Thursday
It was only the triplets fourth day at school and they were finding it hard. They complied with all the school rules fearing the teachers would turn on them. They made friends with Theo and his friends but they still didn't feel like they fit in.
Maybe that's why at lunch time they chose not to sit in the cafeteria but found a quiet spot on the school fields near a large tree.
The three of them simply are lunch and talked about how they were finding school. Skye of course never mentioned the bullying on the first day. They simply just enjoyed each others company
They could be free and be themselves.
Finally after much debate Alex changed the topic. He had been thinking about it alot since last night.
"So I don't trust them but I want us to try and be happy, we have only been here 3 weeks so they could still snap and I don't believe they are all good but I want you both to have a better life, a life you both deserve " he announced.
"You deserve it too Alex" James replied.
Alex didn't believe that, after all the news considered him a criminal. The police were looking for the drug dealer, he had been forced to become it but he was still the person they were after.
He was a criminal.
He didn't deserve a good life.
He couldn't stop his siblings getting hurt. He was weak. He didn't deserve it.
James and Skye quickly pulled Alex into a hug sensing he was deep in thought.
"We all deserve it" James reassured both Alex and Skye.
The topic was then dropped and the three found themselves talking about Alex's chances of playing football and James joining the science club. It was a big deal for the three of them to be apart but they wanted to try.
Although James didn't want to play he was still very much fascinated with the sport and Alex who had been given the rule book by the coach the other day began telling him how football worked.
Of course Skye found it boring so instead she made herself comfortable resting her head on Alex's shoulder and zoned out.
Eventually the bell rung and the three reluctantly got up.
Half way to class though Skye paused "I forgot my book for next class it's in my locker"
Alex and James turned to go with her but Skye shook her head "I don't want you both to be late can you tell the teacher for me" she did want them to come but school rules were strict on late comers and didn't want her brothers in trouble.
The boys refused and started to walk with her only a teacher stopped them and asked why they weren't in class. After explaining Skye forgot her book the teacher looked at the boys disapprovingly and sent them back to class saying it didn't need three of them to get a book.
Skye reached her locker grabbed her book but never got the chance to close her locker as it was slammed shut.
Two of the boys from her first day were stood there. They had evil smirks on their faces. "Lost again" one asked.
"No" Skye whispered in response.
The one who spoke motioned for the other one to grab her.
Everything happened so fast , she tried to protest but they dragged her out of the school and soon she found herself behind the bleachers.
She tried to run but the one in charge threw her on the floor.
"Are you sure Issac, didn't Marco warn us to stay away from her. He won't be happy" the other said.
"What Marco doesn't know won't hurt him,Joe"Â the one who Skye figured was called Issac replied.
In that moment she wished Marco was there.
Joe shrugged and both boys began to hit her whilst insulting her. They had no reason to do it but she was just a first year who seemed weak and they enjoyed her fear.
"Let's go"Â Issac finally said when he saw Skye was struggling to stay conscious.
Skye laid on the ground beaten, memories of what the men did to her came rushing back and she started to cry.
Marco hated maths. That's why he agreed to help out in gym class the other day. He was suppose to be in maths class now but he couldn't be bothered so he walked out of school. He usually went behind the bleachers to smoke. It was a bad habit that he knew he needed to stop but right now he didn't want to deal with school.
He lit the cigarette and went to the spot he always did. At first he didn't see anyone but when he saw a crumbled up body he almost laughed until he saw the small body was Skye. He dropped the cigarette in shock and quickly stepped on it putting it out.
"Skye" he called as he rushed over. She was barely conscious but she was conscious which Marco was relieved about. He found himself dropping to his knees and pulling her against his chest.
"I tried to stop them but they never listened to me. I tried so hard" Skye whispered.
Marco thought she was talking about whoever did this to her but in reality Skye was talking about the men.
"Yes I know how hard you tried, its okay now" he said tightening his arms around.
"Am I dead" she whispered.
"No! Why would you think that"
"You're not insulting me" she whispered closing her eyes
"Skye! Fuck. Skye come on wake up for me" Marco quickly stood picking Skye up for a moment he pulled her closer to his chest holding her securely he practically ran to the nurses office. He didn't fail to notice how light she was.
"What happened " the nurse asked.
"My sister. I found her like this she was barely conscious but then she passed out" It was the first time he had acknowledged Skye as his sister since they came back. He placed her on the check up bed thing.
The nurse moved forward to Skye when she suddenly opened her eyes. She looked around in fright looking at both the unknown woman and Marco.
Had Marco brought her here to hurt her.
"No. I'm sorry please don't " she cried bringing her knees to her chest.
"It's okay you're in the nurses office I'm the school nurse" the nurse spoke calmly.
"Don't touch me" Skye said backing away.
"I need to examine your bruises" the nurse said calmly.
"No. Please just don't touch me" Skye whispered.
