Sour Date

COPYRIGHT 2026 - all rights to Rosie Ma.

Copying is strictly prohibited

No use of AI was used in this book.

Chapter 1: Something is wrong with me.

I polished my shelves, like my mother asked me to. A new guest was coming over and I wanted to make a good impression. Even for a person my age I never knew and their parents.

You see, I’m 11 . My name is Cosette Wyring. I'm Indian. Now you probably think I'm some stuck-up loser now that I mentioned that  part of me, i dont think it's fair to be stereotyped. Sometimes I even fake my nationality. “Oh, I’m burmese!” just to avoid being called a curry muncher, or something. It’s hard like this, my accent even slips sometimes. And.. Well I'm also very self aware. I know my hair is all frizzy and dry and weird, I know I’m darkskinned and ugly, and I know my dang thick brows are ugly!

My mom’s always saying “You’re beautiful, just the way you are” (Last year, anyway) But according to my classmates, I’m.. really not 

I know ‘Your classmates’ words don’t make you’ Blah blah blah. But I believe them. My mom of course thinks I'm beautiful because well i was in her womb! No surprise she’d lie to her own daughter. Or whatever I am .. Okay, whatever I need to introduce myself more, properly… Hi, I’m Cosette Wyring, I'm Indian and half French, I love art, And… I’ve been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.. I know there are many things wrong with me….. I can't help it. Like everyone bullies me or talks behind my back. It's just… bizarre. Sometimes I wonder if I have it worse than anyone else. But whatever. I’m just a stupid girl who's trying to be cool and never will. 

                                                       1

Chapter 2: Who is this girl?

The doorbell rang, I ran to wake up my mother but… she wasn’t there. So I just got there by myself! I immediately greeted them.. Now that I look back - I do sound a little robotic, eh?

“Welcome to our pleasant house, would you like a drink?”

“No thanks, Your mother has already done so much for me. I wouldn't want to trouble her, no?” Said a middle aged man, he looked hispanic or latino. Behind him was a tall teenager - probably my age. She looked at me and smiled. She had curly frizzy hair, with blonde streaks, fuzzy eyebrows, and a crooked smile.. Well, that looked kind of… Nice? 

“I guess, my mother is probably at work. I think she’ll come later” I said. She is always a workaholic and very professional. As if it was a movie - my cellphone buzzed with a text “Are the guests here yet? If they tell them I’m coming in at 5!” I checked our antique clock - 4:38PM it read. Just a few minutes to go with these totally awkward people I didn’t know..

The teenager came in and quickly introduced herself 

“Hi! My name is Laine, I’m 11.” 

                                                     2

“Um, Hey I’m Cosette”

“Cosette?”

 She laughed, her laugh was like… Eating a soft apple pie?! I don’t know how to describe that - just… sweet. 

“I never heard of that name, it's unique!”  

My cheeks flushed and I had the sudden urge to roll on the ground. Well not right now - in front of guests! I had to act nonchalant.

“Thanks! I never heard of Laine either!” Cringe! Why! That sounded so rude! But she said thank you. And I invited her and her father to sit down on the couch while I brewed tea. 

“So, what grade are you going to?” Laine’s father asked - his voice was deep. It kind of sounds like Darth Vader now that I think about it!

“I’m going to 6th”

“So does Lainey here!” he nudges Laine, making her laugh

“I wonder if we are going to the same class?” Laine says, suddenly making eye contact with me. I gripped the teapot - Why are her eyes so.. Beautiful? No, I couldn't be thinking that possibly. Maybe it was just the smell of cinnamon tea.

“Well… I guess maybe? What's your last name?”

“Kyler”

Laine Kyler what a.. Nice name?! It sounds like a celebrity name!

“We will probably then! K’s and W’s go to classes together!” I said, sounding more cheerful than I intended to.

                   3

Chapter 3: Why do I feel this way?

Suddenly, the door opened - It was mother! My mom was in her tuxedo (Yes, she wears tuxedos)

“Hey, Cosetty!” she said cheerfully and then saw Laine and the middle aged dude that was her father.

