Chapter 3

UNEDITED-

Marisol POV-

"I don't know what you think you heard-.." I spoke trying to contain every ounce of emotion. She can't have even heard that much, but along with the incident earlier and her prying gaze it seems I can't make up a good enough lie.

"Sol please don't.." She sighed before I even finished my attempt.

"Fuck.." I let out as almost a whisper, walking a foot away from her.. If this gets out it won't even matter if it is true.. one look at us and they will take my brothers.. at this thought I walked back to Alex who just stood their with a sad look on her face. "If you meant what you said earlier.. that you were sorry. Now would be a really good time to prove it.."

"This is dangerous" Alexa furrowed her brows, clearly torn.

"It isn't, honestly I can handle him" Oh I'm digging myself a hole.. why does she always seem to get information out of me, she's not even trying.. this is the whole reason I stayed away from her! because she couldn't keep her mouth closed.

"He is not just two girls in the cafeteria.. you can't face these things alone.. why don't you tell your mum?" She asked, seemingly trying to help.

"I can't okay!" I started out overly aggressive but managed to pull it back.. "I really just need you to keep this between us and everything will be fine" .. "I should have just let you all continue bashing me" I rubbed my forehead in frustration..

"We weren't 'all' bashing you.."

"Okay.. some of you were bashing me, and the rest of you were complicit in bashing me.. better?"

"Well from where I was sitting you were the one that did the bashing.." She said almost laughing.

"You find it funny that I hurt your friends?" I asked smiling but confused..

"No, you should never have harmed anyone.." Alex looked to me and away again.. "-but I do think they both had it coming.." At least she knows she hangs around with A-holes... where is she on this line? I haven't decided yet.

"Agreed.. so can you keep this to yourself please?.." I asked.

"I won't say anything, on one condition.."

"What is it?" I rolled my eyes..

"Give me your phone.." She demanded holding her hand out to take it.. I did as she said pulling it from my coat pocket and handing it to her.. "No Sol, unlock it.." I took the phone back, unwillingly unlocking it..

"Here.." I passed it back over. As she took it I held on a few extra seconds.. Why does she want my phone?.. She began typing and pressing and doing God knows what.

"Now my number is in there. If you need anything.. a ride.. a friend. Just call me" She handed me back the phone and solemnly smiled. That's all I have to do?.. This was easier than I thought. I have no intention of ever dialing her number.

"Thanks.." I made a small smile back.. "Well I guess I'll see you around"..

"Yeah.. bye" She did a little wave as I turned away.. I could have done so much better off without today, at least it's almost over. I wonder what level of Hell I will find when I get home. I've never acted this recklessly before.. I really don't know why I let the rage control me.

---

When I walked into my house I had low expectations, my worries were put to rest as soon as I saw all three of them on the couch sleeping. The tv lit up the room, it was paused on the title screen.

I went to the kitchen to grab a cereal bar. I almost jumped out of my skin when I turned around to see my father standing there yawning.

"Woah!" I shouted.. His eyes pinged open.."Sorry you scared me"..I explain even though it was completely obvious.

"It's alright.. how was your detention?" He asked scarily casual.. he hasn't asked me anything about myself in literally years.. I just stared at him dumbfounded for a few seconds before I asked my own question.

"Did they eat?" ..

"Yes.. we ordered food. Forrest told me what to get you.. it's in the microwave.." I raised my eyebrows in surprise. He treated us to dinner?.

"Wow.. thanks. Do you think you can do this for the rest of the week?" I know he said he could, but I need to be sure he's not going to flake on us.. I don't really have many choices.

"I won't let them down" He seemed sure but I still hate having to rely on him.

"Okay well, they will tell you when and where they need to go.." .. "If you need money for the bus I can-" ...

"I've got it Marisol.. really" He nodded, brushing his dark hair back with his hand.

"Okay" I nodded still not believing him..

I woke up Auggie and Forrest. If they sleep for too long they won't get to sleep tonight. "How was detention?" Forrest asked as he squinted his eyes open and sat up on the sofa.

"It was boring" I laughed.. "Don't ever get one" I shook my head..

"Why did you have one?" August asked sweetly..

"I made a mistake" I smiled to him.

"What happened?" Forrest asked.

