Serenity;

Oh. My. God.

Everyone gasped or frowned, shocked or confused. Angry or -- judging by Uncle Tom's sneaky smirk -- amused. The adults were trying to process everything while the adolescents snickered or gaped at me. My mother was livid, almost roasting me into steak with her eyes. I could see the anger in my father's face, burning into me like I was the daughter of Satan. I've destroyed any hope of redeeming myself in the eyes of my parents.

"Oh my --, Francis call poison control!" Samantha was the first to react to all of this, her seat screeching against the wood as she pushed it back. Uncle Francis jumped from his seat and ran to his phone that was placed on the kitchen island.

The room was spinning for me. Emily was gaping at me while I panicked in my seat. Everyone was quickly recovering from their moment of complete shock.

"Are you kidding me right now!? Birth control pills!?" My father screamed furiously.

Mom was already picking up Willie from his seat, glaring at me while she did it. Dear God, I'm going to be shipped to Texas in a dog cage because that's what I deserve after all I've caused. I wish life didn't do me so bad. I hid those pills with intentions of no one ever finding them. I mean, how would anyone really lift my mattress? Especially a five year-old.

I stood up from my chair, breathing heavily as I tried to defend myself. "I have no idea how Willie got ahold of them!"

"That's not what I'm talking about! I'm saying why would you have birth control pills!" He shouted at me again. I gulped, all of my dignity sliding down like pudding on a wall. Mia and Lenny watched the entire thing with a chuckling Uncle Tom.

Emily stood up as well. "Sir, they're not her pills. They're mine!" She lied.

I turned to look at her, shaking my head and widening my eyes in horror. "Don't try and cover for me, Emily." My head turned, looking at dad with pure honesty. It's about time I was honest a bit. I knew deep in my heart I shouldn't rat out Clary either. And as someone who really cares about my friends, I'm only bound to put all this weight on myself. "They're mine, dad. I have them because..." I trailed off when he opened his mouth, eyes widening like he realized something.

"Are you...are you sleeping with that boy?!"

"No! I swear...I-I...I have them for my menstrual cycle. The pill regulates blood flow so it's not as bad," I recovered.

Lenny and Mia both cackled. "Disgusting," Mia laughed. "Gross." Lenny frowned. Good, I hope you don't think I'm so hot anymore, perv. Uncle Tom finally stood up and joined my worrying mother cradling Willie in her arms and the more mature adults in the kitchen.

Dad only shook his head. "I'm finding it really hard to believe you, Serenity," he remarked, crossing his arms over his chest. "I want the truth. Your little brother swallowed these pills that could possibly be very dangerous for him. For once in your life, tell. Me. The. Truth."

I can't tell on Clary. I can't let Emily take the blame for this. I don't know what I should do. Despite all the things I've done, I still don't know what the mature thing to do would be. I'm afraid of putting Clary in a tough spot because her mom isn't a very bright, forgiving person. Cold-blooded and always going on business trips to get away from Clary. This could mean a lot to Clary and I really can't do this to her.

Emily saw the chance as I paused, my bottom lip between my teeth in anxiety. "They're mine, sir. She's only covering for me because my mom would kill me," she spat out quickly.

My dad took one look at her and stared like he was a stone statue. "Emily, I'm sorry. But this is between my daughter and I. If they are yours, she will tell me." He turned to fix his gaze on me again.

I let my shoulders drop a little. Discouraged and afraid, I closed my eyes and muttered, "No. They're not mine."

"Who's are they?" I heard him ask. His voice sounded so low, so dark.

"They're a friend's. But I'm holding them for her because she's afraid of something," I explained briefly, sighing and opening my eyes once again.

I looked up at him with an expectation. An expectation that centered around anger, or disbelief. But he stared like a stone again, barely giving me any emotion before he walked towards the kitchen. Immediately, the tension decreased.

Emily blew air out of her mouth. "For a second I thought you were going to say you were sleeping with Harry. Thank God you didn't." She whispered softly.

