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"Come live in my heart, and pay no rent."-- Samuel Lover
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Chapter 38|Part 1
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"How was your dad?" Maggie asked as she hauled a bag of groceries into the trunk.

I placed another bag inside. "He was fine, thanks for taking me by there." My dad was expected to be released earlier, but they wanted to keep him until the end of the week for observation. It nearly scared me out of the party, but my dad wasn't taking no for an answer. So, now, it was Friday, and I was still stuck going to this damned party.

She nodded her head. "Trust me, it was no problem. I know you would do the same for any of us."

Her black sneakers hit the pavement one step at a time as we got into her car. I strapped my seatbelt on before I spoke, again.

"So, do you have any idea of what happened between Raven and Levi?" I asked her. I had told Raven about the hallway incident, but she hadn't seemed the bit surprised. In fact, she was more agitated at his name than anything, so I left it at that.

She shook her head in response as she started the car. "Nah, she didn't tell me anything about it, I figured she said something to you."

Raven was usually upfront about her emotions so whatever had happened, must have cut her deeply. "Maybe she'll say something about it tonight, but let's not try to push it out of her," I said.

"Pushing is a speciality of mine, Jax says," she joked. "But, yeah, you're right."

I chuckled at her. "You and Jax are one entertaining set of siblings." I stared out the window as the tiny droplet of water slip down the glass.

"What are twins for," she mumbled with a chuckle to follow. "He and granny are all I have, though," I heard her say through the small tremor of rain.

I nodded. "I get it." Whatever family her and I had left, we cared for deeply. "So, do you know any other family from your dad or mom's side?"

She laughed, though the sound was not very humorous. "Nope, and I sure as hell never care to, either. I don't want shit concerning either of them, except for them to rot in hell." Darkness treaded through her expression, flickering between that and anger before she wiped it off with a chuckle, "Honestly, the only two people who kept me from juvenile was Jax and our grandmother. The woman's a saint, that's gut sure."

"Your parents, you haven't spoken to them ever since they left?" I asked her.

Maggie kept her eyes forward, her jaw rolling back and forth. "Not one word since they left Jax and I on granny's doorstep."

I glanced at her for a second. "That's horrible."

"I don't really care to think about it." She shrugged. "Besides, us being with granny was for the best. They were never really meant to be parents if they decided to hurt us the way they did," her words were full of distrust, anger, and a great amount of terrorized anguish, so much so that I felt it make my bones ache.

I pinched the skin along my fingers as I tore my away from her. There was something ticking in the back of my head, something that I couldn't quite make realization of.

I didn't know what it was, but something inside of me felt as if there was more. It wasn't that I didn't believe her story, but her words nearly sounded...rehearsed. I believed the hurt, the anger, but something didn't click about her story.

But, it wasn't my business. No one other than Kade knew so deeply about my past, and that was it. I didn't want to go that far into the darkness of my upbringing, nor did I want it out for anyone to notice.

I liked Maggie just the way she was, though. She was one of the most beautiful, funny girls I'd ever met, and I didn't want her to think that image would ever go anywhere if she showed us herself.

But as I said, if Maggie wanted to keep some of her story inside, then that was fine with me. It was hers and hers alone to share, and I respected that.

"But granny, though," she sighed out in content, a ghost of a smile on. "Dixie Reeves. That woman has been my mother and best friend more than any other. I wouldn't trade her for anything."

I smiled at the sudden tip of her words. I'd only met her grandmother once, and if I wouldn't have been informed on the fact that she was related to them, I would have guessed she was their actual mother. She was so sweet, sarcastic, funny, and her attitude was as positive as ever. I could tell she loved life, as well as living it with her grandkids.

I turned my head to Maggie, who continued to drive with an expression of a robot. Her outlined eyes were focused on the road, expression chilled over, and I couldn't help but wonder about her true feelings. I could tell she was quite a pro at concealing her emotions. I understood that, but I also knew that it wasn't very healthy to hide your true feelings from the world.

