Chapter 12 Chapter: 12
ADDISON
“Hi Nolan,” I said, balancing my phone between my ear and shoulder as I put on my pajama pants. I'd just come out of the shower when my phone started ringing.
“Hello Addie, how are you doing?” my brother asked, his voice sounded tired even through the phone.
“I'm good and you? How are things at…” I glanced at Jess who was busy applying make-up while humming softly. “home and the office?” I ended, feeling a familiar lump in my throat.
“It's all good Addison. Don't worry about us, just take care of yourself and pay attention to your studies.”
“I am. And I'm trying Nolan.” I lower my voice. “but I hate it here, I miss home. I miss poppy. How is she? Did she miss me?” I asked as I flopped on my bed.
“She's fine and yes she misses you. We all do.”
“That's a lie. You're the only one who gives a shit about me. Mom only called me once. She wouldn't even pick up my calls when I called her earlier today,” I said sniffing.
“I'm sorry, she's just had a rough couple of days. I'm sure she will call you in the morning.”
“Right.” I know, she probably won't call.
“Anyway, how was the school? Have you made any friends?” Nolan asked, changing the topic.
“It's fine and yes. Jess is my new roommate, she's very nice and has been quite helpful to me. Hang on, let me connect you two.”
I waved Jess over, “Come say hi to my brother.” I handed her the phone. While I quickly applied lotion to my hands and feet.
“Oh hi, I'm good, how are you?” She greeted, “Yes, I will. Thank you, okay bye.” I took back the phone.
“Okay I gotta go. Stay out of trouble little sis.”
“I will. Bye Nolan, love you. Don't forget to send me poppy pictures next time.”
“I won't. Love you little sis. Lay low, remember don't call attention to yourself.
“I hear you Nolan,” I grumble. He chuckled before he ended the call.
“OMG! Your brother’s voice is so sexy,” Jess said, blushing.
“Jess!” I said, my nose crinkled in disgust.
She giggled. “Well it's true, but you don't have to worry about me becoming your sister-in-law, he's too old for me, besides I have someone in mind.”
“Ooh, do tell. Do I know him?” I asked curious.
She shakes her head. “You do, but please don't ask me about him. I will tell you when I'm ready.”
“Fine, that's if I don't find out first.” I smirked. She made a show of sealing her lips and tossing the imaginary key over her shoulder. I rolled my eyes, grinning.
“Your brother is so nice. And you guys seemed really close,” Jess said, trying to change the subject. I let her.
“He is and we are.” I turned, lying on my stomach. Suddenly feeling homesick even if no one there cares how I'm doing except Nolan, it's still home.
I didn't realize how much slaving and running errands for Shepherd has completely distracted me from the problems in my life.
Until now that I'm lying in my bed and it finally dawned on me that I'm free. With Shepherd's foot now healed I have a lot of free time I suddenly didn't know what to do with.
Mom had only called me once since I was here. Even Dad, who was in jail, had called me twice. And what's even worse is that when I called her the last time she wouldn't pick up.
Martha had told me she had a rough day which is a euphemism for drunk off her ass. She didn't care about me and neither did my sisters, strange that my brothers were actually more worried about me.
“Why aren't you getting ready?” Jess asked, frowning. She was dressed up in a blue fitted dress that looked really good on her.
“Ready for what?” I asked, still lying down.
She sighed. “I told you about the party at Shepherd's tonight.”
I did remember her telling me about the party when I came back from Shepherd's in the afternoon.
I've heard a lot of the girls in the dorm getting so excited, and planning what to wear. I just don't care about going to any party especially if Shepherd is throwing it.
With the way he's behaving towards me recently I can't help, but be suspicious of him. Even if a part of me doesn't want to question it.
“I'm not going. I have to read Hemingway and write a whole essay about it then afterwards I'm going to sleep.”
“Oh come on. Don't be like that. Shepherd threw one of the best parties, with everything you've been through since you came here. Don't you think you deserve to just unwind and have fun?” I arched my brow.
“Did you forget who made me miserable in the first place? It's the same jerk throwing the party.” She grimaced.
“The deal between us is finally over, so I don't want to be involved with him in any way ever again.” Jess plops down beside me.
“Please Addie, with how full the place is going to be he won't even notice you there.” I shake my head.
“That's what you said the first time I agreed to go to the dining hall with you and look at what happened then.”
Just then someone knocked outside our door. “Come in,” Jess yelled.
Instantly our door sprang open exposing three beautiful girls all dressed to kill right outside. Denise, Emma and Malia rushed inside the room.
“What the hell Addie, why are you not dressed?” Lia asked, all three of them scowling. I rolled my eyes.
“Because I'm not going with you guys.”
“I told you Shepherd will be too busy to mess with you. This is one of the few days we actually get the opportunity to have fun. I can't leave you alone, it's not right,” Jess said, the girls all nodded as they all dragged me up, despite my reluctance.
“We're going to this party to have fun and not even Shepherd will ruin it for us. So get up. The girls will help you choose a perfect dress while I do your makeup.”
I tried. I really did but it's one against four. I obviously stood no chance. In less than twenty minutes I was dressed in my short silver dress paired with a black boots and black jacket.
With full makeup courtesy of Jess, my hair straightened to perfection. I have to admit I look good.
I'd ceased fighting it because there's no denying these girls. What people are saying is right. Peer pressure is real.
They were all s o happy about this while my stomach was tied up in knots. I just pray the night goes as they'd hope.