I shook my head. Although I lied my way through this one, I'm still quite upset. I wish I could just say that I am seeing Harry behind their backs. I wish I could tell Harry about what really happened between Derek and I. I wish so many things that are so impossible for me, but look so easy in the eyes of anyone else who is not in my position. I'm trying. I'm trying hard to cope with things, but the barriers are too weak and sometimes everything spills over.

"I can't keep lying," I whispered to her, but still aware that Lenny and Mia were silently playing with their food now, moving it around with their forks. I began to walk towards the living room, keeping our conversation at whispers only.

"What do you mean? You've been lying your whole life."

"I know. But don't you think I've lied enough?" I retorted. Despite my past experiences, I'm worried about everything building up so quickly. I'm worried that I've made Willie sick because of those pills. God, I'm a screw up.

She stared deeply at me. "So what are you saying? You're telling them about you and Harry?"

I shook my head. "No...-- well, yes. But not yet. I need to sort everything out. Everything is a fucking mess, Emily. Literally everything with Derek and --"

Her face paled immediately. "Wait...what? Derek?" She inhaled deeply when I nodded, looking just as disappointed and horrified as her. "That bastard is back?"

"Yes. And he still has those pictures."

"The pictures of you and...?" She trailed off. I nodded my head, confirming the horror of this all. Her hands went to rest on her face, a loud sigh escaping her body. "Those pictures can literally ruin everything. I knew he never deleted them when you told me he did."

"I thought he did, too. The worse part is that Harry doesn't know about them either, but I can tell he still worries about the truth."

Emily shook her head once more. "Then why don't you tell him? Harry seems to just go with anything. That's what makes him good for you. He accepts things the way they are and moves on. It's better hearing it from his girlfriend herself rather than someone like Derek."

"I try," I said desperately. "I try to come up with what to say. And when I do, it never comes out. I've tried too many times and I don't know what to do."

"I'm sorry for what I'm about to say...But, if you don't tell him someone else will. And if that happens then I can't guarantee you and Harry will last. Because those pictures are terrible." She explained sympathetically.

I couldn't agree more with her. It's all true. I better man the fuck up and tell Harry myself before Derek has the chance to. "But who says that Derek will only tell Harry? There's my mom, my dad, my entire family, the rest of my friends, the whole town."

"Then you better hope he doesn't." Is all she could let out before my parents were rushing to collect their things. I heard my dad's car keys jingle, and I turned on the couch to see what was up.

Samantha leaned against the wall with concern in her face as both of my parents made their way to the door. When the door opened, I knew they were probably heading to the hospital to deal with Willie's situation. My mother turned and looked at me, her eyes saying words that she would never speak.

"You and I are going to talk about this. Mother to daughter," she warned, shutting the door behind her.

+

It was one AM and Emily had left hours ago. I was lying in my bedroom when I heard the door shut downstairs. It was most likely my parents getting home. I was confirmed of my thoughts when I heard my mother heels clap against the floors. My mind that was on Derek and Harry was now on that talk mom and I are supposed to have.

The door to my bedroom opened, and I was greeted with an angry mom. I sat up on my bed, prepared to hear the biggest lecture.

But all she said was, "I give up on you, Serenity." She stood there, her angry frowns disappeared. She shook her head, laughing humorlessly. "I absolutely have had enough of your shenanigans. One day you will grow up from this immature phase you're going through."

Her hands were on her hips, lips into a thin line as she shook her head in disappointment. I didn't say a word, which encouraged her to continue. "I'm giving you the freedom to do what you want. I don't care anymore. You go do what you want. I can't waste my breath on someone who doesn't are."

"Mom," I began, "Those pills aren't mine. I swear it. I know I've lied before, I've lied a lot. But they aren't mine. Just please believe me."

"I don't think I can," she spoke back. This is the first time I've witnessed my mother's eyes becoming glassy. Tears were in her bright blue eyes; tears of disappointment and hidden frustration. Her voice was thick with emotion. "Serenity, I have tried my best and obviously I haven't done what's best. You detest me and every word I say, you find a way to twist it into encouragement to do whatever you want. So, I don't care what you do."