"Sometimes people say things that make you really mad. If you react to it, they win.. today I let them win but it won't happen again" I tried to reassure them that rising above it is always the best option, even if sometimes I can't take my own advice..

"What did they say?" Forrest asked..

"It doesn't matter now.. Anyway I'm going to the park, would you like to come?" .. Both of them jumped up and ran for their shoes and coats..

"Marisol why don't you eat first?" Our father asked, I completely forgot he was here.

"I'm okay, I'll eat later.." I replied simply, walking off past him to get my own coat.

-----

After a few hours at the park we came home to find an empty house.. What am I going to do about tomorrow?.. crap. A couple of hours later I put the boys to bed and kissed them both goodnight. As I thought about my options I began scrolling through my contacts.. I found Samantha's number, a friend from my waitressing job, well actually she is probably my only friend.

'Hey are you up? I have a really big favour to ask.' I texted.

'I'm awake, what's up? And why did Alvin tell us you won't be coming in for the rest of the week? it's so boring without you!'..

'I have detention and Are you busy tomorrow around 3pm?'

'That doesn't sound like you, and that's only one hour right? Why don't you just come in late?'..'Oh and I'm gonna be at work tomorrow, sorry I wish I could help.'

'Alvin said it would be easier to find someone to just cover the whole shift.. And It's okay, no worries. I hope it goes smoothly'

'Thanks, I hope you find help with that favour. Good night'

'Goodnight' .. Shit. I Could ask uncle Allan. I found his name and sent a text..

'Hello, I'm just wondering if you could pick the boys up from school tomorrow?'

'I wish I could sweetheart but I'm out of town till Friday..' Fuck.. he was my last call.. 'Where is your dad?' he texted before I could reply. Well I can't exactly say he's working.

'He's busy tomorrow aswell. It's okay I can call someone else, I hope you enjoy yourself.' I replied, hoping he would just forget about it..

'Okay sweetheart. I will'

I couldn't possibly ask Alex.. Could I?.. I wouldn't expect her to take them to their activities but she might be willing to just take them home for me.. ugh.. the things I do for family.

I found her number under the name.. 'Lex'.. A nickname I gave her we were younger..

'Hey.. It's Marisol. Are you awake?' Even the way it's written screams awkward.

'Are you okay?'

'Yeah, it's all fine now don't worry about it :)'

I chickened out and sent a stupid smiley face.. Fuck.

'Come on what is it?' I just left her on delivered and went to sleep.

-----

I woke up and had an idea..I wrote a note from Marcus saying I have a dentist appointment today so I will not be able to attend detention. Signed Marcus Sullivan. I'm so good at imitating his hand writing, you couldn't tell it from the real thing. After dropping the boys off at school I made my way to my own. I walked up to my locker and guess who was there again..

"Marisol.. you look stunning" She grinned.. I look beat up.

"Thanks Storm.. you're not too bad yourself.. can I get to my locker now please?" I asked somewhat playfully.

"Yeah you can. If you give me a kiss" she smirked flirtatiously. Is she serious? I have no idea.. I've been turning her down forever but she just keeps coming back. I'm not entirely sure if this is just another joke.

"I wouldn't do that unless it would make you stop waiting infront of my locker everyday and actually give me peace for awhile.." I rolled my eyes at her shamelessness.

"Okay it's a deal.." She smirked, daring me too go through with it.. maybe it could be a good thing if it meant she left me alone.

"Your serious? you'll leave me alone?" I asked raising a brow.

"I swear.." She said while crossing her heart..

"Fine..".. I grabbed her hand and pulled her to me, putting my other hand on her neck to control the interaction.. She placed her hand on my waist as we both went in for the kiss. It was sweet and soft, but it did nothing for me. After making out for a few seconds I stepped back.

"Woah" She hummed, slowly opening her eyes.

"Okay, now you hold up your end" I spoke plainly. She nodded and grinned, her long yellow hair bounced as she skipped back over to her friends, who it seems had watched the situation unfold.. luckily Natasha and Willow still aren't here.. though a part of me wishes they could have seen that. Ah they will still find out and be utterly pissed, so I guess I got something else out of it. Alex furrowed her eyebrows at me seemingly confused.. who cares.

