Chapter 5: AMENDS

AN

Unravel Me Playlist on Spotify.

Song; Fleurie- Breathe

5 months later

Her eyes dart between the piece of paper on the table and then back at me.

I stayed silent not wanting to provoke her in any way possible. She pushes her round glasses back up her nose and very?slowly, reaches for the stamp under her table.

It was huge with specific designs embedded under it.

Well that made a statement.

Smiling nervously, my fingers tightened over the sling bag I carried.

She raised an eyebrow at my action and grasp the handle of the stamp more forcefully as though it would try to jump and run away.

As if-

Sweat lined my brow, the stamp just hovering inches above the blasted paper. Her hand moved as if in slow motion and then-

“Hell yeah!” I fist pumped the air unable to help myself. Principal B handed me my withdrawal application from NorthVille High, a small smile on her face.

“I would say congratulations, but I don't think NorthVille will ever have a student like you,”

I don't think I'll ever have a student like you.

Was what she meant to say. I knew she did. “Principal B, don't go all emotional on me.” I joked, noting that her eyes were getting teary.

Other then Ethan and Hailey, Prince B knew my problems and was like a mother to me. She couldn't always be there but I knew she had my back.

“How's the apartment In New York?” She asked, effectively changing the subject.

“Hailey went to check it out. So far so good. She's meeting me at the airport tomorrow to help out with the remaining stuff.” I explained, unable to hid the excitement in my tone.

Heck yeah was I happy. It was New York!

“I guess you won't be back for a while huh?”

I opened my mouth to reply but shut it. How could I say anything about that?

She was right though. I wouldn't be back here for a while... Or maybe I never will.

“Don't cry Principal B,” I strode forward and wrapped my arms around her frail body, bringing her to a hug.

“You know I won't forget about you or the people who helped me out,” I whispered, breathing in her apple scented clothes.

It was hard not to feel sad. Sure this place made me feel miserable at times but without Ethan, Principal Beatrice or Hailey? I would've been long gone.

“You'll be okay Vanessa. I know you will,” She says, pulling away to properly see me.

“I know,” I nodded, lightly patting her arm. “Goodness look at me,” She chuckles, hastily taking of her glasses to wipe her tears.

Smiling sadly, I played with the hem of my sling bag not wanting to meet her eyes.

The truth was, I too was struggling with my emotions.

“Forgive me for this Vanessa, but have you told you're mother?”

Shit.

Just like that, all thoughts of my petty emotions went flying out.

“No...” Her deadly glare I know all to well was now staring at me. Sighing, I scratched the back of my head to frustrated to answer.

“I haven't seen Veronica in weeks. You know how it goes. When I come back she goes out and when I go out she stays in.”

To others it may sound like a pathetic excuse but it actually wasn't.

That was how my mom and I function around each other. It was bad but I didn't have a choice of the matter.

“Its mother for you Vanessa. Why do you insist on calling her by her name? That woman gave birth to you.” She scolded, arms crossed in front of her.

“Yeah I would call her Mom if she wasn't busy ignoring me and wasting her life with drinking and drugs. Did I forget she whores around too?”

“Vanessa!”

Her sudden high pitch voice was enough to snap me away from my anger.

Giving up in fighting back, I simply looked down on the ground.

Today was my last day, I wasn't going to waste my time fighting.

Detecting my lapse in silence, she took a deep breath and prepared her sentence.

“I know what she did was wrong.” She hold up a single finger, ceasing me from speaking just when I was about to.

“But you're moving away Vanessa... Isn't it time you make amends?”

Amends... I never thought of that. Not with my mother. Shaking my head, I gave Principal B a sarcastic look.

“I don't know Principal B. I was thinking of leaving a letter or something.”

Her disapproval was clear.

Well sorry, but mom's not home all the time. Its impossible to track her.

You would think that because this town was small it was easy to find out where everybody was but no, my mother was one of the hardest people to find.

“I know things aren't best between you and your mother-”

Taking note of my glare she swallowed hard. “Between?Veronica?and you,” She tested as my face visibly relaxed.

“But I just don't want you to have any regrets.” She sighed, running a hand through her light brown curled hair.

“Don't worry, I won't.” I was done with this conversation. I wanted no part in it.

Clutching the application harder then necessary, I turned on my heel and walked towards the door leading out, my combat boots making thudding noises.

“Vanessa?” I was about half way out when Prince B called for me again. This time I took my time to even out my breathing. Why should she be the source of my anger? She didn't deserve that.

Turning around, I took note of her face, her attire and her curled hair knowing that this was the last time I would see her for a while.

She was looking at me with a smile. A small, sad smile. One that made me regret snapping at her before.

“Good luck.”

Nodding slowly I turned my back on her and pushed open the door.

“See you later Prince B.”

The door slammed close behind me and once again it was just me and the silent hallway.

I didn't leave immediately, instead leaned against the door as though my feet weren't ready to leave just yet.

Pick it up Vanessa!

Pick it up...

