Eleven
Brooke Lynn's POV:
I woke up the next morning very disoriented. My head and my jaw were throbbing with pain. Am I naked? What happened last night. I opened my eyes. This isn't my bedroom. Where am I? I felt the bed move and finally noticed the warmth wrapped around my body. Then it clicked. I was at Vanessa's. I moved so I was facing her. Her dark curls covered half of her face. She looked like an angel, sleeping so peaceful.
"Quit. Fucking. Staring. At. Me." She said, gruffly, and my angel was gone, and replaced with a morning-hating demon.
"You're so beautiful though." I said, which earned me a smile, "Vanessa?"
"Hm?" she hummed.
"What happened last night? Why am I naked?"
Vanessa's eyes snapped open.
“You don’t remember?”
I shake my head.
"Well," she said, "Morgan and Tatiana showed up at Aquaria's. You and Morgan got in a fight, you shoved her and she punched you. After they left, you had a few more drinks. We danced and you flirted with me. Also, you told Nina we're dating. But when we got here, you ended up getting sick, and your clothes caught it. So they are in the wash."
My face turned red as she spoke. I was embarrassed. No, it's more than that. I wanted the earth to open and swallow me whole.
"Brooke Lynn, don't be embarrassed." It was almost like she could read my mind.
"I don't even know where to start." I said, "I'm so sorry you had to see me like that."
"Hey, it didn’t bother me, you were being cute." She smiled softly, "I'll go get your clothes."
She left and I checked my phone. Ten texts, and half as many missed calls? All calls were from my mom. Texts were from many different people.
Aquaria: You guys get home ok?
Nina: Hope you're safe! Glad you finally realized you are good together!
Trixie: You and Vanessa are cute!
Mom: Brooke Lynn, where are you?
Mom: Brooke Lynn, why aren't you answering?
Mom: Brooke Lynn?!
Mom: Answer me!
Mom: Right now!
Mom: Brooke Lynn!
Mom: I'm worried sick!
Shit I forgot to tell mom I wouldn't be home. Vanessa walked in with my clothes and I threw them on as fast as I could. I type a quick message to my mom saying I'm safe and I'm sorry.
"Vanessa, I have to go home. My mom is worried. Can we go later to get my car?"
"Yes, just let me know when!"
I kissed Vanessa on the cheek and ran out. I ran across the lawn and to my place. The door opens before I can grab the door.
"Oh, Brooke Lynn." My mom said, hand on her chest.
I could tell she was scared.
"Mom, it's okay. I'm fine." I said when she hugged me, "we went to Aquaria's and I forgot to text you. I'm sorry."
"Is that a bruise on your cheek?!" my mom asked, shocked.
"Yeah, Morgan punched me." I said, looking at the floor.
"McMichaels? I thought you were friends? Why would she do that?"
"Mom, we haven't been friends in a year. She punched me because I shoved her after she said something nasty to Vanessa."
"So, you got into a fight because of Vanessa?" she asked.
"I guess so."
"So, not only are you staying out all night, but you're also picking fights? I don't think Vanessa is a very good influence."
My jaw dropped.
"Mom, you don't even know her! And I didn't start the fight! Morgan did!"
"Still."
"Mom, you don't even know her. Vanessa's incredible. She's my friend." My mom just stared at me. "Can we have Vanessa over for dinner at least?"
"I suppose."
"Will you be nice to her?"
"Brooke Lynn, when have I been mean to any of your friends?" my mom snapped at me, "Fine she can come over for dinner. Will you see if tonight works?"
A smile crept across my lips. "Yes, thanks mom. I'll call her."
Vanessa's POV:
I laid on my bed after Brooke Lynn left. Was it weird that I already missed her? What's this girl doing to me? I smiled while thinking of the way she smells; citrus and vanilla, the way she wrinkles her nose when she smiles, and the cute way she says my name. I think about her skin, how soft and perfect it is. Its cream color pigmented light pink. This girl had me under her spell, and I was terrified. At the same time though, I loved it.
I was deep in thought when my phone started to ring. My heart lightened when I saw it was Brooke Lynn.
"Hey!" I said, answering the phone.
"Hey babes. I just finished speaking with my mom. Do you want to come over for dinner tonight?" Brooke Lynn sounded hopeful.
"I'd love that. What time?"
"We normally eat dinner at 6 so 5:30?"
"Sounds good, boo. See you then."
We hung up and my new mission was to figure out what I was going to wear. I wanted her parents to like me. I settled on a simple knee length skirt and a tank top. I wanted to look presentable. I made my way over at 5:30 and rang the doorbell. Brooke Lynn's mom answered the door with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Hi, Mrs. Hytes!" I smiled my sweetest 'please love me' smile.
"Hi, Vanessa," what was that in her voice? Stiffness? Hm. "Brooke Lynn is upstairs; she's still getting ready. You can go on up."
I walked my way up the stairs and knocked on Brooke Lynn's door.
"Come in!" she said.
I busted through the door with a bright smile on my face. Brooke Lynn got up and gave me a hug. Citrus and vanilla surrounded me and I breathed it in.
"You look beautiful." She murmured into my ear.
"Thank you." I smiled and kissed her cheek.
Brooke Lynn sat at her vanity and was doing her makeup. I watched as she coated her eyelashes in mascara with gentle hands.
"Hey, Vanessa!" I heard from the hallway. It was Brooke's mom.
"Yes?" I said, getting up and walking over to the doorway.
"Vanessa, dear, I'd love for you to come help me set the table." There that smile was again. It just didn't reach her eyes, it almost looked fake.
"Sure." I smiled, "see you downstairs, beauty queen." I winked at Brooke.
I get downstairs to help Mrs. Hytes. I started with place mats, then plates. When I went back for the silverware, Mrs. Hytes stopped me.
"Vanessa, can we talk?" she said, it didn't really sound like an option.
"Of course, ma'am."
"Vanessa, I don't think you should be friends with my daughter."
I was taken aback. What? What did Brooke Lynn's mom have against me?
"I just don't think you're a very good influence on her. I'm sure you're," she paused, "lovely, but I just want what's best for my daughter."
I was shocked. What had I done to make her say these things? I felt tears threatening my eyes, but I fought them. I couldn't speak. There was a sob in my throat waiting to escape. I just stared at her, and she stared at me.
Finally, I choked back the sob. "With all due respect, ma'am, you don't really know me."
"I don't think I need to. I can just tell you're not a good fit for our Brooke Lynn."
"Mom?!"
I turned around and Brooke was standing in the archway.
"Brooke Lynn," her mom started.
"No. Stop. Why would you say these things to Vanessa? You said you would try!"
I glanced down at my feet. I couldn't stay here. I went to stop towards the door, but Brooke Lynn rushed towards me, grabbed my hand and squeezed it.
"Mom, that's extremely rude. You don't even know Vanessa. She's amazing. She's a good friend." She squeezed my hand again.
"Brooke Lynn, it's okay." I whispered, "I'll go." I gave her hand a squeeze and then let go. I walked towards the door. I looked back with an apologetic smile to Brooke Lynn, and home I went.
I held back the tears until I was inside my house. My mom was still away so I was alone. I went to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of wine. I went up to my room, drank my wine, and cried.
I felt so hurt.
I laid there crying and praying that my only friend here wouldn't let her mom control her decision to be my friend until I fell asleep.