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9999

Mariska did not look pleased. I wondered if I'd survive hurling myself out the window and into the prickly bushes below. It was worth a shot, because either way I wouldn't make it out of this scenario alive.

She turned to the simple task of brushing her hair. I was envious; it takes construction equipment to plow through mine. "I said, sit down."

"Yes ma'am." I said meekly, obeying.

She kept her back to me as she brushed her luxurious locks. They were soft, sleek, and silky. I wanted hair like her so badly. I wished I had half her attractiveness and confidence. Did my cousin realize how truly lucky she was? She has everything and I was just me, boring old Carly. Whatever she had in store for me couldn't be any worse than what I've already gone through. I prepared myself to brave the storm.

"Why?" she asked abruptly.

I gave her a confused look, even though she couldn't see me. "Excuse me?"

She whirled around, her perfect face furious. "You have everything a girl could possibly want, and the one time I find something I truly want you conspire to take it away from me! What is this, some kind of game for you?"

I was stunned at such accusations, and that she actually knew what the word 'conspire' meant. This was a day for surprises. "What are you talking about?"

She stood up sharply, knocking the chair over. I wondered if Mom could hear. Perhaps she would come to my rescue before Mariska could murder me. "You know exactly what I'm talking about!"

I shook my head "No, I don't."

"Kirk." She spat venomously.

"Uh huh…" I said slowly, waiting for her to go on.

"What are you, stupid?"

"You could say that." I conceded.

She glowered "You think this is funny?"

"Funny?" I gawked at the accusation "I'm scared for my life!"

She gave me a hard stare. Somehow I think she wasn't buying it. "Carly, you knew how much I liked him. What was this, your form of revenge?"

I just gaped at her like a fish out of water.

"Do you even realize how lucky you are?" she demanded "You have your Mom, Rick, a little brother, a big house, friends, people who care about you, a healthy weight…"

"What does my weight have to do with this?" I squeaked, feeling self conscious.

"You've never gone hungry a day in your life." She eyed my stomach "Have you?"

"Well, there was the day in kindergarten when Zee stole my fruit snacks…"

She turned around, her back to me once more. "I thought so."

"Mariska." I was terrified, but more than that I was hungry for answers. And my dinner, which was currently growing cold in the microwave. "What's this really about? What do you mean about hunger? Were you and Aunt Clarice… homeless?"

"No." she said quickly, bitterly "Clarice made sure she ate her fill."

"Did she abuse you?"

Silence.

I think I made a breakthrough. "Mariska, you have to tell me what happened so I can…"

"So you can what Carly?" she snarled, her shoulders trembling "Laugh at me? Judge me? Hold yet another thing above my head?"

Whoa, I stepped into the twilight zone. "No," I told her gently "so I can help you."

"Why would you want to help me? You have what you want, you win okay?"

"Risky." I sighed "This isn't a competition. This isn't about Kirk, or food, or whatever else you think it is. It's about you, and a little about me, but mostly about us… getting to know each other."

"Why would you-"

I cut her off, throwing her own words back in her face. "Because that's what family does."

I knew she gave up then. She slowly faced me, her eyes pooled with tears. "I had an eating disorder. I starved myself for nearly two years."

I was horrified "Why?" I had to remember to keep my voice soft. Beneath her tough shell she was fragile. I felt like if I prodded too hard she would crumble.

"I was a model." She proudly wiped away any tears "Remember?"

"Clarice knew?"

"Knew?" She laughed a hateful sound "Of course she knew! She didn't care because I brought in money. I was only fifteen, we lived in an apartment, she had to hear me throwing up, working out at all hours of the day when it was clear my body was perfect. She didn't care…" her voice grew softer "if it were your Mom, she would've stopped you. Not Clarice. She enjoyed the fast life and I-I liked being called beautiful. I always knew I was."

"Oh Risky…"

"Don't." she cut me off "Just, stop okay? Don't pity me. I don't need pity."

"Then what do you need?" I asked gently.