"She won't touch you. Are you in any pain" Marco decided to speak up.
Skye looked at him confused why he was still here. She wasnt in pain, she knew she hadn't got any broken bones, she had become so numb to pain that she no longer could feel it after an attack took place. He probably wanted to know so he could laugh at her.
"No" she replied.
"Okay, you are going to remain here and rest" Marco stated.
"I'm fine I can go back to class"
"Skye. You . Will. Remain. Here. Do I make myself clear" Marco's tone changed and he sounded rather deadly.
Skye nodded quickly not wanting him to start hitting her.
"Good now you are going to tell me who attacked you"
Skye shook her head tears running down her face. She knew Marco would laugh and call her weak. He probably brought her here so he could laugh at the amount of pain he thought she was in.
"Skye who did this, I won't ask again" Marco repeated. His voice so cold it had Skye complying with the question.
"You're friends from the other day I think they mentioned they were called Joe and Isaac" she whispered.
Marco nodded and left. Sure he was aware of how hypercritical he was. He had insulted Skye every chance he got. He had enjoyed seeing her terror but he never wanted to see her fall unconscious due to a beating. He had warned his friends on Monday to stay away from her but they obviously didn't listen.
He justified hitting the boys because they attacked him first, deep down he knew it was his fault they attacked him but he wasn't willing to admit that. And finally, the boys weren't his Skye.
Skye couldn't convince the nurse to send her back but she was allowed to do her homework. So she shat crossed legged trying her best to solve the maths problems.
All the triplets were good at maths. Simply because they were made to count the hits, they were made to count how many lashes they got.
They made Alex learn maths so he wouldn't fuck up any drug deal and Alex taught his siblings.
The bell run and Skye was finally able to leave.
She only just managed to get to her locker when James and Alex appeared "where were you" James asked at the same time as Alex "did something happen"
"Let's just get to the car" Skye said knowing both brothers would end up finding Issac and Joe with the intent to make them suffer and ultimately suffer the same fate she did.
Alex was weak from the lack of food but he sure did know how to put up a fight. He had to learn or the druggies he sold too would get violent and if he got injured he wouldn't make it back in time and that would result in James and Skye getting hurt.
As they walked to the car, Skye's eyes drifted to Joe and Isaac, who were at the other side of the car park going to their cars. Both boys were limping, had bruises covering their face, both had black eyed. Blood was running down their arms. A fearful look in both boys eyes.
Skye shuddered knowing exactly who was responsible for it.
Unfortunately as Marco was friends or rather he used to be friends with both boys, he parked close by. So the three of them had to walk in the direction of Joe and Isaac.
Skye was starting to tremble and straight away James and Alex noticed.
"Skye what's wrong. Please tell us" Alex said.
James pulled her into a hug stroking her hair.
"I'm fine. I guess last night's news shook me up" Skye lied.
"Well that's bullshit" Alex stated.
James hugged her tighter when she flinched at Alex's words. This caused Skye to jump in pain.
Both boys knew from that reaction she was in pain.
Alex's calm expression dissapeared "lift up your top Skye" he said wanting to access the damage for himself.
"Not here" Skye knew Alex wouldnt let it go now so the best she could do was compromise.
"Fine. Later though" Alex said.
Whilst this was going on, Nico was stood near the car with a bunch of girls. Marco was leaned against the car glaring at everyone. His eyes found Skye and just by looking at her he wanted to go over and finish what he started with the boys he used to call his friends.
Maybe he was lucky because Issac was pissed and so instead of going to his car he approached Marco who's glare turned more vicious.
"How can I help you? Back for round 2?" Marco asked.
"Fuck you Marco. You can beat me up all you want but it won't change the fact that one day I'm going to get revenge. I'm going to hurt that bitch so bad she can't live with herself and kills herself"
Marco grabbed Issac by the neck and began to squeeze "I swear if you even so much as look at her or even dare to think about her I will end your pathetic life. I still might. Remember who you are talking to you worthless piece of shit" he threw Issac to the ground.
Unfortunately for him the triplets had approached the car and had heard everything from the point he said "I will end your pathetic life.
They were terrified.
"Get in the car" Marco stated looking at three shaking children.
All quickly complied.
Nico who's attention was on whatever was going on with his brother decided to ditch the girls and also get in the car.
Marco pissed and looked down at Isaacs figure on the floor "I will break all the bones in your worthless body if you dare touch my sister....if you dare touch the boys"
So extra long chapter. Marco getting a little protective but he's still acting cold towards them.
Also it's obvious Marco has displayed anger issues throughout the book and especially this chapter. But Lorenzo is alot worse when he's actually pissed so I'm going to probably explore a darker side to Lorenzo soon too
Logically they have been there 3 weeks and don't trust any of them completely so they wouldn't tell them however I do want to get the story moving along so they might come clean or more accurately Lorenzo will confront them as he suspects they were abused.