I fiddled with the cereal, moving it from one side of the bowl to the other, not really feeling like eating them. My stomach had been closed off ever since yesterday's accident. Granny forced me to swallow some of the burning soup, especially to make me heat up from the freezing in the rain but there was no used. I got sick either way. Snuggling tighter in the thick blanket I still feeling those unpleasant chills down my spine and knew fever was on the corner.
No problem, actually I got more urgent things bothering me. Like the permanent frown plastered on Granny before me as she as well glanced her breakfast not really into taking it. She's been so... cold. So shocked. I didn't know if she was processing it or if she was disappointed but my heart hurt more and more the more minutes her usual goofy grin is locked away. I mean, yesterday he did take care of me and talked to the school and all, but after putting it all on a roll she'd became this shadow of herself... far, so far away...
"So," she cleared her throat, breaking the agonizing silence in the kitchen, only flued by the clock's ticking. "How are you feeling today?"
"Doze." I mustered in a husky voice that only lead me to cough. My head pulsing. Man! I wrapped the blanket closer, I was really getting cold.
Granny nodded, stirring her coffee some more. "Understandable." she took a small sip. "After you got your breakfast you go back to bed and caught up some sleep. I think it's safe to say you won't be going school today." Another sip. The quietness in her voice was killing me. "I'll get some stuff done here and then you're gonna tell me everything. For real this time."
My heart raced and my finger tightened on the blanket. "I did..." but her pointed look stopped me."
"Oh, you did? Who was it then?"
Jade's murderous glare flashed throught my mind, Noel's cruel laugh, Shannon's kicks... I grimaced. If that was only for going to the principal, I could only imagine what would happen if I did gave their names.
Had it gone too far?
Yes.
Did I want this to stop?
Hell yes!
But the thing is that it scared the shit out of me. They'd already had crossed all the lines possible, their bullying became physical this time. They stripped me down to the freezing rain, for God's sake! What wouldn't they do?
"Granny-"
"No." she slammed the cup on the wooden table, her calmness shattering and making me flinch. "This already gone too far. You've always been such a smart girl. I didn't dig, did I? I trusted you to be mature enough to solve your problems, to search help when needed to, as you've always had. But this... This, Alyson. Bullying. " I looked down in shame at the awful truth. "Yesterday you said it had gone over for years!"
I blinked the tears away, not liking her this altered. This was what I had been dreading, why I hadn't told her anything. "Granny please calm down. It's not good for your heart to-"
"Bullshit." she cut me off getting up and bringing her cup and plate to the sink. "This is unacceptable. What heart? If you think this thing is going to keep me from doing something you're way wrong. I won't tolarate anymore lies so began spilling the truth and get over with this."
"Why are you so mad at me?" I stuttered even tho I meant it to sound firm. My lip trembled and her glare softened.
"Oh, sweetie." she opened her arms, gentler demeanor now and covered the distance to my seat. Her skinny arms around me felt comforting. Warm and protective, like a shield, and I leaned into her without even thinking, seeking for her comfort. "I'm not mad at you, darling. I mean, I'm mad you didn't tell me before. " I squeezed my eyes shut as her hands rub circles in my back. "But I'm so not mad at you, Alyson."
"I'm sorry." I sobbed.
"What for?"
"I... I-I don't know. For causing this. For being a trouble. I didn't want to bother you."
"Stop talking non-sense." she shut me with a dismissive wave steping away. "Now go have your sweet rest and then we'll made it to the school."
My stomach churned at mere thought of going back there. "But-"
"Hush I said." her voice hard but the breif kiss on my forehead melted the harshness immediatelly. She frowned. "You're burning." her cold hand caressed that same spot testing my temperature and her tongue clicked in disapproval. "Just go, sweetie. I'm cleaning this things and then I'll bring you a paracetamol."
Not really having much of a choice I did as she said, struggling tho. My knees felt numb and it felt as if the strenght had left my articulations, leaving me to lamely walked up the stairs and snuggled under the covers, shivering at its coldness when they came in contact with my heated form. I felt like melting, like exploding. My head was pounding so hard that it practically numbed the soreness of my ribs.
I felt like shit.
I must have fallen sleep, fading flased of Granny coming with a pill, tugging me porperly under the covers with a worried expression mixed with the darkness of the dreams. I woke up and fall sleep uncountable more times, only realizing the pass of time for the shifting of the shadows in my room before immediatelly loosing conscience again.
I kept zonning and and out of darkness, each time I opened my eyes I was tucked deeper and deeper in blankets and a cold compress over my forehead. I believe Granny forced me to take more pills and maybe soup? I couldn't swear, my memories were kinda numbed.
But the next time I woken up and was fully conscious of my surrounding the sun was low throught my window. And not low as if sunsut, but low as if breaking down.
Wait what?!
I immediatelly snapped into a sitting position but regret it right away. A pang of sharp pain squeezed my brain where my head and back meat and an uncomfortable soreness was settled in my muscles. I felt hot, too hot under what it look like three blankets to the point I was slightly sweating.