She stared up at the ceiling, breathing deeply and blinking away tears. I thought of how she and Aunt Clarice made living in my house hell. I recalled every derisive comment sent my way. I thought it was because she was inherently evil, when in truth it was a defense mechanism. That didn't excuse her completely, but at least now I could begin to understand.

"A friend." She finally said, breaking my heart.

Risky and I weren't suddenly best friends, not by a long shot. She still maintained some of her snide behavior, although now I could correct her on that. I'm a softie, always have been and always will be. I've never been able to hold a grudge, which was why I strutted into school the next morning, arm in arm with my cousin.

Students stared at our act of camaraderie in surprise. I grinned smugly in return. We were family first, enemies second. We never did get to talking about Kirk, but that was okay. We had time. "This would be less embarrassing if you didn't insist on dressing like one of the Beverly hillbillies." Mariska hissed.

"Shut up." I shot back "We're family, this is what family does."

She rolled her eyes, but smiled anyway. We were making progress, slow but sure. Zee, who I had forewarned about the change of heart, did not gape when she saw us in the hallway. "Good morning bonita chica and her former foe!" she exclaimed "How are you ladies?"

"Fine." We said in unison, still linked by our arms. The difference between her perfectly tan skin and my pasty tones were obvious.

I kept scanning the crowd for any sign of Kirk. He, along with his gorgeous and popular friends, were currently absent. It was strange seeing Zee without her significant other. She didn't seem to mind. She was smiling as she absentmindedly picked lipgloss out of Mariska's purse. Sometimes I think she wasn't even aware of her pick-pocketing habits.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. It was Nate texting me. 'Hey Gorgeous.'

"Who's that?" Mariska asked nosily, peering over my shoulder to see better.

"Nobody."

"Nate." She mused "Is that the guy who bought you? Your boyfriend?"

"He's not…" I started to say.

She smirked "I thought it sounded too good to be true. Zee was pretty convincing but I knew you better."

I squinted up at her "What do you mean by that?"

"She had Kirk convinced." She laughed kind of huskily as we paused by her locker "I thought he was going to throw up at lunch. Then he was really stiff and upset for the rest of the day. He talked even less than usual. That's when I knew he wasn't really mine, so I made you join the auction so he could see you with another boy. Maybe then he'd… stop and look at me for once, you know?" She slammed her locker shut, having retrieved her books. "It still hurts. I didn't think it would but it does."

I wasn't sure what to say. Thankfully Zee came in "You really cared for him?"

"I don't know." Mariska admitted "I think maybe I really liked the thought of having someone of my own."

"I'm sorry." Zee said sincerely.

"Me too." I chimed in "But I really don't think Kirk likes me."

"My God, she's dense." Mariska snorted.

Zee nodded quickly, agreeing.

99999

Kirk was in biology. This time he was surprisingly early. I resolved to ignore him as much as possible, until our teacher handed us samples of different cells, telling us to identify them. Together. I mentally cursed like a sailor.

I spoke first "How about you identify them while I write down the cell traits. That way we can get done faster."

He looked at me for much longer than deemed polite. His eyes were searching once more. For what? I scowled. "It's rude to stare."

He blinked once, his only outward sign of surprise. "Fine."

Was he agreeing that it was rude to stare? He took the cell chart out of my hands. Fine then, be that way. I snorted derisively, waiting for him to start listing.

After five minutes of silence I decided to take charge once more. "Are you going to start?" I demanded, my voice sharper than intended. It sounded shrill.

"No."

I gaped, my mouth wide like a cavern "Excuse me?"

He met my gaze, speaking slowly and carefully "I said, no."

We sat there, staring each other down for another painful minute. "Well," I spluttered, turning bright red "Why not?"

"I don't want to." He spoke extra slow.

"Why not?" I squeaked.

Kirk took a deep breath, releasing it patiently. "We need to talk."

"No." I said firmly "We don't. The only thing we need to do is identify these stupid cells so I can get a good grade in this class. Give me the stupid chart if you don't want to do it. Fail for all I care!"