Hmm...

Frowning, I checked my watch a small smile slowly gracing my lips. Earlier doubts cleared up in an instant. “Might as well,”

Tying my hair into a high pony tail I shrugged and walked towards a locker with pink hearts on it.

Tracing the outline of the sparkly heart, I zipped open my bag and took out a red sharpie before proceeding to draw a face with devil horns.

I wasn't that good in drawing but I was good enough that people will know who it was.

Grinning, I signed my artwork before leaving the scene not wanting to get caught. Not that it mattered anyway.

The bell was going to ring and students would pile out to see the little present I left behind.

I whistled as I skipped out the entrance of NorthVille High, counting the seconds as soon as I heard the magical sound of the bell.

“1, 2, 3, 4-”

A loud scream pierce the sunny sky and the birds went flying.

That's what you get Laury the Hairy.

My smile widened even more as I took notice of my beautiful black and purple Ducati waiting for me right at the driveway.

Look at you shine, baby.

She looked glorious. Her paint job was done spectacularly with layers of shiny black paint and bright neon purple under each edge to light it up with color.

Getting on, I took a second to run my hands along the handle bars admiring how she felt.

“Damn baby,”

Slipping on my black helmet, I flipped open the black visor that shielded my eyes from the sun before letting my red hair free from its entrapment.

Screw the hair tie!

From the corner of my eyes, I see Lauren and her minions burst through the double doors of the entrance with a crowd behind her. Loud cheers could be heard from a mile away.

“Vanessa! Vanessa!”

“Red! Devil!”

I took note of all my school mates. Some I remembered, some I did not. Either way, they knew me. I had vague memories of the faces I saw.

There was Natalie Brooke, the girl I saved with a bright smile on her face as she waved me goodbye. She came a long way since I stood up for her that day at the hall.

She no longer wore glasses instead contact lenses and her clothing had changed drastically too.

Lauren and her minions didn't push her around these past few months because of how she would fight back. Yeah she was a smart ass in hiding.

Thank god I helped her out of her shell.

That was just one of the few people I helped. Respect was earned. It wasn't given, nor was it suppose to be scared out of you.

I didn't earn their respect from bullying like Lauren did.

No.

I earned their respect from standing up to what was right. That's what should happen in the real world. Not the other way around.

This place was going to miss me alright.

I smiled even though they wouldn't be able to see it. Before Lauren could react I flipped my hair dramatically over my shoulder and pushed my visor back down before revving the hell out of there.

My baby purred like a kitten once I hit the main road, the wind blew furiously behind me as I race through cars with easily.

When it came to riding my Ducati, no one, and I mean no one, can compare to me. Which was why I planned on taking her with me to New York.

Slowing down on the stop light I whip out my watch and stared at it, long and hard. Thoughts swirled in my mind at the question that was brimming at the edge of it.

Finally agreeing, although reluctantly, I swerved right, off, the main road once the light turn green.

“Time to see if Mom's home.”

The word Mom sounded like dirt to me. Veronica Ruth is nothing like what a mother should be.

Even after Dad left us, shouldn't she pick up after us? Isn't that what she was suppose to do?

My Ducati revved in agreement as it tore down the path and straight towards where my house is located. I haven't been back here since the day Hailey told me about her parents.

I've been sleeping over her house. I guess it was inevitable. It was bound to happen, the?talk?between Veronica and me.

Once I realize I was nearing my house, I slowed down in order to get in the driveway. The place looked the same as before. White walls, red roof and a blue main door.

All of which was discolored and chipped in places.

The garden surrounding it had grown brown and dull with over years of neglect.

Home sweet home.

Slipping the keys out of the ignition, I took of my helmet and gently sat it down on the leather seat in front of me.

For some reason I was nervous. What was I going to say to her?

Hey Mom, long time no see! So I'm moving tomorrow and leaving this town I hope you're happy for me, see you, bye!

Terrible. Freaking terrible.

“Damn it Vanessa,” I mumbled, rubbing my eyes. Staring at the house intently, I felt my heart quicken and tried my best to calm myself. The longer I stayed there, the worst it'll get.

Get your ass moving!

Huffing at my ridiculous thoughts, I got of my bike and made my way over to the door.

Come on, you can do this. She doesn't deserve your fear!

“Damn freaking straight.” I needed to stop talking to myself and get this over with.

Placing my house key into the lock, I breathe out a long drag of air before twisting it.

Lets do this.

Silence.

“Veronica?” I called out, cautiously walking in. Just more silence. Frowning, I closed the door behind me and nearly tripped on my feet when I missed a black garbage bag blocking the door.

In fact they were strewn everywhere.

So she decided to become a hoarder apparently.

“Veronica?” I tried once more. Nothing replied me. There was no one around. I should've known she won't be home.

Sighing in defeat, I took out the letter I wrote for her from the back of my pocket and walked over to the wooden table by the dinning area.

I guess I was never going to say goodbye to her for real. I didn't know if I should feel sad or relieved that I won't have to face her.