Lunch time came and I sat down on the loner table as usual. Rain came to sit by me again.

"You Alright?" I asked..

"I'm okay, what's going on between you and Storm, I thought you didn't like her?" She asked as she pushed the lasagna around her tray.

"It's nothing.. she said if I gave her a kiss she would actually leave me alone for awhile.."

"She's an idiot" Rain laughed shaking her head, her auburn bangs swayed as she did.. the rest of her hair was tied in a plait swept over her shoulder.

We both continued eating our lunch, I looked over to Natashas usual spot finding her friends having a peaceful meal without her.. Alexa was looking at me but quickly looked back to Sky and carried on talking. They all left a few minutes before me.. As I exited the doors of the cafeteria Alexa was waiting.

"Hey.. can we talk?" She asked with something clearly on her mind.

"Sure what is it?"...

"Why did you text me?.. I know you wouldn't have if it wasn't important".. She seems genuinly concerned..

"It is important but I sorted it out.. really don't worry about it" I smiled casually..

"I know I made things worse for you before, but I really want to help"...I want to walk away but my legs said no.

"I wrote this note to bail on detention.. I have to pick up my brothers from school" I spoke like it was a normal thing to do while revealing the note.

"You're going to lie to the school? You know it's a crime to impersonate someone? And besides they will only make you do it another time.. where is your dad?" ..

"I don't know" I sighed tiredly before I could think.. "-At work" I quickly corrected.

"I can pick them up and you can go to detention.." ...

"Wait what?"..

"Tell me where to go and I can do it for you.." Her words are convincing.. I 'was' going to ask her before but I backed out, now she's offering I find it hard to say no..

"Thank you" I told her where she needs to be at what time.. "You don't realise how much this means to me.. they will be fine once they are home.. I just can't bare the thought of them walking the streets on their own"..August isn't aloud to leave school unless it's with someone they know, so I'll have to call ahead.

"How old are they now?" ...

"Forrest is 12 and August is going to be 8 soon.." I smiled proudly.

"I bet they have grown up so much since the last time I saw them.." She smiled back at me, reminiscing in our past.

"Well it has been over 3 years.." I don't know exactly how long.. her face changed to sadness at my words.

"I wish I knew what happened.." She sighed.. Her pale blue eyes traveled along the floor.

"Life happened..".. "Anyway, I don't know how I will ever repay you for this, you really don't know how greatful I am.." ..

-----

During detention my phone started vibrating, I took it out of my pocket to see who it was but Mr Davids was already standing infront of my desk holding out his hand. Reluctantly I passed him the phone. The hour passed and I even had to endure an extra half an hour for having my phone out.. my nerves were racking up as I heard it vibrate a few more times in the drawer.

After detention I got my phone back and imedietly checked who it was. 6 missed calls and a text from my uncle, and 3 missed calls and 2 texts from 'Lex'. I read Alexs first..

'Hey, I went to both your brothers schools but your uncle had already picked them up'.. 'Not sure what I should do so I'm just going to go home'.. My uncle is supposed to be out of town?. I guess that's why he's trying to get hold of me too.

His message read 'Marisol I've taken the boys to live with me, your father called and told me that he can't cope anymore. I would have you staying aswell but I know how you like your own space. The boys said they love you and they will see you soon.' ... No no no! This can't be happening.. okay, calm down, I'm 18 soon so I will get legal custody of them.. this is not so bad right? I can get through this.

As my legs carried me home I could barely feel them beneath me.. my whole body was numb yet somehow I was still aching all over.. I walked into the empty house.. and for some reason I found myself lying flat on my back on the living room floor, seriously contemplating life. I can't imagine what is going through August and Forrests minds right now. I can't even bring myself to call them.. I messed up, I let them down, I let him in.. I did this.

I decided to text Alex back.. it's the least I could do.. 'Thank you for trying' Was all I could think to write. The rest of the week I spent avoiding any social interaction. I didn't even go to the cafeteria, I went and hid in the library behind some bookshelves instead..