“Oh hi! Mark.”

“Hey, Chlysimara!” the so-named Mark said

Laine and I exchanged glances, neither of us knew why they knew each other and why they were there.

They now were talking about children. Sigh. THE children talk. You know?

“Children are so exhausting”

“I do so much work for them”

And complaining about children. Don't get me wrong, my mother is an excellent mom. She just has relationship issues with my dad, let's say. 

A few minutes later - 6:23PM they got ready to leave.

“Bye, Mark!” My mom hollered

I was about to say “Bye, Laine!” but Laine instead hollered

 “Bye, Cosette!”

                                                4

My heart pounded, I felt like I was sweating. I looked dabbed at my armpits just to check. And surely there wasn't. Why was I getting this feeling whenever I saw Liv or talked to her? Maybe I had some secret condition? Or maybe possibly I had a cru–

“Cosette, it's time to go inside, they left the driveway!” My mom yelled so I quickly went inside. And I wanted to shower and get my mind off things. So I went to the bathroom to sit in my bath with the water warm.

So then I started thinking again. Do I like girls?. Haha. No that couldn't possibly be it. It's against our family rule. Opposite sex only.

You know I don’t know a lot about these gay, pride things. The only pride sexuality I know is Gay. I heard my mother talking about it a few years back with my father. Like when two boys like each other? Could I possibly be the same but with two girls liking each other? 

Okay now I was going too far. There's no way Laine could like me. Well - just look at me I don't need to explain! But the way she looked at me - like as sweet as tangerines! But she probably looks at everyone like that, right? 

After that… Curious bathe I went into my room and straight on SCREAMED IN MY PILLOW. 

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” 

I could NOT be gay whatsoever! My mother will like.. Abandon me. Actually! Not joking, she's strictly against all sorts of same sex things. 

Soon it was 9:30PM my bedtime (yes, even on summer break) I was very curious still about well.. Myself . Am I gay?

5

Chapter 4: Am I normal?

Do girls my age you know have… periods yet? Okay, I get it, that's too forward. But I'm seriously wondering. At the end of fifth grade we had a whole lesson of puberty. It was so embarrassing! My teacher was talking about boobs and all the boys' things! In front of everyone! And she even looked serious. So I tried to be serious. I was going to middle school after all. 

I know puberty starts at different timelines and stuff. Like my mom said. OKAY ANYWAY!!! School starts in about 5 days. I’m shopping with my mom for school clothes.

“This?” My mom said holding out a pastel yellow button up,

“Ew! No!” I said, my mom knew nothing whatsoever of trendy teen clothing.

“Then you pick, I picked 47 things you don’t like!” My mother said, frustrated.

“Okay!” I said, and walked to the teens department. My mom always shops for me at the adults department because then I will “Use these clothes even if you're an adult” I guess, but they are so big on me! My mom once tried putting on MENS jeans on me and they almost fell off at the start of 3rd grade. Thank goodness I had unicorn leggings on that day. 

I picked out a cute white skirt top and flare jeans. They would look perfect with my clogs!

My mom obviously disapproved and said I was dressed like a homeless person! So for the second outfit I bought was a cute yellow sundress. I knew this year - I would get a boyfriend (ok, too forward?) 

                                                    6

  Chapter 5: back2skool?

It was the first day of school already, I woke up at 4:30AM - determined to have that aesthetic productive morning routine! (Yes, I had to snooze on my alarm twice, So what?!) 

I wore my sundress instead. I don't want to be TOO casual for today and… I ALMOST FORGOT - Laine might be in my class! I squealed and jumped around for absolutely no reason. Why did I even do that? I brushed my frizzy hair - dabbed on clear lipgloss and was out the door!

The bus pulled up, an old man with a long beard was driving and smiled at me.

“Hey, I’m Mr. Rick” his voice sounded kind of like Laine’s dad, but more mature.

“Hi! I’m Cosette!” I smiled and I looked at the paper in my backpack.

