“Sounds good. Meet us at the diner for ten?” Stella answered for us.
“Ok, I’ll call you when I’m on my way. Madison, call me if you need to talk or you need me to beat anyone’s ass.” I kissed him on the cheek and headed inside.
When we got inside, Stella went straight to refrigerator for our wine and ice cream. Why was it so hard to have one night that didn’t end in a complete disaster?
“Want to talk about it?” I’m usually not one who would want too, but tonight I was showing all my cards.
“Yeah I actually do.” Stella’s eyes widen and she put her wine glass down, giving me her complete attention.
“You already know about my parents, but there’s been worst things that have happened to me that have been a burden on me for a long time. Do you remember I told you I lived in a few foster houses, but the first was with Jude at the Montgomery’s?” She nodded her head yes and I continued to say, “They were like a poison apple. It looks perfect on the outside, but rotten in the inside. That’s how they were, but Jude made the days bearable especially the days Mr. Montgomery would beat me. Jude never knew because I always lied or hid the marks.” I took a deep breath for the next thing that was going to come out. “The beatings eventually turned into him raping me when Jude left.” I couldn’t even look her in the eyes when I said it. I knew I shouldn’t feel like this but I felt ashamed.
Stella grabbed my hand and when I looked up she had tears falling from her eyes. “I always had my suspicions, especially when you came back a different person. It was like the light in your eyes was burned out. I thought maybe because of what happened with your parents had something to do with it, but I should have pieced it together when I would heard you screaming for Mr. Montgomery to stop in your sleep. I just never knew it was that bad. I am so sorry for being an awful friend. I should have been there for you.” How can she ever think she’s an awful friend.
“Stella, it’s hard to be there when I put walls up that were unbreakable. I would have told you everything in the beginning, but I could never get the words out. Just know Stella there were a lot of days I just wanted to end my life, but you were always there for me and I knew I couldn’t leave you behind. You’re not just my best friend, but my sister.”
Stella hugged me tight and said, “I always considered you my sister too, but know I am here any time if you need to talk. I know there is probably a lot more, but you tell me when you are ready.” I squeezed her hand and we both wiped our tears away.
“Now I’m dying to know, what did you do to have two hot men fighting over you?”
“Long story short, I hooked up with Jude who then left me for Chanel. Then Declan had the idea that kissing me would make Abby and Jude jealous. Obviously it back fired.” I skipped over the freezer part because that was Jude’s story to tell.
“Jude was definitely jealous. I can’t believe he hit Declan.”
“I can’t believe you hit Chanel.” I really couldn’t. I seen her fight with her brother, but I never seen her hit anyone. I have to give her credit though, she packs a mean punch.
“Right! I couldn’t stand by one more time letting her get away with what she says to you. I’m sure she’ll find some way to get me back, but it was totally worth it.”
“Don’t worry I got your back.” We fist bumped and took a big sip of our wine.
“So…how was that kiss?” Stella was a hopeless romantic and I can tell she hopes I’ll say I fell for Declan, but my heart was given to Jude a long time ago.
“Don’t get me wrong, he is an amazing kisser, but there were no sparks.” Stella’s face dropped and she took another sip of her wine before saying, “I hear you.”
“What’s that suppose to mean?” Is she talking about Brad? On the other hand who else has she kissed?
“Not about me tonight.” She wagged her finger. “Actually I have a bone to pick with you.” I had a feeling I knew where this was going.
“Yes?”
“Why in all things holy did you bet my brother he could pick me up with that corny ass pick up line!” I spit my wine out, not being able to contain my laughter. I haven’t laughed that hard in a while.
“Stella you’re the best, I needed that.” She came back to living room, tossing a roll of paper towels at me, and crossed her arms waiting for an answer.
“Hey, I walked up on him and Ezra staring at you and talking about how hot you were. They had no idea it was you and I figured I could make some easy money that I will treat you with a nice pair of shoes.” She nodded and smiled at that fact I would buy her new shoes. That girl loved her shoes as much as Declan loved food.
“So what was this cheesy pick up line he used?” I was dying to know.
“You are one sexy bunny, want to get out of here and hop on it?” Stella said completely grossed out. “For one that was terrible, two I am now scarred for life thanks to you.” I started to laugh and Stella joined in too. The rest of the night we gossiped and laughed until we both ended up falling asleep on the couch. It was like we were back in school at our sleepovers. It was the perfect ending to a disastrous night.
Chapter Twenty