The more I stayed in this house the more I felt nauseous. This place brought back so many memories.

Most of them bad then good.

It was time to leave. I was just about to place the letter on the table-fingers spread out-when my phone rang.

Rolling my eyes in annoyance I pulled back, letter still in hand while the other fumbled around my bag to find my phone.

“Hello?” I answered, curious as I had answered an unknown number. It seemed to be coming from an office line.

“Is this Vanessa Vail?”?A professional sounded girl spoke, her tone light.

“Yeah, it is.”

“Oh, well I'm calling from NorthVille International Bank and would like you to answer a few questions regarding the large amount of money you set up with us a couple months back.”

Oh. Right. Ethan's money. He gave it to me so I placed it in my account at the Bank. Most of it was going to be used for the apartment in New York and other things later on.

All I should do is follow my budget I had planned and then I should survive until I graduated college.

As soon as I find a part time job then I could lay off the money Ethan gave me. I wasn't planning on wasting all that money to quickly, it was all I had for now.

“Yes, I banked in a large sum of money. Is there a problem?” I paced around the room, feeling concerned.

“No, there's nothing wrong Miss Vail,”?The girl replied with a laugh trying to soothe me.

“I have the documents in front of me right now. As I see, three months ago you deposit about a quarter of your savings to the name Ethan MooreFell Lane is that correct?”

“Yes, yes I did.”

Ethan hated that I gave him some of the money but I wasn't having any of it.

It was his money and literally he was being too generous which was why I didn't hesitate to give it to him. If it was up to me I would give him all.

“Ah, I see...”?There was a pause and I heard the sounds of files being shuffled around.

“I called to inform you that at around 12:30 P.M. today, the sum of about five thousand dollars have been taken out of your account.”

What?!

I choked, my voice stuck in my throat as I coughed hysterically.

“Miss Vail, are you alright?”?The girl sounded worried as I continued to cough in disbelief.

“What are you talking about? I never took out anything!” Raising my voice and being mad right now was probably not a good idea.

I needed a clear head if I was going to get to the bottom of this.

“I'm sorry? Did you not withdraw five thousand dollars?”?She sounded confused and perhaps slightly worried.

“No, I did not withdraw five thousand dollars!” Sarcasm leaked into my tone at how she was talking accusingly.

“I'm afraid there's been no mistake Ms Vail.”?The girl's tone had turned slightly firm as though I was lying about the fact that I withdrew that amount of cash.

“No, there has got to be a mistake somewhere. How could I withdraw that amount of cash while I was busy handling things in school?”

“That's odd.”?She was perplexed. A couple moments of silence later between us, I heard her call out for someone in the background.

She was arguing and for a moment I thought she forgot there was someone on the line.

After what seemed like forever, she finally remembered I was still waiting.

“Well Ms Vail, I'm watching the CCTV footage right now and reviewing the documents...”?She trailed off, probably busy reading and watching the footage.

I held my breath, my pacing hadn't stop and I was on edge. Five thousand was a lot.

Sure it was nothing compare to what Ethan had given me but that didn't mean the money could be used for something more useful!

“A woman with red hair came in claiming to be you. She had your ID and documents in order to withdraw the money from us.”

My pacing stopped, so did my breathing.

No.

“She signed your name and took off. I'm sorry Ms Vail we had no idea it wasn't you. The resemblance is striking and I see that she did not take off her sunglasses. It is a major policy around here.”?

Saying you were sorry was to late. It had happened. Now what was I going to do?

“We'll get to the bottom of this. I'll make sure to find the person responsible for handing such a large amount of cash without proper procedure.”

She sounded angry. Probably at whoever handed out my money like nobody's business.

“I'll contact the police so we know who did this-”

“There's no need.”

She abruptly stopped, surprise at the tone of my voice. Hell, I couldn't even recognize it.

I was mad. Scorching mad. I could feel it in my veins. I could feel it coursing through me. It was unstoppable.

How could she?!

“I already know who did it.” Hanging up, I slipped the phone back in my bag and breathe heavily as though that would stop the anger that was threatening to spill over.

“Goddammit!” I shouted, kicking at the garbage bag in front of me.

The bag spilled over revealing contents such as trash and what not. Burning with fury I marched out the door feeling as though I was going to destroy everything in my path.

I was about half way out when I noticed I still had the letter in my hand. Only this time it was scrunched up.

I didn't need to think twice before ripping the letter in two and leaving it scattered across the floor.

I'm done with her pathetic excuses.

If I was leaving then I didn't care if she wondered where I went. She could walk the earth desperately calling for me but I'll never answer.

She hurt me.

She hurt me to many times to count. This time she went to far.

Slamming the door behind me, I ran towards my Ducati and slipped the keys into ignition before blazing the hell out of there.

Cars and smaller motorcycles veered away as I came barreling past them.

With my eyes dead set on what was going to happen next, I no longer felt nervous or fearful.

No.

I was angry.