Nero (Made Men #1)(5)

Elle could hear them speaking. “Nero, would you mind giving me a ride home? I rode with Cassandra this morning.” She leaned against his car, giving him a sweet smile.

“No problem, babe.” Nero’s eyes traveled from her eyes to her chest. “Leo, let’s go!”

Elle had seen a young boy running over to his car. He was honestly a miniature version of Nero, especially before he had cut his hair. The only difference between them was the kid had dirty-blond hair. Elle realized he was the new one who had sat at Nero’s table.

“Backseat, Leo.” Elle thought Leo made the cutest face at his remark before they all climbed in the car, slamming doors and bringing Elle back.

“No, the other one.” Elle shook her head. I really need to snap out of it.

Elle and Chloe got into Chloe’s BMW. Unlike the other kids’ cars, which were all various Mercedes, Porsches, and Lamborghinis galore; it was classy. Not too expensive, not too flashy. Granted, Chloe would never have picked something like that out for herself, but her politician father had given her no choice.

When the doors were shut, Chloe spoke, her face full of concern. “Elle, is something wrong? You’re acting weird today.”

“I’m fine, Chloe. I guess I’m just getting tired of this same shit every day.”

“Listen, Elle, you don’t have to stay. You’re free to go. If your parents found out how you’re treated here, they wouldn’t let you come ba—”

Elle’s eyes drilled into Chloe’s. “I am not leaving you, Chloe. I’ve told you this a thousand times.”

“Well, we have survived this long by not getting into it with them. I am not like you, Elle.” Chloe looked down at her steering wheel.

Elle stared at Chloe, knowing exactly what she was asking of her. “All right, Chloe. I won’t fight back. I promise.”

With that, Chloe pushed the button to start her car. “Fighting back doesn’t solve anything, Elle. You know that.”

Elle nodded and smiled at Chloe. No, I used to think that. Today, however, revelation had come over Elle. You had to fight fire with fire.

*

Elle walked into her front door, waving to Chloe as she closed it then rested her head against it.

“Everything okay, sweetie?”

Elle jumped up. “Oh, hey, Mom. Yeah, everything is great; just tired is all.” Elle scanned the living room. “Is Dad in the kitchen?”

“No, um, he’s in bed sleeping.”

“Has he not gotten up all day?” Elle started to worry.

“No, sweetie, he just laid down for a nap.” Elle’s mom gave her a smile. Even she didn’t buy her own words.

“All right. I’ll be in my room doing my homework before I head to work.”

Elle walked through her house, but when she passed her parents’ bedroom, she stopped and wondered if she should go in to check on her father. Maybe later. I’m already depressed as it is.

Elle went into her room and turned on her computer.

Who do I love the most? She contemplated about her essay. Evans’ English class was by far her favorite; she wanted to be a writer someday. She honestly knew the answer. Yet, she felt a little betrayed at the moment by her father - the person she loved the most. Regardless of how little her father talks, he would always wish her a good first day of school, and this would have been the last time. She decided to put her feelings aside for the sake of her grade. She got about halfway done before she looked at the clock and realized she needed to get ready for work.

She dressed in her uniform, which she hated probably more than life itself. She was convinced it was twenty years old since the red had turned into more of a burned-out orange. At least, I’m pretty sure it used to be red.

Elle threw on her pea coat, her best Goodwill buy to date.

When she was finally ready for work, she walked out of her bedroom and headed toward the kitchen.

“Hey, Josh. How was the first day back?” Elle couldn’t help forgetting about all her problems when she saw her eight-year-old brother’s face.

“Fine, I guess.” Josh shrugged. “How about yours, Elle-bell?”

Elle looked hard at Josh. Other than his blond hair, she felt as if she might have been looking in a mirror because of his expression. “Fine, I guess.” She decided she would need to talk to him soon; find out how school really was going. “That smells good, Mom. Save me some for later?”

“Of course, sweetie. Oh, your dad is in the living room.” Elle’s mom gave her a real smile this time.

Elle walked into the living room where she waited for her dad to say something, but he never did.

She went for the door, but before she opened it, she said, “School was great, Dad.”

She was honestly disheartened. Not only had he not wished her a good last first day, as was his tradition, but now he hadn’t even asked how it had gone.

Brushing off the hurt feelings, Elle walked outside. The cold air against her skin made her happy. The smell was always crisp and clean. There was just something about the sound of hearing her boots crunching in the snow that lifted her spirits instantaneously.

Elle walked to the bus stop, and from there the bus would take her downtown. When she boarded the bus, she took a window seat, looking out at the passing scenery. She really did love Kansas City, Missouri. It was her home; however, the past few years had made her feel like she didn’t belong anymore.