I Hate You

By Frankie Town

Christopher Connors and Elena Eldridge hate each
other. They have hated each other since the 8th grade.
What will happen when, after the death of her father,
Lena is forced to live with Chris and his family? Will
they be able to see past their issues and get along?
Does their hatred burn too bright to put out? Or will
they discover that hate isn't the only thing that sets
hearts ablaze?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 31, 2016
• ISBN: 9781491817650

Frankie Town

I’ve wanted to be a writer my whole life. To be specific, I’ve always wanted to be a romance novelist. Ever since I accidentally stumbled across a Harlequin romance at the age of 13, I’ve been hooked. I have spent my whole life moving around. I was born in Thailand and have always thought of that as my home. Moving to the states for college has made me feel like a fish out of water, but in the best possible way. Whether it be traveling all around the world with my family or publishing my very first book, it’s wonderful to enjoy the adventures life has to offer.

Book preview

© 2016 Frankie Town. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 08/31/2016

ISBN: 978-1-4918-1766-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-1765-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013916931

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Sammich

Chapter 2 Roomies

Chapter 3 Tanked

Chapter 4 Tony Gets an Eye-full

Chapter 5 Great. Now the Gang is Involved.

Chapter 6 That Night at Mickey’s

Chapter 7 Shots + Horniness + Issues = One Dramatic Night

Chapter 8 Business Trip

Chapter 9 Bullshit and Threesomes at Taco Bell

Chapter 10 Picking Dare

Chapter 11 One Hour Earlier

Chapter 12 Charlotte Rogers and King Bong

Chapter 13 Bouncers, Thongs, and B52’s

Chapter 14 Famous Last Words

Chapter 15 You Fucked Everything Up

Chapter 16 Old Ryan and Rings

Chapter 17 New Lena and Old Chris

Chapter 18 Avada cadavra, Voldemort

Chapter 19 Trust Me, Lenny, You’re a Fucking Mess

Chapter 20 Tasting Blood, Tasting Danger

Chapter 21 Black Out Chris, The Handle Master

Chapter 22 He Hasn’t Heard of Shirts

Chapter 23 Joel vs. Hoobastank

Chapter 24 Baby Batter

Chapter 25 I Know I’m a Rebound

Chapter 26 Old Habits Die Hard Like Bruce Willis

Chapter 27 Hard, So Hard

Chapter 28 Showing You I Want You

Chapter 29 Someone’s Chris

Chapter 30 Choices

Chapter 31 Blood and Tears

Chapter 32 Mustard Man and Major Mayo

Chapter 33 Do You Like Pancakes?

Less than a Month Later

About the Author

I dedicate this book to my family, who have been endlessly supportive. Without your constant love and pestering, this book would probably still be gathering dust. I wrote this book many years ago, and am so thrilled to see it finally published. A big thank you to everyone who inspired me along the way and made this possible.

Love,

Frankie Town

Chapter 1

Sammich

Chris

I gulped down the rest of whatever brain dulling liquid was in my glass, ignoring the fiery burn it left behind.

Chrisssss!

I winced. God. Not Jessica Do Me Wright. I’d been trying to shake her off of for the past few days. Clearly, I wasn’t too successful.

I heard a thud and looked back to see she had passed out on the floor. A real ‘take home to meet the family’ girl, that one. On cue, the school’s sleaze bag Mark Devans slunk over to her looking highly interested in taking advantage of her current state of comatose.

Perve on someone with a pulse, Devans! I yelled, startling him out of his skin. He hurried, probably in search of another girl too out of it to turn him down.

Jessica groaned and her pretty friend Clarissa bent over her, helping her get to her feet. I admired the herculean effort she must have been putting forth, considering Jessica was as limp as the last dead fish at the bottom of the bucket.

I had Clarissa before. Despite her overall good girl attitude, it hadn’t been hard getting her into bed. She carried a major torch for me back in the day and was pretty obvious about it. She could barely get a word out around me, going cherry red whenever I caught her looking at me. I think I used to have a class with her at some point. She was one of those girls always raising her hand, unaware, I think, of how her conservative clothes that just clung just a little made guys curious.

