Chapter 12
You can fuck off with that shit. You can fuck straight off to fuck off mountain, while riding your fuck you horse to the land of aww hell no.
—Hollis’s secret thoughts
HOLLIS
“What are their names, again?” he asked before I could say a word.
“My sister is named Humfrid. She’s seventeen and graduated last month. Then there’s my brother, Tayson. He’s a genius, and works in tech when he feels like it. He works from home and helps my parents with the bills—at least, that’s what my parents say.
“My mom and dad are Dael and Broddie. Mom doesn’t work. She’s been a stay-at-home mom for most of my younger siblings life. Dad works in investment banking now. WhenI was a young kid, though, he worked as a janitor at the same investment banking firm. They’ve all come really far in life, and I’m really proud of my sister for graduating early, and Tayson for finding a job right out of high school.”
Quincy, unfazed by my word vomit, grinned.
“DoI have to knock?” he asked curiously as he jerked his head in the direction of my parents’ door.
“I do,” I said. “I’ve never lived here.”
Hefrowned and looked over his shoulder at me. “What?”
Ijerked my chin in the direction of the house.
“They got this house when I graduated.” I sighed. “I’m guessing, and this is all truly just me theorizing, but I think they spent the money they saved up to buy me a car and pay for my college on the down payment.”
Hiseyes went hard. “Surely not.”
Ididn’t bother to tell him the type of parents I had.
He’dfind out soon enough.
Ishrugged and we fell into step up the long walk.
Theyard was immaculately groomed. Likely by a person someone hired, and not my actual parents.
Theonly time they used to have a nice yard at the house I grew up in was when I wasn’t working long enough to cut it.
Iwalked up behind Quincy, my gaze on his ass because it made me feel better, and nearly hid behind him when he knocked on the door.
Ihadn’t ever walked right into this house. I bet he didn’t have the same dilemma at his own.
Likely, they left the light on and the door unlocked just for their kids.
Thedoorbell rang, a gaudy chiming gong sound, and we waited.
Andwaited.
Andwaited.
Andwaited.
Eventually, the door opened, and my dad eyed the two of us.
Hisgaze focused on Quincy for a long moment before he said, “We don’t have enough food for two of you.”
Likely, they didn’t even have enough food for either one of us—my mom cooked for four and four only—but I wasn’t going to reply.
Whybother?
I’dlearned a long time ago that it was a waste of breath.
Myfather didn’t care, nor did he listen to anything I had to say unless it was to argue with me about.
“Dad, I’d like you to meet…”
BeforeI could finish, Quincy interrupted saying, “Her man, QuincyCarter.”
Daddidn’t reach to take anything from Quincy’s hand, nor did he step aside to allow us in.
“Dad,” I said. “Can you let us in? These are heavy.”
Hereluctantly stepped sideways, allowing us passage.
Iignored the gaudy decorations that lined the walls—my mom was the quintessential awkward middle-aged woman who liked to put motivational and uplifting quotes on her wall—and headed in the direction of the living room.
Inearly rolled my eyes when I saw the Christmas tree in the corner.
It’dbeen up for two years because all of them were too lazy to take it down.
AndMom said it was ‘in fashion’ to leave it up all year long, despite the fact that if you did leave it up, you were supposed to decorate it to match the seasons.
Butwhatever.
Iplaced the boxes on the coffee table next to what looked like my dad’s phone.
“Where is everyone?” I tried to make small talk.
Quincydropped his packages next to mine, then caught my hip and pulled me into his side.
Iwent willingly, unable to stop myself from partially melting into his side and waited for my dad to answer.
Only, Dad was now in his chair after picking up his phone, no longer paying attention to us. Whatever he was viewing on his screen had his undivided attention.
Isat down in the chair that was meant for guests—yes, everyone but me had a special place in the home—and gestured to the seat beside me. “Have a seat.”
Quincydid, reaching out and catching my hand, really selling the whole ‘fake boyfriend’ thing.
Mydad didn’t pay attention, though, he was so engrossed in his phone.
Therewas stomping from somewhere above our heads, and then my sister and brother finally made their way downstairs.
“Tayson and Humfrid,” I murmured, then thought better of it and tacked on, “Tayson is the boy.”
Taysonwas nineteen. Humfrid was seventeen.
Bothof them were selfish assholes, and were perfect replicas of my parents, who were also assholes.
Selfishones at that.
“Let’s open presents so I can get back online,” Tayson murmured.
