Stuck In-between

Stuck In-between

Fancy Writer

Published by Fancy Writer, 2024.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

STUCK IN-BETWEEN

First edition. June 1, 2024.

Copyright © 2024 Fancy Writer.

Written by Fancy Writer.

To my beloved who had always believed in me.

Stuck In-between

Fancy Writer

Copyright © 2024 by Fancy Writer

All rights reserved. This book, including the text, images, and other materials, is protected by copyright laws. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.

By using this book, you agree to respect the intellectual property rights of the author and not to reproduce or distribute the book without permission.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

CHAPTER 1

Kishimia POV

My name is Kishimia Bartley and my family owns a big and successful business called the Bartley Law Firm. Yes, I come from a rich family, but I don't act like one. I am not a spoiled brat like the rest and I do not socialize like the rest of my siblings. I am an outcast in my family. I have two siblings that I hate because they hate me first, they always tease and push me around like I'm some alien. I never fit into this perfect family. My parents show me no affection but I get it I am not perfect. They don't hug or kiss me like they do the others. And they left me out of most of the family functions not that I care.

Most of the time I isolate myself in my room to avoid contact with them so I don't feel all the hurt when they don't treat me like family. If it was not for my best friends Betty and Shamoya, I don't think I would have anyone in this entire world.

Betty and Shamoya are the only people I talk to at school because they are the only ones who would even talk to me. My older siblings are popular yet I am at the bottom of the food chain. Well, thinking about it right now I see why I am not...

I am not as beautiful as my sister Bella. She has porcelain skin, her pristine long blonde hair, and her perfect face. If you asked me, she could pass for a model with her perfect body and a princess with her grace. Cami is not that beautiful as Bella but she's not that bad looking. Both Bella and Cami are perfect for perfection.

Well as for me I am 5'4" tall, have short blonde hair, not that pretty and perfect like my sisters or have the most wonderful body but I am beautiful in my way.

I have only dated three times in my life, and none of the relationships ended well. The relationships never last because I am never given what they want. I have only kissed two of them and the first one is when I was sixteen and curious. It occurred when I was staying over at Betty's house and I was left alone with her bother for just ten minutes and that's all the time needed for us to kiss. He was two years older than me he was eighteen.

The living room was awkwardly quiet since Betty left one minute ago. It was just Jason and me who were left on the couch watching TV. We were watching Titanic. It was at the part where Jack and Rose were kissing.

Can I ask you a question, Kish? He asked.

Yeah, why not, I said

I don't want you to think I am nosey but have you been kissed before?

Why'd you ask me that for? I replied

I see the way you were looking each time a person kissed in the movie, he said

Okay you caught me I never kissed anyone in my life and I don't know how to kiss, I said

He was in deep thought for a moment then he said: Want me to show you how. That I did not expect but I accepted because I didn't know if I was going to ever have a boyfriend in my life.

Um, sure. That's the only reply I could give and I licked my bottom lip feeling a little nervous.

Okay. Come over here. I obeyed and moved to where he was sitting on the couch.

He pulled me closer and leaned in and I followed his lead. With our faces inches away from each other he put his hands around me and lay his lips on mine and I put my hands around his neck. His lips were soft as he moved them on mine and I followed what he was doing. After two minutes of kissing each other, we pulled apart breathlessly.

Not bad Kish. Not bad for your first time. He spoke.

I shrugged and said, Well you’re not bad you self J. I had to admit that he was a good kisser. I wish he would kiss me again.

At least nothing awkward happens to me. But the moment didn't last long until Betty came back into the living room and I was still close to J and he was still holding me. She coughs and we jerk apart. I was a little embarrassed about the situation that I was in and it didn't help when everyone was silent and we continued to watch the movie.

It was a surprise when Jason asked me out on a date a week later but before accepting, I consulted my best friend, Betty, after all, it was her brother, and I didn't want things to get weird or awkward between us. We then dated for a couple of months until he made the wrong move on me when he slid his hands under my dress and carried his hands too far up my thigh. I pulled away from him in surprise and we had quite an argument then we broke up.

Things did get a little weird each time I visited Betty at her house whenever we had a sleepover or just girls spending time together because each time, I was over I had to try my best not to cross paths with my ex-boyfriend and each time we did it was awkward. It was all over when he left for college and I know I won't see him around for a while.

The two other relationships were worse than the first. Brad was the worst one yet. His kisses were always laced with desire and sometimes aggressive. His kisses were not have passionate as Jason's. We only lasted two weeks on our third date when he started moving too fast. He was the one that was most sexual with me. Grabbing up my ass and trying to lay with me and I was happy to break it off. Carter didn't show me much affection. We didn't kiss nor did he touch me and the relationship got weirder and weirder each day so I did the two of us a favor and broke it off.

Well, that was my horrible love story and I made it clear to myself that I was never going to find true love. Not the one I saw on TV nor the one I read in those romance novels and I stopped dreaming of happily ever after my last break up.

