Alice's POV:
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Alice: 15 years old
Neilson: 23 years old
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Peeking out the window, I saw a car pulling up. Out stepped a man, pushing back his hair to reveal his hypnotic deep brown. I release a sigh when I saw him pulling down his tie.
Someone smack my head, and I release a loud "Ouch!" I turn my head around, shooting the person who hit my head a glare. "Nina!" I scream at the top of my lung and stand up.
"Stop stalking him," she said, crossing her arms.
I turn back towards the window. "But he looks so good in his suit today, too." I sigh once again, leaning against the window.
Instantly, he turns his head, eyes meeting mine and I smack my face down to the carpet. "He didn't see me right?" I whisper, mind wondering what in the world I'm doing.
Nina peek out the window. "No, he is going inside his house," she said, and I release a breath of relief, whipping my head up towards the window, seeing Neilson standing there, waving with an amused grin on his face.
I shot a dirty glare at Nina. "You told me he is going back inside his house," I hiss.
She sends me a lazy shrug. "Yeah. I lied," she said, taking a seat on her bed.
Turning my attention back towards the window, Neilson wave at me to come down. I couldn't help, but smile and open the window. "What do you want Muffin!?" I shout.
"I'm making pizza tonight, want to join me for dinner?"
Be cool Alice, play it cool. Don't sound too desperate.
"Yes!" I shriek.
Nail it.
"Ask Nina if she wants to join!"
I glance at Nina who nods her head.
I turn back towards him. "She said she is busy!" I yell while Nina shot me a glare.
"Oh! That's too bad!"
"Yeah! I guess it will be just us!" I said.
"Then, I'll see you at 7?" He asks, and I nod my head, while he walks back to his house.
I turn towards Nina who shook her head in disapproval of my actions. "Way to keep your feelings on the DL," she said, and I shrug my shoulder.
"Its just dinner," I said casually, quite excited for tonight.
"Where are you going?" She asks.
"I'm going home to change! I mean look at me!" I said, pointing down at my shirt that had a weird monster in the front that looks kind of like a bear with an odd color skirt over it.
"It's just dinner," she said in a voice mocking me.
"Shut up," I mumble, rushing back to my house.
Unlocking the front door, a wave of alcohol hit me, and I quickly shut it. "Dad?" I ask, creeping my way into the kitchen to see him laying on the kitchen table.
He looks up at me then went back to the alcohol bottle in front of him. Releasing a deep breath, I walk upstairs to change. I rummage through the closet to see what I should wear and found the perfect pair of black shorts along with a casual blue t-shirt. "Perfect," I mumble to myself and start changing.
Sitting on the table, I start applying some foundation and lipstick smacking my lips together. I brush some blush onto my cheekbones and nod to myself, excited to have dinner with Neilson tonight.
I grab a black jacket and spray some perfume on. When I open the door, dad stands there, ditzy eyes staring at me. "Where do you think you're going tonight?" He slur.
"Please, dad n-not tonight," I stutter out shaking my head. I don't want to miss my no-a-date date with Neilson.
"Is it a boy?" He question.
When I saw an opening, I went through it but was caught by him when he pulls my hair back. I hold my head, falling to the ground. "Please dad not tonight," I beg as he drags me back into my room and slams the door shut.
Sitting on my bedroom floor, the tears refuse to stop dripping down as I hold onto my bruising stomach. With trembling legs, I stand up and limp to the mirror. I lift my shirt to see a broad bruise turning purple. Raising a hand, I feel my stinging cheek.
Quickly, I rush towards the table and start applying more foundation to cover the dark purple mark, but it didn't work. "How am I suppose to have dinner with Neilson now?"
When I hear my phone ding, I grab it.
Muffin ♡: Coming over Angel?
Releasing a deep breath, I look at my face in the mirror again.
Angel ♡: Sorry, I cant go. I did really bad on my math test last week and dad told me I can't go out until I do better.
I sent him the message and limp back towards my bed. I'm glad it's Friday, so I don't have school the next day.
