ShameLess
Authors: Mel Ballew
by
Mel Ballew
ShameLess
Copyright © 2013 Mel Ballew
This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places and events are products of the author's imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or deceased, is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.
Cover design by Regina Wamba,
Mae I Design & Photography
Edited by Jen Nastri
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To every single person who believes in pursing your dreams, fighting the good fight,
and that every new tomorrow is a gift waiting to be opened, slowly with loving care.
To those who believe in happily ever afters…because they truly do exist. Blessings!
It’s My Life - Bon Jovi
Beaches - Bette Midler
Live Like You Are Dying - Tim McGraw
One Step At A Time - Jordin Sparks
Show Me What I’m Looking For - Carolina Liar
Acceptance In The Waves - Ice Nine Kills
Let’s Get It Started - The Black Eyed Peas
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
Walk Of Shame - P!nk
Wild Boy - MGK
Purple Rain - Prince
When It Rains – Paramore
Get Lucky – Daft Punk
Crazy Train - Ozzy Osbourne
Between the Raindrops - Lifehouse
Sun Doesn’t Rise - Mushroomhead
Crazy Bitch - L.A. Guns
Welcome to My House Party - Mill Creek
Losing My Mind - Daughtry
I’m That Chick - Mariah Carey
Cassanova - Frankie Paul
Because Of You - Kelly Clarkson
Lost In You - Three Days Grace
Touch My Body - Mariah Carey
Just A Fool - Christina Aguilera
Umbrella - Boyce Avenue
Home - Phillip Phillips
Rise Above This - Seether
Whatever It Takes - Lifehouse
Shout At The Devil - Motley Crue
Before I Met You - Usher
I Won’t Give Up - Jason Mraz
Who Knew - P!nk
Light Up The Sky - Christina Aguilera
Neon Lights - Demi Lovato
Shameless - All Time Low
Shooting Star - Owl City
The Kill - Thirty Seconds To Mars
Stronger - Kelly Clarkson
Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart - Alicia Keys
Fix You - Cold Play
Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar
I Swear - All-4-One
More Than Words Can Say - Alias
What About Now - Bruno Mars
Just The Way You Are - Rachael Yamagata
Just Give Me A Reason - P!nk, Nate Ruess
Listen to the ShameLess Playlist on Spotify
Elle screams directly at Derek, “Asshole! You fucking asshole!” Then, she shoves past him, storming off, staggering in a drunken state. Tears flow from her eyes. That is last thing I see as I am left staring after her, shocked, humiliated and past the point of being embarrassed. I feel tears in my own eyes as I call after her, “Elle! It is not what you think. Wait!”
I grab my black form-fitted prom dress by its edge and pull it up enough to free my legs. Derek attempts to stop me, begging me to let her go. I push him off and race after her. Her turquoise sequins shimmering in the dark of the night are the only clue that I am almost catching up to her.
As I leave the row of trees, lining the place where our circle of friends gathered for our after-prom party, I see Elle climbing into her red BMW. “NO! Elle wait! Don’t drive. You’ve been drinking – WAIT!” I shout into the blackness. The only thing my ears hear as she squeals her tires on the wet pavement is, “Fuck you, Ren!” The smell of burning rubber fills the air.
Thankful I still have my clutch, I dig for the keys to my black BMW that is similar to Elle’s red one. The instant memory of how lucky we both felt last year when our parents allowed us to get matching cars for our sweet sixteen’s purges more tears from my ducts. “No!” I release a piercing shrill of total shock. I tightly seize the key in my hand, afraid of what is happening. Jagged edges cut into my palm, leaving a strong reflection of fear in my heart. Quickly, I snap my clutch closed and head to my car, slipping inside. Without thinking, I fly off after my best friend. She knows I love Tuck. I am with him. I would never do anything to hurt her. She has to know me better than this.
I have to talk to her. I have to explain that I only went to get Tuck a beer and Derek cornered me. He forced himself. She HAS to understand I would never do this to her!
I. Did. Not. Do. This. To. Her.
Finally! After several minutes on Route 5, I see her taillights ahead of me. I flash my high beams several times, trying to get her attention. I can see her swerving from the centerline over to the right berm. I flash her again.
Slow down, Elle; slow down.
“Shit! No, no, no!” My voice penetrates inside the car bouncing off its interior. I push on the accelerator. I have to get closer. If she knows I am trailing her, she may slow down, maybe even stop.
I have to get her to pull over.