In the yellow sun dress she was wearing tonight she looked like a flower waiting to be plucked. I doubted anyone knew that she had, in fact, been plucked. I briefly considering going over to her and placing my hand on the small of her waist, just to see if she’d lean into the touch. No, a bad idea. She and Jessica were a package deal, and I needed to stay as far away from Jessica as one could without moving to a different state.

Suddenly, my friend Justin laughed at my side as if he caught onto the track my mind was on. I turned to him warily.

Dude I told you that getting with Wright was a mistake! That’s why everyone says ‘you can only go wrong with Wright’. You just couldn’t keep the ole’ lap hog in its cage, huh?

He slurred most of his words. If it was possible, the goon was drunker than I was. Which must have taken a lot of effort on his part.

Hardihar. At least I get some ass. How long has it been since you got laid? Oh yeah. A year. How could I forget, when it’s so completely sad? I said, emphasizing the insult with a punch to his arm.

Oh yeah? Ask your mom, Ass-topher! Justin yelled in my ear, spilling beer on my lap in the process. I rolled my eyes

Do whatever you want with Helena. If she wants to get genital warts that’s her own prerogative.

Justin wrinkled his nose. "What is wrong with you man? How can you talk about your own mom like that? Its foul is what it is. And I don’t have genital warts. You probably do. You probably have genital everything."

I chuckled, taking Justin’s beer from him before he could react and polishing it off. Suddenly the couch bounced on my other side, creaking under the weight of Tony, my other lame-ass friend.

What up home-boys? he boomed, thumping me on the back. I winced as I felt my spine rattle. Goddamn Hulk was too strong for his own good. I looked at him, flipping him off in greeting. Tony laughed before assessing my appearance with over dramatized shock.

Dude something is different about you…oh yeah. You don’t have your two inch cock in the face of every drunk skank in the room. It must be an off day for you. Haven’t found the sluttiest belle of the ball yet?

"Speaking of sluts; where is Stephanie?" I asked, watching Tony’s face turn red at the mention of his girlfriend. Someone I was admittedly not too fond of.

She’s sick and–,

Yeah I know. She has a real extreme case of Nasty Bitch-iosis.

Fuck you man! Who shit in your cereal this morning?

Our little Chris here is in a bad mood because he spotted Elly-Elly-Eldridge a few minutes ago, Justin slurred, making rude gestures with his hands.

I shoved his shoulder.

Holy shit! Lena is here? Awesome! Tony shouted.

I threw him a dark look. Tony shrugged.

Not everyone hates her dude. Actually, pretty much everyone loves her. It’s just you, man.

That’s because everyone else is suffering from bitch blindness, I said, standing up.

Yeah well you didn’t feel that way in the eighth grade. You guys were awfully chummy then. You know. Until that Patrick kid started hanging out with us and – Tony started.

Shut the fuck up Tony! I yelled, getting up and walking away. He must have been crazy to bring up that shit. He knew how much I’d-Fuck it. Eldridge wasn’t going to make me mope around anymore. This was the first party of the summer. As I scanned the room I saw Lena’s friend Amy on the dance floor. Sand the red haired Eldridge bitch. Amy was tossing her long, wavy black hair, her small tight body moving in time with the music. We had always been really good friends but once in a while we’d get drunk and end up rounding fourth. Not that I was complaining…and she definitely wasn’t. It had been months and months since she and I got physical. I didn’t hang with her that much anymore because she was pal-y with that Elena. I drunkenly decided to change that. I came up behind her, leaning over to whisper in her ear.

Hey Amy…, shit I was drunk. Usually I had better lines. Amy tripped, twirling around to look at me, her big blue eyes struggling to focus. Her small, pouting pink lips parted in a lopsided grin. I smirked in response. All the guys in school thought she looked like slutty Snow White. At that moment, I could see why. She looked like a dirty Disney character, but knowing what she was like in bed, I could say without a doubt she was no princess.

Shit-topher Connors! What a crappy surprise! she yelled, laughing uproariously at her own joke. Hardi-har. Good thing she was hot. I spun her around, bringing her ass close to me and moving her hips in time with the booming bass. She didn’t put up a fight, but then again none of the girls did. This dead end town was getting boring, and I’d slept with pretty much every female it had to offer. Except for One. Stupid. Bitch.

