I bet that's when the regret began to set in. Having a kid right out of high school really puts a dent in the college party scene, or when you want to hang out with your friends, and even worse when you're trying to have a date night with a screaming kid on your hip.
On top of all that, I was apparently a tough kid. I didn't listen, I was a bully, and overall I had a bad fucking attitude. My mother likes to remind me that not much has changed and then my dad tries to soften the blow by saying I resemble her in more than just looks.
I don't care.
"Ivy!" He yells out from the bottom of the stairs. "Come tell us about your day."
I can't ignore him for long, he won't allow it, and then it would get Mom started, something I don't want. She may be quiet and stays out of the way, but once she's set off there's no going back.
I grumble to myself as I roll out of bed and leave my room. This room used to belong to my Uncle Emmett when he lived here and I still have a few posters of his on the wall. Hip hop artists from his time, a couple of skateboards, and then there’s a picture of him with my Uncle Travis and Aunt Adri. I apparently chose this bedroom for all of it and cried when Dad offered to take them down.
I head down the stairs and hear my little sister’s laughter. I fight hard to keep the smile off my face at the sound but I lose miserably. Dahlia will always be my weakness because she’s still so innocent and pure. She’s a typical seven year old, full of questions, and unaware of dangers. And she loves me more than anyone ever has.
“Ivy!” She squeals and wiggles herself out of Dad’s lap.
“How’s my pretty flower?” I bend down and let her crash into me.
“I’m so happy you get to stay home this time.” She mumbles into my neck, her breath hot.
“I’m happy to stay with you too, Flower.”
It was always the hardest to say goodbye to Dahlia after my visits because she would cry until she lost her breath and my blackened heart would break.
“How was school, Ivy?” Dad asks as I disentangle myself from Dahlia’s arms.
“Good.” I shrug.
“As long as she stays away from the teachers it will continue to be good.” Saxon snickers as he comes into the room.
He’s twelve going on thirty and a fucking snob on a good day. He’s extremely smart-fucking gifted-and looks a lot like Dad with his bright green eyes and build. He’s going to be a lady killer and he fucking knows it.
“Speaking of,” I grin at him. “How’s your teacher doing?”
“She’s a girl.” He chuckles like he got one over on me.
“And?”
“Alright,” Dad cuts in. “That’s enough.”
Saxon is looking at me wide eyed and confused. Good. The little shit thinks he knows everything.
“Who wants pizza for dinner?” Dad asks and I turn, heading for the front door.
“I’ll grab something out, I made plans.” I call back.
“With whom?” He asks.
“Molly.” I answer.
Might as well make her and her family useful.
“Make sure you drive carefully.” Her voice makes me halt mid-step. It’s quiet but assertive and I turn my head to look at her.
I really am a near duplicate of Emberlise Greene. We both have thick mahogany hair, big blue-green eyes, and stand eye to eye. I’m curvier than my mother but besides that, we are basically the same person, and she’s stunning to look at.
“Okay.” I nod.
“If you’re taking Shelby to the strip, make sure you wash her down after, and don’t scuff her.” She says just before she disappears back into her office and the door shuts behind her.
I stand there staring at the door in shock. She knows I go to the strip?
I shake off the shock and quickly leave the house before she changes her mind to care. I don’t know why that shocks me as much as it does because the woman knows everything.
She just doesn’t give a shit.
ME: I’m here.
Carmelo: I’m pulling up in 5.
I lean back on the red hood of the Shelby and watch the gathering cars around me. The strip has become more popular since I left and I grin as I look around the crowd. Guys and girls of all ages gathering together and panting over sexy cars.
I hear the familiar deep rumble of an Audi R8 and look over my shoulder as it pulls up beside me. The doors open and I watch as Carmelo and Cameron slide out, causing everyone to look at them.
They are both devastatingly handsome and have so many girls here in Whitsborough chasing them. Where Carmelo is dark and mysterious, Cameron is fair and approachable.
Tonight they look their parts. Carmelo is dressed in dark wash baggy jeans, a white v-neck, and his leather jacket. His black wavy hair is covered with a black bandana and his dark eyes hold a hint of trouble. He’s tall, towering over most at six and a half feet.
Cameron has on a pair of black fitted jeans, a white hoodie, and a black bandana tied around his neck. His blonde hair is combed back slick over his head and his bright blue eyes twinkle with mischief. Cameron sucks people in and Carmelo spits them out.
They make their way over to me and I chuckle when everyone stops to watch our exchange. This is me announcing my return and I have two of the most popular guys ready to take up my flanks.
Carmelo and I are in the same grade, but Cameron is a year younger. I actually feel bad for him next year when we’ve moved on to college and he has his senior year here without us.
