Chapter 7

As Luke suggested, I was laying on the couch, trying to let the shaking pass. I've been staring at the same spot on the ceiling for nearly an hour now. What an exciting day it was turning out to be - and my only day home considering the events I was planning for tonight.

"What is that pill suppose to accomplish? Because it's not working!" I said loudly, irritated and hoping he would hear me from where he was cleaning up in the kitchen. His stupid pill wasn't working and I wouldn't have said anything if I wasn't hurting.

Yes, I was hurting. My sides ached as did my head. I felt ready to throw up as well like I felt like doing last night. Except - also like last night - I didn't throw up. It was a terrible feeling. The one within the pit of your stomach that said something needs to come up but nothing would. I wanted to blame it on those stupid eggs.

I was convinced now that he had no clue on what he was doing because the pill wasn't working. And I'm sure he never was high before so he didn't understand my pain. Who I needed was Mark. He could help. Question was: would he even bother with me if I could get to him? I wasn't sure. Hell, I wasn't even sure if I would be able to get to him with Luke here all day, watching me. I was sure he knew what I was up to. I assumed that was his main reason for staying home with me. Because he knew I would try to get some weed somehow if nobody could stop me. He knew he could stop me though.

"That pill will help with the shaking. The reason it's not working is because I just gave it to you five minutes ago. Give it some time," he said, his voice coming closer with each word and I knew he was now in the living room. I heard him sit down in the chair close by where I was laying. Glancing to my side, finding him there, our eyes met and he looked somewhat frustrated at my impatient remark.

Time had flew by in the past year. Why couldn't it just fly by right now because I wanted that pill to start taking effect?Just until I somehow get to Mark, I didn't want to continue to go through the pain that was already going through me. Until then, I would actually need a plan to get to him.

After a moment of silence, I spoke, curious as to how smart this guy was in terms of knowing my motives. I just prayed that the knowing look he gave me a few minutes ago while we were eating - while he was eating and I was putting my mouth through torture - was just something I imagined. Because if it wasn't, that meant he knew what I was up to.

"After I feel better later on, do you think we can go to the mall?" I asked, trying my best to sound like a normal teenage girl that likes to go shopping. But in saying that, I realized it might not have been the smartest thing considering he already knew me for a few hours. I knew that in that time, it could mean I was too late to convince him that I was normal. He had a good idea I was anything but normal.

I was right by the very suspicious expression he offered, eyebrows raising with calculating eyes. "Why?"

Trying to sound somewhat of myself now to convince him a little more smoothly hopefully, I said, "Have you seen my bedroom? No, you haven't, because I don't have one. I have the guest bedroom - AKA my old room. I have nothing. And you know why?" I asked, smirking as we both knew the answer.

He scowled. "Your mother got rid of your things because she was scared, like she said last night. She wanted to start new and was scared that if I knew of you, I would leave her. You heard her."

I scoffed myself. "You think that's a good excuse?" I asked and I also knew his thoughts on that. He was trying to defend her because he wanted his relationship with his wife to last. He didn't want to give up. Yet, in his eyes, I could see Clare hurt him - so much so that I didn't think the damage could be repaired no matter how much he acted as if it was. Not to mention, the fact that he hasn't spoken to her since last night was enough credit towards it.

"Look, your mother--"

I cut him off. "You can cut the bullshit." I sat up more, some of the sickening feeling going down along with my hope I would get to Mark. Our conversation (if you want to call it that) was enough of a distraction from the pain as well as my evolving plot to get weed. "I see you haven't forgiven her. In fact, to me, it seems you are still very disgusted with her. You hate that she tried hiding me and got rid of my stuff. So don't lie just because you feel you need to stay loyal to her."

I folded my knees under me as I sat at the end of the couch, propping my head up with my hand that I rested against the arm of the couch. I was facing him from where he was sitting in the chair adjacent to me. At hearing my words, his eyes grew and lips parted slightly. He stared at me, not expecting for me to see that was the truth. Luke was surprised I was on target. That's what he gets for trying to lie to me. Maybe he will learn a thing or two.