How hypocritical am I?

She erased it with a chuckle. "But, Jax on the other hand, I'd sell him for McDonald's," she informed me.

I giggled at her as my fingers fiddled with the seatbelt around me. "I can feel the love, babe." I thought about Jax; he hadn't been around all day. "Where is he, anyway?"

"I think he's out with his new soccer buddy," she answered with a hinting tone. I got it and didn't pursue.

I nodded before I unbuckled the belt as we pulled into Raven's driveway. We both gathered the bags before entering the house.

"Momma's home!" Maggie yelled up the staircase when we didn't see Raven.

Raven nearly came barreling down the stairs before stopping in front of us, arms crossed over her tank top. "About freaking time," she huffed out.

"I know how easy it is to obsess with me but I didn't expect it from you so soon," she said to Raven, who rolled her eyes.

I placed the bags on the table before turning to Raven. Maggie and I crossed confused glances. Ravens' eyes were set downcast, though I still managed to catch the small tear that slipped pass her barrier.

I hurried over to her immediately. "What's wrong?"

"Life in general," she chuckled before her shoulders fell with a sigh. "It's pretty damn shitty."

I nodded my head in understanding. Raven was never one to break down like this, but when she did, something was very wrong.

All three of us went to the living room. I sat alongside Raven on the sofa, Maggie on the futon.

The room continued to bathe in silence until Raven broke it, "My dad...he refuses to see me. He's too busy with his new cookie-cutter family, somewhere in Wisconsin the last time I heard. I know that I never really say anything positive about him, but he's my dad, you know? It's not the child's job to try and make a connection." I nodded my hand in understanding. "And, my mom...she tries her best to fill the void of my dad, but sometimes it's just not the same, no matter how hard she tries."

I felt my heart open to her in this moment. She was my best friend, the one who helped me throughout most of my situations, even though we had only known each other for less than a year. How could I have not seen her pain? Or, her inner turmoil this entire time.

I reached out to grasp her hand. "I understand, Raven. My dad has always tried to help me feel like I had both him and my mom in my life. Even though I will always appreciate his effort, you can't just forget. You can't forget the empty seat at the table, or the empty space in a picture," I paused as I realized my eyes were wet with tears. "But, you can't let that fuck with your head, Raven. She's trying, and you know you appreciate that, so don't beat yourself up about it. She loves you. So do I, and Maggie, and Jax."

I saw her nod slowly before I added, "And, you. You've became what you are without your dad, an amazing, beautiful, intelligent woman. You did that on your own, and you will continue to, with or without your dad. He's an ass, and trust me...karma will catch up to him and one day he will need you. Until then, you have your mom, and your friends who are your family, whether you like it or not. We'll be there."

I felt Maggies' eyes weigh me down. My words weren't only meant for Raven, they were meant for her, and myself, as well. I knew that I should listen to my own advice sometimes, instead of giving it to others. Either way, I was telling Raven the truth. She was unconditionally loved as long as we were around.

I smiled as Raven leaned forward, and wrapped her arms around me. I hugged her back, feeling her body tremble.

"Thank you, Kimberly," she whispered into my ear, her voice thick with raw emotion. "I appreciate and love you guys more than you'll ever know."

I smiled at her, before she repositioned herself. Her red blotched face stripped away her mask, though she was still just as beautiful.

She swept a hand across her cheeks. "Justin called," she threw out.

I looked to her with shock. Maggies' eyebrows grew closer, before she leaned into the conversation. "Wait, who is Justin?"

Raven rolled her eyes at his name. "Just another asshole that should have been swallowed."

I chuckled, glancing to Maggie. "Basically, Amber and Raven used to be best friends; Amber slept with Justin and that's sort of how we became friends, I guess?" Raven nodded in agreement. "But, Amber and Justin messed around behind Raven's back for who knows how long," I shuddered with disgust at the reminder.

