Page 16 of Wicked Nasty

Jim chuckles. “I ain’t the cops.”

Sighing, I tuck a piece of my hair behind my ear. “I’ll be eighteen in a few days.”

He whistles lowly. “Damn, girl. Why are you sleeping in your car?”

“Uh…” My mind races for an answer to this question that has plagued me since I left home.

Liz leans on the counter and slides two plates over to us. “You’re safe here, baby. Jim here is one of the good ones.”

I smile, feeling a bit better. “My mom kicked me out. Sold the house. She’s never wanted me… and uh, my dad has no idea. I don’t have the heart to tell him.”

Liz frowns as Jim sips his coffee again. “Just like that? Fuck. I could never do that to my child.”

“Do you have kids?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “Not yet. My husband and I are saving up to buy a house first! That’s why I work these overnight shifts. Good money.”

Jim puts his mug down. “You’re safe here. I would never want my babies out in the world like that. I’ve got five kids and twelve grandbabies. Oh, and a new one on the way!”

“Wow. That’s a big family,” I say, amazed.

He grins proudly. “Sure is. Wouldn’t have it any other way. Do you have any siblings?”

I shake my head. “One and done. That’s all my mom needed to trap my dad into marriage.”

Liz huffs. “Goddamn bitch. I’m sorry, love. I should keep it to myself, but that’s not a mother.”

“Ha. Oh, I know. She never has been a mother to me. The only time I got attention was when she needed something from somebody, or when I was in trouble. I honestly have no feelings toward her… well, except hate. But… yeah.” I look around the small diner and sigh. “I’ve… I’ve never really talked about this before.”

Jim puts a comforting hand on my back. “We have that effect on people. Your family now, kid. Listen, I’ve got some friends who drive through here who will check in on you. Park near them or me when you're here.”

Liz nods in agreement. “And if things get tough, bring those blankets on in here. You can sleep out back on the floor.”

“Thank you both… so much,” I say gratefully.

She smiles warmly at me. “Welcome to the family, baby.”

After hastily exchanging numbers with my new friends, I rush off to get ready for school. Filling my arms with clothes from my car, I make my way into the bathroom to begin my morning routine. I methodically brush my teeth, comb my hair, and apply my makeup with practiced precision. As I exit the bathroom and head back to my car, I fold up the blankets and neatly place them in the backseat along with my pillow.

Before getting in the car, I carefully tuck my beloved stuffed bunny into my backpack. The drive to school is silent; no music fills the air, just the sound of my own thoughts swirling around in my mind. It's a familiar feeling, being alone with nothing but my own thoughts, but it still leaves me unsure of how to feel.

Reaching for the joint I had rolled the night before, I roll down my window and light it up. Inhaling deeply, the warmth spreads through me like a gentle wave, washing away all of my worries. Taking another hit as I merge onto the highway, I let the high take over and provide temporary relief from the weight of my emotions.

But as I finally pull into the school parking lot, that temporary escape is shattered by the ringing of my phone displaying my dad's name. Taking a deep breath, I answer the call.

"Hey, Dad."

"Hey, princess! Just wanted to check in on you. How's the apartment your mom got you set up in?"

An apartment? She never mentioned anything about this...but then again, it doesn't surprise me.

"You there?"

Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I reply, "Uh, yeah. The apartment is great."

"Good! She mentioned you guys were going shopping for furniture this weekend. And your birthday is coming up soon too. I'm gonna try to make it home in time to celebrate."

Rolling my eyes and leaning my seat back, I respond with a forced enthusiasm, "Sounds good, Dad."

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