Page 3 of Hurts So Good

I thought she’d be long gone by now.

Her eyes are wide, but not with fear as I’d expect. Curiosity swims within. Maybe even lust.

Nah. That’s not possible.

I shake off my thoughts. That’s wishful thinking. Lakelynn’s not a freak like me. At most, she’s probably just thankful Keith is getting what’s coming to him after he attacked her.

“Leave!” I order.

Her gaze bounces between me and her attacker.

Why is she hesitating?

Must be the shock.

Keith whimpers, pulling my attention back to him.

I spot Lakelynn’s discarded tape on the floor and pick it up. Grabbing Keith’s hair, I yank his head back and slap it across his mouth. At his muffled sobs, a smile curves my lips.

When I turn back to Lakelynn, I almost chuckle at the fact that she’s still there. She hasn’t moved. Unsure if I should be impressed by her courage to stay and watch or worry about how much shock she might be in, I decide to make use of her presence.

“Hand me that pen, beautiful.” I motion toward the mess on the floor.

She glances at it, then back to me. When I put out a gloved hand, she crawls over, grabs the pen, and passes it to me.

“Now run.” I remove the cap and shove the tip into Keith’s hand next to the knife.

His sobs turn to screams again. It jars Lakelynn out of whatever trance she’s in, and she scrambles to her feet.

“Good girl,” I say as she leaves.

Slamming Keith’s head back onto the desk, I lean down to eye level with him.

“Now...let’s have some fun, shall we?”

CHAPTER TWO

Lakelynn

At fourteen years old, I’ve been passed over many times. But today, it’s a new day. A new family. And this time I’m determined to make it work. The Rylees are my fifth family, and I don’t want to see the sixth. Because they have a few other children around my age, I’m hopeful this family will keep me longer than the others. I’ll do my best to make sure it happens.

As I’m shown around my new home, I mentally repeat the rules and what’s expected of me. The next morning, wanting to make a good impression, I wake up early without being coaxed by Mrs. Rylee. She praises me for it as she hands me a brand-new dress for church.

“Hurry along, Sierra,” Mrs. Rylee says to my roommate. “You know the routine. You could learn a thing or two from Lakelynn.”

She touches my cheek in affection before leaving the room. I smile proudly. It disappears as I glance at Sierra, who is scowling at me. She’s been scowling at me since I arrived yesterday. I don’t blame her. It’s not easy welcoming a new foster sister into the fold. She probably feels I’ll try to shove her out.

It’s a common thing with foster families. They compare the children often, but I’m hoping we’ll learn to share this family as she does with the other kids. I want us all to be happy here.

When Sierra begins getting dressed, I do the same. I step in front of the mirror, twisting and turning. My new dress makes me feel pretty. It’s beige with ruffles and puffy quarter sleeves. I’ve never had anything brand-new bought just for me, only hand-me-downs.

I push my blonde hair back and tie it into a ponytail. Living with strangers should be scary, but after living in the orphanage and then being thrown from one home to another, I’m used to being with new people. This couple seems nice; I’m looking forward to the future with them and what it’ll bring.

Sierra rolls her eyes at my giddiness, but I ignore her. I won’t let her ruin my good mood. We leave the room and meet a few boys our age in the foyer.

“Look at you, pretty girl,” Mr. Rylee says as he and his wife join us. His smile spreads as wide as his face and it crinkles at the sides. “You’ll be the talk of the town.” He nudges me teasingly. “All the boys will be chasing you in no time. I’ll have to beat them off with a stick.”

I giggle. No one has ever cared enough to compliment me before. I think my luck is strong in this house.

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