Speak To Me

(Jolie)

I glanced between a pale-faced Matteo and a red-faced Mom..both wearing expressions of shock as my mother quickly stood.

"Jolie..perhaps we shouldn't do this now. Whatever is going on between you and Matteo can be resolved later..privately." She warned, her gaze darting to Tilly as I knew she was trying to put on a show for her..

That our family was the picture of perfection..and I didn't understand why. Tilly has been nothing but sweet..so why did my mom look at her with such disdain? When did Caroline Walters turn into such a stuck-up bitch? "Privately? Don't you understand that I am afraid to be alone with this man privately?" I said, causing my dad to sit up straighter.

"What are you talking about Jolie?" My father asked, making me sigh as I glanced toward my brother next, knowing he was going to be furious about this. But I haven't been telling the full truth..those texts I've gotten..yeah, they are bad. Especially the voicemails he sends when he is drunk or high..I'm not sure which..but he definitely sounds intoxicated.

"Sir, I think your daughter is just upset because we had a small argument before coming here." Matteo said softly, making my mother nod as I looked at her in disbelief.

"Are you seriously believing him over me right now?"

"I haven't talked to Matteo in weeks..and when I did, it was to tell him to stop contacting me! We are not dating Mother! I want nothing to do with this asshole!"

"Jolie!! Please, calm down..how can that be possible? Matteo has shown me pictures that you have sent him yourself along with the texts."

"What? I have no idea what you are talking about..I haven't sent a single thing to this psycho." I gritted through my teeth, glaring towards a smug-looking Matteo as he quickly pulled out his phone.

"I know I upset you this morning, but there is no reason to lie." He spoke in a soft tone..but I saw the mischievous glint in his eyes..

"Here..then what are these?" Matteo said while flashing his screen.

On the text thread were dozens of messages sent..by what someone would think was me..and even pictures that I had taken..

"Th-that isn't me..I never sent those!" I rushed out, going to reach for his phone, but he quickly pulled it out of reach.

"Mom, Dad, I swear I never sent a single one of those..he has to be lying..he probably sent those himself with his own phone or something!" I saw Matteo's face falter slightly, making me think I hit the nail on the head. It was probably from one of those many phones he has been contacting me with. Plus..those pictures were ones from my social media! Anyone could access those.

"He has been the one texting me nonstop...and the messages.." I said, going to reach for my phone as I searched in my purse for it.

But..it wasn't there..

"M-my phone..it..it's gone." I said quickly, continuing to rifle through my bag as panic filled me. I swear I just had it earlier..

"Sweetheart..it's okay, couples fight sometimes." My mom chimed in and my jaw dropped.

"You..you don't believe me?" I asked her, causing Rylan to jump to his feet.

"This is bullshit! He is obviously lying! I don't know what the hell he is telling you, but he has been harassing Jolie for weeks." Rylan came to defend me.

That's when the table went quiet, causing my gaze to drift to my dad's.

"You believe me, right Daddy? He has been threatening to come to my apartment..to do things to me if I don't agree to be with him.." I whispered, feeling all of that confidence come crashing down at Matteo let out a sigh.

"Sir, you know how dramatic women can be sometimes..it was just a small fight.." Before Matteo could even finish, my father stood up and punched him straight in the face, causing my hand to fly over my mouth as I let out a sharp gasp.

"Edward!" My mom screeched before rushing over toward the two men.

"I want you out of my house and away from my daughter right this moment..and if I ever find out you have been harassing her again.. Forget about the police..I will handle you myself." Dad hissed, making Matteo wipe his bloody lip before shrugging my mom off of him. "You are going to regret this..your family is trash anyway..and now everyone will know. I warned you Jolie..and now your whole family will pay for how stubborn you have been." And with that, he threw his napkin down and went to leave.

"Wait! I think he might have my phone!" I rushed out, making my father look towards him as Tilly and Rylan were now by my side.

"Just let him go...you can always get a new one. I'm guessing you were smart enough to save the texts and voicemails somewhere else?" My brother asked and I nodded my head yes.

I just hate that he has it..that fucking asshole.

I quickly rushed over to my dad, looking down at his bloody hand as my mom stood back a little.

"Jolie, what was he talking about?" She whispered, causing me to scoff as I wrapped Dad's hand in a napkin.

"You seriously are asking her that right now? Aren't you concerned about Dad even a little?" Rylan spoke up before I could.

"Of course I am! I just..I'm a little startled..I can't think straight." My mom said dramatically before plopping in the chair and fanning herself with her hand.

And all I wanted to do was finish this and make her realize how much of a mistake she had made trusting that man.

"He has videos of Nolan using in the club. He threatened to spread them if I didn't do what he asked." I said, causing my dad's eyes to widen before he wrapped his arms around me.

"Oh sweetheart..why didn't you tell me this was going on?" He sighed as my mom sunk into her chair more.

"I just..I don't know..I didn't think it would go this far..and with mom constantly bringing him around.." I trailed off while glaring over at her.

"I thought I was doing what was best for you sweetheart! He seemed like such a nice young man..but if those videos get out..oh god.." Mom gasped before covering her face with her hands. "We will be ruined.."

We just stood there, looking at my mom as all words escaped me. She didn't care about us..not one bit..

"Is that all that matters to you? Is your image?" A small voice suddenly spoke up, surprising not just me but everyone else as well.

"W-what did you say?" Mom whispered, looking towards Tilly now.

I watched as Tilly reached over, gripping Rylan's hand as she glanced between all of us.

"I used to admire your family..watching how close you all were..and how much you cared for one another..but seeing you now..you have lost your way." She explained.

"But now you care more about how people will see you than how your own children feel." Tilly continued, causing Rylan to stare down at her in absolute shock.

"You have no idea what you are talking about young lady. My family is everything to me..and we keep nothing from one another..unlike yours. If you want to start judging people maybe you should look within your own home first." Mom snapped viciously, making me gasp. "Caroline! That is enough! Apologize right this minute! She is only saying what we all are feeling..and this has been going on for far too long!" My dad boomed, making everyone go quiet as my mom blinked her eyes rapidly, seeming to realize the things she had just said. "I..I apologize..I didn't mean to speak out of turn." She whispered, making my brow furrow as I glanced between Tilly and my mother.

What was she even talking about exactly?

"Come on, let's go." Rylan stated softly, gripping Tilly by the waist as she nodded her head before looking down at the floor, seeming to be embarrassed.

"Rylan..you can't just leave! Not now!" Our mother rushed out.

"He isn't the only one leaving..You will have this big house all to yourself to think about your actions.." My father declared before wrapping his arm around my back and guiding me towards the front door. "Edward! Please! We can talk about this! Right, Jolie?" She rushed out, causing me to pause before I turned my head, peering back at her.

"No Mom..you made this mess..now you will have to live with the consequences."