"Oh, your awake." I looked up to the door just seeing Granny walking close and slightly touching my forehead. I grimace but she gave me a small grin. "Good, seems like your fever is gone... or at least most of it."
"Gone?"
"Dr Andrews came yesterday and gave you this pills, they're magic. You scared me yesterday. When I came up here you were burning and unaware of your surroundings. I was afraid I might get to call the ambulance but Andrews agreed to come by in no time. Such a sweet man."
My mind still struggling to understand what she was saying? Dr Andrews? He lived a couple streets down and Granny always brought him vegetable from our small garden in the back yard. Thank God he skip us an hospital trip. It would had been damn expensive and we weren't in a position to waste a dime.
Granny pulled the thick covers off my body and a shiver shook me from the sudden lost of extre warmth, but al least I wasn't freezing like yesterday. Guess whatever those pills were they did work their magic.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better." my voice came out tight and hoars and I had to cleared my throat. Not like it helped that much. I ended coughing to her concerned frown. "I'm better now, thank you."
"No needed. Now get up and shower. You'll take breakfast and we'll have Mr Jones over in a bit."
"Mr... Jones?" I frowned, covinced I heard wrong but my grandma only smiled and helped me up from bed in my shaky legs. "As in the principal?" I coughed.
"Of course." she gently patted my back, answering as if it was no big deal that the principal was about to came here. Here! "I was so insensible yesterday, wanting you to go there in your situation. I'm so sorry sweetie, I just thought you weren't that sick. So instead today I called and he agreed to come."
"Agreed?" I croaked standing on the bathroom door, not getting out my awe as she began undoing my bed. At my question she hummed nodding. "You called the principal and he agreed to come here on his working time? Just like that?"
"I can be pretty convincing, darling."
Oh, I'm sure of that. If anyone could get away with anything they want that is for sure Granny. I shook my head softly, startled.
"Jones told me you went to him two days ago, right?" my blood froze at the reminder. Yeah. Right before the attack. I could feel my injuries pulsing through the numness of the recent fever at the recall. "That was so brave of you, Alyson. Very well done. And so he'll be here in no time and you'll fullfield your report. You're gonna tell him everything and he'll handle things like they should had."
My mouth dried as I tried to shallow. "Would you made him expell them?"
"Oh, sweetie, I would love to just go there and pull their ears 'til they come to their senses, but no."
The small smile that had started to form at her bluntness faded at once in disbelief. "No?"
"No." she shook her head confidently confusing me further. "I won't. You will."
I choked. "What?"
"You will shower, go down there, and when Mr Jones come you'll nicely tell the gentleman the names of those fuckers that cornered you the other day." I gaped at her, eyes wide and pulse wild, but she sweetly smiled and tugged me further into the bathroom. "Full names and ID for good measure."
"But-"
"Later." she pushed me towards the door for unteempth time. "Now. Shower."
********************
Three hours later, Mr Jones still yet to come. Earlier Granny had gotten a call saying he'll be stopping by at lunch break, so we'd now Granny was cooking early lunch for us so we could gave him our full attention the moments he had for us. I was still shivering at the thought of coming clean about everything. Was it a good thing? I'd get rid of my bullies, of the harrassment... or would it only increase?
I got texts from both Macy and Norah since they left two days ago, and basically answering them, sipping hot tea and lazily zapping through chanels while Granny cook was all I'd been allowed to do in the morning... Not like I could do a lot more since I was still kinda dull and numb form the fever, my bruises tender as well. Let's just say I wasn't in the best shape. And I keep feeling like crying when I get overwhelmed -way too often- with their attack in the changing room.
Soft knocks came from the front door and I looked there from my comfy spot on the couch. Did Granny called someone else? Was Mr Jones that early? More knocks came and my grandma voice came from the kitched above shuffling sounds.
"Is someone knocking?"
"Yeah..."
"Oh, so soon?" she voiced my thoughts. "Do you mind getting it, darling. I'll be there in a second.
"Sure."
The moment I moved from my warm spot I was greeted with cold air and I shuddered, wrapping the blanked tighter around me. Okay maybe the fever hadn't dispelled completely.
I reached the door and opened it, my grin freezing on my lips when none other than Brett was standing on our doorstep. My heart skipped a beat when our eyes met and everything came back to me. I felt even more weak and exposed than ever. He slightly smiled and opened his mouth but my self preservation instincts jumped before he could said anything. "No."
And I shut the door right at his nose. Why is he even here? After how I shut him off yesterday I was truly hopping he finally would get it. Apparently not. And shouldent he be at Clayton?
I hear a muffled curse before his soft voice reached me through the solid wood: "Come on, Lys." my eyes stung and I blinked to avoid ending into tears. Again. "We need to talk. Please."
No way. I crawled my way back to the couch and laid there exhausted. He knocked again and I grunted, digging myself under the covers and shutting my eyes with force.
"Who was it, honey?"asked my grandma.
