I was an angry kid because of it. I got mad easily and threw tantrums when things didn’t go my way.
I would defy teachers’ orders and refuse to do my work. I may have been friendly, but I was also a pain in the ass more often than not.
As I got older, my attitude was still there, but I wouldn’t say it was as bad. I got more used to not having them around, and then I grew to prefer it.
The sex, drugs, and drinking were easier to do in parentless household.
I wonder what my parents would say if they ever found out about any of that. Would they be disappointed? Would they even care?
Probably not.
Either way, it hasn’t really taken a toll on my emotions in a while. Lately, I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Last I heard, they were somewhere in Spain. Mom had texted me a picture of a beach they were at. That was the first contact we’d had in weeks.
I received that text five days ago in my psychology class. I haven’t mentioned it to anyone, especially Ellie because she’ll get pissed and want to take matters into her own hands.
I’ve looked back at it every day since, wondering what they’re doing and where they are now. Honestly, I probably should have gone to a therapist when I was young, but no one ever even suggested it. Now I kind of think it might have helped.
Having Ellie and Holland was a great distraction, and moving away to college was even better because I no longer had to be in that house, alone. Now, I have Ellie and Haley, and I’ll even throw Holland, Logan, and Mason in there.
We spend enough time at the Elite mansion that I’d say we’re all friends.
The guys’ hands landing on my ass catches my attention and breaks me out of my thoughts. My eyes open and my body instinctively moves against him. I’m not planning on going home with this guy, but I can have a little fun while I’m here.
Letting him move me, I relax into his grasp, letting my mind shut off.
It only lasts a minute before we’re interrupted by a hulking, six-foot two brick of a man who is standing so close to us, I can practically feel the heat radiating off of his body.
Holland stands with his fists clenched at his sides; his face pulled into a scowl. He looks angry, but I don’t know what for. He was fine earlier. Did something happen while I was dancing?
It takes a minute for the guy I’m with the realize I’ve stopped moving and we are now being watched.
His movements slow and he clears his throat awkwardly.
“Oh, hey Monroe. I didn’t know you were here tonight,” he says sheepishly. Is he afraid of Holland? Holland isn’t scary, at least he’s not scary in my eyes.
He is a very tall, very muscular, very intimidating rugby player, but to me he’s still the eight-year-old boy I used to climb trees with.
“Colton,” Holland says bitterly. “I’m gonna cut in.”
My eyes narrow in suspicion as Connor looks at Holland like he has six heads.
“W-what?” he asks.
Holland takes a step closer, making the guy step back.
“Get lost, Kent.”
Colton looks from Holland to me, and I’m pretty sure I look just as confused as he is.
“Oh, shit. Sorry, bro. I didn’t know you guys were a thing,” Colton rubs the back of his head, taking another step back.
My eyes widen when what he just said finally registers. I look at Holland, waiting for him to tell the guy we’re not a thing, but he doesn’t say anything.
“We’re not,” I tell him, feeling Holland stiffen slightly at my side. Colton looks confused as hell, and honestly, that’s how I feel right now. Confused as all hell. What is Holland doing?
“Get out of here, Kent. I have to talk to Lainey, alone,” he spits. My eyes narrow so much I’m practically squinting as my body starts to buzz from the mix of alcohol and anger.
This wouldn’t be the first time Holland has tried to involve himself in my love life, or lack thereof, and I swear to God, he does it on purpose just to piss me off. Like he doesn’t want me to be happy, or at least content.