CHAPTER 2

Kishimia POV

Beep beep

Beep beep

The alarm clock was going off for a while now and I tried my best to ignore it by putting the pillow over my head but it didn't stop the beeping sound of the alarm.

Half woken I tried to shut it off. When I finally shut it off, I went back to sleep only to be woken seconds later by a knocking on my door which kept me from going back to sleep.

Miss Bartley wake up. You’re going to be late for school again for the second time in the week. I heard my maid on the next side of the door.

Go away I groan out. I hate it when they wake me from my beauty sleep. How ironic I never woke up looking beautiful after I took my beauty naps it's always the opposite.

If you don't get up out of bed right now, I would have no choice but to drag you out of the bed Miss Bartley. Or maybe you would want the usual. Do you Miss Bartley? Do you want to miss the first period? She was murmuring on the other side of the door.

Go away After a minute or two I heard nothing then I heard footsteps leaving my bedroom door. I took advantage of my victory and went back to sleep.

I was startled out of my sleep when I felt a sudden amount of cold water wash over my body which made me shiver.

What the hell I yelled.

I warned you Miss Bartley but you didn't listen. Now get dressed for school you only have fifteen minutes to get ready or you'll be late for school again

You could have just dragged me out of the bed instead of throwing a bucket of cold water on me in my sleep, I said through gritted teeth

That wouldn't be fun would it, Miss Bartley, and I like this option better, she said with a smile on her face.

You know you don't have to call me Miss Bartley, right? Just call me Kish like all my other friends. I hate it when you call me that This is an argument we have a lot and she would not oblige and I keep telling her over and over again.

Anything you say, Miss Bartley, she said with a mischievous smile. She knows that it annoys me and I think she does it on purpose to torture me. I don't like when the staff acknowledge me like that but unlike my other siblings, they don't share the same sentiment as me thinking the staff is below them and so they demand respect. You need to hurry so you won't be late for school. Breakfast is ready and served down in the dining hall and if you want to catch it you need to get ready right away

Fine. But don't think I won't get back at you for this. I jumped out the bed and got ready for school as my maid walked out of the room to do whatever chore she had to do. I love my employees and so I treat them like friends and family. I don't see why they have to be treated how they are treated by my older siblings. My thoughts trail me in and out of the show and I finally get dressed for school and head downstairs.

Nice of you to join us Kish we were just thinking you finally lived up to your words and just ran away, Bella said as I entered the dining room. I felt the jab but I didn't let it get to me because I did not want to let her see that her words hurt. I just ignored her and went to sit in my usual seat and ate my breakfast.

They continued the conversation that they were having before I walked in. They are always babbling about this guy called Austin Slyder and he is the captain of the football team. How handsome he is and has a great body. They always argue about which one of them he would choose and how they would happily marry him and have his children. They talk of him nonstop like he is fucking God or something and I just don't get it.

Did you hear that he broke up with Christine? I heard Bella asking Cami

I heard she broke up with him. Well, that's what Crystal her best friend told me, said Cami.

Now I can get my shot at being his girlfriend since he dumped that bitch. I just rolled my eyes. They all talk like being with the guy is a game or something.

I hadn't noticed that they were looking at me now. Is there a problem Kish is something wrong with your breakfast? I hadn't realized I was frowning until I was asked a question.

Um... no just thinking of something, I said.

I think she has a crush on Austin and she was thinking about him how disgusting Cami piped in.

No, I don't. I don't even know the guy I defend myself

Everyone knows the guy. Captain of the football team, the most popular guy in school, and the most handsome in the school. How could you not know the guy and you go to the same school as him Bella started pointing out the obvious.

Unlike you and the other girls I have a life that does not revolve around fawning over a guy who hardly knows that you guys exist I was tired of all of them. They all act like the guy is God. Stupid girls I think to myself, would fall for him and my sisters are stupid I expect nothing less.

CHAPTER 3

Kishimia POV

I think they get it now that I have no interest in this guy. What's his name again? Oh. Austin Slyder. I have no time to think about boys especially not him and I would be so sorry for the girl who ever fell in love with him. That boy is something else and I don't think he is even human. No, he's a freaking machine the way I see and hear things. He's a playboy and a sex toy. Again, I don't see what the girls at school and my sisters see in him. Well, I will make an exception for my sisters because clearly, they don't have a brain.

Enough of those obnoxious thoughts, I got better things to think about like the group science project Miss Dun wants by next week Tuesday. The way I see things I am the only one going to do it because of that small-brain girl that Miss Dun paired me with. I don't like giving or calling persons nicknames but that girl changes my moral. I had to give her one. I have just the right word to refer to her which is loquacious. That word fits just right.

I was dragged to reality when Mr. Long called my name. Kishimia, can you tell me what happens when too much fat is built up in the artery?

Crap. Um... Um... I don't know sir. I know I should have been paying attention but instead, I let my mind get the best of me.

Miss Bartley, I need your full attention in my class. I don't tolerate when my students are distracted or do you want me to send you to the guidance counselor so she can help you settle. I can see that he was not joking from the look in his eyes. And I hate going to the guidance counselor, she always wants me to talk about my feelings and I hate it.