I snatched it out of his grasp, prepared to scour my memory for answers. I was stunned when I saw all the answers meticulously written in Kirk's careful handwriting. I shot him a confused glance. "Why didn't you just-?"

He ducked a little to retrieve his bookbag, getting out of his chair. "We will talk." He said quietly, assuredly.

"You didn't say please…" I muttered sarcastically.

He kind of smiled then. I felt it before I saw it, his finger tracing a slow line down the corner of my jaw. It felt like he set my face on fire. Every muscle in my body tightened, my heart beat as though I'd just ran a marathon. The line ended with a light touch to my lower lip. I thought right then I would die.

He lowered his head so his lips were right by my ear. I could feel his warm breath with every fiber of my body. Oh dear lord…

"We will talk. Please." He repeated with a slight chuckle. It was really quite nice. He abruptly pulled back and walked out of class without a word of protest from our teacher, who no doubt feared for his life.

I watched him leave, slightly starstruck. My heart was still pounding its way through my chest.

What a weird boy.

99999

"What was that about?" Brianna hissed as she slammed me against a locker, nearly knocking what was left of my brain out.

"I didn't do anything!" I raised both hands defensively "I swear! Kirk just decided to act all weird and sexy on his own! I had nothing to do with it!"

She furrowed her perfect eyebrows, confused "Huh? I'm talking about you and Mariska being all buddy-buddy. What did Kirk do?"

"Nothing!" I squeaked "Let's get back to me and Mariska. What did I do wrong again?"

"We're supposed to destroy her, not skip through school holding hands with her." Boy, did Brianna look pissed. I was starting to realize why Zee had an unnatural fear of cheerleaders. These girls were hiding their evil behind their pom-poms and perky smiles. I tried to wiggle away but Brianna had a grip like a gorilla.

"But-but…." I stammered uselessly "she's my cousin! We're family!"

"That didn't bother you a few weeks ago when you agreed to destroy her!"

"I didn't say destroy!" I said, affronted "I was going to help you 'take her down' not destroy. That word sounds so evil."

"Brianna!" Reggie's voice cracked like a whip "What are you doing to Curly?"

"Carly." I corrected, too tired to be offended.

Brianna withdrew immediately. She fixed a smile on her face "Nothing sweetie. We were just playing around, isn't that right?" she gave me an evil glare.

I quickly agreed, nodding so hard I feared my head would fall off "Yup! That's right! We always play rough around each other…" I drew back my hand and slapped the back of Brianna's head as hard as I could "Pal!"

If looks could kill.

Reggie looked both pleased and confused "Well…okay then." He started to turn.

"Wait!" I latched myself to his arm. I knew Brianna would want revenge. "Let me go with you!"

"To the bathroom?"

Er… "I'm heading that way."

"Okay." He grinned.

I was safe… for now.

99999

Mariska rode home with Kirk that afternoon, which saved me from having to 'talk' with him. He saw my victorious grin as he pulled out, shaking his head ever so slightly. Oh well, who cared? I was free! I cackled my joy to the world as I shuffled towards where my Jeep was parked.

Surprisingly, she started. What a glorious day I was having!

My phone vibrated.

Caller: Nate.

I deflated. I'd forgotten about him. I hesitantly answered "Hello?"

"Hey, you didn't answer any of my texts so I was getting worried."

I flipped through my phone to find that he had texted me seven times. Oops. "Oh sorry about that, my school has a strict 'no phones policy'." I hated myself for lying.

"Oh." He accepted my lie easily, making me hate myself all the more. "That's okay then. I was wondering if I could come see you today. You know, meet your family and you can show me around your town. I only got a glimpse of it when I drove to your school."

"Um…" I could've really used Zee's sister Destiny right then. She's an awesome liar. "I guess."

"Great!" he sounded excited "I think I remember the way to your house, do you want me to come over now."

"Sure." My voice was flat.

"Are you alright?"

"Yup."

"Um, okay." He lost some of his steam "See you in an hour."

"Yup."

Great.

