After school let out for the day, I called my mom to let her know I was hanging out with a friend later today.
She told me to be back at 6. Typical.
I stand in front of my locker until 3:20 then slowly make my way toward Trevor's locker.
He was standing there talking to a bunch of jocks from the football team. All of them towered over me, making me feel smaller than I actually am.
A boy with sandy hair and green eyes spotted me and smirked at Trevor. "Got a new toy, uh?" he grins at me. "She looks like fun."
Trevor punched him in the arm. "Shut up, man. I'll meet you guys there."
"Mkay." the kid said before walking off with the other boys.
Trevor beamed over at me. "Want to know where we're going?"
"I'm guessing it's going to be with your buddies?" I cock my head. "Is it a football game?"
"Something like that." Trevor lifted a shoulder. "I also noticed you hang out with Ava and her friends. Do you think they'll want to tag along?"
I pull out my phone and type in Lillian's number, knowing she wouldn't let an opportunity to hang out with the jocks pass.
"Hey, Evelyn. How's it going with Trevor?"
"Actually, he was wondering if you and the gang want to come to hang out at a football game."
Lillian gasped. "Wait. Are his friends there?"
"Yea-"
"Count me in! Where is it?"
I glance over at Trevor, who's scrolling through his phone. "Hey. Is it at Parkview High?"
"Yeah."
"It's at Parkview High," I reply. "We'll be by to pick you up in twenty."
Lillian squealed. "This is the most exciting day of my life!!"
I laugh and hang up. I turn toward Trevor. "You ready? Lillian said she's in. I have to check with Ava and Serenity."
"No prob." Trevor tucked his phone in his pocket. "We'd better get going. The game starts at 4:50."
I follow Trevor out into the parking lot and he stops by a black mustang. My mom has never been a fan of sports cars because…she's my mom.
And if she saw me getting into this car, she'd worry her head off.
When Trevor unlocked the door he opened the passenger door and I slid into the seat. The car looks like it's been detailed recently. And it smells faintly of lavender.
It's not a scent I thought Trevor would have liked. Most guys would have said it was too girly.
"I told Lillian we'll be by to pick her up in a few," I said as Trevor climbed into the driver's seat. "Is that ok?"
He started the car. "The more the merrier."
My phone beeped and a text from Ava popped up on the screen. Lillian just called and said Trevor was taking her to a game. I have things I need to take care of. But I'll check with Serenity.
While I waited for Ava to text me back I put in Lillian's address. Trevor pulled away from the school.
A few minutes later. Serenity said she'd go, but doesn't want to be alone anywhere. She's had trouble before at her other schools.
Oh goodness. Don't worry I'll watch out for her.
And please, don't make her sit next to anyone she doesn't feel comfortable sitting next to.
Of course.
When we picked up Lillian we just pulled up to Serenity's house when we heard shouting. I look out my window and see Serenity standing on her porch while her dad stood in front of her waving his hand in her face.
Serenity just looked down and didn't say anything.
Her dad pulled his hand back and slapped her. She clenched her hands but didn't do anything, from where I was I could see the red mark on her cheek.
Lillian gasped and opened the door. "You son of a bitch!! You get away from her right now, or I'm callin' the cops!!"
Serenity's father glowered back at her. He muttered something under his breath before storming into the house, slamming the door.
Lillian helped Serenity into the car. Her eyes were blazing. "That man had better be glad that I'm not his daughter."
Trevor turned around, eyes full of concern. "Is she going to be ok? Should we tell someone?"
Serenity shook her head.
"Don't do that. It's just going to get worse. You'll be fine, right?" Lillian rubbed her back. Serenity put her head on her shoulder and blinked. "You want to stay the night with me?"
Serenity nodded.
Trevor turned back around and glanced at the house. I could tell what was going through his mind. I put my hand over his.
"Don't. It'll worsen things."
Trevor deflated and turned his head. "I'm only expressing concern because the same thing happened to me when I was living with my mom. I was dealing with depression, and I'm worried about what'll happen if she stays there." he was gripping the wheel so much that his knuckles were turning white.
There was a pencil scribbling against paper and Serenity pushed a piece of paper between us.
I understand your concern, but we mustn't tell anyone. Trust me, I know. It'll only get worse. It's been like this since my mother left a couple of years ago.
I never would've thought Trevor was a victim of abuse. I can't imagine it, my mother has never hit me.
An uncomfortable silence falls over us.
Suddenly Lillian whoops in our ears. "Come on, gang. Let's go cheer on the Eagles!!