He tried hiding his shock behind a calculating expression. After a moment of him thinking over what I just said, or deciding how to react to it, he leaned forward slightly, looking at me more intently now. "It doesn't matter," he said, not denying it exactly. "I love Clare and though I am beyond upset with her, I do forgive her. That is where you are wrong. I forgive her because I know we will work it out. You are right. I think it was wrong for her to get rid of your things and all trace of you. But she didn't do it out of hate for you. She did it because she felt she needed to."

His eyes tried their best to convince me of that too. It didn't work. "I don't believe you. You don't forgive her, no matter what you say to me or her. I see that this broke a huge part of your marriage. And thank god too. She deserves to be hurt."

He shook his head, frustrated and uneasy. But he was trying to hide it. With an annoyed chuckle, he said, "Look, think what you want. We are getting off track and for no reason when this has nothing to do with you going shopping for new things."

He paused and in it, I knew. Hell, the words did it for me and the pause was just a tease. He knew, like I thought. Well, at least the pill was starting to help.

I smirked. "I have no idea what you are talking about," I said sarcastically. "Can't you and I just go shopping for some new things for me? It could be a good time for some father daughter bonding time," I said sweetly. And because it was sweet, it was sarcastic.

He smiled sadly at me. "In your state, there is only one thing you want. And that thing isn't to go shopping."

I groaned. "Fine," I said, stretching it out in a long exaggerated sigh. "I'll make you a deal. If you let me get some weed, I promise I will share with you."

"Nice try," he said, relaxing and sitting back in his chair now that the subject was back on what this was really about and not him and Clare. "You know, I understand what you are going through," he said. "This unusual craving for such a harmless drug compared to most. After all, weed usually doesn't do this to you."

"Well, you understand just about everything, don't you buddy?" I said with a light voice, referring to how 'understanding' he was towards my feelings. How he 'understood' I wasn't insane but rather just confused. How much he 'understands' that Clare lied for the best. Now, he 'understands' what I'm feeling going without weed. Well, wasn't this guy just.... Hm, what's the word? Understanding?

"Yeah, I do understand," he snapped, not liking at all the attitude I was constantly giving him. But hey, he deserved it for how 'understanding' he is. "Have you ever heard of withdrawal? Because that's what you are starting to go through. Getting sick will be an understatement soon enough and you will do nearly anything to get those drugs back in your system. You are going to be desperate and would be much more now if I hadn't given you that pill. The pill is working, correct?"

Damn. I guess he did understand - this part of it anyway. I was stubborn though. "It's kind of working," I mumbled under my breath. More like it was working really well. I still felt the effects and still felt somewhat sick but nothing like I did earlier. But do you think I would admit that to this most likely smug bastard? No sir.

"You will just have to continue taking the medicine. It will be hard and you will get out of control with the need for it. But that's another reason I stayed home today."

"You are here to stop me if I try leaving to find drugs?" I asked to make sure, figuring that was the reason for a while now. When he only shrugged at that, I smirked. "Are you sure there isn't another reason you are here with me...?" I asked, raising and lowering my eyebrows.

I was surprised that I saw his expression slightly break and he chuckled, his teeth bright and straight. He looked nice with a laugh like that along with the charming sound it brought. Eyes on me, he said, "Are you always this perverted? Or are you just trying to be funny and sarcastic?"

"There is no 'trying' about it. And being a pervert is a great part of my personality. Does that bother you, Luke?" I asked.

I didn't ask in a serious manner. Yet, he gave me a serious answer. "A little. Mainly the sarcasm and some of the perverted comments because you are technically my stepdaughter now. That is something I'm still trying to get through my mind. And you called me Luke." He pointed out, happy about that.

I continued with our conversation - and it was an actual conversation, surprisingly. I kept talking, needing to stay distracted today since this jerk wasn't planning on keeping me out of his sight. "Why, not ready to be given the 'dad' title? I could always call you copper."

