Sixteen
Brooke Lynn's POV:
The morning after the dance I laid on my bed. My brain was racing. I thought about the previous night. Vanessa looked amazing. I miss her, she made me so happy. But what we did was wrong. Wasn't it? Why did it matter who I was with? Couldn't my parents love me with Vanessa just like they could with Owen?
I don't know how to feel, but seeing Vanessa look so pretty last night really made me realize that maybe those feelings can't be suppressed. I don't know. I have a lot to think about.
Lisa's POV:
I walked into the kitchen, my husband was, silently, sitting eating breakfast. But Brooke Lynn was nowhere to be found. That's odd. She's normally the first one awake.
“Where’s Brooke Lynn?” I asked, sitting down with my cup of hot coffee.
“I don’t know.” Carl shrugged, looking up from his newspaper, "haven't seen her this morning."
I went upstairs to check her room. I found her curled up on her bed, on top of the covers.
"Brooke?" I asked, walking inside.
"Hey mom." She said, she sounded blank.
"Do you want to come to breakfast? You're never in bed this late."
"Mom, please." Her voice dripped with agitation.
"Brooke Lynn, what's wrong?" I asked, worried, "did something happen at the dance last night?"
"No."
"Brooke Lynn." I did not like her tone, "what is going on? You have been moody since you came home from the retreat."
"Mother. Don't. Please just let me be."
"Don't speak to me like that." What's gotten into her?
She turned over so she was facing away from me. I'm not going to get anywhere with her. Defeated, I left the room to continue breakfast for Carl, and hope that Brooke came down to join us, and she did. She was silent as she slowly ate. I noticed she had barely touched any of her food.
"Brooke Lynn, are you feeling alright?"
She glanced at me but didn't answer.
"Brooke Lynn, I do not like to be ignored." I said this sternly. Brooke Lynn closed her eyes, exhaled and then looked at me, "do you miss the retreat sweetheart? Is that what's wrong?"
I watched her face turn red, and her eyes widened.
"Are you joking?" She said, "how dare you ask me about that place?!"
"Brooke Lynn, tone."
"No, mom. I can't take it anymore. Do you know the type of place you sent me to? Do you know what they did to me?!" Her voice was rising.
"Well I read the website, Brooke Lynn." I scoffed. What was she on about? That place was beautiful in the pictures.
"Did the website talk about how they starved us if they wanted to? They starved us if we made a mistake? Did the website say that they would hold us underwater until we flailed because they suspected we were having impure thoughts?"
I couldn't speak, I just stared.
"Did the website talk about how there were guards in each hall who would manhandle you? Did it talk about the group therapy sessions where they would ridicule us and tell us we deserved every bad thing that happened to us? Did it talk about how we were literally locked up like it was prison? I didn't go outside the whole month I was gone, mom, and I can count on one hand- ONE HAND- the amount of meals I got. It was a prison, it was hell, and you sent me there. You did. You did this to me." She gestured to her body. "You hated what I had done that you essentially almost had me killed for it. Sorry, but I don't think me being attracted to someone as amazing as Vanessa warrants a trip to that place. You know I have nightmares every night? Nightmares where I'm being starved, ridiculed, and held underwater. I don't even know who I am anymore, mom. I am an empty shell. I will never be the same. That place ruined me."
I couldn't speak. Was it really like that? Did I really put my only child through that? How could I have known? It looked so nice on the website. I couldn't speak. Brooke Lynn got up, and ran upstairs. I heard her door shut.
What have I done?
Vanessa's POV:
The dance was mostly uneventful after what happened between Brooke and the mean girls. She looked incredible last night, but, when doesn't she? The way she looked at me after the altercation, it was like she was seeing me for the first time. Her eyes were soft. It made my heart race. I got out of bed and walked to my balcony door. I just can't help but look every morning to see if the curtains are open. They were still closed. I hope Brooke is okay.
I threw on a tank top and shorts and bopped down the stairs just in time to see my mom rolling a couple suitcases to the door.
"Hey, baby." She says with a smile. I smiled back.
