Since When?

Chapter 2

    Ms. Wyane raised a disapproving eyebrow at me, making me feel late even though the bell hasn't rung yet. "Laney, how nice of you to join us."

    "The bell hasn't rung yet, I'm not late." I pointed out.

    "Sit down."

    I warily obeyed, wondering what got shoved up her ♥ss. I had barely touched the seat, though, when James, one of Trent's friends, turned around from the desk in front of me.

    "Hamburger." Did he seriously just say that? I don't know what's up with him. He seems to think that just because I'm a vegeterian, the word hamburger bothers me. Whatever.

    "Tampon." I shot back, and was slightly amused when he silently turned around to face the front again.

    Lizzie, one of my 'friends' leaned over next. "How come you weren't at Trent's party last night?" Of course. Trent's stupid party. Everybody had expected me to go, which is why I hadn't, but now it was backfiring. Trent's feelings were hurt, no doubt, and now people wouldn't stop bugging me about it.

    So I thought of a quick excuse. "My aunt was in town and we all went out for dinner. Didn't get back till really late."

    That seemed to satisfy her because, with an "Oh.", she turned back to focus her attention on Ms. Wyane.

    I focused on remembering that answer, because I would definitely need it more today.

~Damon~

    I rolled over in my bed, trying to get comfortable, then sat up when I realized it wasn't my bed. Sh♥t. My one night stand from the night before rolled over and buried her head in my chest. I couldn't even remember her name now, though. It was Cindy... I think. No, wait, Mandy. Yeah, that's it.

    I shifted a little, trying to slide off the bed before she could wake up and see me leaving. Her breathing hitched, but then returned to normal. I breathed out a sigh of relief when my feet touched the floor and she didn't wake up.

    My clothes were scattered across the floor, so I ran around on my tip-toes, collecting all of my personal belongings that we had carelessly ripped off the night before. Once I had all of my clothes situated back onto my body, I made my escape, slipping through the door without a backward glance.

    "Damon?" I cursed as Mandy's sleepy voice drifted from the bedroom door.

    "Yeah, babe?"

    "Where are you going?"

    "To get us some coffee." I lied.

    "Oh, make mine a decaf."

    "Sure thing." I smirked, walking out of her apartment. No way in hell was I ever going back there.

    "Damon, is that you?"

    "Yeah, mom." I called back to my mother as I stepped into the living room, slamming the door behind me.

    "Be careful with that door. Your father hasn't fixed the hinges yet, it could come off at any minute."

    I rolled my eyes. Of course my dad hadn't fixed the door. He never fixed anything. I had four buckets in my room alone to catch the leaks, and not one of our windows opened, unless you counted the broken ones.

    "Where is dad?"

    "Working late again." Code for getting drunk at a bar. My mom thought I didn't know.

    "I can fix the door tonight if you want."

    "No, you go on up to bed. And set your alarm for six."

    "Why?" I asked, heading toward the stairs then pausing at the bottom to wait for an answer.

    "You start your new school tomorrow. I'm sorry, I thought I told you." She appeared in the doorway, drying her hands on an old apron. Her brown hair was pulled into a messy bun, several strands breaking free of the hair tie. An old dress hung off of her thin frame, hiding everything that was underneath.

    "No, it's okay. Night, mom. You should probably go to bed before dad gets home, too." That way he'll be less likely to hurt you. I silently added.

    "Alright, goodnight, Damon."

    With that, I went up to bed, praying that my dad would get home too late to take his anger out on anyone. Again.