"Natasha's little sidekick, Amber?" she asked, attempting to recall a memory of her.

We both nodded.

I frowned as Maggie clasped her hands together, a small grin upturning her lips. "Another one."

"What?" Raven and I asked in union.

"Mhm? Oh, nothing."

"Maggie Norris," I said, as Jax did to always scold his sister, "Is there something you'd like to share?"

I didn't like the newfound expression she wore. It was one that involved a very dangerous plan, one that would possibly create a fiasco.

Finally, she caved. "Maybe," she hinted with a gleam.

I glared at her as she pulled at a loose black strand on her jacket. "I think there's more."

"Oh, come on, tell us," Raven said. "If it's something involving those two bitches, I need insight."

Maggie groaned against the sofa before shrugging. "If you insist."

I followed Maggie's movement as she stood up from the couch. A bag was isolated in the corner, and she grabbed it before sinking back down into her previous spot.

Raven and I continued to watch her. Maggie reached in the bag, only to pull out a container. I pushed my glasses up the bridge of my nose, leaning closer to read what the product had to offer.

IcyHot, it read.

Bits of her plan clicked immediately. "No," I shook my head in a rapid motion.

Her hands raised in defense. "Hear me out."

"No way," I disagreed.

I knew what IcyHot was, and what it was meant to do. But, I didn't know what Maggie thought she would be able to accomplish with it.

Her green eyes were full of mischief, if you could even call the evil glint such a thing. "They deserve it! C'mon, I know that it sounds bad, but if we just slip some of this bad baby inside of their cheer outfits—"

"I'm in!" Raven shouted, a grin stretching her lips.

I looked at her in disbelief. What in the hell was wrong with them? I understood that the effects of IcyHot weren't long-lasting, but I knew that it would be quite a stir if someone found out.

I gripped the sofa's pillow; it might have been the only one with sense here. "You guys are insane."

"Insanely correct!" Maggie shook me by the shoulders. "Come on, don't you think that this might knock their fake asses off their high horses? And, do you really think they would think twice about doing this to one of us?"

I ignored the agreement ringing in the back of my head. "It's wrong."

"So wrong that it's right," Raven pointed out.

My eyes burned with anticipation. I knew this was wrong, and it was against everything I had learned. But, maybe we would get out in time. Maybe this would show them that they couldn't get away with bullying others. They'd gotten away with their schemes too many times.

The doubt still clouded me though. "I-I don't know," I breathed out.

Raven's head titled, eyes pleading as she saw my stance breaking. "It's not like it'll kill them. I'm sick of watching those two get whatever they want, while destroying whoever they want. Fuck them, and their soon burning fresh bikini waxes."

I looked at her, then to Maggie. I could feel my guard breaking as I thought over their words. Since I'd gotten here, both Natasha and Amber were two of my main tormentors. Even if they weren't the only ones, they were usually the source of it. Perhaps I was wrong for thinking that this was alright, but my seventeen year old brain told me otherwise.

"I just need to think about it," I said, placing the pillow down.

"Well, you need to think quick, because I'm leaving in about..." Maggie tsked as she glanced down at her watch. "Yep, right now. Come on, we can stop for dinner right after. My treat."

I stood abruptly as her and Raven did. "What if we get caught??"

Maggie snickered as she grabbed the container again. "That's the least of our troubles."

I gulped as she pulled open the door. Growing edgy, I realized that we were actually doing this. I was involved in such a despicable thing, and I was actually sort of excited for it.

***

"What type of school security leaves a locker room open?" Raven chuckled as we entered the vacant space. "Fucking idiots."

My hands shook around the phone as I positioned the flashlight towards Maggie. Without a care of who would hear, she slammed one of the locker doors.

I envied how cool she was about this. "A pretty damn cool one," Maggie responded with a sinister grin.

