It All Started With a Diary

retaliation|part 1

But, it wasn't my business. No one other than Kade knew so deeply about my past, and that was it. I didn't want to go that far into the darkness of my upbringing, nor did I want it out for anyone to notice.

I liked Maggie just the way she was, though. She was one of the most beautiful, funny girls I'd ever met, and I didn't want her to think that image would ever go anywhere if she showed us herself.

But as I said, if Maggie wanted to keep some of her story inside, then that was fine with me. It was hers and hers alone to share, and I respected that.

"But granny, though," she sighed out in content, a ghost of a smile on. "Dixie Reeves. That woman has been my mother and best friend more than any other. I wouldn't trade her for anything."

I smiled at the sudden tip of her words. I'd only met her grandmother once, and if I wouldn't have been informed on the fact that she was related to them, I would have guessed she was their actual mother. She was so sweet, sarcastic, funny, and her attitude was as positive as ever. I could tell she loved life, as well as living it with her grandkids.

I turned my head to Maggie, who continued to drive with an expression of a robot. Her outlined eyes were focused on the road, expression chilled over, and I couldn't help but wonder about her true feelings. I could tell she was quite a pro at concealing her emotions. I understood that, but I also knew that it wasn't very healthy to hide your true feelings from the world.

How hypocritical am I?

She erased it with a chuckle. "But, Jax on the other hand, I'd sell him for McDonald's," she informed me.

I giggled at her as my fingers fiddled with the seatbelt around me. "I can feel the love, babe." I thought about Jax; he hadn't been around all day. "Where is he, anyway?"

"I think he's out with his new soccer buddy," she answered with a hinting tone. I got it and didn't pursue.

I nodded before I unbuckled the belt as we pulled into Raven's driveway. We both gathered the bags before entering the house.

"Momma's home!" Maggie yelled up the staircase when we didn't see Raven.

Raven nearly came barreling down the stairs before stopping in front of us, arms crossed over her tank top. "About freaking time," she huffed out.

"I know how easy it is to obsess with me but I didn't expect it from you so soon," she said to Raven, who rolled her eyes.

I placed the bags on the table before turning to Raven. Maggie and I crossed confused glances. Ravens' eyes were set downcast, though I still managed to catch the small tear that slipped pass her barrier.

I hurried over to her immediately. "What's wrong?"

"Life in general," she chuckled before her shoulders fell with a sigh. "It's pretty damn shitty."

I nodded my head in understanding. Raven was never one to break down like this, but when she did, something was very wrong.

All three of us went to the living room. I sat alongside Raven on the sofa, Maggie on the futon.

The room continued to bathe in silence until Raven broke it, "My dad...he refuses to see me. He's too busy with his new cookie-cutter family, somewhere in Wisconsin the last time I heard. I know that I never really say anything positive about him, but he's my dad, you know? It's not the child's job to try and make a connection." I nodded my hand in understanding. "And, my mom...she tries her best to fill the void of my dad, but sometimes it's just not the same, no matter how hard she tries."

I felt my heart open to her in this moment. She was my best friend, the one who helped me throughout most of my situations, even though we had only known each other for less than a year. How could I have not seen her pain? Or, her inner turmoil this entire time.