Amy started grinding on me, giggling and flipping her raven hair, and that’s when I felt a hard tap on my shoulder.

Lena

I knew I shouldn’t have left Amy alone, even for one second to go to the bathroom. There she was, dancing with that enormous man-stitute Christopher Connors. I knew who he was immediately by the messy, dirty blonde hair. Knowing Chris, it would only take a few seconds before he had Amy on her back. I sighed, shaking my head. I hadn’t want to go to Mark’s party anyways, but Amy begged me to and she knew I couldn’t deny her for long. And, as she had whined It’s the first party of the summer! School just ended! Let loose! I thought back on the conversation I’d had with my father before Amy and I had gone to the party.

********************************

I don’t know about this, Lena. These high school parties can get pretty wild. I should know. I’m always the one who has to do the arresting.

Oh, Mr. Eldridge. You know Lena isn’t like that. She’s pretty much an old man. It took me about an hour and a half to convince her. Amy said, nudging me playfully.

I rolled my eyes. She was right. That was about how long it had taken to get me to agree to go. And I still wasn’t so sure about it.

I know she’s a good girl…it’s the other kids I’m not so sure about. She’s my baby. Letting her go to this party is like agreeing to let her go into a cage of drunken gorillas.

My dad’s ginger eye brows drew together and he rubbed a hand over his bald head, a sign I knew meant he was agitated.

Oh, dad. I’m eighteen years old. I think I can handle myself at a little summer party. Even if there are a few gorillas here and there.

I know you’re eighteen, honey. But you’re still just a junior in highschool-

But we’re going to be seniors next year! Amy cut in.

My father huffed, waving away her words. Amy and I both had birthdays in May, meaning we started kindergarten later than kids with birthdays earlier in the year. We were some of the only eighteen year olds going into senior year.

I don’t care how old you girls are! You better be careful at this party. Don’t let any boys near you. Highschool boys are horn dogs. Trust me. I was one of them.

Amy laughed and I grimaced.

Gross, dad.

My dad smiled at me, blue eyes crinkling with mirth.

Alright, alright. I know I’m a dad therefore my opinion is wasted on you two. Go ahead. Get goin. Have fun, but not too much fun. If anyone, and I mean anyone tries anything iffy with either of you, give me a call. My shot gun is always at the ready.

We sure will, Mr. Eldrige.

Amy grabbed my hand, yanking me towards the door.

Now just wait! Is eighteen too old to give your old man a kiss goodbye?

I laughed, breaking Amy’s hold and going to my father who wrapped me in his arms. I breathed in the warm, familiar scent of him. Like worn leather and freshly cut grass.

I’ll see you later, dad, I said, giving him a kiss on the scratchy stubble of his cheek.

I love you, Lean Bear. Be careful for me, okay? He said, pulling back and looking me earnestly in the eyes.

I will dad. I love you too.

Come on now, what is this? A family sitcom? Let’s get out of here! It’s summer break for Christ sake!

Haha you better get going. I think your little friend is going to have an aneurism.

I laughed, rolling my eyes and letting Alice drag me out of the door. I loved my father. When my mom died, he was faced with the reality of becoming both parents to a baby girl. The love of his life died, but he put on a happy face and played with me every day and made my childhood whole. He was all I ever needed. I sighed. I was, however, hoping he wouldn’t let me go so I could have an excuse to skip the party. He dropped the ball a little on that one.

*********************************************

I walked up to Chris and tapped him on the shoulder, betting that contact alone gave me crabs. I had to stretch my hand out all the way to reach him. Being five foot two can really be an inconvenience sometimes. Chris swiveled around, bright green eyes hazy from booze. I hated that he managed to look so swoon worthy when he was clearly fall down drunk. His strong jaw clenched as he took me in. Amy stumbled over to me.

Yay! Lena! Look! It’s SHIT-TOPHER BONERRRRS, Amy yelled, pleased with what she did to his name.

Yeah I see, I said, sneering at him. Let’s get out of here before the air around him gives us aids, I said, backing away for emphasis.

Fuck you Eldridge, Chris hissed, flipping me off. His hair was even more disheveled than normal and he smelled like a strip club. He was trashed. No surprise there, he was always drinking. Borderline alcoholic, ladies and gentlemen!

