pt3

They ended up spending several hours in the mall. They didn’t leave until nearly closing time. Michelle managed to bilk her parents for hundreds of dollars. The twins even managed to get in a couple hundred dollars each. Demi wanted to be upset by how her parents don’t bat an eyelash when spending so much money on her siblings but would him and haw over her wanting things she needed, such as feminine hygiene products or things that were necessary, like bras and underwear.

By the time they had gotten all the bags in the car Demi, barely had room in the cramped trunk. They pulled off and headed home until Michelle spoke up. “Daddy, we haven’t had anything to eat. Stop at McDonald’s or Burger King. Please?”

“Sure thing Pumpkin. I’ll get you all something to eat.”

Hearing that made Demi feel as if they wouldn’t forget her this time. That gave her reason to smile. They pulled into the drive-thru and he placed their order. Unfortunately, they did it again. Instead of getting six meals, they got only five. The hope that she had building inside of her died. She sighed but didn’t say anything. Michelle was in a great mood because of the shopping and spoke up. “Daddy, how could you forget Demi? She needs to eat too.”

He looked towards her in the rearview mirror, barely able to see her underneath all the bags. He huffed. “She can just eat food from the house. We have something there.”

“Ok, long as she doesn’t starve. It wouldn’t look good if something happened to her.” Michelle knew just how to pull her parents strings to make sure they did something for Demi.

Demi was thinking about how much longer until school started. There was just under two weeks until she would be away from them. Able to eat meals and pretend to have confidence. They reached home and the trunk was opened. Demi gathered all the bags in her hands before exiting the vehicle. Their nosey neighbor was outside watching the whole thing. Demi didn’t say anything just gave her a polite smile. Her parents had stopped to chat with the woman.

Michelle headed up the porch to unlock the door. She collapsed onto the sofa as if she had worked several hours. “Shopping can be so tiring. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I wouldn’t know.”

“Oh, don’t say that. You got something too.”

“If you say so.” Demi headed into Michelle’s room to put her bags on her bed. Then to the twins room to drop theirs off. She went through the bags gathering the clothes and hanging them up. She went back to Michelle’s room to do the same. It was nearly midnight when she had finished. Michelle really did get a ton of clothes. And she always wanted them organized by color. Good thing the twins weren’t picky that way. Demi decided to forgo eating anything since it was too late. She headed into her bedroom and pulled the hidden phone from under her pillow She sent a text message to Victoria. [Home now. Sleep now c u 2mrw?]

She tucked the phone back under her pillow. Feeling the vibrations of the phone she knew Victoria had responded. Demi fell asleep to her stomach rumbling. It had been a long day.

Morning came and her parents had to go to work, which left the girls home alone. Usually when they were gone Demi was able to do as she pleased. Michelle didn’t care as long as she stayed out of her way. Victoria came over bright and early with a bag in her hand. The door was unlocked, so she walked right inside. She went straight into Demi’s room and dragged her outside on to the porch. “Come on, you need the sunlight.”

She was groggy from being woken up. She only mumbled incoherently. “Mmhmm.”

Victoria pulled her outside forced the bag into her hands. It was filled with strawberry milk, a couple breakfast sandwiches, chocolate milk, and bags of chips for them to share. “Eat up, I’ve already eaten but I’m sure you haven’t.”

Demi could always count on her best friend to make sure that she was alright. “Thanks. You’re the best.”

Victoria had pushed Dei’s head the opposite direction. “Pee you girl your breath is rank.”

“Says the fool that woke me up and dragged me outside first thing in the morning.”

“Well, how else am I going to get food in your belly? Sure, don’t want you having to share it with those brats.”

Demi tilted her head showing her displeasure. “You know they aren’t that bad.”

“Yeah, well they aren’t that good either. Who treats their sibling like a slave? A maniac does, that’s who. If we could get you out of this house, I’d feel much happier.”

“Yeah, and in foster care where there’s a good chance, I’d never be able to see you again. This is fine ok. We shouldn’t dwell on that. Any news to tell me?”

“Of course! I got a boyfriend.”

“How the hell did you get a boyfriend in a matter of hours?”

Victoria stood up and smiled, she rocked her hips back and forth. “Because I am a gorgeous woman that can get any guy I want.”

“Well, you have fun with that. I don’t think relationships are for me.”

“Says, no girl ever. Seriously, I seen the way that tall guy looked at you.”

“Yeah? So? I seen him at the mall last night too with his brother. Apparently, Michelle knows them.”

“Of course, she does. If anyone would be called a slut it would be her.”

“That’s not nice.”

“OK, ok. It wasn’t nice but it’s true. So, what’s his name?”

“You mean the guy?”

“Duh.”

“His name is Zaine. His brother’s name is Jermaine. I guess Zaine is our age.”

Victoria sat down in shock. “No freaking way? That tall guy? I thought he was an older teen. Like eighteen or something.”

“Guess that means you can’t judge a book by its cover.”

“Well, no shit. Michelle looks nice but underneath it all she’s a spoiled little bitch.”

Demi smirked but bumped into her friends shoulder. “Be nice.”

“Ok fine.”