“I have to be at the mall in forty-five minutes,” Humfrid agreed.
“But what about dinner?” my mom asked as she bustled in, an apron around her middle, giving her the perfect ‘housewife’ look.
Momand Dad both looked very similar. Brown hair. Brown eyes. ButDad was tall and skinny, while Mom was very voluptuous.
Taytook after Mom and was a bit heftier. Meanwhile, Humfrid looked like she could drift away from a swift breeze.
“Dinner will…” Tay paused. “We can eat dinner.”
“We can?” Humfrid sniffed. “Speak for yourself.”
“We can eat dinner,” Tay repeated.
Humfridrolled her eyes but didn’t argue.
“Who the fuck is this?” Tay asked in his snarliest of tones.
Iignored him, knowing he was talking to me, but not liking the way he’d voiced his words.
Ifhe wanted to know who I was with, I’d tell him. But not until he asked nicely.
Obviously, Quincy was of the same opinion, because he didn’t answer. Only leaned over and said, “So far, it’s not looking good.”
No. No it wasn’t.
“Here.” The presents were now being slung across the floor as Humfrid and Tay handed them out.
“You first, big sister,” Tay called out, looking a little too smug for my comfort.
Then, he pulled out his phone, as if he was about to record. Which only made me more nervous.
“Oh, this one is special.” Mom clapped her hands, leaning against my father’s chair as she watched me slowly rip the paper off the present.
Iopened up my first present with everyone watching.
Themoment I ripped the paper off, my heart skipped a beat.
This was what I wanted…could it be?
Abrilliant smile overtook my face, and then my mom started to giggle. Tay leaned forward in his seat, and I knew I was being recorded.
Thatsmile fell off my face so damn fast it might as well have never been there.
BecauseI knew with that stupid giggle from my mother that the computer I’d been needing for the last six months wasn’t what was actually in the box.
Iopened the box, and sure enough, there was a sticky note inside it that read ‘IOU.’
Igritted my teeth and set the box on the ground, more than aware that Quincy looked down at the box and stiffened.
Purposefullynot making eye contact with Quincy as he stared at me for my reaction, I crossed my arms and waited patiently.
Mysister opened next, and I watched as she ripped open a huge messenger bag that she’d been going on and on about for the last three months.
Shesquealed and hugged it to her chest, her face a mask of excitement.
Shepaused, her face tilting slightly toward the bag, and then she ripped the bag open and pulled out…my computer.
“Oh my God!” she cried out, bouncing on the couch excitedly. “You are the best, Mom!”
Igritted my teeth.
Theman beside me stiffened even further.
“Your turn, Tay,” Mom urged.
Tayopened the present from me—something I’d had to save up for over a four-month period—and grinned. “Thanks, Hollis!”
Itwas a new amplifier for his guitar.
It’dcost me almost eight hundred bucks, and it’d drained my savings account to buy. But looking at the smile on his face, it was worth it.
“Oh,” Dad looked sheepish. “I didn’t realize you got him that.”
Nauseachurned in my belly at his words.
Ifrowned. “I told you I was getting it for him two months ago… Why?”
Dadpushed a box toward Tay.
Abigger box than the one I’d given him.
Tayripped it open and gasped.
Becauseinside was an even bigger, and better, amplifier.
Thesame one I’d gotten him, only twice the price, and twice as good.
Ideflated as Tay went nuclear in excitement. “Thanks, Dad!”
“Your turn, darling,” Mom urged.
Ireluctantly reached for the present Tay got me.
Iripped it open to find four gift cards, and my stomach sank.
I’dgotten the same gift last year.
Allof the gift cards would have some money on it, sure. But they’d have like seventy cents, or a dollar twenty. Something that Tay got last year for either Christmas or his birthday and had used it all but a little bit.
Grindingmy teeth, I placed them also on the floor.
Allof this would go into the trash can as I left.
Theman at my side said, “Gift cards are good, right?”
No. Not when they were given by my family, they weren’t.
Ilicked my teeth and said, quietly, “They’re probably empty, or very close to empty. They think it’s funny to give joke gifts.”
Quincymade a sound low in his throat, and I plastered on a smile as Humfrid was up.
“Oh!” she cried out when she got to my gift. “That’s so awesome, Hollis! Thank you!”
Ismiled, though it didn’t reach my eyes.