Amy tugged on my shirt, hopping up and down in excitement.

Let’s get you a drink! Amy squealed, leading me away. I shook my head. Amy knew I didn’t drink, but she was too far gone to remember. Maybe it was having a cop for a dad, or maybe it was always seeing how my friends were when they drank, but alcohol never really interested me. I didn’t like what it did to people. It makes respectable girls sluts, nice people mean, and mean people meaner. But, because of a certain someone I wanted to get away from, I gladly let her drag me off. I looked back at Connors, flipping him the bird. Amy stumbled and I caught her arm. This is why I didn’t like parties. We stopped at the bar. Amy poured two shots, one for me and one for her.

Amy, I don’t drink, I reminded her, raising my eyebrows. Amy smacked her head.

Oh come on Lena! Don’t be a pussy! A booming voice called. I swiveled around, meeting Tony’s smiling face. I had to look up pretty high to make eye contact with him. Tall and muscular beyond belief, Anthony Lucas looked like the average dreamboat jock. His brown curly hair was sticking to his sweaty forehead, and his easy going expression was as charming as ever, his deep brown eyes crinkling with laughter. I grinned in response, unable to help myself.

Hey Tone! I said, going over to hug him. I got squished. And I’m not being a pussy. I just don’t see the point in drinking.

I see the point! It’s fun and it makes Jessica Wright look less like a giant ad for free crabs, A voice I recognized as belonging to Justin announced, running in and hopping on my back.

AK! I yelled, tripping. Justin and Tony laughed as he hopped down.

Hey J! Amy slurred, hugging him. Justin’s eyes widened and Tony laughed, spanking an imaginary ass in the air. Justin always acted different when Amy was around, and I wondered when she would notice. Everyone else certainly did. One couldn’t get over how good they looked together. Both had black hair, blue eyes, and were absurdly good looking. Justin had such soft features, such a smooth, wide eyed look that made him almost more pretty than handsome. Maybe it was the full, pink mouth, long lashes and straight nose that made him that way, but whatever the case, all the girls in school loved Justin McKennic. Well, him and Chris. Bleh.

Thank god you guys are here, I said, shaking my head. You two are the only decent people at this orgy. Tone and J exchanged a look.

Tony grinned wickedly, walking towards me with purpose. Justin followed, circling around me. I backed away.

You guys…what at the fuck are you doing? I asked, raising a brow. Before I could react appropriate, Tony rushed forward, grabbing me by the waist and sprinting out of the room, followed by a whooping Justin. I shrieked as he threw me over his back.

Tony! Let me go you…you gorilla! I squealed. He and Justin laughed as he set me down.

SAMMICH! They yelled, sandwiching me between them on the dance floor and dancing ridiculously, thrusting their hips lewdly into me. I laughed, shoving at Tony’s chest. My ribs ached from laughing.

Wow Eldridge…getting double teamed? I thought you were too much of a prude for that kind of kinky shit.

Connors. God. Why did he always have to ruin everything? Tony quickly stepped away, and Justin moved in front of me. It must have been hard for them being best friends with both of us. It was especially hard for me because I saw him all the goddamn time. My lip curled up in a snarl.

"So just because I don’t fuck everything in sight like some people I’m a prude, huh?"

"You don’t fuck anything at all," Connors said, taking a step closer. Justin pushed me behind him.

Come on bro…can’t you guys get along for one freakin’ night?

I don’t know J, can Connors stop being an asshole for three seconds? I said, stepping out from behind him. I walked up to Chris and he grimaced, nose wrinkling. I went right up to him, inches away. I poked him in the chest, glaring at him.

I’m so tired of all this bullshit, Connors…how about you leave me alone and I leave you alone?! The only reason I bother with you at all is we have the same friends. How about you just fuck off and let me live my life in peace? I said through clenched teeth. Chris leaned forward and our noses almost touched.

