Chapter Seven

A few days later, Dawn and I had to go to our college to attend a fundraising event, as well as pick up our new class schedules from the guidance counselor. We were collecting canned goods and non-perishable items for the less fortunate in our community. Fundraising and volunteering were things that we did together and sometimes Ellen and Chad would join us.

The courtyard was filled with booths for different causes. All of the booths were decorated according to their cause and with the name and description of their charity. Some were for abused and neglected animals, another was for endangered species, to helping families who recently had their house burn down. The event that was being held at the college spanned a wide variety of topics and was all for a good cause, from local to global proportion.

And it was crowded. Very crowded. People from all over the city came to the event to help. It was remarkable, yet too much at once.

After I met with the guidance counselor, I returned to my booth with Dawn. As I grew near, a few fellow students were standing at our booth, talking to Dawn. When they caught sight of me, they began.

“We heard a rumor that you have been living Liam and his family.” The younger male states. “Is it true?” He questions in awe.

“Um… What?” I respond, nervously. How did they find out? “If you’re not here to donate, then you need to leave,” I state. Why should I answer someone I didn’t know? For the sake of gossip?

After he left with his friends, I sat down next to my friend.

“Well, is it true?” Dawn questions me, a look of betrayal displayed on her face and anger in her voice.

“Yes…” I reply hesitantly, with a sense of guilt washing over me as I looked down at my feet.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I’m your best friend!”

“I wanted to tell you, but Liam made it perfectly clear that he didn’t want anyone to know.” My voice continued, saddened. “I didn’t want to say anything and risk my dad sleeping in his truck again.”

“You don’t think I could’ve kept it a secret?”

I knew Dawn would be furious with me for keeping this from her, but I did not think I would have to be answering questions about my loyalty. Becoming defensive, I begin, “I do! I just didn’t want to cause more problems!”

Our conversation was interrupted when a girl walks up to our booth.

She had long, wavy blond hair with heavily applied makeup on her face. Her skirt was so short, it left little to the imagination, as did her almost non-existent crop top, with the top center of the shirt ripped to show more cleavage.

“Are you Bree Adams?” The girl questions with a high-pitched voice and her lips pursed.

“Yes?” I replied, unsure of what to make of this encounter.

“So, you must think you’re something special living with the Hall family.” Her high-pitched voice changed from innocent to bitter. “But all that does is make you look like a skank.”

People started to crowd around our booth as if this girl’s voice was a beckoning call.

I roll my eyes. “Well at least when someone sees me in public, they won’t automatically assume that by my appearance.” I retorted, looking her up and down, turning my head away from her to look at my friend.

“Hey!”

The sudden noise made me whip my head back around, just in time for this unnamed girl to throw her drink in my face.

“What the hell is your problem?” Dawn questions angrily, standing up from her seat as I wipe away the liquid from my face.

“Her.”

“What about her? You don’t even know her!”

“So?” The girl scrunches her face while crossing her arms. “Who are you?”

“I’m about to be the girl who kicks your ass.”

“Oh, really?”

“You have a problem with Bree because Liam won’t give you the time of day while she gets to live with him?”

The girl stares angrily at Dawn, not saying a word.

“Do you know how stupid that sounds?” Her angry voice shouted inflecting disbelief.

“Are you calling me stupid?”

“Yes.” Dawn spits, walking up to the girl. “And for your information, just because she is living with Liam doesn’t mean she is competition. Obviously, you were never in the game, to begin with. Everyone knows you’re easy. Everyone knows you’re only passing because of the ‘extracurricular activities’ with your professors.” Her voice grew louder and louder with rage. “You’re just a sad, desperate person. Especially to pick on someone who is only living there because her father is friends with his parents.”

I looked around after unsuccessfully wiping all of the drink from my face to see that the crowd grew even larger. I groaned, Oh no! God strike me now…

“What’s going on here?” A familiar older woman’s voice rang through the crowd, as she shoved her way through the onlookers.

Suddenly, I see Mrs. Hall’s face appear in the front of the crowd. My face started to burn. I didn’t want her to see this.

“Oh! Mrs. Hall!” My tormentor exclaims with joy, as if happy to see her long-time friend.

