Lonely Life #9
Roxie jumped down from the window. I commented, “Wow. You’re graceful, like a cat.” Her eyes flashed and she growled before she laughed. Roxie disagreed, “Uhh nope, I’m definitely not like a cat.” I said, “Ok. Thanks for everything. By that I mean I heard you before I passed out, I guess.”
Roxie studied me, “Do you remember the wolves?” I nodded, “Yes. I probably would probably be scared that a pack of wolves were around, but I wasn’t. It was like when I heard them, I knew I was safe. I actually was relieved. That’s crazy right?” Roxie jolted as if I shocked her.
I continued, “Crazier is the, I guess I’ll go with aura, your brother and dad exude. It makes me feel so safe. Which is weird. I thought your brother had a safe feeling type aura, but your dad’s is on another level.” Roxie gasped, “No way. Listen Tess…”
Mom stormed back into the room and her eyes narrowed on Roxie.
Mom grabbed my arm announcing, “We are leaving this place and these people.” I told her, “You need to thank them because they saved me, yet you’ve been nothing but rude.
They took care of me, brought me to a hospital where I received care. ”
“All while you couldn’t be bothered to care about me, my abusive ex, his stalkerish tendencies, and now he’s attempted to MURDER ME! You’ve been rude to Beck and now Roxie. Roxie is the one who found me, mom.”
Mom eyes narrowed muttered, “Yes, Roxie and I have met already.” I asked Roxie, “So, did my mom say thank you?” The odds were slim to none. Roxie snorted, “No, she yelled at me.” I gasped, “MOM! What on EARTH is wrong with you?!”
My mom actually had the audacity to reply, “I’m the parent here.” Roxie muttered, “Could’ve fooled me.” I snorted, “You have no idea. Parents, by definition, parent. You’ve never done so a day in my life, mom.” Roxie said to my mom, “She needs to know.”
Mom warned, “You shut your wretched mouth. You have no idea what you are talking about.” I gasped then my mom dragged me down the hall. Everyone there was growling. Roxie and her friends were strange, but they’d helped me.
Honestly, I liked them. Hell, maybe everyone was strange including me. I had a voice in my head that I missed, and I’d only talked to her twice. Maybe living a solitary life was bad for my mental health. That had to be the clear takeaway.
Roxie growled, “Dad.” My mom threatened them, “If you say another word, I’ll have you arrested for kidnapping.” I snorted, “That wouldn’t work considering I was attacked and they saved me.” Mom smirked, “Yes, but they don’t need the attention.”
Beck shrugged, “I’ve never minded attention. I’m not doing anything I should be ashamed of, unlike some people in this room.” Mom’s whole face turned red. Roxie whispered, “We’ll see you soon, Tess.” I turned and nodded to her.
Beck’s face turned red with anger. I realized that Roxie was back at my room that I’d exited. Which meant I shouldn’t have been able to hear her. Beck commandingly said, “Now, you wait just a minute.” The words washed over me causing my whole body to lock. People gasped.
Mom grabbed me, threw me over her shoulder, and ran to the car. She tore out of there like the bats of hell were chasing her. I looked around to take it all in. This was where Roxie told me to come for Thanksgiving.
Huh, Roxie lived by a hospital. There were several large houses around the area. Wow, her dad had a lot of money. I asked mom, “Do you see wolves chasing us?” Mom dodged several but made it to the place they all stopped. Weird.
Mom ignored my question, “Never embarrass me like that again.” I rolled my eyes, “I don’t know how I embarrassed you. The guy you want me to end up with jumped me with nine of his friends. If anyone should be embarrassed it’s his dad for raising a son like that.”
Mom didn’t say anything for a long time. I asked, “Where are we going?” Mom answered, “We are heading back to Tennessee. The man I met while traveling is from there.” I asked hopefully, “Nashville?” Mom snorted, “No.”
I shouted, “Wait! I have school.” Mom scoffed, “We’ve transferred you a million times now, Odette. I talked with your teachers and given your attack they agreed to let you finish online.” Of course she’d use my attack to get what she wanted. Mom didn’t even remotely care that Luke had attacked me.
I stared out the window and started to plan. Maybe I’d save enough money to get on the bus and ride to Nashville from wherever we were. Melanie would help me. On the way back to Tennessee mom and I slept in nice hotels. We always did when we were going somewhere new.
I didn’t understand why my mother’s boyfriends paid for her to live like this. She’d never had a job to my knowledge. When we made it to Tennessee, I couldn’t help but get excited when I saw where we were. This was one of the places Melanie had told me were safe to stay. I was actually excited now.