9999

I was lying on my couch, bemoaning my life in general when the doorbell rang. I scurried to answer it. It was Aunt Clarice.

"What are you doing here?" she squinted down at me.

"This is my house?"

She grunted and brushed past me, taking my seat on the couch. Sheesh. "Go play or something…" she flipped her hand at me.

"This is my house." I repeated, much firmer.

This small act of defiance seemed to confuse her. She glared at me, I met her gaze. I thought of Mariska and my Mom and anyone else who suffered because of her selfishness. "You're fat." I blurted out.

"What?" she snapped.

"And lazy." I continued, not sure where I was going "And rude, and inconsiderate, and useless, and selfish" My voice began to rise as well as my anger "And hateful, and bitter, and jealous, and drink two cups of coffee when all you need is one, and I want you to leave my house and never come back."

The silence that followed was deafening. I couldn't believe I just said that. I felt powerful and exhausted. I wanted to run away and I wanted to fight. I waited for her next move.

"You-"

The doorbell cut her off. I scurried to answer. It was Mariska… and Kirk.

Mariska gave me a watery smile "He's all yours."

"Huh?"

"Mariska!" Clarice bellowed, rising to her feet "Pack your stuff! We're leaving!"

"What?" Risky and I shouted.

"Your selfish little cousin wants us gone, and I refuse to be insulted any further!"

"You insult yourself every time you wake up." I muttered, but apparently my voice wasn't quiet enough.

"Carly!" Mariska sounded shocked. Kirk looked mildly entertained.

"Listen you…" I'm pretty sure Clarice was going to choke me. I jumped back and then…

The doorbell rang.

Mariska opened the door. Nathan stood in the doorway, his fixed smile turning to a look of bafflement. "What's going on? Did I come in at a bad time?"

Kirk's eyes narrowed at the intruder. I wanted to laugh. "Nate…"

"Who do you think you are?" Clarice spat venomously "You think you can just have your way all the time? I got news for you little girl, the world doesn't bow to the oh-so-perfect Ms. Carly! You and your stupid little brother have done nothing but abuse me and Mariska since we came here."

"Mariska and I." I corrected, too surprised by the turn of events to say anything else.

That's when Clarice slapped me, the sharp sound echoing off the ceiling and through the house. I stumbled back, surprised and stung. I could feel my face swelling already. For a lazy slob she sure had a lot of upper body strength. "You worthless little bitch," Clarice hissed "Your Mom should've aborted you when I told her to."

Another slap resounded. I waited for the sting that would surely follow, my eyes squeezed shut. I slowly opened them to see Clarice step several steps back, her jaw dropped. My Mom stood, her hand frozen in midair, her eyes sharp with a familiar spark. I didn't even hear her racing to my aid."I let you get away with a lot Clarice. I let you steal my happiness, my food, and turn me into a nervous wreck. I let you nearly destroy my marriage!" She sobbed "But you hitting my child…" she shook her head "Don't touch my children! Leave my house, and don't ever come back."

Clarice choked out my Mom's name.

"Take your daughter and get out now before I call the police. I've had enough."

This was my golden ticket. I could be rid of them for good. Mariska would no longer be the center of attention. I could have my old life back. For a moment I stood silent. Then I remembered Mariska, crying in my room, admitting her secrets, helping me walk in high heels, saying "that's what family does."

"No." I said, just as Clarice turned to pack her stuff "Mariska stays." I turned to my cousin who was crying, and looking very pretty doing so "If she wants to, that is."

"I do." Risky sniffled.

"Carly." Mom said softly "I thought she made you miserable. I thought you and Michael hated her."

I slowly shrugged "People change."

Mariska started crying again, and hugging me simultaneously. Kirk just leaned coolly against the doorframe. Nate looked more confused than ever. I grinned at him, feeling both powerful and very exhausted "Nate, meet my family."

99999

*End Chapter

I meant to make this chapter longer, but this seems like a good place to end it. Reviews are appreciated! Thanks so much for the support, you guys make me happy!