The Words

by Ashley Jade

love you, too.” I start to leave, but he reaches for my hand. “I hope one day when I have kids, I’ll be a great parent like you.” My heart cracks and a wave of sorrow drives over the jagged pieces like a steamroller. “You’re gonna be the best dad.”

Fuck

One that’s urging me to turn my maybe into a yes. Revenge.

Fuck yeah

She’s secure and confident. There’s even a tiny smirk on her lips, as if she’s thinking—eat it up, asshole, and then choke on it, because you’ll never get this again.

fuck right

“I left him handcuffed to the bed.” Storm chuckles and I notice the tattoo on the side of his neck. It’s a giant middle finger. “Yeah, you did. But let him sweat it out a little longer.” A peculiar look crosses over his face. “That reminds me. I’ll be right back.” He disappears into the bedroom, but returns a few moments later…carrying long black straps. “What are those?” “Not every headboard is handcuff friendly,” he explains as he hands them to me. “This is an under-the-bed restraint system. It goes between the mattress and box spring.” He gestures for me to stand. “Come on, I’ll show you how to set it up.” Suffice it to say, I know exactly who gave Chandler those handcuffs now.

BAhha

Phoenix Walker was supposed to sing his greatest hit, just like he always does at the end of every concert…but he can’t. Because I’m here.

oh no oops

She smiles when she sees me. “Come on, sweet pea. Grab yourself a plate. Let’s put some meat back on those bones.” Never thought I would hear that. I’m happily loading up my plate when I hear, “She doesn’t need more meat on her bones.” Seven pairs of eyes swivel to George.

EXCUSE ME

“Well, you know.” He visibly gulps. “She’s not that skinny.” When several jaws drop, he quickly adds, “But it’s not like she’s fat or anything.” I put my plate down. Memphis points his fork at George. “Dude, you really need to quit talking.” Dismissing that excellent advice, George looks at me. “I didn’t mean you were fat. You’re not. You’re perf—”

Omg!!!

Phoenix pounds his fist against the table so hard the dishes rattle. “Shut the fuck up. Now.” Cocking his head, he zeros in on me. “Eat your breakfast.”

Fuck!

“Then prove it.” He comes closer. “Kiss me, Lennon. Please. I’m begging you.”

Hes so lame

Triumph surges through me and the corners of my lips rise in a smug smirk as my stare locks with George’s.

Oh shit

“Because you begged her to kiss you…and she begged me to fuck her.”

Oh my god

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I pin her with a glare that makes her breath catch. “I’m pursuing this.”

Ahhh

I’m pursuing this.

Babe you are so getting fired

If I really wanted to ruin Phoenix Walker...all I have to do is break his heart. Just like he did to me.

Oh shit

Even though I came here for revenge, I’m still a good person with morals. Just like my father raised me to be. Which means there are lines I won’t cross.

Baby... You wanna ruin him. Does she know what that will do to him? He will self destruct worse than before.

“I made you a card every year for your birthday until I was eleven.” And every single year, my dad would snatch it off the table and call me stupid because I couldn’t write or spell well. But I tried. I tried so fucking hard. Because I wanted her to know how much I loved her.

Fuck my heart

“She helped me pass an English final so I could graduate high school. I met her in the band room to tell her the good news, but the moment I saw her sitting at the piano…it felt like someone hit me over the head with a steel pipe.” I can’t speak. Can’t breathe. Can’t move.

Omfg

After Vic cut us our first big check, Josh bought a Ferrari and whisked Skylar away to Paris on a shopping trip. Memphis bought himself a new guitar. Storm took a trip back home to see Grams. And I bought myself groceries and stocked my fridge for the very first time. Then I paid my bills and deposited the rest of the money into my savings account.

Omg this boy

Quinn rolls her eyes. “I’m serious. I’m actually really smart.” Lennon squeezes my knee under the table. “You and your brother have that in common.”

Lennon my soul

Stealing my song is inexcusable…but he just gave me the greatest gift.

My heart hurts

“I’m sorry, Lennon.” “For what?” His eyes harbor so much sadness it’s a visceral punch to the gut. “I know something isn’t right with me.” He points to his head. “Up here.” My heart cracks. The only positive in all this was that he was blissfully unaware of his dementia. Tears well in my eyes, but I don’t want to lie to him or waste however long we might have talking about a disease that’s already stolen so much time. I’d rather stick to the important stuff. “I love you, Dad.” Leaning over, he kisses my cheek. “I love you more, monkey face. Don’t ever forget that.”

Omg it hurts

“Don’t let your insecurities overpower that which makes your soul come alive. Otherwise, you’ll walk this earth never feeling whole…and that’s no way to live.”