Laying there, I hold the phone up to my face and wait.
Muffin ♡: Okay, study hard and when you ace your math test. I'll take you out for lasagna and ice cream.
I smile at the message, feeling the pain in my stomach growing. Putting the phone down, I open my drawer and take out a bottle of painkiller. I take two and drink the waterbottle beside my nightstand, eyes staring up at the stars.
Of course, I lied about failing my math test. I never fail any test before in my life, but I can't let Neilson know I'm lying. Over the past few years, I learn how to become one of the best liars I've ever met.
My hands move over to turn off the lamp but halt. Releasing a deep breath, I shut my eyes and rest quite disappointed I had to cancel my night with Neilson.
The whole weekend, I stay in my room, avoiding everyone until the bruises faint. It's Monday now and I have to go to school. Staring in the mirror, I realize the swelling decreases a little bit. I grab the foundation and start covering it up. Throwing on layer after layer, it starts getting fainter, and I throw on more.
The pain in my stomach lessen, so I'm entirely grateful. I throw on a long sleeve shirt and pants. Looking into the mirror, I check my makeup to ensure everything is cover. I grab my makeup bag and shove it into my backpack along with some painkiller.
Strapping on my backpack, I stare back into the mirror and take a deep breath. Placing two fingers on my cheeks, I carve out a smile. Satisfied with my smile, I walk out of the house.
"Ready Alice?" I hear Nina yell.
I lock the front door. "Yes! Let's go back to prison!"
Walking past Neilson's house, I notice his car is missing. I jump into the car with Nina and her younger siblings. We start talking about the school year, laughing over random stuff until Piper, Nina's younger sister elbow me in the stomach right where the bruise sat.
"I'm sorry Alice."
I shake my head. "It's okay! I'm a-okay!" I yell happily, even though my stomach hurts like hell. "But as punishment, I'm going to tickle you!" I start doing my evil laugh and tickle her and Nina's other younger siblings.
They start waving and hitting my bruises, but I force the smile on my face. When we reach school, I hop out. "You shall feel my wrath after school!" I start doing my evil laugh again, and they began squealing.
We stand there, waving them, as they drove to their school. "Are you okay Pancakes?" Nina ask.
I turn my head towards her. "Yeah? Why?"
"Its just you're sweating a lot," she said wiping off some of the sweat on my face.
I release an exasperated grunt and began fanning myself. "Because it's so hot!"
She scans my body. "Who told you to wear such long clothes on a hot day?"
I snap my fingers in front of her face. "Yo! I didn't make fun of your granny skirt."
She rolls her eyes. "I'm not even wearing a skirt" she said, and we look down to see her wearing shorts.
Before I can reply someone jumps onto my back, causing the pain to worsen. "Who art forth thou!"
She hops off of me and turned towards us. "I fart the Princess! Wait a minute" she pause causing us to burst into a loud laugh.
"What is it, Carla?" Nina question.
"Oh, right! The cheerleading squad is recruiting new members! You two should come to try out!" she squeals.
Nina and I glance at each other. "Nooooo," we reply at the same time.
"Why not?"
I place a hand on Nina's shoulder. "I got this," I said, turning towards her. "We are already in a club," I said.
"We are?" Nina reply, unable to follow me.
I nod my head. "We are in the go home club."
Carla rolls her eyes and hands us a flier. "Tryouts are on Friday," she sang and skip away.
"Tree killer!" I yell, waving the flier around causing her to turn back and smile at me.
We walk to our lockers, separating when the warning bell rang. When I saw her disappearing, I pace into the bathroom and grunt out loudly. Unzipping my backpack, I grab the bottle and throw two painkillers in my mouth, praying it will work faster. Shaking off the stinging sensation I went to class, and I sat down, dozing off. The teacher walks in and starts doing his usual thing of teaching.
My phone buzz and I look down, a smile on my face.
Muffin ♡: Since you ditch me on Friday night. You, my Angel, have some making up to do.
Angel ♡: How can I make it up?
Muffin ♡: You have to buy me ice cream.
