"Truly great friend are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget."

I pulled up to Janine's house. She partially threw open her front door and raced out to my car. Her brown hair waving around her face and her hazel eyes shining with excitement. She was chanting Starbucks all the way to my car. She slid into the passenger seat and wrapped me into a hug.

"How have you been, Gracie?" She asked.

"Good, you?"

"Ah you know, same old home work and bitchy parents."

I just shook my head. Janine was the type that cared for everyone and anyone. She loved you no matter what. I knew she'd help out in a heart beat if I told her about my daddy but I couldn't do that for his sake and mine. Michele, on the other hand was a whole different person. She liked only the ones she knew well and hated everyone else. She believed that the world revolved around her sometimes. I pulled up to her her house and honked the horn. We waited a full ten minutes before she opened the door, yelling at her parents. She stomped to the car got in without a word to either of us. Her blonde hair hid one side of her face and her blue eyes glistened with tears. We didn't push for answers. We made our way inside Starbucks and order our regulars to go. My phone vibrated in my pocket. A text from Daddy.

Daddy: you made it to school yet?"

Me: just stopped by Starbucks and will be there shortly.

Daddy: ok sweetheart let me know when you get there.

Me: will do. Love you xoxo

I locked my phone and took my steaming cup of coffee off the counter. When we made it to school I texted daddy and told him I made it. I didn't get a response. When he didn't respond it really worried me. I always assumed the worst. We made our way into Cedercrest High School and was greeted by our best gay friend, Cole Rivers. He gave a smile and wrapped the three of us into a tight hug.

"How have you ladies been?" He cooed.

"Fine." Janine said.

"Get lost! You loser!" Michele said, laughing.

"Out of the way. You're blocking my locker." I said, fake anger to my voice.

He stuck out his tongue and flicked me off.

"I can stand here for as long as I like, Lynnie!" He teased.

Lynnie, was my nickname from him. Personally every time he said it, I wanted to punch him. I gave a forced smile and shoved him out of the way.

"Damn, what crawled up your ass and died, Gracie?" Cole said.

I ignored him and checked my phone. No text or call. I debated on wether or not to call my Uncle Jordan. Jordan would go over and check on Daddy for me. I decided to wait until lunch. Daddy was out all night and was probably sleeping.

"Earth to, Gracie." Janine said, waving her hand in front of my face.

"S-sorry. I spaced out."

"Yeah you did." Michele said and walked ahead of us to be with her boyfriend, Jake.

Janine looked over at me. I gave a smile and avoided her gaze.

"Gracie, what's going on?"

"It's nothing, Janine." I said and left it at that.
******
Lunch time rolled around and I still haven't received a text. I texted him again and locked my phone.

"Gracie!"

I snapped back to reality after hearing my name.

"What!"

"Charlie Dawson is looking at you." Janine squealed.

"So."

"So? What do you mean so? Charlie is like the most sought after senior ever! I bet you two would make a cute couple."

Charlie Dawson was the head football player, probably the best this school has seen in a long time. He has sky blue eyes, short black hair, and a face that looked like it was sculpted out of marble.

"Janine, I told you I'm not in the dating mood at the moment."

"I'll go talk to him and see who he likes."

"Janine!"

"Come on, Lynnie! You swing the other way or something." Michele snorted, finally parting from Jake for a second to speak to us.

"Stay out of it , Michele." I hissed.

She smirked and resumed trying to cram herself down Jake's throat. I rolled my eyes and looked over at Janine.

"Fine, but don't mention my name, got it."

"Yes ma'am."

I smirked and went to dump my untouched food in the trash can. I checked my phone again. Nothing. When the end of the day finally came I couldn't have been happier. Janine and Michele rode with me. I was supposed to take them home but I need to go and check on my Daddy first. I bounded up the to the door and unlocked the four lock Daddy had welded to the door. I opened the door to find the inside ransacked. The sofa was flipped over, the recliner lay on its side, pots and pans lay on the floor along with shattered glass. A few picture frames lay busted on the floor. Empty bullet casings and a knife lay on the kitchen table. I made my way to the bathroom across the hall from my room. Both the medicine cabinet mirror and the one over the vanity were destroyed. Glass crunched under my feet as I made my way out of the bathroom. Daddy's service dog Naila, sat in front of his bed room door. I knocked softly.

"Daddy, did you have another panic attack while I was gone? Have you ate anything today? Why didn't you call uncle Jordan or-"

"It's been a rough day sweetheart. I'll try harder tomorrow." He said, his voice muffled.

"Will you open the door?"

The door opened to revile Daddy. His right hand was bruised and bloody and he looked liked he'd been crying. I pulled him into a hug.

"Daddy you have to try to get better! I worry about you and...and one day I'm afraid I'm going to come home and find you dead." I sobbed into his chest.

He hugged me tight and gave a shuddery breath.

"I'm so sorry, Gracie. I will never leave you, I promise." He said.