"Hey mom, another trip?" I asked, looking at her luggage.
"Yes, I have to go to Utah today with Cadence. We will be gone for a week. I'm sorry."
"It's okay, mom. I'll be fine. You go make dat money!" I grinned. She rolled her eyes, kissed my head, and out the door she went.
I didn't know what to do when my mom was gone lately. Brooke Lynn would come over, but that was before. I grabbed yogurt from the fridge and went back up to my room. I finally decided to tackle the pile of homework that was staring at me from my desk. It took me all day, but I got it done and I was ready for the week.
I slept restlessly that night. I just couldn't shut my brain off. I tossed this way, and that way, then I'd get up and pace. I'd look outside, instinctively towards Brooke Lynn's room. I don't know what I kept looking for. She didn't want to see me.
I felt like I had just fallen into an actual, deep sleep when my alarm went off. I groaned and got out of bed. I walked over to pick out my clothes and something caught my eye. Brooke Lynn's curtains were open. I had to do a double take. They've been closed since she got home over a month ago. I looked a little closer. Brooke was standing at her balcony door. She smiled and gave me a little wave and then walked off.
That was the most contact we had during the whole week though. A smile in the hall, a wave after class. It was small, but it was progress. Every time I saw her smile, it warmed my heart. Wednesday in homeroom, I couldn't help but stare at her. Color had come back to her cheeks, and she looked like she was gaining weight. This was a good thing, she was starting to look like herself again, like my Brooke Lynn.
Another rainy Thursday was here, I sat in the library once more.
"Vanessa!" said a voice, I looked up to see Kameron, "I've been looking for you everywhere." She smiled.
"Hey! Yeah it's raining out so I'm up here."
"Yeah Aquaria said you might be. I wanted to invite you to my birthday party on Saturday! I don't have your number or else I'd text you."
Will Brooke be there? I wanted to ask, but I couldn't get the words out.
"Yeah, Kameron, I'd love to come." I smiled.
"Alright, well give me your number so I can text you my address and such."
We exchanged numbers and I went on with my day. This felt an awful lot like last week, and last week ended with Brooke Lynn talking to me at the dance.
Saturday rolls around. What am I going to wear? I have this leather mini skirt, I haven't worn that in a while. I picked my mesh black crop top and my black lace bandeau. Final touches included some fishnets, my leather jacket, and my favorite thigh lace heels. I got one last look in the mirror. I look good. Half an hour later, I am pulling up to Kameron's house. Damn these bitches got some nice houses! I walked up to the front door and opened it. The music was loud, and there were people everywhere!
"Bitch you came!" I turned around and there was Aquaria and Nina running towards me. Aquaria threw her arms around my neck and Nina stood back and smiled at me. I missed her kind face.
"Hey guys." I laughed. They were drunk. I'm so happy to see them.
"You need toget on this level!" Aquaria slurred.
"I can't get drunk tonight, guys. I have to drive."
"Well you need a drink in your hand. I'll get it, hold on."
I rolled my eyes as she walked away.
"How have you been, Vanessa?" Nina asked me when Aquaria was gone.
"I'm.....ya know....good. I'm good." I gave what I thought was a convincing smile, Nina saw right through it.
"I think she misses you too, Vanessa." It was almost like she could read my mind, "I see her looking for you in the halls. I don't think she knows she's doing it."
"N-nina, is...is she here?" I asked, finding my words.
"She's here." Nina nodded.
I nodded back, and Aquaria walked up shoving a cup into my hand. They were gone as quick as they came, and I was alone again. I sipped my drink and walked around the house. I've never been to Kameron's house before. It was beautiful. I made my way out to the patio. That's where I saw her. Brooke Lynn. She was sitting on the patio couch next to Owen. She gave me a shy smile, and I returned it, but I didn't stay. I went back inside, and I ran into some girls from my art class. They pulled me to the cleared out living room where everyone was dancing. Looks like I am dancing, too. The party was a typical high school party. Dancing, illegal alcohol, couples making out on the couch that was pushed up against the wall. I was able to see Kameron and tell her Happy Birthday, but she was so distracted that I didn't bother her for long. I was about to leave when Kameron pulled out the Karaoke machine. Nina told me "You can't leave now!" and she pulled me over to sit with her. First ones up were Owen and Brooke. Oh dear, this won't be good. Brooke Lynn can't sing. I smiled to myself. She looked so drunk.