"Found it," Raven whispered as she pulled out one of the cheerleaders' outfits.

"They have a pep rally tomorrow morning. I can't wait to see their reactions; I hope someone posts them online," Maggie laughed as she reversed the outfit. "This might just go down as one of the best revenge schemes, surely at this school. They deserve a taste of their own medicine for once."

Their laughter grew as they placed the IcyHot cream in the crotch area of the outfit. As nervous as I was, this was actually enjoyable to watch. I couldn't help the small smile that began to grow on my face as I realized that Natasha and Amber would finally get what was coming to them.

Maggie's grin only grew once she saw my reaction. "See, I told you this would be worth it," she mumbled to me as her glove covered hand smeared the cream in the bra area as well.

"They're going to want to cut their nipples off by the end of the first song," Raven chuckled, taking the tube from Maggie to apply it to another outfit.

They offered it to me but I quickly shook my head. I was simply a flashlight for them. "You were right," I admitted to Maggie, who winked before turning to Raven.

"By the way, what happened between you and lover boy?" Maggie asked Raven, who was shutting a locker back up.

My eyes widened. "Maggie." I thought we agreed in the car to let Raven come to us, but not to Maggie's curiosity, apparently.

Raven sighed, glancing toward the locker. "Justin, is what happened. He lied to Levi, and said that I was still messing around with him. He even went as far as faking text messages between us. Levi believed him, and decided Natasha was a better replacement for me," Raven's words leaked of hurt before she pulled herself together.

God, neither of us had any luck within that friend group. "That's awful," I said. "I'm sorry, Raven."

Maggie placed the cheer outfits back in the lockers they belonged to. "That son of a bitch," she sneered, shaking her head in disgust.

Raven attempted to cover up herself with a smile, though it lacked any reality. "It's alright, guys. Besides, tomorrow night I'll make sure to fuck with him a bit. A couple of Jell-O shots later, and I'm losing all signs of that prick. As soon as I see him watching, I'm throwing my ass onto that dance floor and finding the first sexy bastard to catch it."

I concealed my scoff of disappointment in the reminder of the party. This afternoon, when I visited dad, he told me that he knew I would regret not going. Hell, he seemed more excited than I was.

Maggie held up the container of IcyHot, shaking it. "He's lucky I don't put this in his—"

"Who's in there?!" I heard a man shout.

All three of us stopped. Our movements grew frozen at the bark-like shout.

"Fuck!" Maggie cursed, looking in the direction of the shout.

"We need to get out of here," Raven said frantically as she ran a hand through her hair. "There's a way out in the back, we just need to get out before security reaches us," she told us.

I was frozen with fear as they whispered frantic demands. I was at fault, and I'd pay the consequences. I was in this position because I decided to go here.

"Kimberly, what are you doing?!" Maggie hissed. "We need to go, come on!"

I allowed her to grab me by the arm as the footsteps from across the dark building grew closer. Hurriedly, we slipped past the lockers, then finally came to a stop at the exit. Raven had waited for us instead of fleeing.

We both nodded at her appreciatively. "Come on!" Maggie shouted as quietly as possible, tightening her hold on me. If it wasn't there, I would have surely been caught.

We made our way out of the building, before we realized that we would have to pass the patrol car to leave. The car lights illuminated so closely, it was obvious.

"I think I know a way," Maggie whispered before releasing me to lead.

It was dark out. To my frustration, I could barely see which direction she went in. I felt the sweat on my neck freeze into icy waters as I realized that I was alone now.

I turned frantically at the sound of footsteps. I squinted my eyes in the direction I thought it was coming from, but my vision still refrained. I had left the house without my glasses.

"Oh my god," I whispered fearfully. This was how I went out.

I was beyond frantic. I would be in trouble with the school, if not the law for breaking into school property. If they found out about what we did to Natasha and Amber, that would only be more trouble. I was bound to get caught.

"What the fuck are you doing here?"