Mrs. Hall looked at her in confusion. “Do I know you, dear?”

The girl’s face dropped down in embarrassment.

“Anyway, I’m looking for Bree Adams, do you know her?

The girl looked at me full of rage before storming off without saying another word.

“I’m right here,” I respond, holding my hand up to catch her attention.

Mrs. Hall stared at me in shock. “What happened to you? Why are you wet?”

“Don’t worry about it,” I respond, mortified as the crowd started to disperse. The show was finally over. Thankfully, Mrs. Hall saved the day, and she didn’t even realize it. “What are you doing here?”

As she was about to explain, Ellen appears from behind her, “Is it true what everyone is saying?” She questions, pushing past Mrs. Hall.

I stared at her incredulously, before fixing my gaze back at Mrs. Hall.

“Oh, I’m sorry!” Ellen responds apologetically.

Mrs. Hall smiled at her, before speaking to me again. “Bree, I came to see if you and your friends would like to join me for lunch.”

“We’d love to!” Ellen and Dawn responded together.

I was hesitant at first, becoming awkward. Liam would not like this at all. But both of my friends were staring at me eagerly. “Well…” I began, trying to think of a good excuse. “I can’t exactly go out looking like this…”

“Why don’t you go home right quick to change and then meet us at the restaurant?” Mrs. Hall replied nonchalantly.

“Okay,” I replied after a few moments, in defeat, knowing that Mrs. Hall was not going to take no for an answer.

Dawn and Ellen started to clap excitedly.

“Hello, Mrs. Hall, my name is Dawn, and this is Ellen.”

“It’s nice to meet you both. How long have you been friends with Bree—“

I ran back to the house, got changed and cleaned up, and then raced to the address that was texted to my phone. When I arrived at the restaurant, my heart sank even further. It was one of the fancier restaurants in the city. The exact one that Chad works at.

Walking inside, my jaw dropped at just how immaculate the inside truly was. Every surface was so clean that you could use the reflection like a mirror. The dark marble floor to the white-tiled walls had to have been all buffed at least a hundred times a night. Crystal beaded chandeliers hung from the ceiling, providing excellent lighting. Green healthy plants sat in the corners and sat in places to draw more eye appeal.

The host and waiters wore dress clothes. Men wore white button-up shirts with a collar and black tie and black dress pants, with black shoes. The women wore the same thing, except instead of pants, they wore a black knee-length skirt or an equally appropriate black dress.

“May I help you, miss?” The host questions, staring at me with judgment.

I stood hunched over, trying to catch my breath and sweating.

“Over here!” Mrs. Hall’s voice rang through the restaurant as she waved me to the table she and my friends were sitting at.

When I walked over, I could tell my friends were uncomfortable. All of the customers, including the staff, were wearing ridiculously nicer clothes than us. Much nicer than any of us could ever afford.

“So, what did I miss?” I question anxiously, taking my seat.

“Your friends have just been telling me about themselves, how they met you, and all that,” Mrs. Hall replied merrily. “And why didn’t you tell them where you were living?” Her voice became stern when she questioned me. “I always wanted to have a girls' night full of gossip! You’ve been hiding your wonderful friends!”

I gave a weak smile, still trying to catch my breath as I pat my sweaty face with a napkin. “I’m sorry… Liam didn’t want anyone to know…”

She let out a long, exasperated sigh. “That child… I’ll deal with him later.” Then she changed back into the jolly Mrs. Hall. “Well, since all of you are here now, I can tell you why I wanted all of you to have lunch with me! But first,” She begins pulling a wrapped package out of her purse, handing it to me.

I stare at her questioningly, unsure of whether or not I should take the package.

“It’s for studying hard and passing your classes! I wanted to show you how proud of you I am… And for being so patient with my sons. I know they are… difficult to get along with.”

Taking the package, I stare at it for a moment. A feeling of happiness overcame me, my heart became warm thinking of everything Mrs. Hall had said. But I couldn’t help but feel like a nuisance because of everything that the Hall family has already done for my father and me.

“Go ahead and open it!” Dawn burst excitedly, ready to see what gift Mrs. Hall got for me.

Mrs. Hall’s face was lit up with excitement.