"Hi guyssssss." Brooke said into the mic, and everyone laughed. I watched her scan all the faces, and her eyes landed on me. "Vanessa!" she said.
I held up the peace sign and smiled.
"Oh Vanessa, I'm so happy you're here!" she was still talking into the mic. I could feel my face growing red, but she looked so happy. "Guys!" she 'whispered' into the mic, "did you know that I love Vanessa?? I mean, look at her!"
I put my forehead in my hand, what is she doing?
Still 'whispering', she said, "She's so pretty! I'm in love with her." Then she raised her voice and said, "Vanessa! You look so pretty tonnnnight!"
I decided that nobody was going to stop her, so I walked up to her, "Brooke, can I have the mic?"
"Of course, baby." I took the mic and placed it in the stand, then grabbed her hand and walked her to the foyer.
She closed her eyes, and smiled while saying "Vanessa, Vanessa, Vanessa, that's such a prrrrretty name. Vaaaaannnneeeeeesssssssaaaa."
Brooke opened her eyes and placed her hand on my cheek, "I've missed your face soo much baby."
My skin went hot as the electrical current went from the spot she touched and traveled over the rest of my body; goosebumps covered my arms.
"I miss you too, Brooke." I said quietly.
I could get lost in her soft eyes. I just stared into them. I saw tears welling up, Brooke Lynn was going to cry.
"I'm sorry," she choked out, "I'm so so sorry."
Brooke pulled me into a hug and sobs overcame her body.
"Let's go," I said, "I'll take you home."
We ended our embrace, I grabbed her hand, and walked her to the car.
"Vanessa, I can't go home like this." She said, slurring those last two words together.
"You're going to stay with me." I smiled, put the car in drive, and started our journey back to my house. The car filled with Brooke Lynn's even breathing, signaling that she was falling asleep.
Getting Brooke into my house was a slight challenge as I was quite smaller than she, but we made it work. I helped her change, get into bed, and then I crawled in next to her.
"Thank you." She said, "I'm sorry. For how I treated you."
"I know. It wasn't your fault." I pushed her long hair out of her eyes, and she yawned.
"I'm afraid to go to sleep, Vanessa. I've been having nightmares about- about that place. I've had a nightmare every night since I've been home."
My heart broke as I saw the genuine fear in her eyes.
"Brooke Lynn," I placed my palm on her cheek, "don't worry, you can sleep. I'll keep you safe."
I watched as this beautiful girl, this amazing girl that I never thought I'd hold in my arms ever again, drifted off into a sound sleep. I slept lightly the whole night, just listening to see if she had any problems, and she didn't. I held her in my arms the whole night as she got her first good night's sleep in months.
Brooke Lynn's POV:
My head is pounding. What did I do? The sun was shining, I'm warm and comfortable. The scent of lilacs filled my nostrils. Vanessa. Of course. Panic set in and my eyes snapped open. I'm in her room, our bodies tangled together. I calmed at the sound of her even breathing, and I smiled watching her sleep. She looked so peaceful. I watched as she furrowed her brow. What's she dreaming about? I smiled. I've missed her so much. She's beautiful. Her tan skin is warm and soft. She wiggles and hair falls in her face. I quickly push it away. This wakes her up. I brace myself for the demon, but she just smiles at me.
"Good morning." She said, oddly cheerful. She's never like this in the morning.
"Good.....morning..." I said, confused. "why do you look so cheerful? You can't have changed that much."
"I just like waking up next to you. I don't know how many more chances I'll have so I'm just taking it alllllll in."
"Vanessa." I frowned. I get where she's coming from, but the truth was, I wanted her. I want her in my life. I just don't know how to tell her. I don't know if she will forgive me.
