All Chapters of I Tried To Be A Good Girl, But My Past Won’t Stay Burried: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

I couldn't believe it was Kandy. Kandy Martin — saving my ass again. The first time I met her, it was pure accident. Spring break, sun high, me trudging back toward school after staying at my grandparents'. They'd raised me alongside my siblings since my parents were always too busy — and thanks to them, I'd gotten my partial scholarship. I had my tuition fees in a bag slung over my shoulder, my future literally in my hands. That's when some teenagers tore past me and yanked the bag away. "My tuition fees!" I screamed, bolting after them. But by the time I caught up, all three were already writhing on the ground, moaning. Kandy stood there over them, fierce as fire, bag in hand. "What the hell is your problem? Who said you could steal on my turf?" she snapped. Then she turned, those green eyes pinning me like I was prey. She tossed me the bag. "Don't lose this again. Study hard and you'd better be something good." I was starstruck. That reddish-brown hair glinting in the sun,

I walked into the hotel restaurant wearing the best clothes I owned—still comfortable, but not the kind of thing I'd wear slaughtering pigs. If Tammy hadn't bullied me into washing my hair and putting on something decent, I would've strutted in here in overalls, smelling like the pens. The hotel itself was ridiculous. Gold trim on the walls, white tablecloths that looked too expensive to even brush my hands on, glasses lined up like fragile little jewels. Even the air smelled like money, perfumed and fake. "Why is the taste of this so strong?" a man's voice barked, loud enough to turn heads. "You call this good service?" "The food is just a bit flavorful—" the poor waiter started. "You call this slop flavorful? Is your chef doing this on purpose!" the man snapped again. "I'll take this back immediately, sir!" The waiter grabbed the plate and scurried away, ears red. Perfect. If I helped them out here, they'd have no choice but to hear me out. I slipped off my chair and walked a

Lunch went better than I expected. Will finally used that oversized brain of his the way I told him to—took the hospital director's fat offer and wrangled extra funding and equipment. Sometimes I wonder if the man even remembers he's allowed to think of himself. But whatever. I found myself a good man, didn't I? When we came back, the yard was alive with racket. Tammy had an axe in hand, chopping wood like it was nothing. The kids were crouched close, grabbing splinters like idiots while my dad sat his lazy ass back in a chair fanning himself, looking like some king holding court. "Be careful, you'll get a splinter," Tammy warned, steadying the log. "Let me hold it, Lilian, don't prick your hand." "What're the kids doing?" I asked, striding up. "It's just your first week of school. You guys finish your homework?" "Yeah," Lilian piped up quick. Phil clammed up. "Then go study. Who made you work? I don't do child labor." "We just want to help," Lilian said, her voice all small. "

Did she really not see it? I thought I was being obvious. How could she not know she was adorable as hell, getting upset the way she did—because that was the only way she knew how to deal with her emotions. But then she had to mention separation, and that... that was too much. "Listen," I said, leaning forward, voice steady. "A few years ago, while I was on my way back to school, I got robbed of my tuition money. You helped me get it back and told me to be something great. That day when Mr. Knowles was giving me trouble and trying to force me into a worse situation, you saved me again. I recognized you right away. So I'm not planning on staying because you helped me out one time. I'm sincere to you." "How many years ago?" she asked, frowning. "I don't remember doing anything for you." "Even if you don't remember, it's enough that I do. I like you a lot, and I like you more every day. So don't talk about separating. I refuse to separate." My chest tightened, the words falling heavie

Night had fallen and the whole house smelled like Dad's cooking. He placed the last of the dishes on the table in front of Phil, Lilian, and Tammy. The kids' eyes lit up, but the air was thick enough to cut with one of my butcher knives. I couldn't stop tapping my damn foot under the table, the rhythm sharp and restless. "You're going to put a hole in my floor," Dad grumbled. "It's late as hell, Dad. Why hasn't he come back yet?" I snapped, louder than I meant to. Lilian's little face tilted toward me, eyes big with worry. "Nothing will happen to my brother, right?" Shit. I couldn't let her worry. I straightened up, voice firm. "Don't talk nonsense. There was probably a delay—an emergency at the hospital. You know how busy doctors are." Phil's jaw clenched. "I have to go check it out. My brother never comes back late, no matter what." "Ay! Stop trying to make trouble," I barked. "When your brother comes back and doesn't see you here, he'll leave to find you again. Then you're bo