I turned around so quickly, it almost hurt. My insides grew into a distant memory of his voice, at the sight of brown eyes, at sight of him.

I stepped away from Kade, even though he hadn't taken one step closer. "W-what?"

You would expect his light brown eyes to lead you towards heat, though they did the exact opposite. "I know you heard me."

"What are you doing here?" I retorted as I gathered all of my courage.

"Not that it's any of your business," he answered. "But I had some business to attend to."

"At school?"

Kade shrugged, taking a closer step to me. "Money is money, I don't give a fuck where it comes from." Before I could even hum, he added, "I don't like your friends."

I had to take a minute to breathe here. Just by seeing him, it brought back memories. Memories that I so dearly wished to conceal, along with my heart and tender emotions toward him.

Finally, I managed to suppress my shock enough to say, "Why would I care what you liked?" I questioned, my attitude very deceiving.

His brow cocked as he crossed his arms. "Cocky, sweetheart?"

I wasn't confident. No, I was far from it. But, I would stand up for myself. After seventeen years, I finally knew: fake it until you didn't have to any longer.

My breathing pattern grew impatient as he stepped closer. I refused to let him win this, I refused it.

He towered over me, as did his cocky expression. "Don't forget I still have your secrets, sweetheart," he paused, his finger pointing to my heart. "And, let's not forget that, too."

My heartbeat reacted so quickly, I nearly jolted with it. It was far from normal at the point. I felt like I'd been under water for the longest amount of time possible, only to come up breathless.

Before I could react, he removed himself. I grew cold once again at the sudden lack of warmth his body provided. "Now, go the hell home before you're caught," his words were cautious, but the way he said them, were not.

That was when I snapped.

I didn't think before my hands were against his chest. I couldn't comprehend how I gained so much strength, but I managed to knock him back a couple of steps before he could recover.

I settled a strong glare over him. "No, you get the hell away from me! You came to me, I never came to you! And, you know what? Go ahead, tell my secrets to the entire school! I don't care anymore." I pointed to the same spot on my heart that his finger aimed at. "And, about this? It'll never belong to a heartless asshole like you." Even saying the words felt like damning myself. I saw him flinch. "Put it aside, because I'll stand for myself when I say, you will not treat me like this any longer, Kade." I didn't realize it until now that the rain was coming down as hard as my heart was planning to fall.

I threw my arms down by my sides as the rain began to drop in buckets. "I'll stand for my heart, and myself when I say...fuck you."

His reaction read it all. He didn't react with anger, or a witty comeback. Instead, he said nothing. His black hair was now plastered to his forehead, due to the rain. His brown eyes could be seen through the dark night, the twinkle in the light orb a sign of confusion.

I shook my head as the hurt set in, once again. The scars grew painful, the wounds reopened. The pain grew back. The emotions I tried so hard to obliterate from existence...they were back.

Without another exchange, I turned around in a quick motion. I ran to another direction, in search of anything.

Just as I rounded the corner, I bumped chests right into Maggie. "There you are! Raven led security away, and now he's on the other side of the building, away from us. Raven went ahead and pulled closer for a getaway. Now, come on, we need to get out of here!" She pulled me along before I could have a reaction.

I couldn't help, but turn around once we were closer to the car outside. My head was pounding, as was my heart.

As Maggie said, Raven was closer. We all got in, drenched and shaken by the rain and the adrenaline of the night.

Maggie turned to Raven, eyes wide. "Drift us the hell out of here, woman!"

Raven did just that, the wheels bouncing under the gravel as she tore into the gas. "We didn't get caught!" she shouted in joy. "Holy shit!"

Maggie swept a hand through drenched locks, grinning. "I told you guys we'd make it out alive."

That was what she thought. My heart was deep in the grave, and covered with the reminder of Kade.

I left Kade there in the dark. Even if I denied it, I could sadly say that I left my heart behind with him.