Fuck. You. Eldridge he whispered, seething. I stood my ground, glaring into his eyes. They were emerald green and narrowed with malice, his dark lashes casting shadows on his cheek bones. My cheeks flushed with anger. I hated this! I just wished the feud would end! We were such good friends when we were little up to eighth grade. We were inseparable! People even thought he and I would end up together some day. But then Chris became a total dick. It was like one day he woke up and all he cared about was sleeping with as many girls as possible, and putting me down. It was hard to believe I had had such a big crush on him back then! That we had been like two peas in a pod. I felt my eyes fill with moisture. I hated how easy it was for me to cry. It was impossible to control. Happy, sad, angry. It seemed that all emotions led to tears with me. I bit down on my lower lip in frustration.

Chris’s eyes zeroed in on the movement, focusing on my mouth. It made me feel awkward and my mouth went dry. I wetted my lips reflexively with my tongue, making them moist. Chris’s eyes widened infinitesimally before darting back to mine. His lips parted and I looked at them; they were full and annoyingly kissable. Not that I wanted to kiss him, but it was aggravating that he had to be so attractive. It made me hate him more. He looked a little confused. He flushed and I watched his pale face fill with color. He took a step back, expression livid.

You are a cunt Eldridge…do everyone a huge favor and leave the party, he shouted, turning his back and storming away. An angry tear spilled down my cheek and I felt Tony and J’s arms go around my shoulder.

That was…weird. For a second I didn’t know if he was going to hit you or-nah. Never mind, Tony said, shaking his head. Are you okay, Lena?

I wiped away the tear, irritated at the sign of weakness.

Yeah…whatever. I’m leaving…okay?

Come on Lena! Don’t listen to that dick wad! He may be my friend but he pisses the shit out of me too. Just hang with us, kay?

Sorry you guys…J take care of Amy? I said, turning and walking quickly towards the door, avoiding the crowd of people. I felt a few more tears fall down my cheeks. My hand went to the door knob, but before I could turn it the door-bell rang, startling me. I stiffened, opening the door warily. A police officer was in the doorway, face stony but most importantly, grieved. He had the same uniform as my dad. My breath caught in my throat and my heart pounded in my ears. No.

I was informed Elena Eldridge was here, he said, voice cracking.

That’s me…Lena, I said, feeling dizzy.

Oh…Lena. I’m so sorry…so-, he shook his head, reaching forward and gripping my shoulder. Lena, it’s your father. No no no. It couldn’t be. It must be something else. He couldn’t be-

He was shot in the line of duty and he…he didn’t make it.

The police man’s words swam around in my head and suddenly the world went black. My knees gave away underneath me as I lost consciousness.

Chapter 2

Roomies

Lena

My head hurt. Everything hurt. There were worried voices coming at me from all directions. I groaned and suddenly everyone went completely silent.

I–is she okay? I heard someone – Amy? – whisper. What happened? I drowsily tried to get my brain to function, at least enough to make my eyes open. Suddenly, my mind clicked on and I regretted it.

My father.

Shot.

Dead.

I felt my heart rip in half and the pain was so forceful I couldn’t breathe. Dad was dead. Ronald Eldridge. Forever gone.

I gasped, opening my eyes. Amy, Tony and Justin were there, their eyes red and puffy from crying. My eyes darted wildly around the room. I was at Amy’s house and her mother and father were in the corner, holding each other and watching me. Last I remembered I was at the party. I must have been moved. Amy rushed to side, gripping my hand. I knew it was pointless, but I still asked.

My dad? My voice cracked. Amy nodded, hugging me tightly and burying her face in my hair. Justin and Tony joined in, embracing me. I fell apart, sobbing harder than I ever had in my life. Dad was gone….and my mother died giving birth to me. I was all alone. I was an orphan.

No! A-Amy…no! I moaned, sobs wracking my chest as I sat up, shaking them off. He can’t be dead! He…he’s my dad! He’s the only person I have! I yelled, trying to stand up but found I was too weak. I fell back on the couch, clutching my head and crying until every part of me hurt. No one said anything, they just held me. I don’t know how much time passed, but somewhere in the middle I cried myself to sleep, welcoming the darkness where thoughts don’t exist and the mind is numb.

********************************

When I woke up I found Justin sleeping on the floor next to the couch I was laying on and Tony sleeping on the couch across from me. I noticed my friend Steph was lying beside him…she must have come when I was asleep. I wondered which of them had told her. Amy was on the couch with me, arm curled protectively around my side. I shifted and she started, immediately awake. I sat up, cupping my forehead in my hands. The sun was starting to rise. I didn’t care.

