Chapter 4

I’ve never been the rebellious child.

I mean I’ve never really had the chance, anyway.

My father was so controlling and strict, what I had didn’t even qualify as anything close to a normal childhood.

But now, as I looked out of Marshall's car, parked in front of his house where his party was already in full swing, I felt a thrill of excitement mixed with trepidation.

“You alright babe?” Marshall asks as he opens the door to his car for me.

We’re parked outside his house which is already alive with music and kids practically spilling out.

I try not to think about how Drew will definitely murder me when he gets home and realises I’m not there. That’s if Scott doesn’t beat him to it.

I saw the perfect opportunity after Drew and Hayden left and Scott hadn’t come back yet to quickly change and slip out the door.

I hadn’t really thought about the repercussions of my impulsive actions but now that I was here with Marshall, nerves ate at me and I felt like I could throw up.

I look up at Marshall and force a smile pushing the thoughts away. Drew did way worse when he was my age. Surely he might ground me or whatever but he won’t be mad forever. I tell myself.

I pushed the doubts aside, determined to enjoy the night and worry about the consequences later.

“I’m perfect.” I tell Marshall as I accept his hand and let him pull me out of the vehicle.

As we walked into the house, Marshall's arm wrapped around me, I feel a sense of belonging and happiness. It‘s so nice to finally be at an actual party with him, after all the times I'd flaked on our plans.

People stopped to greet us, and I watched in awe as Marshall effortlessly chatted with them, his friendly demeanor and charm making everyone feel at ease. He really was the perfect boyfriend – the perfect person genuinely liked by everyone.

As we made our way to the kitchen to grab a drink, Marshall pulled me close, his hand resting on my hip. I felt a flutter in my chest, enjoying the attention and affection he showed me so publicly.

The kitchen was bustling with people, the music loud and the atmosphere lively. Marshall handed me a drink, his green eyes sparkling as he smiled at me. For a moment, everything felt right with the world.

Almost everyone was drinking beers but I opted for a soda. I’m already going to be in trouble with Drew for sneaking out and I really don’t want to make it worse and add getting home wasted to that list.

A few people are dancing in Marshall’s living room and the air is filled with excitement and teenage screams. Marshall leads me to a lounge area where his friends are already gathered.

He pulls me onto his lap on a one seater couch and I feel myself flush with excitement at how proud he seems to be able to show me off.

Brooke, Rachel and Cody are already here and by the looks of it, I can tell they are already tipsy.

Brooke shoots me a glance that’s not to pleasant as Marshall rests his hand on my thigh.

I’m way out of my comfort zone in the mini white tennis skirt I’m wearing but I wanted to look cute for Marshall. Especially since I knew what he expected tonight.

Another thing that made me almost sick with nerves.

“Mia, you actually made it.” Brooke says dryly.

“And you look so cute!“ Rachel pipes up actually sounding sincere.

“No lie, Marshall, you probably have the hottest girlfriend at our school.” Cody chuckles as she drinks from his solo cup.

Marshall looks at me and smiles. “I know.” He leans in placing his lips on mine.

I pull away quickly feeling shy with all the attention on us. But I wrap my arms around him, snuggling into his warm body as his arm wraps around me.

“You know, Mia.” Brooke starts casually. “I can’t imagine how tough things have been for you with your father going to jail and all.”

I feel like I've been punched in the gut as Brooke's words hung in the air.

How does she know about that?

Her tone is so casual and flippant, it takes some time to really process that she has just revealed my biggest secret to everyone

Marshall's voice cuts through the silence. "Wait, what?"

There’s turmoil brewing inside of me and everyone falls quiet.

I feel all eyes on me, and their gazes threaten to suffocate me.

Brooke's expression changes into fake shock. "Oops, sorry, I thought you guys knew"

The tension is palpable and I feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes as humiliation washes over me.

I have always been afraid of this secret being exposed, having my messed up home life laid bare for everyone to see. If Brooke knew this much, how much else did she know?

I feel my face burning with embarrassment.

I get up from Marshall’s lap quickly and before I even understand what I’m doing, I’m rushing off.

Oh my goodness. They all know now.

“Mia!” I hear Marshall calling after me.

I quicken my pace, desperate to escape the prying eyes and whispers that follow me out of the party.

I don’t stop until I reach outside, the fresh air engulfing me.

But Marshall is close behind me and he soon catches up, his hand wrapping around my arm to gently pull me to a stop.

As I spin around to face him, tears streamed down my face. Marshall's expression is a mix of shock and concern, but he pulls me into a warm hug, stroking my hair to calm me down. "Hey, it's okay," he coos, his voice soothing.

I don’t deserve his comfort but I accept it.

When I finally calm down enough he pulls away back and looks me straight in the eye, and I can see his confusion.

"Why didn't you tell me your father had been arrested?" He asks and I choke up because there’s so much he doesn’t know.

"You said you were living with Drew now because your dad moved away."

I didn’t know what to say. I had lied to Marshall because I didn’t want him to see me as that trashy girl who lived in the trailer pack and had an abusive father. I didn’t want him to feel sorry for me or be disgusted by me.

I just wanted him to like me.

I stared at the ground. “It’s… complicated.” I spoke. I started fiddling with my fingers. “But I never meant to lie to you, Marshall. I swear! I just… didn’t want you to judge me for what my father has done.”

Marshall frowns looking at me in concern. He takes my chin and tips it back. He searches my eyes. “Hey, I could never judge you.”

He pauses. “I love you Mia, you need to understand that.”

I stare at him, my eyes getting glossy again.

Did he just say he loves me? I really don’t deserve Marshall and his kind and understanding nature. He just found out I’ve been lying to him and he says this?

Marshall tips my head back and plants his lips on mine. I kiss back without hesitation. His hands start exploring my body and next thing I know we’re in the back seat of his car and I’m lying down with him on top of me.

His hands roam my body exploring parts I would have otherwise been too uncomfortable to let him touch. But he just told me he loved me. Everything feels okay in this moment.

He pulls away for a second, breathless as he reaches into his pocket and takes out a condom.

He holds it up for me. “Are you ready for this?” He asks.

I nod even though the thought of being in his car where anyone could walk by makes me nervous. But his been so good to me, I just want to make him happy.

“Yeah.” I agree.

He places his lips on mine in a quick kiss. “Goodness! I love you, Mia.”

He helps me pull my shirt over my head and unzips his pants. My heart beats in anticipation just as he is about to come into me again but we’re immediately stopped by a knock on his car window.

“Go away!” Marshall calls out.

“You better get your ass out of there before I break this freaking door!”