Friday finally came but I didn't feel the same excitement as usual.. I guess there is no need to bring popcorn home tonight. I still couldn't bring myself to pick up the phone and call my brothers. They must be so disappointed in me. I failed.. I let him back in for two seconds and he got overwhelmed, probably went on a bender, and ruined my life. My uncle is very by the books.. he had a slight problem with me when he found out I preferred women but besides that he's alright. I just know that he won't give the boys back to me easily.

It was lunch time, I sat in a window seat in the library out of the way of everyone. I've spent so much time doodling lately. I had my feet up and my notepad rested on my knees. My long black hair up in a messy bun. My pencil gliding over the page, adding shadows to the horned demons teeth..

"I don't know why I didn't check here first, this was my second guess" Alexa laughed.. I looked up in surprise.

"What are you doing here?"..

"I haven't seen you around much, I just wanted to make sure you were alright"..

"You have my number.. you could have texted me?" I'm surprised she came to find me.. "How did you know I would be here?" I asked confused..

"You always forget that I know you.." she shook her head, lightly smiling.

"No you knew me when we were 14 and still children" I replied jokingly. "And I'm alright.. I will be" I corrected.

"Okay" She smiled, nodding, and with that she left.

------

I finished detention and made my way back to an empty house.. I hate it here without them. I mean they have stayed out before but never for this long. I really hope they are okay.. they have to be. I just remembered that it's my birthday in 2 days.. Happy 18th Marisol.

I can't stay here moping around the house.. I texted Samantha, she's always got something planned for the weekend.

'Hey Sam, what are you doing tonight?'

'What do you think? ;)' I knew it.. maybe this is what I need..

'Is there room for one more?' Even though I'm legally too young to drink she still sometimes asks me to. I never went before though, I had too much to loose.

'I thought this day would never come :')'

'What should I wear?' .. 'What should I bring with me?' I asked..

'Text me your address' ..

I texted her my address and within 30 minutes she was knocking at my door. "Here.. change into this, we are going to Chloes house for pre-drinks then we have a party to go to that starts at 8.." She grinned.. Now she is dressing me? Are my clothes really that bad?..probably.

I changed into the short black strapless dress and black heels.. I went back into the kitchen where she was waiting for me.. "Oh you look stunning.." she grinned. "Let me just" She came up to me and gently pulled the scrunchy out of my hair.. The long black shiny locks fell loosely down my back.. She pulled some of my hair to go over my shoulders. After taking a step back back to check me over Sam turned to the counter and sat on a stool, she began rummaging through her bag pulling out various makeup items.. I've tried makeup.. it just doesn't suit me, I end up looking like a clown every time so I just don't bother.. I assume she found everything.. Sam tapped the seat next to her.

"No.." I said simply.

"Come on.. it's just one night, you won't even know anyone there.." I just stared at her.. She's been trying to coax me into letting her do a make over on me for awhile now.. I'm guessing she knows this is probably as close as she will ever get. "If you don't like it, you can just wash it off.." She pleaded with me.

I let her apply the various substances to my face.. it took twenty whole minutes before she was finally finished. "Perfect.." She made the 'ok' sign with both her hands. I could only laugh in response.

I stood up from the stool and went to the hallway mirror to see Coco. Only I didn't.. Where I thought my face would look plastic it doesn't at all.. a light blush on my cheeks and barely any added colour to my lips. A subtle brown eyeshadow. The most noticeable thing was the cat eyeliner. I turned my face either side to get a better look.. I've only just noticed that she was able to cover the fading bruise from my eye.

I thanked Sam.. I didn't know she was actually going to make me look better. We got into Sam's car and drove over to Chloes, laughing and playing music all the way.. I met everyone but didn't take a mental note of names.. I was just trying to enjoy myself, making jokes and talking to people I will probably never see again.. After an hour or so I was already a little drunk, we all got a cab from Chloes house and pulled up to a mansion. I thought Chloe was rich but whoever this is must be a Millionaire..

I somehow lost Samantha pretty quickly in the crowd.. I'm assuming she had other friends to see, I'm not feeling out of place.. The huge dark house was lit with pulsing disco lights all over, the music was so loud you could feel the bass in your chest. I made my way to the kitchen and grabbed a can of beer, it seems to be a little quieter in here, and better lighting too. I watched from behind as dark blue haired girl shamelessly rooted through some cupboards and draws.. I had to speak up.. "Excuse me?.. does the owner of the house know your rooting through their things?"..I spoke loud enough so she could here me.

