4. Delaney
CHAPTER 4
Delaney
I can barely wipe the smile from my face as I walk through the school doors, a fake note in my hand that Zayne wrote, forging my mom’s name.
Taking a breath, I force my lips to contort into a grimace, wincing as I walk inside the office wearing a different skirt than I wore earlier, courtesy of sneaking inside my house while Zayne waited in his truck in the woods.
Mrs. Zimmerman, one of the office secretaries, looks at me sympathetically. “That time of the month is terrible, dear,” she whispers, patting my hand. “I hope you feel better.”
Oh, I feel much better. An image of Zayne’s mouth and fingers inside me makes me shiver. I’m struggling to come down from the euphoria he makes me feel.
Pushing the thought away, I give her a weak smile, pretending I’m in pain. “Thanks, Mrs. Z. Have a good day.”
As I exit the office, Zayne pushes off the wall, his muscular frame falling in step with mine. “Did it work?”
I give him a huge smile, butterflies swarming in my stomach from his presence. I’ve got it so bad for this guy. “Like a charm.”
We walk in comfortable silence, neither needing to fill it with meaningless words.
Dread fills me as we near the classroom door. Zayne is the only person I can be my true authentic self around. It’s getting harder to play the role thrust upon me by my father, even knowing his fists of fury will punish me if I step on the line.
Zayne grabs my hand and gently squeezes it, pulling me from my thoughts. “Thanks for going to the lake with me. It’s one of my favorite places.”
All the negativity I’d been feeling vanishes from his words and smile. Zayne does not smile a lot, but he does around me.
“I didn’t know that spot existed. I’m glad you showed it to me.”
“You’re the only one I’ve ever taken there.”
Butterflies swarm my stomach. I look around the hallway, ensuring we’re alone, before I stand on my tiptoes and plant my lips against his for a quick kiss. “That warms my heart more than you’ll ever know.” I flash him a smile before dashing inside my classroom, knowing if I don’t leave now, I never will.
Why is life so damn complicated?
This is supposed to be the best year of my life… but it’s not. The unfairness of being unable to have the guy I want most because he’s from the wrong side of town is a bitter pill to swallow.
I lied to Tim and told him I had horrible cramps from my period to get out of going to the party. I couldn’t stomach the thought of being around the pompous jackass. Not when I feel the sands of time in the hourglass running out.
The prom is in two weeks. Tim made a big production of asking me to go with him during a family dinner, and my father said yes before I could open my mouth. Picturing myself at the dance with Tim makes me nauseous.
I wish I could go with Zayne… if that’s even his thing. I know he’s gone to parties, but he’s never danced with anyone. I’ve never seen him in formal wear, but the thought of him wearing a tux makes me drool.
A knock on my door pulls me from my musings. “Enter,” I yell, not moving from my prone position in the center of my bed.
“Hi, sweetie.” My mom walks into my bedroom stiffly, wearing a long-sleeved lace dress. Genuine happiness shines in her eyes at the sight of me, but I see the strain as she moves. She was late to dinner last night because the planning meeting for the charity ball event ran late. Even though she texted and called my dad, I still heard the abuse coming from their bedroom. The noises caused me to put my hands over my ears, falling to the floor on my knees, squeezing my eyes shut. I rocked myself back and forth, trying to prevent a panic attack.
Pulling myself from the thoughts, I sit up, smiling at her. “Hey.” My gaze roams over her outfit. “You look gorgeous. Going out?”
“Thank you.” A slight blush colors her cheeks from my compliment. Dad’s fists knock the confidence out of her, running her self-esteem down until she can’t see the beauty and value she brings to this world. My mom is the most kind-hearted, phenomenal woman I’ve ever met. But she’s blind when it comes to my father.
I wish she’d leave my father and take me with her. I know my brother, Daniel, wouldn’t go with us. Although we’re twins, we couldn’t be more different. My brother is an asshole, just like our dad.
I’d rather live in the trailer park and be free of the abuse than stay here in this enormous house.
But she won’t leave here.
My mom stiffly settles on the edge of my bed. “Your father and I are going out to dinner.” Green eyes search mine. “We won’t be home until late.”
My heart rate spikes. I wonder if Zayne is free?
“What event is it?” I fake interest and nonchalance as my mom spills the details, but my thoughts are on a certain bad boy from the wrong side of town.
She leans over, kisses my cheek, then whispers in my ear. “Have fun tonight. Be safe.”
When she pulls back, the twinkle in her eyes and her knowing smile sends shock waves down my spine. She squeezes my hand. “A mother always knows.”
I sit in stunned silence, not saying a word.
My mom winks and whispers, “I’ve seen him around town. Hard-working with a bad boy look. And the way he looks at you… Ohh, girl.” She giggles and fans herself. Noticing the panicky look on my face, she waves her hand. “I’m only saying that because I saw the two of you when we went to the bookstore last weekend. I’ve never seen that boy smile like that.” She pats my hand. “Don’t worry, Laney. Your secret’s safe with me.”
Then she stiffly gets up, moving toward the door.
“Mom.” I wait until she stops and turns around. “Dad doesn’t know, right?” Anxiety makes my stomach churn, and there’s a tightening in my chest that makes it hard to breathe.
“Pfff… No way. And I’d never tell him.” Her eyes and face are soft, but then they cloud over. “Just be very careful, okay?”
I vigorously nod. “I will.”
Her smile widens. “By the way, I’m damn proud of you for the way you’ve always stood up for him. You were the only one who did, which makes me feel like I’ve raised you right… despite everything.” Her eyes drop to the toes of her high heels, shame coloring her cheeks.
The knowledge that my mom knows all of this makes my head swim. “You raised me right, Mom.” I get up from the bed and move to her. “I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.”
Her eyes lift to mine, tears welling in them. “There’s a lot of things you don’t know, Laney. Things I don’t want to burden you with.” Her expression turns grave. “But if you ever get the chance, run, and don’t look back.”
My heart palpitates inside my chest as her words sink deep. My throat tightens as I choke out, “What about you?”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be alright.” The seriousness in her expression sends chills down my spine. “Sometimes you have to do what’s best for yourself. Life is too short.”
I wrap my arms around her, careful not to squeeze her too hard. “I love you, mom.”
“I love you, Laney girl. So damn much.”