Chapter Two:

With Brian’s help, I knocked out unpacking in a couple hours. And by unpacking, I mean cutting open boxes and a packing peanuts war. Mom hasn’t been home, so we were able to chill with no interruptions.

I hope we’re able to be friends without things getting weird. Somewhere along the line, things seem to get weird when I’m friends with guys. Someone likes someone and feelings aren’t returned… It’s normally the same song and dance. I’ve got my fingers crossed that we won’t have that issue.

“Hey, thanks man. Unpacking would have taken me forever.” I smiled at Brian. He nodded.

“Don’t mention it. You’re feeding me, so, we’re even.” He teased. I rolled my eyes.

“Just like a man,” I deadpanned. He laughed. “You have to fight me over the pizza. Be prepared, dude.” I forewarned him. He looked at me quizzically, like he couldn’t decide if I was being serious or not.

---

“Lydia! What happened down here?!” My mother’s voice ripped through the relatively quiet house. I groaned and shot Brian an apologetic look. I stood up and went downstairs. Mommie Dearest was standing at the bottom of the stairs with her hands on her hips.

“What are you talking about?” I asked her as my eyes scanned the downstairs. I can’t see a mess or anything broken. She probably picked some tiny thing to freak over.

“Lydia, how many fucking times do I have to tell you to clean up after yourself? You’re not a goddamn child. I’m not your fucking maid. You can’t just throw things in the fridge. You weren’t raised in a fucking barn.” She seethed. I rolled my eyes.

“Are you high?” I asked her, seriously. “Out of the two people who live here, I’m not the messy one. I’ve never been the messy one. I think you’re confusing the two of us.” I told her. She made a face at me.

“Honestly, having you was the biggest mistake I’ve ever made.” She growled. I crossed my arms. And there is it again. Her infamous line. ‘If I never had you, I would be happily married by now…’ ‘I wouldn’t have missed out on the best years of my life, if I wasn’t knocked up.’

“It’s not my fault you never learned how to use a condom.” I told her, unwavering. The thing about my mother, she’s intimidating. If looks could kill… her glare would skin my alive. She’s a good seven inches taller than me. She towers over me, but then again, most people do.

She’s mean-spirited and selfish. I’m calculating and quick-thinking. I have to be quick on my feet to prevent getting knocked on my ass. She’s never hit me but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t threatened to. She’s small and I’m smaller. She blames me for everything going wrong in her life. I cannot for the life of me figure out why she even bothered to move me here. I would have been happier in NYC. I bet anything, it’s because Zacky’s dad asked her to. He’s probably a family man and she’s pretending to be the same.

“Well, I guess we both learned from that mistake.” She retorted, coldly. I sighed.

“Is that all you wanted?” I asked her.

“Whose car is parked out front?” She asked.

“A friend’s,” I replied, vaguely. She grimaced.

“Are you being safe? The last thing we need around here is a baby.” She dug through her purse and handed me a handful of condoms.

“Give me a break. I’m not stupid. And I don’t open my legs for the first man I meet, in hopes that he will take care of me financially. We don’t share that in common.” I taunted her. She tightened her lips into a thin line. “I met Zacky.” I told her. Her eyebrows rose questioningly. “Doug’s son…” I reminded her. She still looked confused. “He has a teenage son, who I’m sure you’ve been introduced to. He knew who you were.”

“Oh, him,” was all she could utter. Of course, why would he be important? “That’s nice, honey. Good looking out.” She smiled. Of course. When it stays all about her, we have no problems.

“I live to make you happy.” I told her, sarcastically. The sarcasm was missed by her and flew right over her head. She touched my arm.

“Can I meet your little friend?” She asked me. I balked at her. Her mood swings are ridiculous and hard to keep up with... And I'm the bipolar one?

“Sure, anything for you, Lynn.” I told her, smiling tightly. She just looked at me, expectantly. I went back upstairs and crept back towards my room. Brian was standing in my doorway. I had forgotten to close my door. Of course he was listening in. Who wouldn’t be? “My mother would like to meet you.” I told him, rolling my eyes. He chuckled.

“Anything for you, Ace.” He smirked and followed me downstairs. He kept his hand on the small of my back. The small gesture made me feel tons better. “I’m Brian, but we’ve actually met before.” Brian introduced himself, holding a hand out. She shook it, gingerly – trying to place his face.

“You’re friends with Doug’s son.” She nodded.

“Zacky,” I reminded her. She waved her hand at me, dismissively.

“I didn’t know you have such a great daughter.” He smiled, knowing it would push her buttons. She gave him a warm, fake smile.

“I adore her.” She agreed, with far too much enthusiasm to be believable. Is she really that transparent? How could she not know that he heard her ripping on me, not even five minutes earlier? I fucking hate people.

“She’s beautiful.” Brian mused, quietly. I gave him a shy smile. Man really knows how to give girls the warm and fuzzies.

“Just like her mother,” mom tried. Neither of us said anything. My mom is gorgeous, but her personality totally ruins it. If I didn’t know her, I would think that she’s the prettiest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. “Well, if you kids need anything… let me know.” She winked at Brian and sauntered off to her room. I scoffed after she walked away. Hitting on eighteen-year-olds has got to be a new low, even for her.

“You wanna get out of here?” Brian asked me. I looked at him and nodded. I can’t remember ever being so enthused to get out of the house.

“Hells yes. Let me grab my shoes.” I told him. He followed me back upstairs. “I’m sorry about her.” I apologized.

“Hey, no one’s parents are perfect.”

“Yeah, but did you meet the woman?”

“Yeah, she’s brutal. She’s never that bad at Zacky’s.” He murmured.

“I bet. She puts on a new personality around men. I don’t have a dick, so I don’t get that luxury.” I smirked.

“We can hang out at my place.” He offered.

“That’d be great.”

“Do you think she’d notice if you didn’t come home tonight?” He asked me. I shook my head.

“Nope. She’d probably be elated.” I told him.

“Pack a bag. You can crash with me.” He tossed me an empty bag. I smiled, realizing he just gave me an escape for the night.

“Thanks Bri.”

“Anything for a pretty face.”

---

I sprawled out on Brian’s bed, successfully hogging the bowl of popcorn. I couldn’t get over how comfortable I was. Some of that was due to the shirt I stole out of his drawer to sleep in. It feels like we’ve been tight forever.

“My parents are pretty laid back. If you ever need to get out of the house, you can always come here.” He offered. I smiled and cuddled into his side.

“Thank you. You’ve been a godsend. I was going crazy not knowing anybody. She gets a little intense when I don’t have anyone. Ya know?” I whispered.

“Hey, you’ve got at least one friend now.” He pointed out.

“Now that you’ve said it, you’re stuck with me forever.” I stuck my tongue out at him. “Next time we hang, I opt for tequila.” I grinned. He laughed.

“The guys are having a get together tomorrow. Tequila should be on the menu.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Notes

Thank you for all the comments, guys! :) I updated the character pics. Let me know what you think. As always, comments are appreciated!
-Katie