Chapter Three: Boyfriend

Cassandra left once she realized she wouldn’t get a rise from me. It was 2:30 when I finished the other spiral stair. I headed to my room to rest. As soon as I plopped down on the bed I checked my messages. Brandon had sent me four messages. My heart soared at the possibility of him caring about me so much. Next weekend would mark a whole five years we would have been together.

The only reason I am able to keep holding on is because of him. He allows me to vent to him about my situation. He understands why I have been counting down the days until I am eighteen. Once my eighteenth birthday comes, he promises he will come and take me to live with him. The only reason he hasn’t yet is because he is worried that my parents will stop me from going. But once I am a legal adult my parents hold no authority over me. And I can go do whatever I want.

I have five months till my birthday. And I can’t wait. I will be with someone who truly cares about me. Who loves me and most importantly will never do anything to hurt me. We have already planned our entire future together. Marriage, traveling, children and our entire lives belonging to each other.

I read his messages and my heart is full. Until the last few which puts a frown on my face. My heart suddenly sinks. Disappointment settles in my chest.

Brandon: Hey, good morning beautiful. I know the mornings are tough on you in that house. Especially on the weekends. But five more months and you’re free from them and that prison you call a home. Just think about Cinderella. She was treated like a servant in her own house as well. And just like you she was beautiful. We all know how her story ends. Prince Charming comes and takes her away. Just think of it as you as Cinderella and me as your Prince Charming.

Brandon: Can’t wait to see you next week in class. It’s torture having to only see you at school. Your parents suck. Not allowing you to have fun on the weekends. I could always just sneak in and keep you company. Just saying. But seriously, I love you and can’t wait till Monday. Hang in there.

Brandon: Hey, so don’t be mad but I can’t be there for our anniversary. I know it’s a big deal to you and it marks our fifth year together. But I promise I’ll make it up to you. It’s just one anniversary. There will be plenty more. Besides, it's not like I don’t want to take you out, I am just super busy next weekend. And it’s not like I have the money to take you anywhere nice so you won’t be missing much. You understand, don’t you?

Brandon: Please call me. I’m sure there's something I can do.

It is not his fault. Even if he was available, my parents would not have allowed me to go. Our Anniversary is this Saturday. I have to clean on the weekend anyway and - wait. I also have plans this Saturday. My mother said I have to go to dinner with them to meet my sister's boyfriend and his parents. Interesting. That is one big coincidence. But that's all it is. A coincidence. Right? Or maybe Miracle chose this date on purpose.

Despite my effort to keep my relationship a secret the word spread via word of mouth. Since we go to the same school, Miracle found out I was dating Brandon. She told mother and father. Which led to me being forbidden to leave the house on the weekends at all. Before they didn’t care if I came or went.

They said it was because it wasn’t fair to Miracle. That she would be sad that she didn’t have one. I still don’t see how that's my problem. Especially now that she has her own boyfriend. Of course I don’t know how long they’ve been together. But she has been talking about him nonstop. Everytime Miracle was asked how long the relationship has been going on, she'd respond with the same answer each time “ long enough”. I still have no clue what that means.

But it doesn’t matter.

I grab my phone and call Brandon. My phone rings. But after a minute or two Brandon answers. “Hey, babe,” he says in a distracted voice. “Hey, how's it going?” I ask. “It’s going well” he says in a clipped response. I frown. What's up with him? Brandon is usually a laidback and happy guy. “ What's wrong?” I say, “nothing, nothing at all” he sighs. I feel strange. Like something is out of place. I know if I push it he’ll shut it down and say I’m paranoid.

“Okay, so how are you going to make it up to me?” I tease. “What?” he gruff. I am a bit confused at his tone. But I continue under the assumption he's teasing me back. “Our anniversary, silly. You’re ditching me. Sooo how are you going to fix this?” I say keeping the banter going. Silence. “Babe?” I prod the silence. “Hello?” “Why are you being like this?”he snarls. I flinch. “What?”

He erupts “I told you. I can’t be there Saturday and you’re holding it against me. This is just typical of you. Always wanting more. You’re greedy and selfish. You're always talking about your problems and never once care about mine!” He hangs up. Leaving me shocked in silence. The tears come before I can stop them.