I bit my bottom lips, the smile disappearing when I saw a shadow lurk over me. Slowly, my eyes went up seeing Mr.Franklin. "Hi Mr.Franklin," I said lowering my phone and myself in progress.
He stretches out his hand and moves his finger inward. Shamefully, I place my phone in his palm, and he glanced at the message Neilson send me. "So," he said.
"Sorry?" I said, but it came out as a question.
"No, I meant what's your answer," he asks.
Everyone's eyes were on me, while I stare at Mr.Franklin, mind wondering what in the world is going on "Yes," I reply slowly, and he nods his head, responding to the message.
He throws the phone on top of his desk, and I jolt when I hear it buzzing. My eyes went towards Mr.Franklin who smirks at me, and I know he did it on purpose.
The phone keeps buzzing the whole period, and I continuously shake my leg, eyes staring at the clock that feels agonizingly slow.
When I bell rang, I jump out of my seat and flash towards him, placing my palm out. He rolls his eyes mumbling something about impatient teenagers and drop the phone on my palms.
Quickly, I scroll through my phone, eyes widening. "Mr.Franklin, I said yes!" I whine, stomping my foot.
He glances at me, cocking a brow. "Teach you to text during my class."
I scroll through my messages feeling thoroughly dejected. Neilson had been messaging me asking if I'm sure since I never turn down free food. Now, it's too late to respond since my phone was withdrawn from me the whole hour.
"Alice why don't you take a seat," Mr.Franklin said, and I take a step back.
"Whatever it was, I didn't do it," I said.
He scrunches his brows together. "You're not in trouble," he said, and I nod my head, taking a seat. "Alice, remember when we took that test a month ago?"
"That random bullshit test that didn't matter to my grade that you called practicing for the SAT? Yes." I reply.
He rolls his eyes, "Well the result came in."
"How bad did I do?" I whisper.
Mr.Franklin furrows his brows together and shakes his head. "Quite the opposite, you score in the top .01% in the states," he replies, handing me the result. "The only thing you got deducted points in was your argument regarding the current school system."
"Oh yes, how its fucking sucks," I reply, nodding my head as I scroll through the papers.
"That's where you got deducted points. You can't use vulgar words in the essay."
My mouth gape open. "Fuck is a real word."
"Yes, but it's a vulgar slang word," he explains.
I shrug my shoulder. "So?"
He rolls his eyes once more, and one day, I believe it will be stuck in the back of his head. "So, I showed your report to a friend of mine at Princeton and-"
"Teachers have friends?!"
"Alice!" He warns me and gave him a sheepish smile. Mr.Franklin clear his throat. "After I showed my friend, he was impressed and wanted to speak with you," he said.
"About what?"
"Alice, have you consider taking Certificate of Proficiency from the State Board of Education and graduate school early?"
"Mr.Franklin I-"
"Alice I know you're a smart girl, but what I don't understand is why you rather waste your talent laying under the radar. I read your report regarding the overpricing of the sweet lollipops, very odd topic but your argument is profounding. It makes me almost want to go to the grocery store and bargain for a lower price on lollipops," he said.
"Mr. Frank-"
"I arrange a meeting with the dean of Princeton this Friday. I suggest you give it a shot," he said, handing me a fancy looking card with a phone number on it. "Don't waste your gift, Alice," he pats my back before walking out of the classroom.
"Plus, I know you made a photocopy of the schoolmaster key, so can you lock up the room for me," he said, and I gave him the okay sign.
Sitting there, I keep staring at the small card, mind wondering what's holding me back here. I stand up, grab my backpack and walk out, locking the door.
I can always meet up with Nina during breaks. It's a great opportunity, Princeton, it's Princeton! You can't any fancier than that!
Releasing a deep breath I shove the card into my backpack, walking towards my next class. "Hey Alice," Randy said.
Randy is a nice guy that people often mistook as the bad boy. Yes, he has tattoos on the side of his arm, and he may or may not have a connection with the town drug dealer, but overall he is nice. Now, that I think about it, with his leather jacket, tattoo, and the motorcycle he does have the bad boy image, which is probably why a lot of girls drool over him.
