6

"You haven't kissed me yet."

Her stomach twisted.

"Kiss?"

"Yeah, flower." He brushed her hair. "Just close your eyes... let it take you."

"I—I can't. I'm sorry," she stammered.

"What do you mean?!"

"We only started dating today. I can't kiss someone I don't love." She turned and ran.

"Hey!" he shouted, but she was already gone.

"Dammit!" He kicked the groun, storming to his car. "Should've dragged her in and f***ed her hard. Whatever. Tomorrow's another day."

He slammed the door, gripping the wheel tightly.

"She's under the same roof with that guy?!" He gunned the engine and sped off into the night.

<>

Cami crept inside. Her mother sat on the couch, remote in hand.

"Good evening, Mom," she whispered.

Lexi didn't look up. "Evening? It's 8pm. Just say goodnight and sleep on the street."

"I was working on a school—"

"Shut up, Camelia." Lexi glared. "Should I call Taylor and ask if there was a project?"

Cami froze.

"I already did. School closed at six. It's eight, Cami."

"There was... traffic."

Lexi stood, voice rising. "Are you tired of living here?"

"No, Mom."

"Well, it sure seems like it. Pack your things. Leave. Go rot somewhere else."

"Please—just one more chance."

"Out!!" Lexi screamed.

Cami cried harder. "Mom, please!"

Lexi removed her slipper, raising it. Cami panicked and fled.

The door slammed behind her, the lock clicking shut.

"That's how I'll lock both her and her useless father out too," Lexi muttered, flipping back to her show.

<>

Clover burst in and headed for the fridge.

"Where's my drink?" he barked.

Kai, holding a broom, replied, "Forget the drink. I saw a mommy roach in the kitchen."

"I don't care about bugs. Where's my damn beer?!"

Kai blocked him. "Don't move. It's on your head."

"What—?!"

Kai smacked him with the broom—once, twice, then repeatedly. Clover wobbled, then collapsed.

"Oops," Kai shrugged, stepping over him to grab the beer. "Sorry, dude."

<>

Cami knocked twice, breath shaking, tears rolling.

Flora opened the door. "Cami?"

"Please... My mom kicked me out. I have nowhere to go," she sobbed.

"Oh my God! Of course, come in."

"I'll apologize tomorrow, but tonight… I just need somewhere safe."

"I'll go talk to her."

"No! Please—she hates you. She won't listen."

Flora sighed, cupping her cheeks. "You're too beautiful to cry like this. Yes, you can stay."

"Thank you..."

Jordan appeared in his nightwear, surprised. "Camelia?"

"She's staying here tonight," Flora said. "Take her upstairs."

He hesitated. "Something happen?"

"Just take her," Flora said firmly.

Jordan nodded. "Come on."

Upstairs, he opened the guest room.

"You need anything?"

"No... but thank you," she said with a soft smile.

"My pleasure. I'm next door if you need me."

Once inside, Cami looked around—and saw the mirror. Her fingers twitched.

Her toes itched. "Not again…"

She broke a pencil. Then tore off her shoes. Nothing helped.

"ARGH!" She screamed, hurling her shoe into the mirror.

"HELP!" Her fist slammed into the glass. Blood. Shards. Panic.

The door flew open. Jordan and Flora rushed in.

"Cami!" Jordan caught her as she collapsed into his chest.

His arms wrapped around her protectively.

<>

Seven-year-old Jordan held her close.

"I almost hurt our teacher... The principal's looking for me," little Cami cried.

He wiped her sweat, hugging her tighter.

"Don't worry. I'm always here for you."

Jordan stroked her hair. She fell asleep in his arms like a child. "She's asleep," he said quietly.

"She should rest in the bed," Flora said.

He carried her gently, placed her down, and tucked her in.

"What's wrong with her?" Flora whispered.

"I don't know. Last time, she said she was drunk."

"That's not just alcohol," Flora said seriously.

"I'll stay here. Watch her," Jordan insisted.

Flora kissed his forehead and left.

He dressed her wound and sat silently, watching over her until morning.

<>

Momo slapped the CLOSED sign on the restaurant.

"Finally!" she sighed, flopping into a chair. She checked her phone.

💬 Hey baby boo!

💬 Hey Momo!

💬 When are you resuming work?

💬 Tomorrow, I guess.

💬 Can't wait to see you 😘

💬 Same here.

She blushed hard. "Cooking with a hottie? My dream's coming true!"

8AM – NEXT DAY

Cami woke to the sight of the broken mirror. Her bandaged knuckles throbbed.

"I did it again," she whispered. "In someone else's home. Great…"

She stepped out in her wrinkled school uniform, dragging her bag.

In the kitchen, Flora was cooking while Jordan sat reading.

"Good morning, sweetheart. How did you sleep?" Flora asked.

"A bit… messy," she joked.

"You okay now?" Jordan asked.

"I'm sorry about last night. It—wasn't meant to happen."

"It's okay. You don't have to explain."

A knock sounded.

d off her shoes and curled into a ball.