"Luke is just fine. I'm not ready to be a dad. Well, not to a girl your age yet."

I smirked. "I imagine not." Now that I knew for sure that there was no way I could leave this place to find Mark since he was watching me, I needed to think of another way. I could maybe try calling him but I really doubt Mark would just agree to give me drugs. For free. To a girl who abandoned our friendship. Not to mention the other shit I did to him. And it would be over the phone. Maybe I could hold out until tonight. I could feel the flicker of a burn within me, a need that the pill was trying to keep down. I just hoped it wouldn't get any worse until I can get some weed. "How old are you anyways?" I asked.

"I'm 26," he said, smiling slightly at the fact that I was asking a question about him. As if I wanted to get to know him.

It made me feel a little guilty, knowing he was being friendly because he wanted a relationship with me in the end. Though his marriage was obviously damaged, he still planned on getting close to me like a daughter despite how much he wanted to have his own kid and not one that was 17 already. He just wanted this to work out with Clare and I. He wanted a family, I could see. The reason it made me guilty was because I would be gone tonight and he was putting effort in a relationship between us. But it wasn't enough guilt to make me care that much. I felt sorry for the guy but didn't care as some might.

"And Clare is 32 now. Another reason to go for you. On top of the money, good sex - I'm sure - and now, you are young. She usually liked older men, the ones she brought home," I said, hiding my smirk on that last remark. Clare didn't have many lovers in the past that I knew of. She had a few but he didn't need to know that the number was slim. "I guess she got tired of the older ones and found young to be more for her."

"What do you mean, the older men she brought home?" He frowned.

I knew it was wrong. But wrong feels right sometimes and Clare deserved this. And hopefully, I would be gone before she found out the lies I were now selling him. "Oh yeah, tons of older men. She brought home maybe three or four men over within a week on average." I was going to hell for knowing this would hurt their marriage even more but Clare deserved this. And after all, breaking them up would only help this innocent man to a good life. "Sometimes, two at a time too. I just hope that when you moved in, you bought a new bed. If not... well, you weren't a part of her first dozen in that bed if you get what I mean." I held back a grin at seeing him absorb this. "Oh, I need to ask. You remodeled this place as well. Were sound proof walls included? Because I heard enough of her sex life to go through it again."

"Wh-What?" He said, voice breaking slightly with a high note.

"Also, please avoid doing 69 with her. She gets loud when she's doing that. I know by what she screams. Well, or the muffle of it anyway," I said, bluffing and hoping that was true if they ever actually did it. God I hope not. I was also showing him that I was serious this time and that this wasn't a joke (even though I was having a mini-party in my head from this great and evil idea). What can I say? I'm the devil's mistress's daughter.

He stared at me, eyes wide and face pale. Poor guy. But like I said, it was for his own good. Clare would destroy him in this marriage and all I was trying to do was help break it while I was still here. And I admit, it was fun knowing this would cause problems between them.

"Y-You are lying," he said, wanting it to be true but I kept my blank and serious expression in affect as he tried to see if I was lying. I guess I was convincing enough. I was kind of shocked that it worked since he already knew how much I loved being sarcastic and jokingly mean. Yet, he was tired and not on guard and also gullible. That made it easier for him to believe me.

"I really am not lying," I lied.

He looked hard at me for a moment. But then he slowly sat back with a sigh, closing his eyes in true hurt before he opened them. "Oh god," he whispered under his breath, eyes on the floor, broken. Before I could speak or say something else, he was on his feet. He walked away in a sad daze, leaving the room, needing time alone to think that out but I know he wasn't too far. He was still going to need to keep an eye on me.

I snickered quietly, knowing Clare would get hell for this from him. It was for her own good. However, I didn't expect it to be in front of me and at dinner. Yes, that's right. Talk about awkward and tense. Is it terrible to say I loved it?