"Hi Randy," I said, giving him a wave.
Instantly, his smile drops and he pulls me into a random room "Your makeup," he said.
My eyes widen, and I pull out my mirror, seeing the bruise making its appearance probably because I've been sweating a lot on this hot day. Quickly, I grab my make up bag, and pour the foundation on my face, covering it.
"Did your dad- " he pause and stare at me.
"Yeah" I respond, layering it once more.
"When?" he whisper, taking a seat in front of me.
I shut the powder and throw it back inside my bag. "Friday night."
I met Randy when I was thirteen, and he was fourteen. We met at the park. You can say we bond over the same issues. Randy's dad is also an alcoholic who beats him up. Randy is the only one who knows about my situation; even Nina doesn't know. I guess it's easier to talk about it with someone who is going through the same thing.
People always thought it was a weird thing that we hang out since we have opposite personalities, but we have a lot more in common than people can see.
Randy stands up and embraces me. "You okay?" he whispers.
I push him back a smile on my face. "When am I not okay?"
"Alice it's me, Randy, stop it with the fake smile," he whisper, tucking my hair back.
Within trembling lips, the tears drip down. "It hurts," I cry out, and he wraps his arms around me, patting my back. "It hurts so much when he hits me."
After some time, I realize I fell asleep on his shoulder, leaning against the wall. "I can't believe I skipped two periods because of you," I mumble.
"The school wouldn't want to see that ugly face of yours anyways," he said, a smirk etched on his lips.
I smack his chest. "Your ugly, ugly," I said.
He turns his head towards me. "That's the best you got?"
I shrug, "Randy."
"Yes? Alice in Wonderland?" he sang, throwing an arm over my shoulder, pulling me inward.
"I got a meeting with the dean of Princeton."
I can see his eyes widening, mouth gaping open. "You're fucking with me."
"First of all, we ain't fucking, ever," I said.
He snaps his fingers, "Damn it!"
"And secondly, I'm not. It turns out I'm some freaky genius."
A snort escapes his throat. "Explains how you always manage to ace everything despite sleeping in nearly every class." I lean against his shoulder, closing my eyes. "Are you going for it?" he asked.
"I don't know," I mumble.
He releases a deep breath. "It's that Neilson guy isn't it."
Randy knows about my obsession towards Neilson ever since I was eight. It turns out when your laying under the stars talking about random things; stuff just slips out.
"You know what I think?" he said.
I sat up, crossing my legs. "What?"
"Fuck that old man, go to that meeting, nail it, and fucking go to Princeton with all those privileged kids," he said.
"You make it sound so appealing," I said in a mocking tone.
He rolls his eyes, "You know what I mean. Alice, are you really going to give up this once in a lifetime opportunity for a guy who doesn't deserve you? You're gifted with this mind, that can get you out of this shithole of a town, not all of us get that opportunity."
He places a finger under my chin, lifting my head up. "Don't waste your youth for a guy who doesn't know your value," he said, pressing his lips on my forehead and walk out of the class.
"Where are you going?" I ask.
"Work," he said, sending me a wink before closing the door.
I lean my head against the wall, mind deciding whether or not I should skip school. After some time, I text Nina I was going home and then crawl out the window, sneaking into the school back fence.
Kicking some rocks, I stare at the cement ground. My hand holds the card, wondering what I should do. Releasing a breath, I look up to see a car pulling, and a smile appears. Neilson steps out, pulling his tie down as usual, but he wasn't alone.
On the passenger side, out step a gorgeous blonde, body build like a supermodel. She walks towards Neilson, wrapping her arms around him and he did the same. She tilts her head, red lips smiling, and they start kissing.
For a very long time.
I take a step back and turned around, legs quite unsure where it's going. When I look up, I was in the park. I duck down and crawl into the tunnel then wrap my arms around myself.
Even when I got older and bigger, I guess I never actually grew up.