The Release

Chapter 3

"Yeah, yeah, it's amazing." I said, unenthusiastically. "Now, do you know how to cover it?"

"Shit Beth, I used all of my colored concealers last weekend."

What am I supposed to do? Anna knows that I have a hickey, she will never stop asking me who it was. I need to cover this up, and fast.

"Ok," I whispered. "I'll see you at school." Then I hung up.

I looked up how long a hickey lasts. It could last two weeks?  I am going to kill Wayne Anderson.

I got ready for school like normal, trying to distract myself from what just happened. I picked out an outfit that could sort of cover it.

It would buy me some time. I curled my hair to use as an excuse. I burnt myself with a curling iron I would say. Oldest trick in the book, maybe not as believable, but it was my only shot. To make it believable, I hissed out in fake pain to draw attention.

I walked out of the bathroom and straight into the kitchen. I put about 7 spoons in the freezer so they would be cold by the time I got back from school. I read online that it would make the bruise not as deeply colored.

I grabbed the orange juice from McDonalds and a bottle of water and headed to Simon's room. He was awake, but he wasn't alone.

"You need to drink water, man," Wayne said, holding a glass of water in front of his face. I thought he would leave, but he is still my brother's friend. He is your brother's friend. I said to myself nothing can happen.

Simon grumbled, sat up and took the glass, swallowing its contents. Wayne paid me a glance and twisted his lips. I knew he was holding in a smile. I didn't care. I confidently pushed him away and kneeled by Simon's bed.

"What were you thinking, drinking on a weekday?" I whisper-yelled. "Mom could have found out."

"Please don't tell her, Beth," Simon pleaded.

"I won't tell her, but you owe me." I warned.

"Mmhmm," he hummed, laying back down on his bed. Simon squinted and furrowed his brows. He pointed at his own neck. "What happened there?"

Oh shit. It is noticeable. I covered it with my hand and cleared my throat. "I burnt myself with a curler."

"Oh, okay." Simon looked like he believed it. I stood back up and walked to his closet. I saw Wayne's blank face on the way. I gave him a look that said keep your mouth shut.

I picked out a white graphic tee and some denim pants. Wayne helped Simon stand in the process. I threw the outfit on his bed.

"You know, Freeman, you should be more careful with that curling iron," Wayne said and I knew this little interaction was filling his ego.

"I'll never do it again, Anderson," I answered. "It was a mistake."

"Knowing you, I think you will."

I turned around and drank my orange juice. I could hear Simon changing behind me. I still don't trust Wayne alone with him. Wayne is a bad influence, and not just on Simon.

"Alright, come on lets get some food in you," Wayne said sympathetically.

I strolled out of the room and the boys followed me. The time was 7:45 am, so Simon just grabbed a banana, we grabbed our backpacks, and walked out.

Wayne drove and Simon sat in the front seat. I didn't have any other rides, so I settled with him. He had cleaned out the McDonalds trash. Destroying the evidence. I gotta give him credit, he was smart. But not smart enough.