E I G H T

I N D I G O

The rest of the week practically flew by. The teacher had sent out a letter to let the parents know about our Psych project due on Friday since it's a quarter of our grade, so Jim allowed me to go to the library a couple nights. Of course he didn't know Tanner and Milo would be there because if he had, I wouldn't have been able to come. I had gotten to know the both of them more; I looked at Tanner like the older brother I had never had. And my feelings for Milo seemed to have multiplied. Apart of me wanted to tell him about home, so he could save me... another part feared what Jim would do to him if he found out I told our secret. I couldn't stand the thought of Milo being hurt because of me.

Spending lunch time with the whole crew under the oak tree became routine, as well as going to the cafe after school. I always made sure to leave before 5 though, not wanting a repeat of last time. Fortunately for me, Jim had been pretty busy with work lately so he was either gone or passed out on the couch instead of beating me.

Milo had asked me to go out to dinner with him this weekend. I wanted to say yes... so badly. But I knew Jim would shit a brick he found out. I regrettably declined his offer but this only made him ask more questions. In order to get out of the mess I had created, I just told him that my dad was extremely over protective and that I would try to sneak out Saturday night to see him. Luckily, that got him off my back and he seemed very happy with my response. 

S A T U R D A Y

It was now 7 o'clock and the sun was beginning to set. I had already made Jim some spaghetti and watched him retreat to his room while I cleaned the dishes. Once I heard the door click shut, I knew he wouldn't be coming back out until tomorrow morning. I raced to my room and went to the back of my closet where my new clothes were, hidden behind some comforters and unpacked boxes. I couldn't risk him finding them. My friends were the ones to choose and buy them for me. I didn't want him ruining them or taking them away from me, so hiding them was my only option.

I picked out one of the dresses Vera made me get. It was a black two-piece; long sleeved lace top with a maxi skirt that flowed to the floor. Putting it on, I felt elegant. It hid all of my scars and that made me smile when taking in my reflection. I decided to keep my hair half down, admiring how long and soft it was tonight, and made a braided crown headband. I didn't need too much concealer since there wasn't any visible damage this time. I painted on wings with my eyeliner and added some mascara to bring out my eyes more. I didn't own lipstick, so instead I just dabbed on some chap-stick and then slipped on the new red vans I bought with Tyler.

I grabbed my board while tip toeing out the door, thankful the house was new still so it didn't creak or squeak yet. I didn't want to ruin my dress so I had to use one hand to hold up the bottom hem of my maxi skirt while I skated to my destination. Milo had texted me an hour ago asking me to meet him at a park that wasn't too far from my house. After five minutes, I rolled up to a white Dodge pick up with a very handsome black haired God standing on the passenger side. 

"You look ravishing, mi reina," he growled out seductively. 

I giggled at him, feeling my heart race at his compliments.

"How am I your princess one day and your queen the next?," I asked in a teasing manner, while placing my hand in his. He kissed the top of my knuckles and the heat hit my cheeks.

He just rolled his eyes playfully and opened the door for me to get in. When he got into the driver seat, I took a moment to take in his attire. He had on an ocean blue button up, with the sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his tatted sleeves, that was tucked into some black slacks. He looked... like perfection.

"You look v-very, very handsome," I said quickly, trying to get my words out before they retreated.

He snapped his head in my direction, his eyes held their own smile. He returned back to paying attention on the road. We made our way into a different town about thirty minutes away and I began to feel anxious about my rebellious acts. As if he lived in my mind, Milo placed one hand on my thigh to calm my nerves. It was a small gesture, but it was gentle and attentive. I was too busy swooning over him to notice we had parked outside of a beautifully lit up restaurant. When I looked up at the building, I managed to whisper a 'wow' at the sight before me. It looked extremely over priced and I started to feel smitten that he would want to spend this kind of money on someone like me.

The blonde haired bombshell who happened to be the hostess, had brought us to our table, but not before placing her grubby hand on Milo's arm. "Let me know if you need anything," she hissed out, making me cringe and grit my teeth at the same time. I heard Milo scoff in the distance. I didn't even realize she had left or that I had my fists balled up, until I felt his strong hand take mine. I looked up to see amusement dancing in his baby blues.

"Are you jealous?," he asked in a girly tone, making me almost choke on my saliva.

"W-What? N-No," I shot back, knowing full damn well I was blushing furiously.

I heard him chuckle lowly, before I could feel his hot breath on my ear. "Don't worry hermosa, I'm all yours," he whispered seductively. I felt my insides twist and turn, my body retaliating against me. How does he make me feel this way? Generally, I don't like people being this close. But with him, it's different. He makes me want to jump his bones, which is something I have NEVER said.

I was brought out of my trance when the waiter showed up.

"Good evening and welcome to Perry's Steakhouse. What can I get you to drink?," the guy asked looking at me with a smirk while his eyes scanned my body. I shifted in my seat uncomfortably. His looks don't make me feel the way Milo's do.

"I'll take a sweet iced tea," Milo said, his facial features rather stone-like.

"And for you?," the waiter asked, still staring at me.

"W-Water," I said, feeling really uneasy.

He smiled and nodded his head at me before turning around to retrieve our drinks. I looked over to see Milo clenching his jaw. Without even thinking, I poked his dimple and giggled at how fluffy his cheek felt. His eyes darted away from the waiter and landed on me, a smile reaching his eyes.

"Are you jealous?,"  I asked in the same girly tone he mimicked earlier.

His eyes darted from mine to my lips and then back to my eyes again. I watched as he licked his lips before responding, "Absolutely." 

My heart was thumping outrageously at this point. What?!

"I don't want anyone looking at what's mine like that," he purred out.

I probably should've been offended by his possessiveness. But I was feeling the exact opposite. My ears and cheeks felt like they were on fire. I've never felt this way before and my anxiety was on high alert due to the amount of adrenaline my body was pumping out. I took a few deep breaths trying to calm myself. Once I gained my composure, confidence was radiating off of me. Not wanting to let the moment pass, I boldly leaned over to him and whispered, "Don't worry hermoso, I'm all yours."

Before I could even blink, I felt his rough hands take my entire face into his hold while he looked into my eyes intently. I wanted to ask what he was doing, but was soon answered by the crashing of his lips on mine. I didn't know how to respond... I had never kissed anyone before. Not wanting him to stop, I placed my hands around his neck and tried mimicking his motions. I could feel him smile while he kissed me more passionately. Our lips danced in unison, sparks flashing rapidly in my mind. When we pulled away, I could tell my lips were swollen from the sudden harsh contact. But I didn't mind at all, instead I just stared at him in awe.

The moment was ended again by the same sleazy waiter from earlier, who was looking me up and down again. Not wanting to deal with the uncomfortable feeling he gives me, I decided to put a stop to it.

"Actually, before we order-- my boyfriend here isn't exactly a fan of how you are looking at me. And frankly, neither am I. Could you please have someone else handle our table?," I asked, not really caring if I seemed rude. Tonight was our night, and I wasn't going to let this kid ruin it.

Both of the men had their eyes widened in shock. The waiter walked away after whispering what I think was 'bitch' under his breath. I squinted my eyes at the back of his head, imagining it bursting into flames. Embarrassment hit me like a train when Milo's voice rang in my ears.

"Boyfriend, huh?," he asked while wriggling his eyebrows.

Kill. Me. Now.

P L E A S E • V O T E