Free Unspeakable by Michelle Pickett Page A

friends?”
    Jaden turned to me and smiled, his dimples winking at me. “Now why would I want to spend time with them when I have you? I’m with them all the time. They’re crude, rude, and stink. You’re sexy, smart, and smell good. I’m definitely happier here.”
    I sighed at the memory and flipped on my reader. By the time Jaden took me home, I’d read three chapters. Three very long chapters.
    Jaden pulled in my driveway and put the car in park. He leaned over the console and kissed me gently, cupping my cheek in his hand. He took the kiss deeper, skimming his hand down my side, gripping my hip and pulling me closer to him to trail kisses down my neck and across my chest.
    “Willow!”
    Breathe. Breathe. I’m fine. I’m strong. Breathe.
    “Get your ass in the house now!”
    Jaden let go of me with a frustrated groan. “I’ll text you later.”
    “Okay. Thanks for tonight.”
    “Sure.” As soon as I got out of the car, he pulled out of the driveway and drove away.
    I hurried to the house. “Hi, Mom.”
    “Hi, honey. You know how I feel about you and Jaden sitting in the car making out.”
    “I know. I’m sorry.”
    “Did you have a good time?” She smoothed my hair from my face, a lit cigarette dangling from her lips.
    “It was okay.” I shrugged a shoulder.
    She took a long drag on her cigarette and blew the smoke out of the side of her mouth. Looking at the floor, she nodded. “He isn’t the catch everyone thinks he is, is he?”
    “He’s okay. I mean, you know. He’s good.” I kissed my mom on the cheek. “I’m really tired. I’ll see you in the morning.” I climbed the stairs to my room and eased the door closed behind me, clicking the lock in place.
    Breathe. You’re home. Just breathe.
    Heading into my bathroom, I washed my face and brushed my teeth for bed. I changed into a pair of pajama pants. I slipped out of my shirt and looked at the bruising on my arm and shoulder. It was deep shades of purple and black. I let out a breath and pulled my sweatshirt on over my head, trying not to move my arm any more than I had to. Popping two painkillers, I went into my bedroom and crawled in bed.
    I’d just turned the light out when my cell phone chimed. I thought about ignoring it, but if it were Jaden, he’d have a fit if he thought I was ignoring his messages. With a frustrated groan, I grabbed the phone off its charger and pressed the message button.
    Brody: I’m sorry for stopping you at The Dive.
    Me: Why?
    Brody: Did Jaden see?
    Me: No. Kara’s nice. Don’t be a jerk.
    Brody: Not all reputations are deserved.
    Me: ?
    Brody: Never mind. Goodnight, Willow.
    Me: Night.
    Brody is gonna cause me so much trouble.
     

 
     

    Monday. Crap. Shut up, stupid, annoying alarm.
    I slammed my hand on top of my clock until the incessant beeping stopped. Rolling out of bed, I stumbled to the shower. I washed with a body soap that promised to energize and invigorate. It lied.
    Mondays should be illegal. I think that would make a great T-shirt. I’m so gonna go to the mall and have one made. Maybe today. Right after I have a nap .
    I pulled on a black, long-sleeved tunic with a cowl neck and black leggings, lined my eyes in black liner, used midnight eye shadow and painted my nails in onyx polish. After adding my black boots and black leather messenger bag, I was totally rockin’ the vibe I was going for. I slipped my earrings in, a hoop with a skeleton key dangling from it in one ear and a hoop with a heart-shaped lock dangling from it in the other ear, grabbed my keys, and ran out the door.
    “Who died?” Jenna asked when I walked into school twenty minutes later.
    “Here.” I handed her a Starbucks caramel macchiato and slipped off my sunglasses.
    “Holy wow. Are you working the Goth look today or what?”
    “No. I’m working the I-hate-Monday-mornings-and-I’m-mourning-the-death-of-the-weekend look.”
    “Well… you’re working somethin’. Thanks for the macchiato.”
    “No