I love her dad

This whole thing seems to be going from bad to worse for poor Skylar.

Is it bad i kinda want gwen to lose the baby

My throat goes tight as I read another one.

My heart

A sharp sting punctures my rib cage and I squeeze my eyes shut before a tear has the chance to fall. Losing him shouldn’t hurt this much. His voice is a painful rasp I feel in my marrow. “Lennon.”

Then dont let him go bitch

whisper his name for the very last time.

What can he do to fix this

I’ll have to write them instead. Thinking about all the times she marred her perfect body—branding herself—with the cruel words of others fucking kills me. I take my time dragging the marker across her stomach, hoping I don’t fuck this up because it’s too important and I only have one shot to get it right. Five minutes later, the word beautiful is etched on her skin…right where it belongs.

Omg.. Fuck

The next words are a lot harder to write. Not because I don’t mean them, but because it will never undo what I did to her. A few minutes later I’m sorry is inked on her flesh and the suffocating feeling turns to full-blown pain.

Omg!!!!!!!

The sun can’t shine when it gets too dark. I drop a kiss to her shoulder blade. But the moon can. Which is what Lennon is for me. My only source of light when everything turns black.

Im dying

Positioning the marker over her upper back, I proceed to write my last words where she’ll never see them. I stare at her as I wait for the ink to dry. Once it does, I run my finger across the words I’ll never say…but the ones I’ll always feel for her.

Im gonna throw up

“If you don’t go, I’ll tell Vic and Chandler to put a stop payment on their checks.” Her mouth drops open in shock before she glares hate fire at me. “What the fuck is your problem, asshole?” “I don’t have one because you’re going to Europe. End of story.”

Phoenix!?

“Quite frankly, I’m surprised he’s not dead yet.” A smirk twists her shiny pink lips and she shrugs. “Not to be a bitch, but the band will be much better off once he finally ODs.” Her eyes swivel to her baby daddy. “Memphis can be the lead singer then.”

kill her

I wince when Skylar digs her thumb into my upper spine. “What are you doing?” “Stay still. I’m trying to get this mark off you.” “What mark?” “I love you,” she says, although it comes out like a question rather than a statement. “I love you, too, but you’re being really weird right now.” “I meant the words on your back.” “What wo—” Oh. My. God. The room tilts, and it’s a struggle to draw air into my lungs.

Ahhhhhhhh

“Your dad…he had a stroke about twenty minutes ago. I called an ambulance and we’re here at the hospital.” Her voice cracks. “It…you need to come home right away.”

Holy shit

He’s dying.

Fuck everything

And then he whispers two words against my lips…two words that make the universe come to a screeching halt before bursting into flames. “Marry me.”

sir what

osmium,

Fancy word

“Marry me,” I repeat. This time, she finally gives me what I want. “Okay.” As much as I’d like to stay here worshiping her mouth, we don’t have a lot of time. I saw how devastated she was when she realized her father wouldn’t be there to watch her get married, but I’m gonna make it happen. “I’ll be right back.” Confusion clouds her expression. “Where are you going?” “To find a priest.” I turn to Mrs. Palma, who’s still standing by the door…sniffling. “They have one of those here, right?” She dabs her eyes with a tissue. “Yes, there are hospital chaplains.” “Wait,” Lennon squeaks. “You want to do this now?”

Hes crazy

Approximately ten seconds after the chaplain pronounced us man and wife Lennon’s father passed. It was almost as if he knew I’d honor my promise and she’d be in good hands.

Omg

“Too bad,” Storm states. “Maybe then I’d let you die instead of pulling your sorry ass out of that car.” He salutes me with his middle finger. “But hey, enjoy the rest of your life with your new bride. Gotta hand it to you, man. Manipulating the girl whose song you stole into marrying you was a genius move. I’m sure Chandler and Vic are thrilled.”

DAMN STORM

The corners of his eyes crease as he scrutinizes me. “The only thing I know is that you’re a snake.” His expression turns hard. “A worthless scumbag, just like your pops.”

WOAH

I give him the truth because I’m man enough to admit it now. “I tried to write a song for years, but I couldn’t…because I’m an idiot.” Embarrassment courses through me as I continue. “We only had one shot with Vic. Our dream was right fucking there. I didn’t want to blow it.” Rolling off me, he catches his breath.

Ugh my heart

Pulling her into my arms, I do the only thing I can think of. I start singing “Let It Be” by The Beatles. And I don’t stop.

This book killed me

“She wants an annulment.”

Lennon shut up

“Spread your legs, Mrs. Walker.”

Scream