Chapter Four:

I whined as I heard voices waft into my ears. Who the fuck is up this early, talking so loudly?! I grimaced as I opened my eyes. Brian was coming to. I didn’t have time to brace myself for what happened next. My mother stormed into my room and had this twisted smile plastered on her face. I flinched away from her.

“Honey, we have company.” She told me. I nodded.

“What gave it away? The other body in bed with me?” I asked. She gave a forced giggle.

“No, silly girl, Doug and his son are downstairs. He wanted to meet you while he was here. He invited us both out for a nice dinner tonight. Isn’t that sweet, Lydia?” She asked.

“Mom, I’m not even dressed.” I told her, not even bothering to see if it was true or not.

“Nonsense, if you can sleep with a boy in those clothes, you’re decent enough to meet Dougie.” She pressed. I rolled my eyes.

“Give me two minutes and I’ll be downstairs. It’ll be easier to impress your beau in actual clothes.” I tried. She looked reluctant.

“I doubt you want Zacky’s dad to meet her without pants on. How would that make you look?” He asked her, softly, bringing her attention to him. She pondered his words and nodded.

“Alright, just hurry up, Lyds. Brian, why don’t you come down, too? It might help us avoid an awkward situation.” She suggested.

“Sure thing, Ms. Wolf. How long will they be here? If you give us a half hour, we can both be showered and fresh.” He prodded, working the puppy dog eyes and his seductive pose. Mother bit her lip and relented.

“Alright, but please, call me ‘Lynn.’” She flashed him a mega-watt smile. The same smile that made all of the guys hand her their wallets and shamelessly grovel before her.

“Thank you, Lynn.” Brian smiled. “You heard the woman, Ace. Let’s get dressed.” He hopped out of bed and helped me up. Mom watched us for a second before turning towards the door.

“Oh, Lydia, don’t forget to take your medication.” She said, smiling sweetly at me. I glowered at her.

“I don’t need it, mother. I’m fine.” I told her through clenched teeth.

“I don’t want another episode, like last time.” She pressed.

“Fine. Go away.” I shooed her out the door. She finally left. I locked the door behind her. I saw Brian looking at me, suspicious. “Please, don’t ask. She overreacts about everything.” I rolled my eyes, trying to play it off.

“It’s your business, Ace. I’m not here to judge you.” He let it drop.

I showered first. I was in and out, so he would have hot water. I dried my hair and put on a nicer outfit in record speed. I put on a pair of dark-washed, high-waisted jeans, a cream bustier, a crimson blazer and matching pumps. Not too shabby, if I do say so myself. I gave myself smoky eyes and blood-red lips.

If this isn’t good enough… Well, she can go fuck herself. I think Johnny Depp said it best in Dark Shadows. ‘You may strategically place your wonderful lips on my posterior and kiss it repeatedly!’

I waited until Brian was showered, his hair was styled, and his guy-liner was in place.

“How do I look, Ace?” He asked me. I smiled.

“Delicious,” I replied.

“I’m not the only one.” He mused. Those butterflies started flapping around my stomach full-force. What’s with this guy? I think I want one thing and he makes me feel something else entirely. It’s an enigma, one that I don’t have time to analyze, right now.

“Shall we?” I asked him. He nodded.

“Let’s do this.” He pursed his lips and looked ahead with mock determination. “Seriously, though, Doug’s great. He’s totally laid back. He’s the opposite of your mom.”

“Well, that’s good to hear.” I sighed. We left my room and went downstairs. I saw a tan, good-looking man waiting at the landing. He looks a smidge like Zacky, but not much. I can see my mother’s initial attraction to the guy. He’s hot.

“You must be Lydia.” Doug smiled at me. He pulled me into a hug. He engulfed me with his body. Hm, he smells nice. “I’ve heard so many great things about you. Your mother has been telling me story after story.” I pulled away and saw his smile still firmly attached to his face. I smiled back, awkwardly. He has an accent. He must not be from around here. “You’re lovely, just like your mother.” He commended me.

“Thank you.” I breathed.

“She’s always been so shy.” My mother spoke up. It took all of my will power not to roll my eyes. Yeah, okay. I’m shy and the Pope is a homosexual alien. Yep. That’ll be the day. Not.