“But, Mrs. Hall,” I finally start slowly, “You’ve already done so much for me…”

She smiled back at me with a warm understanding that only a loving mother could possess. “But you have done so much more for me and my family.” She responds, placing her hand on top of mine. “This gift is for all the hard work you put into your college career, as well as a gift of my gratitude for bringing more life and joy into my household.”

Tears started to form in my eyes as I smile back at Mrs. Hall. “Thank you.”

Dawn and Ellen sit awkwardly in their seats, watching.

Unwrapping the box, I slowly open it. Inside was a beautiful charm bracelet, made of white gold, featuring a cute panda bear. My eyes grow large. It was certainly an extravagant gift, one such that I hadn’t received before.

“Do you like it?” Mrs. Hall questioned in anticipation.

“I love it!” I responded, not entirely sure how to respond to receiving such a gift. But I knew Mrs. Hall wanted me to have it, so I quickly put it on.

“The panda bear symbolizes gentleness and strength.” Mrs. Hall continues. “The panda bear uses strength and determination to reach their goals. They are also full of heart and nurturing.”

I smile at her, understanding her meaning while my friends stare awestruck.

While we were eating our meals, Chad came to our table. “Hey, what are all of you doing here?” He questions, not noticing Mrs. Hall at first.

“We are having a meal with Mrs. Hall,” Dawn says. “Mrs. Hall, this is our friend Chad, Chad this is Mrs. Hall.”

“Oh, hello.” He greets.

“It’s so nice to meet Bree’s friends!” Mrs. Hall responds merrily.

“I’m sorry, but how do you know Bree?”

“She’s staying at my house.” She replies happily. “And he is such a lovely girl!”

“That she is…” He responds. “So you’re the friend of her father’s, then?”

“Yes.” Mrs. Hall continues, “Do you go to the same college as Bree and my son?”

“No, I don’t attend college,” Chad replies. “Who is your son?” He questions, clueless.

“Oh, Liam Hall. Do you know him?”

At the mention of Liam’s name, Chad turned pale. “Oh… I-I should get back to work…” He says looking around the table at Dawn and Ellen. “Please excuse me. It was nice meeting you…” He turned, without looking at me and walked quickly away.

“Did I strike a chord?” Mrs. Hall questioned us, looking around confused.

“He’s in love with Bree.” Ellen blurts, enjoying the situation.

“Oh…” Mrs. Hall states, finally understanding.

I had become wounded after seeing Chad’s reaction to me staying in the same house as Liam. He was always so easy-going and full of life, but during that moment of revelation, it seemed as though all the joy in his life had been drained from his body and spirit. I was ashamed of myself.

When we all finished our meals, Mrs. Hall ordered all of us dessert. As we were digging into our desserts, she started again, “I have one more surprise for you Bree, which includes your friends.”

We all share a glance at each other in anticipation before looking back at Mrs. Hall.

“We are going on a family vacation!”

I stared at her confused, just as Dawn and Ellen have.

“All of us, including all of you, are going to spend the weekend at the lake!”

My friends and I exchange uncomfortable looks at each other.

“Your father is coming, Bree, and I want your lovely friends to join us as well.” She explained.

“I’m not sure I can,” Dawn replies abruptly, clearly uncomfortable.

“Yes, I’m not sure I can get off work either,” Ellen broke in. “It’s a nice offer—“

“We really appreciate the offer and are thankful for the meal, but it’s short notice—“ Dawn interjected.

Both of my friends were talking over one another, frantic to get out of the vacation. It was slightly amusing watching them fumble over one another.

“Now girls, I won’t take no for an answer,” Mrs. Hall responded sternly. “I want you both to come. Everything is taken care of. All you need is yourself and your personal belongings.”

“Oh… Um…” Dawn responds, trying to think of a way out of it. “Okay…” She finally states in defeat, realizing she had no excuse good enough to miss out on the trip.

“Okay.” Ellen also replies, sounding as if she had just been scolded.

I smile, trying to suppress a giggle at how quickly my friends folded to Mrs. Hall.

***

Later that night, I found myself unable to sleep from my mind racing again. The image of Chad’s face, appearing hurt and betrayed stayed imprinted in my memory. Not to mention everything that happened on the college campus and at lunch with Mrs. Hall. All of the events that occurred today were tormenting me and I could not figure out how to escape them.

