Chapter 31 Caught in the middle

Chapter 31 Caught in the middle
Tate

“Jesus Christ, Julie. What the fuck are you thinking?” I asked, my arms crossed in front of my chest while I stared at the eighteen year old sitting on my bed with both legs crossed underneath her.

She blinked at me.

Just like me, Julie had blue eyes - courtesy of our father. But hers was a shade lighter than mine, just like the skies. Mine was a reflection of the depths of the sea. Her hair has always been shorter than mine, or more still, she prefers to keep them short.

And now, with mine like hers, we could easily pass as twins. Except, we’re not. Which is a good thing, honestly.

“What did you do to your hair?” she mumbled and I raised a brow at her.

“Seriously?” I flapped my arms before pulling out a chair and crashing on it. I ran my hand through my hair.

I’d taken permission from Kade to attend to an emergency. It was good, Leo had company around him.

I just hoped Isabella wouldn't set him off while I was gone. The girl could act really brash and I’ve just met her twice.

“Why…” I let out a breath. “Why did you run away from home, Julie?” I stared at her.

“Do you know how dangerous it is travelling alone without anyone having any idea about your whereabouts?” I asked and she pressed her lips together.

“I’m eighteen, not a kid,”

“Then act like it!” I snapped before drawing in a breath. I was seriously losing my patience here.

What the fuck goes through her mind.

“Look, I know I should have given you a heads up or something and I’m wrong for not doing that, I’m sorry.” she apologised and then tilted her head.

“But, heaven knows I wouldn’t have stayed another night in that house.” she said flatly. “Not with what I heard.”

My brows pulled together.

“What did you hear?” I asked and she groaned before climbing off the bed and walking towards the kitchen.

“You’ve been bombarding me with so many questions. Don’t you think it’s more appropriate to offer me something to eat first before shoving more questions down my throat?”

I remained silent as she disappeared into the kitchen.

“Jesus, what are you eating? You have no groceries….ntohing.” she called from inside and I pressed my lips together as she walked out, placing both her hands on her waist.

“Well, I don’t live here at the moment. So, it’s totally normal, my kitchen isn’t stocked.” I mumbled before I got off the chair and towards my little vanity table. God, I missed it.

“What?” Julie muttered. “You don’t live here?”

“I live with my employers,”

“Where does that happen?” she huffed. “You know you could just tell me if you moved in with your boyfriend,” she said and I coughed, turning to her.

“I live with my employers. It is what it is,” I replied dryly and she sighed, falling back into the bed.

I glanced at her.

“What’s your plan?” I rubbed the tip of my nose. “Especially now that you’re here.”

She gave a small shrug.

“Get a job within campus.” she met my gaze. “It'd be best to work around students. I could make new friends,”

Ofcourse, she would. She’s never been the type who found it hard to socialize.

“What happened to your prom?” I asked quietly. Her prom was just around the corner, and she’d made sure to remind me everyday but now, she’s giving everything up?

Her eyes turned slightly hooded and her expression darkened slightly.

“Giving it up is much better than staying around and being a mistress to one of dad’s debtors,” she bit out bitterly and I paused.

“A mistress?”

“Dad’s in a really bad debt and since he couldn’t pay up and wouldn’t give up the house either, one of the men requested I become his mistress.” she said and the more she spoke, the more annoying it all sounded.
“What did dad say? Mum?”

She laughed, but it was dry. Too dry.

“Just do it, Julie. ‘You’re an adult, afterall’,”

Now, what the actual fuck?

“They said that to you?” I spat. That’s ridiculous.

Which parents gives out their teen daughter to repay a debt. Just like that?

Especially in an era where arranged marriage and stuff weren’t really a thing anymore. That’s if Kade’s betrothal counted.

“Dad’s fucked up, T.” for a moment, sadness crossed her face. “You don’t stay with us anymore, so you have absolutely no idea how bad it’d gotten.” she continued and then met my gaze.

“Doesn’t help that mum keeps siding with him. They both need help,” she mumbled and a sigh escaped me.

Silence fell in the room. A number of things ran through my mind.

Julie staying here meant extra expenses but it was way better than dad selling her off to some man. I was about to be paid in a couple of days anyway, we could make it work.

“We better go get some groceries if you plan on staying alive,” I muttered and got up, tucking my hair behind my ear. She smiled at me.

“Well, I plan on staying alive.” she muttered and got off the bed. She paused, staring at me.

“Who knew you’d eventually decide to cut your precious hair?” Sarcasm dripped from her tone and I rolled my eyes.

“Get moving young lady,”

She walked past me, pulling the door open. “But, you look good in it.”

I smirked, following behind her.

“A compliment, huh?” Julie never gave compliments. Actually, she does but on very rare occasions. Very rare.

“I’m just stating facts, don’t feel very flattered.” she said dryly and I laughed as I shut the door, turning the lock and shoving the key into my pocket.

We were so alike but in different ways. She was me, and I was her. Except, I was not totally her.

Julie could be inhumane at times.

I draped my arm over her shoulder, a small sigh escaping me.

“I miss you,”

She relaxed under my touch, her hair rubbing my face.

“I’d say I miss you too, but…” she trailed off. I pinched her sides and she chuckled.

A smile lingered on my face.

I’d eventually have to call mum and tell her Julie was with me. I had no idea if that was a good idea or not.

It was just so complicated and I hated being caught in the crossfire.

I hated everything.