That night, after Clare got home, Luke started cooking dinner. In the hours prior, I kept myself as busy as I could with Luke around and watching me. Even though he was upset for the rest of the day, he knew he had to keep an eye on the crazy girl that wanted drugs. And I wanted them bad. The pills he gave me throughout the day helped but not as well as they had the first time he gave me one. My stomach felt hallow and I was sweating harder. Hopefully, dinner and some food in me will help me. But food wasn't the only thing that made a boring and painful day better.

Sitting down at the table, the delicious looking spaghetti in front of us, we were all silent. Clare looked sad and awkward, still upset at the fact that Luke hadn't spoken to her really much at all. We all knew how upset he still was about all her lies. But now, Clare was about to find out he was upset about a lie from me this time.

Luke's eyes didn't leave the table or his plate, keeping his gaze off his wife and new stepdaughter. His fork speared the noddles a little harder than necessary, his lips in a fine line, eyebrows slightly dipped. Unlike his, Clare's gaze kept flickering to him in worry. When she would look to me, the most hateful look would come over her face and in return, I would either give her a stuck out tongue or the stuck up finger since Luke avoided looking at us. Among all this was the only sound of the scratching of our forks against our plates.

In a few hours, I would be gone. Might as well make those hours ones to remember. "So, mom, how was work?" I asked, smile on my face though we all knew it was fake.

She sighed, seeing that Luke slightly looked up to us as he chewed his food. "It was fine, dear. The new principle just came in today. I like him, he seems really nice."

Oh my god, this was perfect! The absolute best coincidence ever that she just said that. A foolish grin creeping to my face at her words, I looked to Luke and saw him grip his fork really hard, an instant scowl on his face, eyes fire as he stared at the table. Slowly, he looked up at her, his gaze wild and breath hard and uneven. He was mad. Mad because of what I said earlier - about how she had all these men over every night before he came along. And now, he was furious because that was still fresh in his mind. Now, the fact that she said she liked the new principle and he was nice just drove him off the edge. She said it just to make worthless conversation and try to seem friendly to me, wanted to dissolve the awkward atmosphere in the tense room. But sorry, mom. That just backfired in your face.

He stared at her. "So, he's nice, is he?" He asked in a quiet yet angry voice. Deep down, he must know that she wasn't fooling around with him. He knew she meant he was simply nice as her new boss. But with what I said in his head, this tipped him over. Better now than later because I wouldn't want to miss the show.

She looked at him strangely, confused. "Yeah, he was nice. Better than the last, in my opinion," she said, spinning her fork on her plate and catching the noddles, winding them around her fork before putting it in her mouth.

"I'm sure they were all better than the last, right Clare?" He asked, a little louder, eyes full of hot anger. Oh this was getting good now. I took a bite of my spaghetti, enjoying the show. And I was quite surprised he did a good job with the cooking this time. Maybe eggs were just his weakness.

Watching them in silence, a smug smile on my face as I ate I knew, Clare gave him a confused expression. The probably only true face she ever made with him before because she really had no idea what he meant. Because there weren't that many men around before Luke. But to Luke, I pretty much said she was a whore before and he believed me.

"What are you talking about?" She asked him.

That's when he lost it. He stood up from where he was sitting, the bags that were now under his eyes were now built up to the point that he looked older in some ways. The man needed some sleep which I'm sure made him grumpy. A bonus to his already pissed off mood right now.

Looking straight at her as he stood, he growled, "You don't know? Should I ask all the men you spread your legs for since you don't know?!"

She blinked her wide eyes, staring in astonishment and disbelief. Gawking for a minute, unable to form a good response from the shock, she finally answered. "Excuse me?"

I took another bite. It was just as good as popcorn at the movies. Both Clare and I looking up at him standing there in rage, I wanted to smile but shoved more food in my mouth to hide it. He looked even more pissed off at her words.

"How many were there Clare? Huh? How many men slept with you in our bed! Our bed!" He yelled at her. "What else are you hiding in that lovely past of yours?"

Tears formed around her eyes as she stared at him. Voice breaking, she said, "Luke... where is this coming from? I don't understand--"