Everything that occurred wasn’t bad and it was a rollercoaster of a day when it came to emotions. During the day, I was fine. It was a normal day, nothing out of the ordinary. Then all those people somehow managed to figure out my living arrangements. Dawn looked deeply wounded by not telling her, which scared me. I had become so afraid that she wouldn’t ever speak to me again. Then the girl who accused me of being a slut came in, making me angry. But Mrs. Hall coming to the rescue at the most opportune time was funny. After that, everything was great. My friends weren’t mad at me, and Mrs. Hall even took us all out to eat, while presenting me with a wonderful gift. I didn’t think I could be so happy. Then Chad appeared… I hate myself for the way he got hurt.

He wouldn’t even respond to any calls or texts from me. But then again, what could I say that would make this situation any better for him? What probably bothered him most was the fact that I didn’t tell him who I was living with, to begin with. No amount of apologies or anything will really make up for how he found out.

I toss and turn in my bed, unable to keep my mind from combing through every detail from my day. Aggravated, I throw my blanket off of me, grabbing my thin housecoat, I walk out my bedroom door.

I head downstairs to sit in my usual spot on the back patio to get fresh air and stare at the stars to clear my mind. When I stepped onto the patio, I found Liam sitting there as well. Out of all the times I come out here because I can’t sleep, he is only here when I don’t want to see him! The relief I initially felt by successfully avoiding him during the day quickly came crashing down on me as soon as I saw him sitting in the chair with a strained expression on his face.

At that moment, I instantly knew that he was furious with me. Angry that everyone at school knew we were living under the same roof together. And probably more annoyed than ever that yet again, he was at the center of gossip because of me.

“Are you just going to stand there all night?” His voice questioned me harshly.

The sharpness in his tone caused me to flinch. I knew the whole incident would anger him, but I didn’t think he would seem so affected by it.

“Liam… I don’t know how someone found out.” I begin, “I was shocked to find out people were talking about me living here as I returned to my booth…”

He cut his eyes at me in aggravation.

“I didn’t even tell my best friends…” I said sadly, as I sat down beside him. “If you want to yell at me then go ahead, mock me, call me names, just go for it. I don’t know why I’m even explaining myself to you. But the point is I didn’t say a word to anyone and even had someone throw their drink at me over it.”

“What?” Liam questioned with confusion tinting his voice.

“Nothing…” I replied, looking up at the night sky, watching the twinkling lights from the stars.

We sat silently for a few moments before I started again.

“I didn’t say anything to my best friends… The way they found out…” Tears started to fill my eyes. “The way Chad found out—“

“I told you not to say anything to anyone.” He says, rolling his eyes. “Even if Chad or any of your friends are hurt by it, it was none of their business, to begin with.”

“Haven’t you had friends before?” I asked astonished. “When someone cares about you like that—“

“They aren't my friends, so it wasn’t any of their business.”

“But they are mine…” I respond sadly.

He doesn’t say anything, just keeps staring at the sky.

“You’re so lucky to have a mother like yours.” I started again, trying to get away from the image of Chad.

Liam looked at me questioningly, as my statement came from seemingly nowhere.

“She is just the best,” I said as I remembered everything she has done for me since I moved in. “Your mom has made me feel special and important. And even though she’s busy, she makes sure to include time for her children, even carving out a little extra time for me.” I look down at my feet, feeling guilt pierce my heart. “I’ve always had my dad. For a little while, I even had my grandmother. I can’t remember much of my mom, but Mrs. Hall has made it feel like I have a mom watching out for me.”

“You shouldn’t feel guilty because another motherly figure is showing you affection,” Liam states blandly as he stared at the sky, not making eye contact with me. “No one is taking your mother’s place. And your mom would be happy knowing that another mother is treating you like their own.” His voice didn’t convey much emotion, but his words still had a powerful impact on her.

Tears filled my eyes as I gave a weak smile. “Thanks, Liam.” I hug him.

“Get off!” Liam demanded, pushing at me.

“No!” I declared teasingly, tightening my grip.

“Seriously, stop!”

“You’re just a big teddy bear underneath that cavalier façade, aren’t you?”