Achieving Unbroken
Chapter Ten—
"It doesn't really hurt, but it always takes me back to 16,
In your basement, and your parents, my feelings;
I never got over it"
Matches | Cash Cash + Rozes—
Lilla
[Wednesday, May 17th, 2018]When I pull up in front of Mr. Oakland's house, I feel my stomach sink. I haven't been here in over a year, and while everything looks the same, it's going to be different. I know it.
The bottoms of my wedges slap against the cement walkway as I mosey up to the front door, and I feel my body shake with each step. I don't know why I'm so nervous, it's not like I'm having a dinner here, complete with conversation and everything.
But anyone could answer the door.
I doubt his family is up this early.
Penny is a nurse, she works an early shift.
She won't answer the door. Calm the hell down.
Sometime during my internal debate, I must have gotten the balls to knock, because I hear footsteps approaching the door.
Enter Penelope Oakland; 41 years old, 5'4", and an incredibly talented chef.
Right now, she looks as if she's seen a ghost.
"Lilla," she mumbles, and all my idiotic self can manage is a small grin.
"Hi, Mrs. Oakland," I reply. If this were last year, I would have called her Penelope. Most people call her Penny, but I loved her full name. It was so fun to say.
But it isn't last year anymore. So much can change in a year. Too much.
She doesn't correct me, either. She lets the Mrs. Oakland go. I watch her swallow the alteration down in a large, nervous gulp.
"How- how are you, Sweetheart? What're you doing in the neighborhood?"
"I'm good. It's been awhile," I attempt, but I just get a small nod. "Me and Jason are hanging out today, actually. I thought I'd drive him to school."
"Oh," she nods. Her eyes are distant. This is strange. "I didn't realize you guys were hanging out."
"It's a recent development," I spit out. "But it's been really nice."
Silence.
"How are you? How's Carl? Is he still crazy smart?" Carl was a good kid. I wonder if he missed me.
She gets cut off before she can even form a sentence.
"Lilla!"
I look over Penelope's shoulder and see Jason perched on the staircase, backpack slung over his shoulders, brow furrowed in confusion.
YOU ARE READING
Achieving Unbroken
Teen FictionLilla Harris has a plan to help Jason Oakland. Is it unconventional? Yes. Is it the craziest idea she's possibly ever had? Somehow, yes. But if there is one thing she's good at doing, it's helping people. And if this plan proves to be a success, th...