Lena? Amy whispered, sitting up too.

What am I going to do now Amy? I asked, fresh tears falling down my face. He’s g-gone! What am I going to do? I looked at her, hoping that somehow she would have an answer. She didn’t. Tears ran down her cheeks and left black streaks of mascara.

I…I don’t know Lena. I just don’t know.

I whimpered, leaning into Amy who embraced me so tightly it felt like she wouldn’t let go. We cried together until the rest of them woke up, and then they joined us.

Chris

Lena’s dad was dead. I kept replaying the scene in my head; the sudden commotion, people flocking to the doorway to find Lena sprawled on the floor. Her long auburn hair was stuck to her tear stained cheeks and a cop was cradling her head, talking to people and trying to find someone who was her friend. For reasons I didn’t understand, I was immediately in action, pushing past people to look for Amy. I found her downing a shot with Tony and Justin. I snatched the glass away from her and grabbed her arm, leading her to the main room.

What the hell Connors! she whined. Tony and Justin sprang forward. Justin clenched his fist.

Let her go Chris, he said, stepping in front of Amy. I got in his face, voice raised.

Eldridge is passed out on the floor. There’s a cop, I said. I turned to Amy. You should go over there and see what it’s all about, Amy’s drunken stupor lifted like magic and she ripped her arm from my grip, running to the main room. Justin and Tony looked dazed, then worried. They ran past me and went to Lena. Amy went down on her knees next to her.

What in the hell happened? she yelled at the cop, taking Lena’s head from his lap and transferring it to hers. My mouth dropped open. Holy shit that girl had some serious balls yelling at a cop like that.

Everyone was quiet, waiting for his response. The cop shook his head and looked up. He closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath.

I just informed her that…that her father is dead, the shock that went through the crowd was palpable. Some people began to cry. Others seemed confused, too drunk to understand what was going on. I was…stunned. Her dad was dead. I hated her but I wouldn’t want anyone to have to go through something like that. Ron was a huge friend of the family, even when Lena and I drifted apart. He was always dropping by saying hi to Daniel and Helena; they loved him. He was a really great guy, and my parents would take the news hard. I swallowed once. Twice. I went to Amy who was sobbing hysterically. Tony and Justin were just standing there; mouths open with shock and sickly pale.

Get her out of here, I said to Amy, looking at Lena’s limp form on the ground. Her rosy mouth was parted and tears were still leaking from her eyes even though she was unconscious. She looked so tragic, so vulnerable.

My…my c-car is outside…I don’t know how to m-move her, she whispered, not taking her eyes off of Lena. I looked at Tony and Justin expectantly but they immobile, wearing identical expressions of horror. I sighed and bent down to pick her up. Amy freaked out, hopping up and pounding me on the back as I walked out the door, Lena in my arms.

Let her the fuck go! She shrieked hysterically.

Show me where your car is right now Amy, so I can put her in it, I said, reigning in my frustration. Amy squeaked and nodded, rushing ahead. She was a complete mess of confusion…but at the moment, everyone was. I followed her, holding Lena close to my chest. She groaned and turned in my arms, hands going around my neck. I froze for a moment, unsure of what to do. Was she awake? I looked down at her. Her eyes were still closed and she was breathing erratically. She was out of it. I shook myself and resumed following a frantic Amy. When we got to her car I gently pried Lena’s hand off my neck.

Daddy…, she whispered, amber eyes fluttering open for a second before closing again. I felt a nagging pain in my chest but ignored it, laying her down in the backseat. Tony and Justin came running up behind me, followed by the cop. The cop appraised me and Amy, who was hiccupping. He sighed.

Are you wanting to take her to your house, miss? He asked Amy. Amy nodded.

Listen kids. I’m going to have to escort this young lady there myself. It’s obvious you all have been drinking, and I can’t in good conscience–,

Fuck that! Uh-uh. No way. Her father just died! I’m not leaving Lena for a second! Justin yelled, finally coming out of his daze. Tony backed up Justin and so did Amy. The cop nodded.