Seat 9 it said. I quickly walked to seat 9 and sat, freshmen from high school were looking at me, it was a high school and middle school mixed bus, and the senior girls started talking to me 

“Hey, You must be a new 6th grader!” A senior with long blonde straight hair said - she was really pretty.

I nodded and smiled “Yes, I am, I don’t know my class yet though.”

The senior sitting next to her with black curly hair was chewing gum and looking out the window.

“Well, Just to let you know, when I was your age Mrs. Charity was my favorite, she was so kind. And we even had pizza parties!”

“Pizza…?” I said, not knowing my mouth was wide open

“Parties!” The senior smiled.

“By the way, my name is Rebecca. Rebecca Larsson.”

                                                7

The bus ride was so long I swear I was gonna sleep or something. Finally the last stop was here - and after I would be in middle school!

The bus pulled up to a green two story house with a garage. And a familiar girl came out.. WAIT… IS THAT?!--

“Welcome, Laine.” Mr. Rick said “Your seat is 9”

I panicked. My possible crush maybe-not was gonna sit next to me! What if my breath smells bad? What if she disapproves of my cool new backpack and water bottle what if–

“Hey! Cosette, Isn’t it?” Laine says, smiling and sitting next to me

OH.MY.GOD 

“H-Hello, do you like e-eggplant?!” I suddenly blurt out! Oh my gosh why was I thinking of eggplant!? My possible crush maybe-not was RIGHT NEXT TO ME IN A SMALL SEAT.

 “…Eggplant?”

“Y-yeah..” I said awkwardly

“Well, yeah!” Laine’s face suddenly lights up

“Eggplant soup, eggplant salad..” Her list goes on about various foods with eggplants! I breathed a sigh of relief - Maybe, we could get along.

“So, what brings you here to KindSplash Middle School?” I asked

“Me and my dad moved here from Puerto Rico. I took english classes and my dad decided I should go to a stronger school like KindSplash because well, its rated top 10 best middle schools”

I immediately started raving about how good KindSplash (We call it KS. I did my research) “KindSplash has a whole beach next to the school! You get to eat lunch outside in the heat, and you can buy ice cream too! There's even a theatre!”

                                               8

“Woah! That sounds amazing. I can’t believe I’m going to some prestigious school!” Laine says “Speaking of which, how did you get in?”

Okay. Now that story is complicated. But, of course, anything for Laine. 

“I used to live in Michigan. I had little education, I didn't have access to much formal schooling because we lived in the countryside. So I knew nothing at age four except for basic vocabulary. So then my dad gets this big job opportunity in Los Angeles. So of course we moved there and well - here I am!”

Laine smiled “That's.. Amazing.”

My cheeks flushed and I immediately gripped the seat - if I didn't, I would've exploded like.. RIGHT THIS SECOND!

“T-thanks” I said, trying not to make eye contact.

I was SO glad we finally pulled up to school. I was about to SPRINT out of that BUS. But - I should act like a mature 6th grader! I was going to school with highschoolers too!

I walked out calmly and entered the building - the crowd of other 6th graders were walking in. I admired it.

It was a large building with the logo of KINDSPLASH! And a dolphin next to it. I also saw the seagulls and the beach next to it! And the lunch tables! I knew this year was going to be amazing!

I entered the building - and the immediate cool breeze from the air conditioners got me. Suddenly a tap on my back.

“I’m behind you~”

I looked behind me - It was Liv

“Oh, hey!” I became all warm and fuzzy

“What classes ya got, Cosette?”

    9

“Let's see..” I read the paper from my backpack “Math first perio- WHAT!? MATH?!” 

Laine laughed “You're a math hater too?”

“Of course! Math is like my worst enemy!” 

“Girl, let's worry about that later! We still have time before classes start. Let's join a club!”

“Wait what–” And then Laine was already grabbing my arm and dragging me to the bulletin board to see the list of all the clubs. 

I read it – Girls club? Too girly. Gaming club? Eh, too nerdy. Drama club? Maybe. Physic—

“LGBTQIA+!!” Laine squealed.

I was so confused, what is LGBTQIA+?