"You can come work at the restaurant whenever you want, if you want." She continued. "Come to church, and if not, I don't care. Don't. Be apart of this family or not. It's not my call; it's yours now."

Next thing I knew, she threw my phone at me. It landed on my lap where I sat Indian style. My frown deepened at the sight. Her eyes stared at me, glistening like stars. Like the stars I was staring up at when I snuck out that night and went with Harry. Where we made memories in some old truck. I'm staring at my mother, and I've noticed she's given up on me. She has officially stopped caring about me.

"You do what you want with your life, Serenity. You are seventeen, right?" She remarked sarcastically. "But if I see that Harry kid on my property, I'm calling the cops. Just know I'm done with you. I'm done trying to protect you. Don't come to me when it's over and you're in pain. Don't come to me when you're sick with a cold or you need something. You've chosen to not be apart of this family. So I'm giving you the freedom to choose. Isn't that what you wanted all this time?" She asked in a whisper.

I gulped. "What's wrong with Willie?"

"He's fine." She answered coldly.

With that being said, she left my bedroom, shutting the door lightly. She didn't slam it this time.

Outside my bedroom I heard my parents arguing about her decision. Their tones were angry, but muffled. My dad apparently disagrees with what my mother has chosen for me, but accepted it anyway in the end like he always does. I guess I'm officially on my own again.

And it doesn't feel as good as I thought.

I turned over my phone that was still on my lap. The black iPhone was still charged. I had tons of messages from different friends and some from Derek since I never blocked his number. I didn't bother with them as I scrolled through the rest. Some were from Clary, old ones from dates before I got my phone taken away. There were missed phone calls and Instagram notifications. All that other stuff.

My first instinct was to call Harry. He was probably asleep, but I did it anyway, despite knowing that I'll just wake him up from his slumber. It rang about four times before I heard him pick up, a bit breathless. "Serenity?"

"Hey," I spoke softly, feeling my eyes stinging with tears, but I didn't know why I was crying.

"You're calling me from your phone? I thought ---.....What happened?" He asked slowly and cautiously.

I brought one of my hands to my face, rubbing my nose and swallowing the painful lump in my throat. The reason for my sadness is obvious, but I didn't want to cry. Crying only occurs when I'm totally hopeless. I tried to regain my composure before answering Harry.

"Nothing. My mom decided to give me my phone. I'm granted freedom to do what I want." I explained, my voice almost wanting to break. "I-I'm not apart of the family, I guess?"

"Oh no," was his immediate reaction. Harry sounded absolutely baffled, but concerned. "What do you mean by that?"

"She doesn't care anymore, basically. It's a long story." I told him.

"Well, I was just going to sleep, but I'm more interested in listening. So tell me?"

"No, it's okay. I'm sorry about bothering you. It doesn't ma--"

"Tell me, Serenity," he ordered. Anyone would think he was a little insensitive, but it's only because he cares. "Cut the shit. Everything that happens to you matters to me. I don't care if you broke a nail or something. I'm not tired."

There were no questions asked. I told him, he listened and every once in a while he'd sigh and give me a little reaction so I know he was still there. The part about Willie had him thinking I was doomed, and I agreed. Nevertheless, we both settled into our separate beds, secretly wishing we were together like always. I saw him several hours ago, but I'm still wishing he was here to make me feel like I'm actually important.

"How about I pick you up on the fourth? We'll go to my house and you can meet my sister and my nephews. Mum really wants to see you again and properly get to know you. Plus, we'll be spending the fourth of July together. Clary, Louis, Niall, and the rest are coming over as well. We have fireworks and food. It won't be so bad." He explained, yawning a bit.

I'm glad that he was offering. My parents were having a really fancy celebration with their church friends and she made sure that I wasn't allowed to have my friends over. It was like she didn't want me there to begin with. Basically, it wouldn't matter if I left with Harry instead.

"Yeah, sounds like fun. What time are you picking me up?" A small smile replaced my frowns.

"Anytime you want, baby. I just want you to get out of that house. I can tell your whole personality changes when you're around your parents." Harry sweetly cooed.

"How about noon?"