"I know we don't have a future." There was sadness in her honey colored eyes. She looked down, avoiding my gaze.
"That's not what I was going to say." I said, "at all. Actually, I was going to say the opposite. We do have a future. I want us to have a future."
Vanessa was silent, she just stared.
"I know you probably don't trust me. I know I hurt you, and I'm sorry."
"I have questions." Vanessa said slowly.
"Okay." I raised my eyebrows.
"Well, what about your mom?"
"We've talked a lot about what happened. I think she's going to be more open about my dating choices. She didn't realize what she was doing when she sent me there. She knew what they wanted her to know, saw what they wanted her to see. She had no way of knowing and she has an extreme amount of guilt."
Vanessa nodded.
"Any other questions?" I asked.
"Are you okay?"
"Right in this moment in time, I am great. I have a long way to go, but I'll get there." I smiled.
Next thing I know, Vanessa's lips are crashing against mine and my body relaxes. I've missed her so much. I broke the kiss and laid there looking at her. I wanted to tell her how much I wanted to be with her, how I couldn't wait to watch our kids grow up, or that I couldn't wait to be one of those old married couples that sit out on their porch and watches the sun go down. I wanted to tell her that I loved her more than she could imagine. But I couldn't. The words had seemed to escape my mind.
A natural silence fell between us. I studied her beautiful face that gleamed under the morning sun. She was a perfect portrait. Oh, how I've missed her. Lightly, I brushed a stray hair back behind her ear and traced my finger over her soft cheek. I put my fingers under her chin, bringing her lips to mine and kissed her. Everything just felt right. How our lips seemed to move in perfect synchronization as if they were doing a dance. This was how it was supposed to be and there was no doubt in my mind that I should've been anywhere else.
The soft kiss grew into a deep, passionate kiss. This time it was different, it wasn't a desperate kiss. It was sweet and soft and tender. The type of kiss you see in movies. I pulled away for a moment just to look at her.
"What?" she giggled.
"Nothing. I just love you."
Vanessa smiled and blushed, "I love you too, now get over here and kiss me!"
I laughed and straddled her, "as you wish, my love."
I lifted her arms up and pulled her shirt up, and over her head. I kissed and sucked at her neck, leaving sweet little lovebites down her. I made my way down her body, making sure to kiss every part I could. Hooking my fingers in the waistband of her shorts, I slowly inched them down until she was bare and exposed. I trailed fingers up the inside of her inner thigh, sending shivers down her spine. Vanessa watched innocently as I started kissing down her stomach. I positioned myself so I was directly below her. Soft moans escaped Vanessa's mouth as I lapped her wet vulva, it was music to my ears. Teasingly, I ran my tongue up to her clit. She gasped sharply as I began to suck at it.
"Don't stop." She whispered under her breath. I felt her writhe under me, I knew she was close to coming. I quickly pulled away, laughing, making her frown.
"You think that's funny, huh?"
I nodded and smirked at her.
"We'll see if you think that's funny in a second." She growled, climbing on top of me and forcefully pushing me down. I lay there, excited but scared as to what she was going to do.
She softly kissed down my neck before stopping at my breasts that were being cupped by my bra. She unhooked it and kissed and sucked at my breasts. I hummed with pleasure as she worked her magic. The throbbing and wetness between my legs grew, begging for her to do something. She pulled off my thong and stopped for a moment. Vanessa looked me in the eyes and suddenly thrusted her fingers into me. I threw my head back as she pumped in and out of me, her thumb circled and rubbed my clit. I couldn't do anything but grab onto the bed sheets as loud moans escaped my mouth. Her thumb was replaced by her tongue, and it felt like heaven. Pleasure took over my body as I came.
"Vanessa!" I screamed as I orgasmed.
"And that's how you do it." She smirked before kissing me. I shook my head, laughing at her petty competitiveness.
I cuddled up next to Vanessa, tangling in each other's embrace. We lay in silence, enjoying each other's company under the sun as it showed through the window. Not before long, I heard Vanessa's soft snores. I smiled at the peaceful beauty and kissed her nose.
"I've missed you."