“Um, excuse me Laine but what is LGBTQ–”

“You don’t know?’ Laine said, cocking her head.

“Uh, yeah”

“Like, sexuality. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual + more”

My eyes widened. There's that many types?!

The bell suddenly rings. DONG-DING DONG-DING

“I’ll explain them at lunch!” Laine yells as she ran to her biology class

Okay, now I’m totally confused. Lesbian? Okay, nevermind I need to get to my math class. Then maybe after school me and Laine could go to the beach after school! EEEEK! Okay wait, not like a date right? Haha, No! That would never happen! But what if— okay I really need to get going. I ran to my math class

                                                      10

Chapter 6: your here, thats the thing

“Hello, I’m Ms. Wyatt I’ll be your teacher for math for this semester”

Ms. Wyatt is white and has long blonde hair that had waves that were probably made from a curling iron - I couldn't picture her with natural waves. She was wearing black framed glasses and looked surprisingly young for her age. 

“Lets go by the rows introducing ourselves” She said curtly.

Oh, no I hate social interactions - especially around a GROUP of people I thought. I finally got the courage and thought about what I was going to say, So now I was listening to everyone introducing themselves and patiently waiting for my turn. 

It was a brunettes turn next she has ghostly pale skin and dressed up in all black - finished with black lipstick 

“I’m Lily, Lily Chris. I’m 12 and I love death rituals”

Suddenly everyone got a shiver but me, who even was this person trying to spook everyone else?

The next few people were uh.. Normal I guess.

“I’m Blake”

“I’m Cece”

“I’m Siren”

“I’m Flora”

“I’m Alexander”

“I’m Christian”

 “I’m Lain–” WAIT..LAINE?!

   11

Okay, I was PANICKING. I thought Laine was supposed to be in BIOLOGY class not Math!

It figured to me she got her first class wrong – because she looked breathless and was stumbling slightly..

“Sorry! Wrong class call!” She said, gasping for air.

Everyone was looking for her, and to be honest it's my first time being embarrassed of knowing Laine.

OK, that was mean. But I’m an honest person!

Laine looked at me and smiled and then Ms. Wyatt looked at her with a stern gaze.

“Miss. Kyler you are late! But, since it's only the first day – I’ll let it slide, "she said, looking disappointed. 

“Well, then you can introduce yourself”

“I’m Laine Kyler, I’m 11 - and I’m lesbian”

My heart felt like it stopped LESBIAN?! SHE LIKED WOMEN?!

Ms. Wyatt looked surprised, and paused like she never had seen a lesbian pre-teen before “Well, then! Let's go on with our math lesson for today - You remember long division from 5th grade, Yes? Hurry out your books and we can review everything we’ll learn this semester!”

After the first period I was ALREADY wiped out. I was zoning out for the whole lesson. Even when the teacher called on me I said the wrong answer - So much for having an aesthetic school year!

                                                  12

The next period I was surprised that Lily Chris (from my math class) was there too. It was a gym and having gym class after math class? Exhausting!

“Hello, I am Mr. Charity, Your Gym teacher for this semester”

Wait, Mr. Charity? Could that be.. Mrs. Charity’s husband?

“Today we are playing a game of dodgeball for the first day of school fun!” He announced, beaming.

Everyone cheered except me and Lily. I was surprised - well, not really. Lily was dressed in all black and looked like the kind of person who'd rather be listening to music than throwing balls at people.

Me and Lily exchanged glances.

“You will need a team of four for THIS type of dodge ball, which I call - Charity Ball” 

I thought that me and Lily could be in a team, but then we will need 2 other people, so I scanned the room for potential teammates.

Blake? Too loud.

Arianna? Too nosy.

Amy? Oh, she's a bully!

York? He’s cute!

Gianna? She’s kind!

Bentley? Too focused on Spongebob

Jameson? Oh he's so kind!

Liv? Oh, right she's not in this class 

In my mind I already made our team, Me, Lily, Gianna, and York!

I was caught off guard when Mr. Charity yelled

“GET UP! Assemble your teams and pile in one corner of the room when you're finished!