I’dgotten her a messenger bag—again, something I’d also told my mom and dad I was getting her—but it was probably half the price of the one my parents had given her. Though it still cost me close to five hundred dollars.
Shetossed it aside like it was last year’s goods, and then turned to Tay. “Your turn, Tay.”
“This one is from me,” Mom beamed as she pushed a large box over.
Inside, was a brand-new electric guitar.
Mystomach clenched.
I’dpriced that guitar, thinking maybe I could get it for him, but it’d been over two grand, and I didn’t have that kind of money in my budget.
“This one is from me,” Dad said, tapping a big box that looked like it could hold something exciting.
Onlyas I opened it, I deflated even further, if that were possible.
“Thanks?” I said as I saw the massive roll of paper towels.
Ididn’t even use paper towels.
Notthat they weren’t good for other people, but I used reusable paper towels because I felt like I was doing my part to save the trees by doing so.
AndMom and Dad knew that.
Theyhated coming over to my place and using my flannel rags.
They’re not absorbent enough.
Assholes.
Armsgoing around myself, I looked at Humfrid and watched her open up a set of keys.
That’swhen I really started to get pissed.
“Is this it?” Humfrid gasped.
Dadbeamed. “It’s it.”
Shegasped and stood up, her arms in the air. “You got me a moped?”
Dadnodded, and together, they all went outside to look at it.
Igathered up the trash, then went into the kitchen for a trash bag.
WhenI got there, it was to see the light on in the oven, and none other than my least favorite dish in there cooking.
Everyoneloved shrimp… except for me.
Andit wasn’t that I didn’t like it. It was because I was allergic to shrimp. I couldn’t eat it.
Andthey knew it.
Imust’ve stood there too long because Quincy came to find me long moments later.
“What are you staring at?” he asked curiously.
Ilicked my lips. “My mom made shrimp alfredo.”
Hepaused, his hand on my hip, and said, “You’re allergic to shellfish.”
I’dtold the man once, and he’d remembered. Meanwhile, my parents couldn’t seem to retain that information even after over twenty years of having me.
Ideflated even more. “Yeah.”
“Can you even be in the same room with it if they’re eating?” he asked, sounding like he was speaking through gritted teeth.
“Not a small room, no,” I said. “I might not ingest it, but it still affects my breathing. Clogs my nose up and makes me wheeze a little bit.”
“Hollis!” Humfrid bellowed from the living room. “You have my gift left!”
Woodenly, I walked into the room and grabbed the last present.
Insidewas… the stupid gift set she’d been gifted last Christmas. The one she’d shown me with disgust on her face when Grandma had given it to her.
Istared at it… and lost it.
Notbothering to clean up the rest of my trash, I slowly gathered my things.
“Will you grab that?” I pointed at the smaller amp.
Quincynodded, picking it up, startling Tay with the move, causing him to flinch backward.
Iwalked over to the couch and snatched up the messenger bag.
I’dreturn it.
I’dreturn that amp, too.
ThenI’d go buy myself my computer.
What was the freakin’ point of them asking me what I wanted if they weren’t going to buy me any of it?
“Where are you going?” Mom asked in surprise.
Ididn’t answer her, just caught up my purse on the way out and left.
Quincyfollowed with the amp, and then we were walking toward my beat up car.
Ipassed Tay’s nineteenth birthday gift—a brand new BMWX4. ThenI passed Humfrid’s seventeenth birthday gift, an AudiQ8. My mom and dad’s matching Mercedes.
ThenHumfrid’s new moped.
WhenI got to my Corolla, which I bought my freakin’ self, I threw everything inside, and barely contained my tears.
Gettinginto the driver’s seat, I took a few short breaths, then watched as Mom and Dad started yelling at me for leaving and ‘ruining’ everything.
Myback door gently opened, and the amp was set on the seat next to the hastily discarded messenger bag.
Thedoor shut, then my door opened.
Quincycrouched down, looking at me with a smile on his face. One that was soft and welcoming. “OliveGarden?”
Ifelt my breath hitch.
“Actually, I have a better idea,” he said. “Meet me back at your place. We’ll drop off your car, grab these presents, then go and return them. ThenI’ll take you somewhere special.”
Thetears were already threatening, so I nodded instead of voicing my answer.
“Drive safe, honey.”
Thenhe was gone, and I was backing out of the driveway and trying not to notice how my dad was stomping his way down the driveway with those stupid fucking paper towels under his arm.
Mymom was two steps behind him with the empty box and the gift cards.