"Are you talking to me?" She asked confusedly, standing up and turning to face me.. Her piercing green eyes stumped me.. they are a little darker than mine..

"Yes" I nodded.. I couldn't say much else as she slowly approached me, examining my features with a serious expression.

"I like you.." Her face lit up..

"What?" I asked aloud by accident.. Is that code for something? Is she trying to get me to like her so I won't snitch?

"I haven't seen you around before, who did you come here with?".. I don't really feel obligated to answer her questions but I will entertain the beautiful theif anyway..

"Samantha Doyle, do you know her?" I asked.

"Of course I do!.. she is one of my closest friends.. but don't tell her I told you that.. oh and about before.. this is actually my house.." ...

"Oh I'm sorry" I apologised sincerily.

"Don't be.. you were only looking out for me anyway.." She laughed.. After more general conversation and jokes I realised that I was actually having fun. The alcohol was playing a huge part, numbing the pieces of me that just wanted to crawl into a hole.

"Sol there you are!.. and you found Luciana!" Samantha ran to us excitedly, squeezing us into a hug together.. She is even more entoxicated than I am and I don't drink.

"Hey Sam" I spoke through squished cheeks. Before she finally let go of us..

"Sorry I left you" .. "I saw Micheal and I just had to say hello.." she slurred smirking.. she talks about him alot, they have this friends with benefits thing going on but they clearly want it to be more.

"It's alright I'm still enjoying myself.." I smiled.

"Okay well, I'll be back in a minute.. I need another drink.." and with that she was off again for who knows how long..

"You know she's not coming back right?" Luciana looked to me..

"Yeah I thought as much.." I laughed..

We spoke about nothing in particular and drank well on into the night, we even played on the same team for beer pong, and we won thanks to my superiority.

Everything began to go so fast and before I knew it I was waking up in her bed.. This is not how I wanted the night to go.. I remember she started kissing me and we came up here but luckily I must have fell asleep before anything actually happened. I still have my underwear on but my dress is a ball on the floor, and Luciana has her arm over my bare stomach.. I can't tell if she's dressed or not, thankfully she's covered by the blanket. I carefully got out of the bed and silently got dressed. The house was so quiet, it looked different in the sunlight and not those flashing disco ones. There's still a couple of people asleep on the couch and the floor.. last night was fun, aside from the fact I almost slept with someone I only just met. I lost control.

Whilst getting myself a glass of water I checked a message from Sam. 'Hey where are you? did you go home?'

'I'm akright.. I had fun, tjank you for brimging me alonfg' I texted back avoiding having to say that I slept over at Lucy's house. I can barely see the keyboard.. I hope she doesn't take the piss.

I left the mansion and began walking down the street, this is an hour walk and I'm in heels. I'm still drunk and wobbling all over the place.. I made it a few more feet before giving up on the heels and taking them off to carry them.. another minute past and my feet were stinging from the contact with the cold concrete.. I called Alexa as I was unable to type a readable sentence.

"Sol?... ..What's happened?" She asked in a worried tone.. It's 6 in the morning on a Saturday, I didn't even begin to think whether she would be awake until I heard her yawn..

"Shit, I'm sorry, did I wake you up?" I slurred.

"No it's alright I was about to get up anyway, Sol are you drunk?" ..

"Yeah abit.. anyway just go back to sleep, sorry I woke you up.." I said quickly, hanging up the phone.

I heard her say "I told you I'm getting up anyway" before I put the phone down.. I can't believe I just rang her.. how stupid am I.. oh no she's ringing me back.. I picked it up.

"Sol?"..

"Yeah?" I sighed..

"Where are you?" She asked softly.

"I don't know.. Asgor.. As.. As. Assercor? wait.."

"Aster Court?" She sounds disappointed.. that's weird.

"Yeah.. probably" I don't feel like myself at all..

"Okay I'm on my way.." she put the phone down before I could protest. I guess the only way out of this is with help.. otherwise I might freeze on the sidewalk. I hadn't planned on having to hike in this outfit.

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NOTES-

I don't really know what's going on to be honest.. that's probably not supposed to be the case but it is.