Chapter 31

I can feel myself falling asleep as Jordan drives me home. My feet ache, and my heels sit on my lap. Jordan has a coat of sweat on his forehead from moving around in the hot gym. With a quick glance at the clock I see it's after eleven. I ache down to my bones but I had fun, Jordan insisted we dance for most of the night, embarrassing himself on purpose to make me feel more comfortable.

His eyes are droopy, but open and focused on the road, "Are you sure I can't go home with you?" I ask in a hushed voice, letting myself pout.

He chuckles, "I'd love that, but I can't tonight. My parents are home and mom is probably waiting up to ask me how it went. At least now I can just show her the pictures and go to bed," He yawns, shaking his head to keep himself awake, "Maybe sometime next week you can come over. Do you want me to come by the shop tomorrow, hang out?"

"No, it'll be really busy, you'd probably end up helping out. Save yourself and sleep all day, sleep an extra hour for me," I let my eyes close even though I know we're pulling onto my street.

"Are you sure you don't want me to bring you lunch or anything?"

I shrug, "It's fine. Maybe we can hang out on Monday. I kind of want to slump through tomorrow and go to bed."

He sexy grin spreads over his face as he chuckles, "I definitely wouldn't mind being in bed with you."

I shove his arm lightly returning the laugh, "I'll see you on Monday."

He pulls me in for a quick kiss, "Alright. I love you. Call me if you need anything. Be careful, get some sleep."

My heart melts at how much he cares. Every time he drops me off at home he always tells me to be careful and call if anything happens. He tries really hard.

"I love you too. Goodnight Jordan."

Carefully I pull myself out of the car, shoes and bag in hands. Jordan stays in the car, watching me as I walk to the house. He often tells me how he hates dropping me off, and I know he hangs around after I go inside, listening for any trouble. That's part of why dropping me off has become rare. Sometimes he surprises me and picks me up in the morning and is my ride home, but I try to limit it so he doesn't get caught in the middle of anything.

I feel his eyes on me even after getting to the door. I hate being the reason he worries, so I try to slip in quickly and quietly. Maybe if I get to my room quick enough, dad won't notice and Jordan will go home. I try to tip toe as quietly and quick as possible, especially by dad's office.

"Please don't wake up. Please don't wake up," I think to myself as I listen to his snoring fade behind me.

I make it into my room, releasing a deep sigh of relief as I grab some pajamas and my bath stuff. I desperately need a shower, I smell like gym class and looking in the bathroom mirror I see my makeup is starting to make me look like I should be getting a mug shot.

With a deep groan I turn away from the mirror and peel off my dress. Both it and I are tired and sweaty. We both deserve a break. I start the hot, steamy water as I remove my makeup. I feel so sticky and gross as I step into the water, letting all the grime from the night roll off me. Jordan wanted to take me to bed like that, and now I'm really glad I didn't let him, maybe once I'm clean the regret will set in.

My feet throb in the hot water, my back aches and my head pounds. I try my hardest to let the water wash that away too. I run a generous amount of shampoo in my hair, enjoying how the bubbly rubbing feels on my scalp. Part of me hopes Jordan comes to see me tomorrow, regardless of what I said, and that I'll smell and look nice if he does.

My washcloth feels soft and warm on my tired skin, it feels like a cloud as it runs over every inch of me. I don't fight the yawn as I take an extra minute to just sit in the comfortable warmth. I know I'll regret this long shower after I have to pay the water bill again.

With my hair brushed and still dripping, I gather my stuff and go to my room. I'm so tired I don't register how quiet the house is. My damp feet the only noise as I move down the hall, I let out a yawn at the door.

Tossing my stuff onto the bed, I grab my phone and go get some water. I see a text from Jordan, making me smile as I wander into the kitchen.

"I'm home in one piece. I hope you're already in bed asleep, you were so beautiful tonight! I love you."

I pull down a glass and reread the message a few times. I feel ridiculous as I can't stop smiling, I fill my glass and put my phone in my pocket, letting my cheeks ache happily.

"Where the hell have you been?"

I jump at the sound of my father's slurring voice, dropping my glass. I flinch to avoid the broken glass and water forming a puddle at my feet. I turn to face him, not surprised to see the bottle in his hand or his glossy eyes. I know I should run, hide in my room and lock the door, maybe even call Jordan but I don't. I stand there, frozen like a dear in the headlights.

"Don't make me ask you again," His voice is calm, I don't see much anger. When I don't respond, that's when it shows, he throws the bottle on the floor, causing the loud sound of shattering glass to make me jump again, "Where the fuck were you?!"

I look down and open my mouth, "I was with a friend..." I'm embarrassed at how quiet my voice is.

"Better not have been that dumb boy," His voice is sharp and low, it makes my hair stand on end.

When I don't say anything or deny it I feel his hand meet my cheek in a harsh, loud slap. My face jerks to the side, causing a deep pain in my neck to match the stinging on my face. I feel hot tears well up in my eyes as he grabs my arm tightly. I jerk away and squeal as he twists it tightly behind my back.

"No daughter of mine will be seen with a boy like that. Fucking filthy, you're a disappointment!" I cry out as he twists my arm further.

The pain is sharp and almost makes me go numb everywhere else. My shoulder aches deeply as it tries to accommodate the angle it's in. I don't fight the tears anymore as he yells at me.

"Stop being a whiny bitch! This is your fault, don't you ever lie to me again, you hear me?"

"I never lied," I sob, to which he only tightens his grip and I cry out again, "Please stop! Ah!"

I hear him swear under his breath before he shoves me hard into the wall. My face collides with the corner of an old picture frame, making me cup my eye in pain. The tears spill fast, stinging my eye and making my face warm. He stares at me, anger and disgust are all I see on his face.

"If I ever see that boy around here again, your ass will be out in the cold!" I jump at his booming voice as he stomps off, kicking over one of the kitchen chairs.

When the door to his office slams shut, I let myself collapse onto the floor sobbing. I try to push myself up but even the slightest weight on my arm hurts, making it shake. Looking around I see the broken glass bottle as well as my water glass, puddles of alcohol and water. The smell of vodka burns my nose. I sob as I crawl over to clean it up, knowing if I don't my arm could get broken this time. I try to ignore the throbbing of my eye as I grab a dish towel and mop up the pungent liquid, I try not to gag at the smell.

Once the floor is as dry as I can get it, I drop the towel into the sink. My face stings from the salty tears, my cheek now numb from his hand. On shaking legs I go back to my room and close the door.

My vision is blurry from all the crying and pain from hitting the wall. It doesn't matter though, I'm beyond ready to just crawl into bed and hide. My blanket is thinning, so I'm still shivering under it, though I'm not sure if it's because I'm cold or scared.

I pull my phone close, rereading Jordan's message. I keep reading it as my sobbing stops and my breathing slow down. I fall asleep looking at the last sentence.

"I love you."