“Zacky’s told me that you’re in the same year at school.” He prodded. I nodded.

“Yeah, he’s been great. I’ve really gotten along well with him and his friends… as you can see.” I added lamely, gesturing to Brian. Doug nodded.

“I wanted to invite you and your mother out to dinner with us tonight, if that’s alright. I don’t want to intrude on any plans of yours. I was a teenager, not too long ago. I remember what it was like when my parents wanted to harp on my plans.” He joked.

“Dinner sounds great. I look forward to getting to know you both better.” I assured his. My mom just keeps nodding. She looks like a Stepford wife bobble-head.

“Wonderful. Lynn was just telling me that she wanted to get her nails done. Why don’t the two of you spend the day getting pampered, on me?” He suggested, flashing a winning smile. He seems like a top-notch guy. I feel sorry for him, getting tangled up with my mom. Some guys just use their money to buy people. I’m not getting that vibe from Doug. I’m normally pretty good about reading people.

“That’s so sweet of you, but really, it’s not necessary.” I told him. I could see my mother’s eye twitch in my peripheral vision.

“Sweetheart, it’s no trouble, really.” He told me. I just nodded.

“Okay. Thank you.” I gave in.

“Of course, you’re more than welcome to join us, Brian.” Doug offered. Brian suddenly looked uncomfortable. I could tell that he was torn.

“Thanks Doug, but I think this should be a family thing. Maybe I can meet up with you guys after dinner.” He compromised. We murmured in agreement.

“Well, we better be off. Beauty takes time.” Mother smiled and grabbed my arm, gently. She ushered us out the door. Doug gave her a kiss and went to his car.

“I just forgot my bag. I’ll just be a sec.” Brian excused himself.

“I’ll go with you, man.” Zacky offered. Mom stopped smiling the second they were out of view.

“You’re not going to screw this up for me, Lydia. Do you understand me? I will make you wish that you were never born, little girl.” Her chest puffed out as she threatened me. I glared at her. “Did you take your medicine?” She asked me. I shook my head.

“I don’t need it, mom. I’m fine.”

“Lydia, so help me, God. If I lose him over one of your episodes, I’ll send you to your father.”

“I don’t need them! Even the doctor said I was better without them. It’s tolerable without pills, unless something changes. I’m okay.” I told her.

“Fine, but the second something happens, you’re taking them.” She growled.

“You just want me drugged up, so you don’t have to worry about me ruining things for you.” I seethed.

“I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

“I’m depressed and bipolar. I’m not suicidal. I’m not crazy!” I told her. She didn’t look convinced.

“Since we’re talking, Derek called. He’ll be in town tomorrow. He wants to see you. I told him we would go to breakfast with him before you had to be at school.”

“Why would you do that? I’ve told you how much of a creep he is!!” I practically yelled. Oh, my God. He can’t be here. I can’t deal with him on top of everything. I can’t. I can’t!

“Don’t be so dramatic, Lydia. I’m not going to believe any more of your lies about him coming onto you.” She crossed her arms. “We both know that I kept him more than satisfied. He had no reason to come into your room after I fell asleep. You just lie so I won’t be happy!” She pressed. My eyes were burning. I was trying so hard not to cry. I’m stronger than this. I won’t show her my weakness. I can’t.

“That’s not what happen, mom! I told you what he did! I got checked out by a doctor and they filled out a rape kit and everything. You still won’t believe me.” I whimpered. I barely saw her hand before I felt the sting. I held my face where she slapped me.

“Stop your lies! Derek was good to us. He cared about you! He just wants to see how we are doing. You will be there tomorrow and you will be civil.”

“I’m not lying!”

“Girl, stop, now. Don’t make me beat you like your father did.” She whispered. I shut up, immediately. Why does she always have to say the worst things? What have I done to her? “You’re going tomorrow and you will be pleasant.”

“And if I don’t?”

“I’ll have your father come get you.”

“You can’t do that.”

“I can and I will.”

“I’ll just leave.”

“And go where? I’ll tell the police that you were kidnapped. Don’t push me, Lydia.” She fumed.