We drove to a really nice house and got out. Mom informed me, “You won’t be staying here.” I sighed, “Of course not.” We went inside. The man that came out running was easily the most handsome man mom had ever been with.
This man was really tall too. He ran to mom and spun her around greeting, “Morgan, welcome. I know you were worried about being in this area, but I assure you it will be fine.” I rolled my eyes hearing the name my mom gave him.
To be fair, that was almost her real name, Morgana. So it almost wasn’t a lie. I couldn’t believe mom hadn’t briefed me on our names here usually by now she had. Dang. Mom must be smitten. The man turned and saw me.
He smiled, “Well, you are beautiful like your mother.” We didn’t really look alike.
He continued, “I’m terribly sorry about your accident.
That must have been very frightening. Come on inside, I have cookies for you in the kitchen.
When my girls were your age, a cookie and some milk could fix everything.
Well, when they were younger. Teenagers are hard to figure out. ” I laughed.
What was this guy doing with my mom? He was far too nice. Inside there was a literal plate of cookies. Mom squeezed my arm. I knew what she was telling me, and I was that I could only have one. She’d say it out loud if it wouldn’t look bad to her boyfriend. I took a bite.
I told him, “These are amazing.” The man smiled, “I wish I could take credit, but my maid is the baker.” I told him, “Well, she did a great job.” He said, “Your mom told me you prefer your own place. I completely understand.” Well, that made one of us.
He continued, “I just want you to know, I’m not here to be your dad; however, I hope we can be friends. Your mom and I will be traveling quite a bit for a few months. I’m sorry for that but hope once we are home you and I can get to know each other better.” I nodded, “Sure.” It was probably a lie.
If this guy lasted more than a week with my mom, he was going to regret it. She’d suck the nice right out of him. I actually found myself not wanting that to happen. He added, “I’m Jarchi by the way.” I said, “That’s a unique name. I’m….” I actually didn’t know what name I was going by here.
Jarchi laughed, “Are you having trouble? It must be hard to remember one of many names. I have the same problem sometimes. Though I did tell you my true birth name.” I noticed my mom had left. I whispered, “Odette.”
Jarchi smiled, “A beautiful name for a special girl. You’ll like my girls. Hopefully, they pop in when your mom and I are back. Maybe we can all even visit my home. Rules are different there now. I haven’t been back in quite some time, and it would be nice to see the place.”
I asked, “Where are you from?” Jarchi frowned then started to answer. Mom yelled, “Katie, let’s go! We are taking you to your place now.” I guess my name was Katie. Jarchi winked at me as we walked out and got into his car.
My jaw dropped when we drove to the nicest apartment complex I’d ever seen from the outside. The one Melanie had me living in was amazing, but the outside made you think otherwise. The inside was immaculate though. Jarchi got out.
Mom told him, “This is lovely, Jarchi.” Jarchi said, “I told you that I’d take care of your little girl, and I don’t break promises.” Mom teased, “Because you can’t.” Of course he could. Everyone could break a promise. I gratefully said, “Jarchi, thank you this is beautiful.”
Jarchi laughed, “You haven’t even seen the inside. Come on!” There was a door attendant, and a security guard. Just wow. Best of luck getting in Luke. Asshole. We went upstairs to a two bedroom apartment. It had all new appliances. In fact, everything was brand new.
Jarchi told me, “I have an account at the local hardware store. If you want to paint any of the rooms, feel free to charge it to my account. I do hope you put some accent walls together and liven up the place.” My mom’s new fling smiled warmly at me then said, “Now, let’s get down to the garage.”
The man was so excited that mom and I followed without question.
Why were we going to the garage? Mom looked confused, so I didn’t ask.
When the garage opened, he led us to a space with a brand new red mustang convertible.
Jarchi handed me the keys smiling. I asked incredulously, “You bought me a car?!” Jarchi smiled, “Of course. You are sixteen and need to be able to get around while we are gone.”
I hugged him squealing, “Thank you!” Mom scoffed, “You don’t know how to drive, Katie.” I shot her a glare. Jarchi assured us, “That’s quite all right. You gals are always on the move and busy. I’ll hire someone to teach her. Then when we get home dear, I’ll continue her lessons.”
Mom smiled brightly at him saying, “You are just too much.” Jarchi laughed, “I assure you, I’m not.” Mom added, “You don’t need to hire someone, just give her the lessons yourself.” Which means I definitely wasn’t getting them.