"Perfect." He yawned again.

I chuckled softly. "Go to sleep, monkey."

"I swear you and my mother already have something to talk about." He joked. "Ridiculous nicknames."

"You love them," I laughed, hugging my pillow tighter.

"Maybe."

"Now, goodnight. I'll see you on the fourth."

"Or maybe tomorrow, pretty girl," he flirted.

"Goodnight," I snapped playfully just as Mia entered my bedroom in her pajamas.

"Goodnight, baby. I --" he cut himself off.

I frowned. "You what?"

"Nothing. Just...goodnight."

"Okay? Goodnight, Harry."

I stared at my phone a couple of seconds as the call ended. That kid was so strange sometimes, I swear. I shrugged it off, and looked at Mia who stood on her phone. "Are you always on your phone?" I asked her.

She sat herself on the edge of my bed, still scrolling through her phone. "I'm twelve. I literally don't have any legitimate rights. So what else can I do?"

"You can..." I trailed off, seeing her reasoning. "Eh, you're right."

+

It was the third of July, and I was ripping apart skirts and throwing them into a basket of the other loads of things my mother used to make me wear. Every time I went in my closet and looked at them, I remembered every single thing she scolded at me fore. Every skirt a new story.

Stop slouching, it's not lady-like.

Stop whining, it isn't lady-like.

You are not allowed to wear makeup or paint your fingernails. I've told you before.

Don't wear shirts too low, it's not lady-like.

Mia watched me with amusement while I did all of this in my bedroom. "Aunt Jessica really is pissed off at you."

"Oh, thanks for reminding me, dear," I scoffed at her.

She rolled her eyes at me just as I went to throw a light blue skirt in the trash can. "The least you can do is apologize to her. That's what she's probably waiting for."

"So I can what? Go back to being mistreated and ignored? No thanks, I'm good on my own."

I've made up my mind that if she's giving me this freedom, the least I can do is use it. I want to show her that I can make something out of my life all on my own. And when the time comes, I want her to know that who she raised isn't at all a disappointment. On the other hand, if you think about it, I kind of raised myself, I guess.

"Whatever," she huffed. "I'm going downstairs for dinner. Do you want anything?"

"No, it's okay."

The door closed and my phone started ringing. I ignored it, too busy ripping to shreds my memories. I looked at my closet, and found the beige flats. Laughing to myself, I angrily picked them up and threw them into the trash as well. My phone kept ringing, though I troubled my mind some more with my spiteful memories.

I shrieked when the window was slammed open. You'd think I'd be used to having that window open and close numerous of times. Unfortunately, I always forget to lock it. A head of chestnut brown curls poked in, and I immediately knew who it was.

Harry poked his head in, an annoyed look on his face. "Damn it, Serenity. I can hear your phone from my car outside. Answer me much?"

"You know, you're actually really creepy." I stared at him with wide eyes, still trying to regain composure from the startling noise.

He stepped inside, shutting my window. "I'm annoyed you don't fucking answer my calls," he snapped.

"Relax, okay? I was busy," I told him gently. Harry glanced around at the mess in my bedroom. He was wearing black sweats with a black t-shirt. His paperplane necklace hung from his neck as usual, along with another addition. I saw that he was wearing rings on his long fingers.

His pale green eyes gazed over to me. "Are you throwing out clothes?" In his hand, he picked out one of my long skirts in his hands. "Why?"

"They remind me of things I don't want to remember." Is all I said. It just occurred to me that my mom doesn't want Harry anywhere near this house or she'll call the cops. If I'm planning to leave with him, then it better be quick.

"Understandable," he shrugged, putting down the fabric. I watched as he walked towards me, playful smirk on his cute lips. He bent down and I covered the shriek that was leaving my mouth when he lifted me by the legs. They were wrapped around his waist immediately out of instinct, my arms finding his neck as to not fall backwards.

A soft giggle escaped my mouth when he stared up at me, proud that he managed to do that without one of us falling to the floor. Since I was being carried, the height difference changed. I was looking down while he looked up.

"I like it up here. It's like a whole new world," I joked, my fingers finding his curls.

