You Get What You Deserve

When Kate and Scotty broke up, Kate wasn't sure if she could deal with it. But what are you supposed to do when you're engaged and your fiance cheats on you twice over the summer? It's a hard road, but Kate picked it. Just last week was the anniversary...this week was the road to to recovery. 1

At the park a day later, she met with him, jumping in his arms...loving him. He loved her, but he couldn't handle the pain he bestowed upon the girl. Four days later, another girl. 2

But Kate had another plan.3

Scotty had made Kate into what she was now: a sex crazed little girl. Sixteen, sexy, and wild for any action she could get. Her new boyfriend, Brayden, knew nothing about that though. He knew the finer points, the way she acted and the way she pranced around him in love. The obsession in her eyes, he was sure would kill him one day if he left. But he was used to just playing it cool, and Kate seemed to love it. 4

Kate took advantage of that. 5

Derek, a friend of her's and Brayden's, sat in study hall with her. She would smile with grace and beg for him to look at her. Stare her down. It worked, and he eventually took notice of the curves and the way she bent. He loved the way her lips were pale and her dark eyes burnt into his very own. His dark locks of hair made him look younger, but his freckles helped that as well. His youth made Kate jealous; envious feelings that she knew could get her nowhere. There was no way she could go back in time and be the second child. Besides, she'd seen how her sister had lived. Did she want to risk wishing that to be in a house full of drug addicts?6

Yet she watched as Brayden could run long distances and Derek could jump into a conversation and make you feel ok. She hated how both of them just acted cool. Yet she could never let either know; others could tell. Even Scotty began to see as her eyes sparkled in either affection or hate over the youth these boys contained. With each breath, she seemed to feel older. But she handled it instead, making her life more miserable.7

During study hall, she watched the ex clean tables and smile at her. She wished...it was more than that. Cedric would find her pointless chatter offensive. Nonetheless, she tried to talk to him. He helped her cope with Scotty's new girlfriend, who she didn't mind. However, her body didn't seem to like the change. Her nerves were still shot from the night they'd said goodbye.8

So every day, Kate made a goal to give him artifacts he'd left strewn at her home. She'd try hard to eat, but the weight was lost. By the time it was one week from the break up, Kate weighed ninety-nine pounds. Her old clothes fit much better. Her heart ached severely, but Brayden would sit on the phone, making meals go down easier. Considering all the stress, she tried to go to a friend's home for relaxation.9

Derek had invited Kate earlier that week, in the park. They'd walked for a while, shared a slushie, and even watched a street race followed by police action. All smiles, the two walked home, night ruining their parade. Before Kate makes it down her street, Derek graces her with a kiss. This confuses her, but Kate's not had someone make out with her in two weeks. The kiss burns and fuels her passion. 10

She goes home and tries to kill herself.11

When all attempts fail, Kate comes to school the next morning, looking like a mess. Derek is unashamed of the night before, yet Kate feels guilt streaming through her veins. Brayden smiles and holds her hand, as she whispers sweet sayings to him. He lets her take his jacket and the girl seems happy till the end of the day, when she gives it back. 12

And on the one week anniversary of their proclamation, Brayden and Kate kiss one another in the hallway, smiling like they'd never known a kiss could be so cherished. They go home. Kate calls her son, Kel, and he plans to visit her soon. With these happy news, she calls Derek, who reminds her of their music practice at his house. With a nod and a verbal yes, the girl ends the call and listens to music until midnight. She sleeps in intervals, because the stress causes headaches, cramps, and nightmares.13

Friday afternoon, and Kate loads the baritone into the car. Her grandmother takes her to Derek's home, where he is waiting for her outside. All smiles, the two stick their tongues out and giggle. Ushered inside, the girl makes her way through a three room apartment, which is as big as one half of her house. She feels as though she's intruding into their tiny abode, but all is assured. She loves this home, especially Derek's three-bedded room. He explains his brothers share with him. Kate doesn't mind, but suddenly Daniel, Derek's little brother, walks in, annoying the two. After giving him the baritone, the child leaves.14

Derek and Kate stare into each other's eyes, mesmerized. Derek takes her chin and leans in, kissing. Kate, unsure before, sticks her tongue in his mouth. She knows it's wrong, but the rush of adrenaline this freshman gives her...it's invigorating. Pleased by how it's going she leans back. He's surprised but continues. To their dismay, Daniel walks back in. The day is ruined from there, but what Kate doesn't know is Derek has a secret. 15

Over the course of the weekend, Kate learns that Derek is dating Daylia, another freshman. Feeling terrible, she hopes to make amends.16

Derek doesn't let her.17

He does so himself. Unfortunately, Kate can't get the nerve to tell Brayden anything she's done. It's not that she's not guilty or angry at herself. It's how she wants to tell him. She's afraid she'll lie. 18

And she does.19

She takes all blame for the situation, even though half is Derek's fault. Brayden takes her hand, smiles, and says "I'm glad you told me." Nothing else is said after Kori's whispers and her apologies. 20

Derek calls Kate later that day to explain that Brayden acts hostile. He's also cut himself. Kate tries to calm Derek down, who then decides to get off the phone. When she tries to ask about his possible anger, her boyfriend doesn't answer the phone. Sighing, she sits back and listens to music, takes a walk, and hopes that maybe she can get everything off her mind.21

But even writing the story can't get herself in check.22