Page 42 of Stalk Me (The Keatyn Chronicles 1)
We called Cush’s dad last night and told him what happened. He immediately called Cush’s mom, yelled at her, and told her what a bad parent she is.
Like it was her fault.
She called me from Paris, thanked me for taking care of him, and asked me what really happened. Cush’s dad had over exaggerated and made it sound like Cush was into drugs. His mom was freaking out. I assured her that neither of us ever did that stuff. Cush doesn’t even smoke pot. She knew he’d been having parties, so that wasn’t really a surprise to her. She was shocked though that a girl would do that to her son. She started yelling at me a little. Asking me what kind of people we hung out with.
Even though I told her over and over it wasn’t his fault, they decided to punish Cush. He’s grounded from everything and has to spend the entire summer at his dad’s house in Oregon.
She left me the task of breaking the news to Cush.
Around noon, Cush finally wakes up.
“Why am I here? Why aren’t you in France?” He grins at me. “Couldn’t stand to leave me for that long, could ya?”
“Um, not exactly. ”
He tries to sit up.
“What happened last night? I feel kinda hungover. And why am I at your house?”
“You remember last night at all?”
He frowns and squints his eyes, like he’s trying to remember. Then he rubs his hand across his forehead. “Soccer party, right?”
I nod.
“It was really low key even though Vanessa showed up with Alex. ”
“What else?”
“Let’s see. I had a couple beers. I was talking to Terrance. Mandy and Alicia sat down with us. We were talking about you. ”
My blood starts to boil at the mere mention of Mandy’s name. “What were they saying?”
Cush looks down at my comforter, and his cheeks turn a little red. “Mandy basically said that she didn’t think I could go three weeks. That I’d cheat on you while you were gone. They were sort of taking bets on whether or not I could. ”
“Let me guess. Mandy thought you’d cheat on me that night? At the soccer party?”
“Yeah, that was her bet. ”
“Do you remember anything after that? Do you remember seeing me there? Like in your room?”
He smiles and lazily runs his hand down my arm. “Of course I remember. I was so happy to see you. I told you I loved you. ”
“That’s all you remember?”
“Uh, yeah, pretty much. I only had a couple beers. Why can’t I remember?”
“Cush, do you remember why you were in your room? You always lock your room during parties. ”
“No, I don’t. Why did I go up there? Was it because you told me you were stopping by? Were we going to have a very intimate goodbye kiss?”
I take a deep breath.
Exhale.
And close my eyes.
I can’t look at him while I say it. “Cush, when I walked into your room, Mandy was giving you head. ”
“WHAT? What are you talking about?”
“I guess she wanted to win the bet really badly. ”
“Are you kidding me?”
“I wish I was. ”
“I’d never do that. Mandy? Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. ”
“What did you do?”
“I was pretty pissed. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t even left town, and you were already cheating on me. Vanessa was the one that suggested I come tell you goodbye. She knew what was happening and wanted me to find out. She wanted to hurt me. So I yelled, Surprise! I wanted you to know you got caught, and I wanted Mandy to know I knew. ”
Cush leans back against my headboard. “Oh, my God. ”
“There’s more. A lot more. ”
“Okay,” he says tentatively.
“I was so mad that I punched her in the face, and I’m pretty sure I broke her nose. I made a big scene and Vanessa helped me throw her and Alicia out of the party. ”
“You’re joking, right? If all that would’ve happened, I wouldn’t be here. You’d be through with me. ”
“What I did to Vanessa and RiAnne, the party we threw. How I purposely embarrassed her. It was mean of me. And last night, I told Vanessa to destroy Mandy. I’ve become just as big of a bitch as she is. Cush, Mandy drugged you. That’s why you can’t remember. She wanted to break us up. ”
Cush looks pissed. “What the fuck?”
“Sadly, there’s more. You were pretty messed up last night. I was scared, I was going to take you to the hospital, but James had me bring you here and got our doctor to come check on you. The doctor had to talk to your dad before he treated you, and your dad freaked out. He called your mom. They fought. And, basically, they think it’s all my fault, so you’re grounded for the entire summer and you have to go live with your dad. He’s picking you up tonight. ”
I can’t even describe the look on Cush’s face.
I’m pretty sure it’s hate.
He says, “Wow. This just keeps getting better and better. This kind of shit ever happen to Sander?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I’m breaking up with you. I can’t handle this. I asked you if shit like this ever happen to Sander? You ruin his life too?”
What. The. Hell.
He’s breaking up with me? I ruined his life?
Well, fuck him.
“No, Cush, nothing like this ever happened to Sander. But then again, he didn’t have the man whore reputation you do. I’ll get someone to drive you home. Bye, Cush. You have a great summer. ”
I walk out of my room, slam my door shut, and get James to take the asshole home.
Monday, June 20th
The waves miss you.