                                               13

My heart pounded - not like in a I-saw-Laine-OMG way. Like OMG-I-HAVE-TO-INTERACT-WITH-HUMANS way.

I immediately calmed myself though - You will never pass the 6th grade if you don’t know how to interact with people!

I approached Lily - My heart racing

“Hey, Lilly” I said, fidgeting with my hands.

“Sup?” she said. OMG SHE'S SO COOL! (omg, I’m so pathetic looking back!)

“Well, do you have a team yet? For you know, Charity Ball?” 

“Uh, not really.” She said, looking at her black painted nails.

“Would you like to be in my team?!” I blurted out - not expecting to say it in a whole sentence.

“Oh, of course!” She smiled! Oh my gosh.. Her smile is like raspberries! Wait– what?!

Okay, three more people! You can do this, Cosette!

Me and Lily started a conversation about our team - She became surprisingly cool with my choices.. And for some reason made me feel all fuzzy inside.

I approached York, who had a cute smile a black curly hair.

“Hey.. Would you like to be on our team?”

York exchanged glances with the group of boys he was talking to earlier.

“Well, I was about to pair up with them. But I can try something new.”

EEEK! Everything's going GREAT! We only need one more person. And we will DOMINATE!

                                                         14

Me, York, And Lily Chris (Yes, I’m using her full name because it sounds cool) Approached Gianna, who looked.. Sad? In the corner.

“Hey, Gigi!” I said, smiling - while looking a bit concerned of how upset she looked.

“Yo, Gi!” York said maintaining eye contact with her.

Lily Chris didn’t say anything - well of course she wouldn't, she isn’t the talkative type (Well like me, but whatever). 

“Hi..” Gianna said, looking up at us with a slight smile.

“Hey, Gianna, are you okay?” I asked, my concerns distracting my recruitment side.

“You're the only one who noticed,” she suddenly laughed.

York and Lily Chris exchanged glances.

“Whats wrong?” I asked, looking for an answer.

“My parents divorced. That's what.” She said bluntly.

A wave of anger swept on me for some reason. But I couldn’t be mad at someone for no reason on my OWN family problems. So I masked it with sympathy (I did have sympathy, but it didn’t look like it).

“Oh, I’m.. So sorry.” I said and I helped her up and brushed the dust off her.

“Thanks, Cosette. It really means so much you listened.” She said, smiling

“Oh! Your wel-”

“And if you were going to invite me to your team - of course I wil-”

Suddenly, Amy’s gang pulled up like they were in some 2000’s Disney movie. 

“Hey, People.” Amy announced, putting a hand on her hip.

Oh brother.. I thought. It was the first day of school - how come I was dealing with Amy?

15

I felt like I was gonna burst out in tears like a big baby. Not like I was scared. But because I have such a big history with Amy, it makes me feel melancholy I guess..

She faked being my friend, talked bad about me, I fought with her once and she made the whole school think I was a joke back in KindSplash Elementary.

I already dealt with so much, and now she’s here?

York looked like he saw my sad gaze and immediately stepped up.

“Amy, what do you want?” He said, his voice booming across the gym, even making Mr. Charity glance.

“I, Amy Spier would like to recruit Gianna as part of the O.G.G” She said, announcing, some people gasped. (O.G.G is Only Girls Gang - There were 3 people - Amy, Cece and Sunny. Like they were The Plastics or something!) 

I was immediately shocked – GIANNA?! In the O.G.G?!

Gianna seemed shocked too, her mouth was wide open.

“Me? Gianna Williams?”

“Yes.” Cece said, smirking. 

Suddenly, Lily stepped in front.

“Gianna, think,” She began “The three that listened to your problem or the O.G.G AKA bully club?”

“Well, I know you guys listened to me but.. The O.G.G is popular..” 

“Are you thinking straight?!” York says, slightly offended

“I am, I choose the O.G.G” Gianna says.

Our hearts dropped. Gianna chose them. Them. 

                                                    16

                Chapter 7: Seriously?

