Once I'm in my dressing room, I take my hoodie off. After I undress I remove all my piercings. Then I put on a tube top, wrapping bandages around my chest. And the final touch, my sleeveless hoodie.
I keep it open to show off my toned stomach. When I enclose my face with the hood a sound is heard from behind the door.
"Seems like you're already ready." I nod.
"Who's the guy?" He scratches his chin.
"Just another one who thinks he can win 'cause you're small and appear weak." I chuckle, cracking my knuckles.
"Those are my favorites." Coach laughs, shaking his head. "Let's get going."
I snort as I follow him towards the area.
As we pour into the spotlight hordes of screams echo around us. I smirk.
Showtime.
⚀
Okay, I'll give Mom three-quarters of it and I'll take this much. I count my money as I walk to the front door.
When I put my money away the door opens. I instantly smile.
"Jonna! How were the kids?" She looks over me, checking for damage. I grab her hand, also grabbing her attention.
"I'm fine, you don't have to worry about me." She sighs, crossing her arms while we go into my house.
"Nevaeh, I still don't like it and your mother probably wouldn't either. I mean, you're a girl for crying out loud." I rub my face.
"Jonna, I'm doing this to make everyone happier and Mom doesn't know." We get to the kitchen and I subconsciously make her a cup of tea. She smiles then takes it.
This sorta thing is kinda routinely for us.
"She needs to. Your mom's not stupid, she's probably thinking you sell drugs with the amount of money you sneak her." I get some tea for myself.
The house groans every now and then to make up for the lack of noise. It's good that they're asleep. I don't want anyone to walk in on our conversation.
"She can't be sure the money's from me." She strikes me with a deadpan look over her cup.
"You continuously help out here, it's you, sweetpea." I sigh then I blow my Jasmine tea.
"I just hate those days back when Nico was a baby, she was always overworked and unhappy. Plus, as much as I love them, nursing old people doesn't pay well." She reaches me, soothing my nerves.
"And she was pregnant with Victoria, he was a complete and utter di- disappointment." My anger disappears as I avoid her eyes as they stare me down.
"Yes, disappointment."
She laughs, hugging me and I automatically smile. She doesn't know, no one needs to.
"I know it's been hard for you guys, but please don't hurt yourself too terribly. A lot of people need and love you in one piece." I crack a smile.
"You got it."
We both get up and I stop her before she leaves. Reaching into my pocket, I try to pull out my money.
She stops me with a hand and a sweet smile.
"Nevy, stop that. I'm family. You don't need to pay me for babysitting." I pout.
"But I feel so bad." She pinches my cheeks light, causing my pout to increase.
"I don't care what anyone says, you're the sweetest person in the world." I morph a smile through the hold she has on my cheeks. Letting go, she laughs.
"Well, I should go. Rick is freaking out." I wave.
"When you get the chance, tell me what's happening." She nods then heads out.
When I know for sure she's gone I sigh. That man, that stupid fucking man. I try to be angry, but I end up crying instead.
So I just completely ignore it all together. I don't have time to be sad. I sigh, rubbing my face.
Where's my weed?
⚀
"Sammy!" He walks by my door, stopping at it. I sit up and open my arms.
"I wanna hug-ga." He stares at me for awhile before walking towards me.
"Aren't you 17?" I smile, trapping him in my arms.
"And counting." I sigh, smoothing down his already tamed hair.
"I love you, Sam." He nods, hiding his face in my neck.
"Me too."
When I pull away he wipes a stray tear.
"I'm okay now, Nevaeh." His tone seems broken as I shake my head then smile.
"You're right, I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me." After I sober up, I quickly change the subject.
"What are the others doing?"
Sammy sits down on my bed next to me with a comforting smile on his lips.
"Victoria and Gina are playing with their oven, Nico is in the living room. We were gonna play video games together." He says quietly while I nod, laying down on my bed.
"And mom?" We look to the door and see a tiny figure run by. Sammy shakes his head, causing me to nod.
No mom tonight, then.
"Well, have fun." Sam stares down at me.
"What are you gonna do?" I wave towards the backpack, which sits comfortably in my chair.
"Homework."