Page 50 of Diem

I’m standing at the door, staring blindly out the window, my thoughts all over the place. Frank. Uncle Richard. Dad. What does it all mean?

The topic turns to a shrill screaming match, and I sigh, before heading to my car. She’s likely to go on for hours. Dad's lucky he has to leave for work.

All through my morning classes I struggle to concentrate. By the time History rolls around, I’m dying to ask Diem about it, but I know where that ends so I refrain.

Still, with this newest tidbit of information, I can now include Richard in the skeevy club that my dad is in. What about Frank? If anyone should be on the list, it’s that asshole.

Do they talk about their conquests over beer? Shit.

If I recall, Richard was my dad’s college roommate but Dad’s known Frank for most of his life.

“Maeve?”

Glancing up, I meet the teacher's frowning visage and flush to the roots of my hair when he says, “Perhaps you could pay attention? If your last test score is anything to go by, you could use the information.”

Nodding, I sink in my seat and fight back tears. Of course, the students around me titter and I know if I look at Diem, he’ll be ready with a premade insult.

The rest of the class is a blur and I’m out the door as soon as the bell rings. Unfortunately, I walk right into Hailey who’s waiting outside.

She stumbles back. Her eyes widen before they narrow, and I have just enough time to drop my bag before she’s on me.

I’m done cowering though and all the fear and rage riding my soul comes out in a torrent.

I think I black out because when I come to, Hailey’s on the floor clutching her nose and Diem, who’s got me up by the waist whispers in my ear, “Although watching two bitches brawl makes me hard, you better get to class before Mr. G hears about this.”

He drops me to my feet, and I grab my bag before rushing away. When I look back, Diem is staring at me, and he adjusts his dick in his pants with a smirk.

Rolling my eyes, I stalk away, ignoring the tingles that caress my skin as I go.

I just kicked Hailey’s ass; I think with a small glow which fades when I consider the consequences.

She’s not going to let me get away with it.

∞∞∞

After school, I race to my vehicle and with no destination in mind, I drive until I end up at the lake. Despite my humiliation in History and taking down Hailey for once in my fucking life, I’ve been consumed by the fight I overheard this morning.

How do Mr. Yates and Uncle Frank factor into the equation? Or do they?

Once again, it can’t be a coincidence that Mr. Yates is facing charges of doing skeevy shit with a minor, not to mention murder. Have I been living in the fucking clouds? Shit.

Just how far does the perfidy in my family go?

After staring at the pristine water for a while, I open the text string from Penny. I’ve avoided this for my own issues, but now I can’t.

My life has just become a fucking crime drama and I fear if I don’t figure it out quickly, someone else may end up hurt.

I’m sending you the exchanges with Dr. Love

My heart burns as I scroll through her forwarded messages, but I push the pain aside. It’s nothing compared to what Dixie must have felt and the poor women long since dead at the hands of a serial killer.

Hello, SweetPetite, Wanna play?

SweetPetite: What are you offering? ;)

Dr.Love: Oh, a bad girl, I like it…

SweetPetite: You like bad? How bad?

---