A tear went down my left cheek, but I wiped it before anyone could notice.

“Let's go, we can find someone else.”

“Wait!” Sunny called out

“What?!” I said, exasperated 

“We challenge you to a dual” 

“WHAT?!” the three of us all said in unison.

“That's right,” Amy says, smugly. “A game of Charity ball. 3 rounds. The winner gets..” She looks at Gianna “Gianna.”

“Woah woah woah!” Mr. Charity says, coming in between us “You can’t just make up a round to your guys’ selves!”

“My mother donates to the school, and it also goes to your paycheck. Do you want that to stop?” Amy threatens.

“Of course not! Uh.. EVERYONE ON THE BLEACHERS EXCEPT AMY, CECE, SUNNY, COSETTE, YORK AND LILY!”

The giant scoreboard turns on - Its gametime a sudden determination lit up in me.

Me, Lily, and York huddled up, “we can do this. We will win this.” We chanted quietly

“ROUND ONE OF CHARITY BALLSTARTS IN–” he begins counting down.

Me and Amy glared at each other  

“3”

York cracked his knuckles

  17

“2”

Lily applied a layer of black lipgloss and tied up her hair

“ONE!!!” Mr. Charity yelled.

All of us went LUNGING for a ball York already hit Sunny with a ball before she even picked one up. Lily was dodging the balls like some sort of ninja. And me? Lets just say I was throwing balls SO close to them but failing!

York was an absolute pro, he even shot a ball through the basketball hoop! 

I finally got the courage AGAIN to throw and this time the ball…

Was almost there

Almost there

Almost there to hit Amy..

HEADSHOT! 

“FOUL” Mr. Charity yelled at me.

Lily and York patted my back and York whispered to me “You did so good, that headshot was wild!”

Amy fell to the ground (that was a bit dramatic)

“OWWW!” Sunny and Cece immediately shot glares and helped Amy up.

For some reason I felt satisfied (WOAH WOAH! I’m NOT a bully, it just felt good to see her get hit in the face with a dodgeball!)

York escorted me to the bleachers like some kind of body guard and the O.G.G fans were booing at me while some kids who were bullied smiled at me

York also fixed my hair?! I felt all warm and fuzzy inside..

18

Fast forward, we ended up winning the first round. But the second round? I was… Not so sure.. 

Amy, Sunny, and Cece had newfound determination in their eyes that kind of intimidated us. 

Now we were on a 3 minute break before the next round - and people were actually cheering for us like it was the World Cup or something.

Lily Chris suddenly hugged me - and I felt warm and fuzzy AGAIN!? 

“Thanks for doing that.. Headshot - it was amazing”

“Y-you’re welcome!” I said, drinking my water.

“ROUND TWO OF CHARITY BALL–” Mr. Charity started, and we ran on the gym floor

“THREE”

I tied my hair

“TWO”

Sunny whispered something to Amy

“ONE!!!!”

We all came lunging for the balls like in the first round, but for some reason, only Amy was grabbing balls for her team.. Huh? Weird.

“You guys may have beaten the battle, But you guys haven’t seen the war yet!” She yells.

Me and York exchanged glances “Is she..” he mouthed and then put his two fingers to his head and spun them clockwise. Meaning - IS SHE COO-COO?!

We all grabbed a ball and either targeted Sunny or Cece, because they were not doing anything.

Then.. suddenly. Amy was CHUCKING balls at us!

 19

Lily was dodging everything, but looked unsure this time, York was still a master at throwing balls. But for some reason it was like.. AMY WAS TARGETING ME??

I tried to desperately dodge Cece and Sunny are out, there is one more person left - we could do this. I thought.. But Lily and York couldn’t do anything if Amy was targeting me! 

So now it is a 1v1…

I felt very determined. But suddenly my heart was racing, I was sweating and… everything went black.. And I fell..

The last things I heard was

“Call 911!”

“Mr. Charity!!!”

“Cosette, are you okay?”

“Cosette!”

“Wake up!”

“Cosette, It's York!”

“Hah, she fainted how pathetic!” 