I understand what you are feeling. And I agree. She should be with the closest thing she has to family right now. Lord knows that. But I’m an officer of the law, and, regardless of the circumstances, I can’t let an intoxicated minor get behind the wheel. I’m going to need to do the driving here. How about you give me your address, and I’ll give you all a ride there? the cop asked, directing the question to Amy who was clearly in charge. She looked around at each of our faces before nodding snowing.

Okay. Amy said quietly, her earlier fire gone.

The cop walked over to the car, reaching in and gently removing Lena from the backseat and picking her up. I watched unmoving as the group followed him to his police car. Alice hadn’t even bothered to close her car door. I shut it haphazardly, dragging my eyes from their retreating forms. I needed to get out of there. I was going to go to the nearest liquor store, buy a bottle of Vodka, go home, and get trashed.

*******************************

My fucking plan didn’t work. I got the Vodka but I just ended up pacing around in my room, glancing at its perch on my night stand every once in a while. Fuck Elena. Fuck her for having my sympathy without my wanting to give it. I plopped down on my bed. I was right, Helena and Daniel had been devastated at the news. They were both crying and Helena kept saying: Poor Elena! What is she going to do? I didn’t know, and I shouldn’t fucking care. So then why the hell couldn’t I stop thinking about it? I kept thinking about her, so vulnerable and sad looking, holding onto me like a child. I groaned. I hated that bitch…I really did. Great. Now it sounded like I was trying to convince myself. I shook of the thought with a sinking feeling in my stomach. One night couldn’t change something as complicated as my relationship with Lena. I heard a knock at my door and started when Helena came in, still crying. She sat down on the foot of my bed.

How are you holding up Christopher?

I’m fine Helena, I said, laying down and looking up at the ceiling. Helena sighed.

Poor Lena…we’ve always loved her and thought of her as a daughter…and now, – fresh sobbing – She’s all alone. Imagine how that must feel.

I stayed quiet. Daniel walked in, standing in the doorway. God. I couldn’t remember the last time one of them was in my room, let alone both of them. I’d done a pretty good job of making them feel unwelcome.

What’s up with the family reunion? I asked, standing up and going over to the window.

Give the attitude a rest, Christopher. Now is not the time for childish behavior! Daniel said. Ronald Eldridge is dead. Have some respect.

I whirled around, hating that I could feel tears welling up in my eyes.

"I fucking know Daniel!" I felt a tear escape and I cussed at myself inwardly. Helena ran to me, hugging me tightly. I didn’t hug her back. She soon got the message and let go. I turned back to the window, refusing to face them. Daniel sighed.

Christopher, your mother and I have something we need to discuss with you, he walked forward and took Helena’s hand, pulling her to his side. Lena has been a family friend for years…and Ronald was very dear to us. A few years ago he…he expressed to us that should anything happen to him, he’d want us to take Lena in. We agreed wholeheartedly and did the necessary paper work. Of course, we had hoped that it would never come to this, but now that it has, it’s time to act. We need to contact our lawyers but we have every reason to believe that we will be completely in our care. That’s how it should be. Lena should be with us.

I froze, slowly turning to face them.

Are. You. Fucking. INSANE? I yelled, throwing my arms up. For a goddamn Psychiatrist was really acting out of his fucking idiotic mind.

Don’t you dare use that language, Christopher! Can you really be this selfish? That poor girl has no father, no mother, no family at all! We are the closest thing she has to family. And we are going to take her in!

She’s eighteen years old! She can legally live wherever the hell she wants! I shouted.

You’re eighteen years old too! Would you like to be turned out on the street? Daniel shouted, throwing his hands in the air with frustration.

I spluttered. He was right. I was eighteen. Like Lena and Amy, I had a birthday late in the school year. April. In fact, weirdly enough, everyone in our fucked up group was eighteen. Justin’s parents lived in England and moved to the states so he ended up being in my grade, and Tony had been held back a year. For obvious reasons. Lazy fucker never did any work. It was pure, shitty luck that my late birthday was what initially brought Lena and I together.

But why does she have to stay with us? She won’t even want to. We hate each other. Why can’t she stay with someone who, you know, actually likes her?