I stuttered. No sir. It wouldn't happen again.

Alright let's continue the lesson. He said turning back to the board. Relief washed over me when all eyes averted from me and to the teacher. I hate being the center of attention.

...

I was greeted by my best friends outside of my classroom after the bell went for the end of the class and also the end of school for the day.

So, Kish what are your plans for this weekend? asked Betty. By now I thought she would have known my schedule, but I just think she chose to ignore it since it is too boring for her taste.

Betty and I are two different people. She is wild and likes to let loose while I am the opposite. She likes a party. I do not enjoy such a thing. The thought of going to once again gives me the shivers. I hate the smell of sweaty bodies and the smell of alcoholic breath. In fact, I just hate everything about it.

Betty, you know I have a strict schedule that I follow and nothing in this world is going to let me change my schedule this weekend I can't believe we are friends we never see eye to eye. I guess the opposite attracts to opposite. As good attracts bad. Besides you have Shamoya, you can ask her to do whatever wild things you have planned this weekend.

Why are you always being such a stubborn bitch? You need to let loose and live like a teenager, not an elder who needs to ensure she takes her pills on time. She said staring at me like I said something that offended her.

Say what you want to say Bet but I ain't going nowhere this weekend I got a project to complete and may I add that I have to do it by myself. Without even glancing in her direction.

She stopped walking and stood in place tapping her feet showing that she ain't going to take no for an answer. Sam tell her she is being unreasonable, tell her that she is being bitchy, tell her she needs to let loose, tell her if I have to drag her out of her house this weekend to get her to come with me to whatever plan I have for this week I will do it. I could see a threat and there was no joke in it. I don't think I can get out of this one because she is giving me the face but I still show defiance.

And I said no. I know that she doesn’t like to be refused and she always gets her way.

She's right you know Kish; you have been working hard all year. Why don't you just take the advantage of her offer? Shamoya interfered knowing that the situation here was going to get worse. She knows how it is when Betty and I argue and neither one of us is willing to back down. I know that she was going to choose Betty's side, but they are right I need to let loose a little but I ain't backing down. I don't want them to think I am weak.

You know what you need Kish? A man in your life maybe you wouldn't be so bitchy and stuck-up and I think I could arrange that for you. I knew this was going to come, it was no surprise. She always brings it up when I am being stubborn.

As I told you before I am in no need of the opposite sex to help me let loose, I am just naturally stuck-up and stubborn, I don't think that is going to change.

We'll see when Mr. Right comes along.

I rolled my eyes at that. How old is 12 again?

You know my plan already no boys until my education is finished then maybe I will submit to your will, complete and utter submission. I teased her. Okay, so what are you planning... I know that look in her eyes, she wants me to go to some foul party with her.... no no no...no partying you know I hate it. I started to argue.

But the look in her eyes tell me that she is not going to change her mind as she shakes her head at me. What have I got myself into?

I promise you're going to like this one. She said with a wide smile on her face and I didn't like it one bit.

So where is this party at since I have no choice but to go with you and Shamoya? I had to know that at least since I am going to enter a very vail environment. Things I am going to see cannot be erase once I see it.

That is a surprise, you will find out when we arrive. This made my anxiety rise even more. I am entering into a battle blindfolded and without proper equipment.

Oh, come on Bet the least you could do is tell me because I am entering my grave once I set foot in that party. Remember that last time we went to that party at Crystal. Even the memory of that party still haunts me.

You’re not going to your death you’re going to have fun like you never have before and plus there's going to be a lot of cute boys. Really? She clarifies wiggling her eyebrows. This did not make the situation any better cause I knew she was going to force me to talk to some random boys.

Shamoya saw the worry and regret in my eyes and added. It's going to be okay Kish I am going to be there to ward off the bloodsuckers, horny fuckers. I'll be there to protect you. That did let me feel better but not so much to still go to the party. Who knows what can happen at a party with drunk teenagers and boys who can't keep their hands to themselves?

I signed and gave up and accepted the defeat. All this gave me an uneasiness in my stomach. Betty just put on her victorious smile and hugged me tight, scream at me saying I won't regret it on bit. I promise you won't regret it. She actually is squealing which means she is up to something but I just can't put my finger on it.

We are going to meet at your house and 7 and get ready from there. She keeps babbling about the preparation to go to the party. Maybe I could fake being sick so I won't have to go but I know that won't work. They know all the tricks I have up my sleeve.

Well let's go we need to get ready for this partty! I can't believe I am doing this again. Please don't let me embarrass myself or worse make out with a random guy.

CHAPTER 4

When Betty and Moya came over, I was just getting out of the shower after having dinner with my family. I just sat there and stared out of space like I'm lost and push the food around in my plate. I have lost my appetite still not happy about where am going tonight. When dinner was finished, I informed my parents that I will be going to a party with my friends and I'll be home by midnight. They just agreed and showed no concern or