When I woke up I was in a hospital bed, I felt weak.

“Huh..?” I murmured, And my eyes fluttered open and I saw York, Lily, Laine…Oh..Laine, and.. MY DAD?!

Laine was sitting beside the bed, looking worried. My stomach did that weird little flip again. Even now? Seriously, Cosette?

But my dad was there, that's what shocked me the most.

 20

Chapter 8: Love Triangle?

Dad was standing beside my bed. He looked worried. I couldn't remember the last time I'd seen that expression on him.

“Cosetteness? Can you hear me?” My heart softened, he always used to call me that name.

I nodded weakly.

“Cosette!” York says, holding my left arm suddenly.

 My eyes finally opened. Everyone began chattering and Laine went to call the doctor.

“Hey, York..” I said, smiling.

Lily Chris handed me a bouquet of flowers like I was recovering from cancer or something. But I decided to just take it. It's not everyday that on the first day of school you faint and your friends take you to the hospital.

I saw Amy in the corner of the room, eyeing me like she was an eagle and I was a vulnerable mouse or something.

Amy approached me “Hey..” York immediately held my arm softly - as if wanting to protect me if she did anything, while still being gentle.

“Hi..” I said, my smile fading a little, but still trying to smile.

“I’m.. sorry about what happened at gym. But just so you know-”

York interrupted her gruffly “That's enough. Saying sorry is enough.”

I blushed but covered my face.

Laine came back with the doctor and the doctor discharged me. The principal decided that would be the end of the school day today (As I’ve heard from Laine) And that we’ll continue our activities tomorrow.

21

Chapter 9: Father Knows Best

My dad drove me home from the hospital, the drive was silent until I said something.

“Why were you at the hospital?” I said, softly.

“Your mother…Is..” he said slowly.

“What?” I asked, my mother was always by my side. I never even considered I had a father.

“She’s overseas”

“What..” I said, but then suddenly laughed. “Dad, you're very funny!”

“I’m not joking, Your mother is overseas for a year.”

“My.. No, Mom would’ve told me.” I said, tears filling my eyes.

“She needed it for a business trip.”

“WHAT?! So, are you taking care of me now?”

“For now” He said

I became silent.

I know, you're probably confused about what happened with my mom and dad. I’ll explain.

My Mother and Father weren’t always like this. When I was 5 years old, we were a happy family. Until.. My dad started seeing someone else. Claimed it was his co-worker. Ever since he's started meeting up with this “Co-worker” Our family broke apart. They were yelling every single night and day! I cried night to night! And one day, my dad.. Left me and my mom. Not even a divorce, just left for 6 years! And now he's taking care of me! I just want to SCREAM!

“I know, you hate me but-” 

“Couldn’t Aunt Jamie take care of me?” I snapped

22

He didn't answer right away. His hands tightened around the steering wheel.

“Because you're my daughter, Cosette.”

“Daughter?” I laughed bitterly “Was I still your daughter when you left with your mistress?” 

“Cosette.. She wasn't..” 

“She was! Why would you leave us then! We saw everything” 

The drive was silent after that, then I noticed we weren't going home atleast, Me and Mother’s home

I looked out the window. The houses became unfamiliar. I sat up straighter.

“Dad… where are we going?”

“Home”

“What..Home?”

“Mine,” he said. “My home.”

No.

No.

No.

No.

NO! 

I couldn't be in his house, with his.. Mistress.

I don’t even want to step a foot in there.

I was confused now,

My mom was overseas

And my dad’s taking me to his house.

So why did things have to be this way?

23

We pulled up at a large mansion.

It shocked me because when Dad was still with mom we were low on money. And me and mom lived in a 2 bed 1 bathroom house with a basement. For some reason now I was curious so I stepped out of the car and scanned the building some more. 2 cars huh? How interesting… I thought. I knew who that was.

We went inside and my jaw tightened. 2 kids running around. And.. THE MISTRESS I remember from 6 years ago there. And a grandma was playing with the kids.

How interesting.

He has kids.

My.. half siblings. 