Because, Christopher, her father wanted her to stay with us, and we’re going to respect his wishes. Not to mention, we love the girl. And you are going to be kind to the girl, do you understand? Her father just died. Have some basic human decency. Daniel said, sounding thoroughly disgusted with me.

I glared at him and Helena looked at me with a sad disappointment. I groaned, sitting on my bed and putting my head in my hands.

We…we’re asking the police if she can come stay with us immediately. And we have so many rooms we don’t use in this house, we thought Amy could come too and keep Lena company until she gets settled in. We already discussed it with Amy’s parents. We want to help her Christopher. We don’t need your approval, Christopher. Just your cooperation, Helena said, walking out of the room with Daniel. The second the door closed I grabbed the bottle of Vodka, opening it and chugging it like it was water. The girl I hated was about to move in with me, and my life was about to turn upside-fuckin-down.

Lena

I had stayed at Amy’s house for about a month now. A normal day consisted of me staying in bed staring up at the ceiling. Of course, the group still came in and talked to me, but they loved me enough to give me space. I was in a downward spiral. I hadn’t even protested a week ago when Amy told me that the Connors wanted me to stay with them. Nothing mattered anymore. It was like my brain completely shut down. Don’t get me wrong, I still felt pain. It was just that the pain was so intense and crippling my mind went into overdrive. But that was a few hours ago, now that we were about to leave I began to realize what was going on. Tony and Justin sided were completely outraged.

"Amy it’s Connors! He treats Elena like shit! He may be our friend but there is no way in hell I’m letting her stay with that asshole!"

Amy looked down to the hands she was wringing in her lap.

The Connors want to help her like we do…and…did you notice how Chris helped Lena that night? When he was carrying her? He may be a dick but even he know he needs to be sensitive right now. And I’m staying with her for a while. Maybe what she needs right now is…you know…a house with…a family.

"We are her family Amy!"

I know Tony…and there is no way in hell we are leaving her. But Mr.Eldridge wanted her to stay with them if anything ever happened to him. They want to help. We should let them. You know, as long as we can be there all the time. Otherwise I’d pack my bags right now and haul her ass to Mexico where we’d begin our lives as outlaws.

They were whispering in the other room but I could still hear them. I stood up and walked over to them. They all leaned away from each other guiltily, and I saw the sadness behind their pasted on smiles.

Hey Lena, Tony said, coming up to me and grabbing my hand, squeezing my fingers carefully. I felt our clasped hands but I was completely numb. I looked at Amy.

Connors doesn’t want me there, I said expressionlessly. Amy’s eyes widened slightly and she wrung her hands

Lena…I’ll be there with you okay? They just want to take care of you. Helena and Daniel have always loved you, she said, coming to my side and grabbing my other hand. It didn’t escape my notice that she conveniently left out Christopher’s name.

Taken care of…now I was something that needed to be taken care of. I always loved the Connors…except for Chris. They were like family to me and I had to admit that at the moment the closest thing to family I could get sounded good. But Chris…I didn’t know if I could handle his attitude. Not on top of everything else. My life was falling spectacularly to pieces. I closed my eyes and felt a tear leak down over my lashes.

Justin rusehd over and hugged me along with Amy and Tone.

Oh Lena! You don’t have to–,

Just take me there Amy, I whispered, too weak to argue and too numb to understand why I wasn’t even trying. Amy wiped away my tears and nodded, taking my hand.

Chapter 3

Tanked

Lena

We didn’t talk much in the car. I mostly just looked out the window while Amy chatted away. I liked it that way. It was almost as if her ramblings calmed me. The affect wore off as we got to the Connors mansion. I hadn’t been there for so long, I almost forgot how enormous it was. Amy stopped the car, turning to me.

You sure you want to do this Lena? she asked.

It took me a few seconds before I nodded, opening the car door, a duffle bag of clothes in hand. Amy and Steph had taken it upon themselves to buy me an entire new wardrobe of clothes-scratch that. They bought me TWO new wardrobes. I had really fought them on that one. I didn’t feel comfortable with them spending that kind of money on me. But they wouldn’t hear it. I guess that’s the burden of having filthy rich friends. Amy, Steph and Chris are the richest people I had ever met. Amy had