“Fine.” I spat.

“Good girl,” she smiled. She’s evil. Right on cue, the guys came through the front door, almost running into us. How much did they hear? I’m not sure I want to know.

“Are you sure you don’t want any company?” Brian asked me. I looked over at my mom.

“Thank you, Brian, but I need some time alone with my daughter. I’m sure you understand.” She said. He nodded.

“Text me.” He told me. I nodded. He pulled me into a hug. I trembled and forced myself to swallow my tears. I’ve only known him for a few days and I already feel so close to him. He pulled away and kissed me, gently. I gave him a sad smile and got into my mother’s car as she locked up.

---

Brian's POV

I was talking to Zacky until we got the front door and heard Ace and her mom going at it.

“What should we do?” Zack whispered. I shrugged.

“Maybe we should wait it out?” I suggested. He shrugged, but neither of us moved. We both listened quietly. I heard Lynn bring up Lydia’s pills again. What does she take them for? She’s depressed and bipolar? Nobody is normal anymore… but it doesn’t make me think of her any less.

“I knew Lynn was a bitch, but I didn’t know she was this bad.” He whispered.

“That makes two of us.” I whispered back. I heard them argue about what sounded like one of her mother’s past boyfriends. It sounds like he molested her and Lynn refused to believe it. I can’t believe any mother would share her attitude towards her own daughter.

“Damn.” Zacky frowned. On top of her monster for a mother, it doesn’t sound like her dad was any better. I don’t want to nose into Lydia’s business, but I want to be there for her, at the same time. I tried to shake my feelings of unease, without any luck.

I motioned to the door and we both stepped onto the porch. I looked at Ace and I’m pretty sure she knew we heard everything. She didn’t say anything and neither did we.

---

Lydia’s POV

I enjoyed getting pampered. What female doesn’t? I got a manicure and a pedicure. All of my nails were a sleek black. Mother wrinkled her nose up in disapproval, but said nothing else. I let her drag me to shop after shop. After awhile, I gave in and tried things on with her. I have to pick and choose my battles. As much as I’d like to pretend that she doesn’t – she scares me.

I got a few dresses that would look perfect over a mesh shirt or with my new killer heels. I couldn’t wait to wear them. I’m not changing for tonight. I’m not going to give in that much.

At least Doug is better than any boyfriend she’s had in the past. And he has Zacky, so I won’t be completely alone.

---

I fidgeted at the dinner table. I looked around and took in the beautiful décor. It’s swanky in here. A girl could get used to this. I flinched with how much I must sound like my mother.

I told Doug and Zacky about New York and how much I missed it. I told them what it was like growing up there, sugarcoating quite a few things for my mother’s benefit. Both of them looked genuinely interested. To my mother’s credit, she didn’t look annoyed with me. That’s a first and probably a last.

We ordered dessert and conversation was still running smoothly between us. Zack had convinced me to go a band practice and hear them play. He even invited me over after dinner. I guess Brian was supposed to come by and chill. I tried to refuse, saying three was a crowd, but he insisted. I’m glad he did.

---

Mother dropped me off so I could get my car and I drove to the Baker’s. Apparently, she and Doug were going dancing, so we had the house to ourselves.

“I’m going to grab a soda. Do you need anything?” Zacky asked us both.

“Tequila?” I asked him, half-joking.

“You got it.” He grinned and took his leave.

“Hey, are you okay, Ace?” Brian asked me. I shrugged. “Do you want to talk about it?” He asked me. I shook my head.

“Not really,” I whispered. He nodded and pulled me onto his lap. I relaxed and just hugged him. “How much did you hear?” I asked him.

“Almost everything,” he answered, truthfully. I sighed. “What can I do?” He asked.

“I just need a friend.” I told him.

“You can talk to me about it.”

“No, I can’t.”

“Lydia,” he started. I shook my head, interrupting him.

“I can’t tonight. Maybe tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” He echoed. I nodded.

“Who’s down for drunken karaoke?” Zacky asked, shaking a tequila bottle. Yeah, get wasted tonight – face the music tomorrow.

Notes

More Matt interaction either next chapter or the chapter after. Loads of drama coming up!
-Katie