A little boy that looked 2 years old ran up to me, he has light brown hair and tan skin.

“Who are youuuu!” he said, making the ‘you’ long.

“I’m.. your sister.” I said, leaning down.

“I habe..another sister?” he said, I laughed because he said habe instead of have. 

But wait, how many children did he actually have? He could have more, it's a giant house.

My thoughts were interrupted by the mistress.

“Hi! Cosette!”

I ignored her and pretended not to hear her.

“Cosette”

“What!” I said, sounding more exasperated than I was.

“I’m Brittany.”

24

“Hi mis–” I was about to say mistress, but it's a bit rude to say it to her face.

“Miss. Hi Miss.” I said glaring at her

“I’m your fathers wife!”

My eyes widened

“WIFE?!”

I saw my dad whisper to “Brittany”.

“You remarried!?” I yelled suddenly, but then tried to lower my voice “You're still married to Mom, how could you-?!”

“Cosette shush!” my dad said sharply.

I looked between Dad and Brittany.

“Mom doesn't know about this, does she?”

“Yes.” My dad said curtly.

“HOW COULD YOU!” I yelled, the children piled to the mistress’s grandmother

“Me and Mom were waiting! We were always waiting for you to come back! And you just remarry just like that?! I wanted a father to bring to the father daughter dance at school for 6 years. I was waiting!”

Dad stared at me.

For once, he didn't have anything to say.

“Cosette…”

“No!” I shouted. “Don't say my name like you know me!”

25

Suddenly, that dang mistress stepped in.

“Your father knows best, Cosette” 

“WHO EVEN ARE YOU?!” I yelled, I was disgusted by how she could be this… NAIVE?

“I’m your stepmother. Cosette.” She said curtly just like my father. I just wanted to leave this place. I felt tears piling in my eyes. This was the worst day ever.

“You will never be my mom.” I said. And turned around, walked out the door and slammed it.

I was now outside in the summer sun. But I wasn’t thinking straight and ran straight to the city!

I couldn’t be in dad’s house.

I didn’t know where to go. 

I just kept walking.

And walking.

I heard my dad yelling for me to come back. I ignored it with a heavy heart.

I saw a large sign a distance away - “KINDSPLASH Middle School”

I knew where I was going now.

26

 Chapter 10: The Runaway

I was about to see if I could still enter but I suddenly saw a familiar face..

Is that..?

“Laine?” I called out.

She was sitting by the garbage dumpsters, all huddled up and holding her knees to her face.

She turned to look at me

“Cosette?”

I approached her “Laine, Why are you here? School closed an hour ago.”

Laine looked at me and shrugged “Well, my mom never came to pick me up. I don’t know my way. I just figured she forgot about me.”

My eyes softened.

“Your not the only one who thinks that”

“What?”

“Nothing, Come on, let's explore the city.” I smiled, we could at least make something out of this. I had some money in my pocket still - I wanted to make use of it anyway.

We ran across the street as soon as the traffic lights were red and OK to walk across. And entered a small pastry shop.

The cashier was pretty and had long blonde hair..WAIT WAS THAT!?

“Rebecca?”

“Surprised-By-Pizza-Parties Girl?” Rebecca said, her eyes widening “Woah! I never thought I would’ve met you here!” I said, sincerely

“Well, I work here part time, my family's low on cash.” She said

27

“Well, Me and My friend Laine want your most delicious pastry!” I said, nudging Laine.

Rebecca smiled “Our most popular is the chocolate croissant, I’ll give a pack of four for a discount.”

“Awesome!” Laine exclaimed.

“Total will be 19.88, cash or card”

“Cash!” I said and handed it over.

A few minutes after we got our pastries we stargazed. The day had almost come to an end.

Until the police sirens came.

An officer came out and talked into his walkie-talkie

“Officer Jeff - Missing children found. Cosette Wyring and Laine Kyler”

“What the hell–?” I started

“Are you guys Laine Kyler and Cosette Wyring?”

“Yes..” we said in unison.

“Get inside my car we will be taking you to the station”