confused with all her hand movements.
Her fingers went to her lips, and then she pointed to Anita's room.
I walked over and stood beside Anita’s room with Ana. Careful not to be seen, I peeped into the small crack and faked a vomit.
Anita and our driver were kissing and rubbing hands all over each other, like teenagers in love. I faked vomit again, and Ana snickered loudly, forgetting where she was.
Anita broke the embrace between her and Duke and looked around frantically. Shit! We darted out of the kitchen area and stopped at the back door to catch our breaths. We were laughing like maniacs.
Who would have thought Anita would be head over heels for cranky old Duke? It was disgusting just thinking about it.
I stared at Ana, who was still trying to catch her breath from her laughter. She wasn’t as bad as I thought, but she still had a bad rep in my book because of Ricky.
“Can’t sleep?” she finally asked.