"Hmm? Really? Well even from down here, you look so damn beautiful." He flirted, wiggling his eyebrows at me with amusement.

"This angle," I made a distasteful look, "Doesn't suit you. Ew."

"Oh shut up." He rolled his eyes.

"Seriously, you look awful." I teased.

"I swear I'll drop you."

"Noo," I whined like a baby.

"Then shut up."

"Make me."

I slammed into the wall, sliding down Harry's body until we were at eye-level. A gasp left my mouth from the shock, my mouth parted as Harry smirked. I growled and pushed at his chest, but he tightened against me. Our crotches pressed together as his fingertips cunningly slipped through the band of my yoga pants and my panties, my stomach swirling with excitement.

The air was knocked out of me as he rubbed his finger in circular movements on my clit. I immediately moaned like he intended, feeling like pudding in his arms. "Hmm? What was it that you said?"

I couldn't speak as he worked his fingers until I was almost willing to explode. "Idiot," I mewled breathlessly. "I hate you."

He pulled his fingers out, teasing the hell out of me. "Okay then. I guess we won't be doing that."

Rolling my eyes, I pushed at his chest, this time giving me the ability to stand. "I'll get you back for that."

"I can't wait, then," he smiled cheekily. "So, can you go out or...?"

"I can. But I just don't want to because my boyfriend's a jerk." I remarked hotly, turning around to keep throwing out my clothes.

"C'mere." Harry wasted no time to come up behind me, wrapping his arms around me and nuzzling his face into my neck. He pecked the skin there, smiling against me. "We can finish what we started...," he whispered teasingly.

I still felt turned on, but was willing to stay home because I'm so lazy. "I'll do it myself."

"Whoa, whoa! Inappropriate!" He laughed playfully.

"I'm kidding," I chuckled.

"I know, baby. Just c'mon. We said we wanted to spend time together, just us two." Harry persuaded me so easily. I gave in fast, and I'm ashamed of myself, but I can't resist him.

"Okay," I replied. "But I'm not going down that fire escape."

"I have to, though. Don't I?"

"She will call the cops on you if you step foot on our property. I quote," I informed him, moving away from his arms just to grab my phone. "I'll meet you outside at the front in a minute."

"Alright. But if I fall down the fire escape, you better be there to kiss all my booboos," he warned, causing me to slap his chest, although amused.

Like I promised, I made my way down the stairs, coming across my family members that were already sitting and preparing to eat dinner. I wasn't invited to dinner. Apparently I'm going to feed myself without being around my family. They always knew how to make me feel excluded.

"Where are you going?" My father couldn't help but ask.

I was just about to open the door. From the window, I could see another car that Harry was driving. Sighing to myself, I turned around to see that everyone had their eyes on me. I decided I was dressed in a way that seemed proper to me, but really inappropriate to them. Tight yoga pants, a red fitting v-neck t-shirt, and a pair of black little shoes with laces.

"I'm going out." Is all I said. Being honest feels weird, and definitely new.

"Are you really going to let her go out whenever she wants?" Dad asked my mother, who just shrugged and looked at her plate. "No. You're not going anywhere. Sit down, and have dinner with us." He snapped angrily.

I stared at my family, but couldn't even say a word because my mother said. "Willard, stop. She's seventeen."

"It's eight at night. It is not safe for her!" He yelled, getting fed up.

"Willard, leave her alone! She chose what she wanted! Now let's have this dinner as a family!" Mom screamed back, huffing with impatience.

After her sentence, I sped out the door without another thought. As a family, they did everything. Funny how even when she did consider me apart of the family, I wasn't at the dining table because she'd shoo me away after saying something unintentionally bad.

I opened the door to Harry's car, receiving a weird look, but I only said. "It's nothing. Let's go."

A/N: Another update coming. Vote and comment your opinions. Was it shocking that Serenity's mom decided on that?

and for those who keep saying Serenity is stupid and she should tell Harry, she's in a place where a lot of us have been when we really want to say something, but something is holding us back. so be understanding of her actions because there is a reason