If I were him, I would have run away too.
My hands turn the book in all directions once I’ve picked it up. I hate when my books get damaged. I try to keep them in perfect condition. Even one crease and folded page will make me get the urge to buy a new copy. I’m a mess … but at least, I’m a hot mess.
Placing my book on my bookshelf, I smooth my clammy hands down my bare legs. Breathing in and out, I let my fingers graze across multiple spines.
My attention is caught when I hear the roar of various engines outside.Who’s driving down this road? It’s like a ghost town here.
I pull my curtains aside. My eyes squint as I try to make out the cars in the distance. A car exhaust becomes louder, the closer it gets.
I press my forehead hard into the glass, and I frown when I see two fancy cars. An expensive white G-Wagon and a red Audi TT pull into the sold house beside ours.
What the hell?
“Trinity,” Mom yells lightly from the hallway. Peeking her head through the door, she smiles at me. “Guess we have new neighbors!”
Great.
TWO
TRINITY
New neighbors. I don’t know how I feel about this. My head’s a mess, filled with mixed thoughts. Should I jump in joy or drown my sorrows in junk food? I’m leaning more toward the unhealthy option even though I know I’ll regret it later, but you do only live once.
Junk food it is.
“Nope,” Mom says, rushing into my room when I walk back toward my bed. “We’re going to go meet them after they settle in.”
“Mom,” I groan and drop my face in my pillow, hiding from her view.
Please, just leave me alone.
I’m not in the mood today to meet new people and put on my fake smile that wears me down. I have my bad days and good days. Today is bad.
“They look like a big family. It’s a great opportunity for you to make friends.”
“I have friends, for your information,” I grunt against my pillow.
A second later, it’s yanked from my face and thrown across the room. I gasp as the pillow flies and lands on Simba’s face, making him fall to the floor on his stomach in shock.
Poor baby.
He looks confused and heartbroken.
“Mom, how could you?!” I whisper-yell before running over to my poor dog. “Look what you did to my son.” Cradling him in my arms, I gesture him toward Mom. “It’s okay, baby. Mommy’s got you.” I rush out as he nuzzles his head in the bend of my arm.
Hands on her hips, she rolls her eyes at me. “You’re eighteen.”
I snuggle my face into his fur. “You’re forty-five. What’s your point?”
Her mouth drops open in shock as she shakes her head. She tries to hide the smile that’s lifting her mouth, but she fails miserably.
“I see that smile, girl,” I joke. “Let it shine, let it shine,” I say right before she pushes my shoulder playfully.
“Get ready,” she says from over her shoulder as she walks to my bedroom door.
“Do I have to?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
She plainly says, “Yes.”