"Jehovah's witnesses." I muttered hoarser than ever.
"Oh."the doorbell sounded again and I pressed the pillow over my head. Why can't he just leave? "They're persistent, aren't they?"
I grunted.
"You know how annoying they can be."
I heard her leaving the room again and I relaxed, hopping to find some comfort and healing on a worth repairing sleep...
"Brett!" my eyes snapped wide open when I heard Granny's cheerful tone. "How are you dear? Alyson told me you were... well, never mind. This girl, right?"
"How are you, Mrs Blythe?"
"Fine, boy. Glad to see you again. You must have come to see my granddaughter, am I right? Oh, please come in."
No no no no no. This can't be happening. I heard footsteps and I almost panicked. Quick pretend you're sleeping!
I pulled the blanket 'til my nose and forced my muscles to relax. Was nearly and impossible mission when I sensed their presence on the living room. Immediately I felt his eyes burning my face and I got goosebumps all over me, but I struggled to remain still.
"Poor thing. She fell asleep." Granny hummed. "She's pretty sick, you know? She must had get cold somewhere. I always tell her to warm up but well. Oh, don't worry you can wait there. I'm going to check the oven. We don't want accidents, do we? Hold on a second."
Her tapping on the floor move out of the room and my breath shallow. No no no no. Don't leave me with him! But she did and suddenly the room was filled with my forced breaths and the muffled buzz of the TV. When I heard movement and his presence neared I prayed to any god above for him to leave.
Please, please, don't let him hurt me again-
"Lys?" his voice was soft and almost tender, so unlike Brett. A sweet ache spread through my chest. The silly part of me, the part that loved him once ago, cried at his smooth side. The part of him I wanted but he never seemed to feel like showing me. Somehow I managed to stay still. Not moving a single muscle. But apparently it wasn't enough. "I know you're awake."
Don't. I fought with everything I had to prevent my shivering and kept my little act going. Mr Jones could be here in no time and I could cut all this crap from the root. He won't win this time. Even though my heart wild pounding against my rib-cage were echoing in that suddenly too small room.
I almost jump when I felt his cold fingers stroking my hair off my face, but somehow I kept it in a weird tick and turned my head further into the pillow. Stay still, Alyson. Just. Remain. Still.
"Alyson..." he let out a frustrated sigh and I prepared myself but his tone was sad and defeated when he spoke: "I'm sorry."
Thump thump thump-
My heart went on relentless and I felt more and more lightheaded the more he stayed there. Not believing his words for a moment and only feeling a huge void in my chest at them. I need him gone. Now.
"I'll take care of it, okay?" Brett waited, like hoping for a reaction from me, but even though that my traitorous lip trembled I didn't. When he realized that I felt him getting away. "I promise."
Liar.
More like ever I felt like crying.
"Mrs Blythe? I'm gonna get going now."
"Oh, already? The lunch is almost ready and maybe you could join us?"
I felt like if someone was sitting on my chest, luckily Brett kindly declined the invitation.
"Thank you, Mrs. Blythe, but I just wanted to check her up. Now that I see how... everything's going, I better go."
"Okay, dear." Granny sounded disappointed. "Maybe some other day? It's been years since you last join us for a meal."
I wonder why.
"Sure. Gladly."
With that he pleased my grandma and I heard how she took him to the door and they said good bye.
Good, that was good. He was leaving me alone. But why couldn't I felt any joy from his parting?
More tears slipped down my cheeks and fell to the couch.
********************
Laughs.
Laughs everywhere, surrounding me. Mocking me. I sunk deeper in humiliation, unable to hold the cold glare of the blond standing above me but somehow I found it in me to do it. Big mistake.
She'd never liked me, that for sure. Isn't hard to figure out why: she's always hanging by Brett's arm so if he hates me she does it double. But the dark hatred I saw in her big blue eyes when our gazes met...I'd never thought she could loathed me that bad. I never did anything to her!
She smiled and before I could acknowledged the chill her malicious grin sent me she moved quickly. His smoothie was thrown from her paperglass and landed on my unprepared body. I gasped and shut my eyes closed, more startled than I should, as the cold liquid soaked my hair and clothes and glue them to my skin. I halted there in shock, speechless.
What-? Laughs echoed the whole cafeteria and the humiliation hit me like a tone of bricks.
I felt cold inside, and shame and hurt. My breath trembled when I dared to open my eyes and saw her huge smile, enjoying what she'd just done. I was almost fully covered in his pink smoothie. A scream of impotence rolled inside my chest and all they do was laugh. This couldn't be happening.
Tears came to my eyes and I blinked to prevent them from falling.
"Why?" I asked in a shaky voice I immediately hate. I was so weak and I hated it.
She smuged at me while I kept hearing the laughs surrounding us and I bit my cheek struggling not to cry. My knees were shaking badly and that was the only reason I hadn't run away from there yet.
"Why?" she repeated with so much disgust I shuddered. "Because I can, you whore. You've already mess everything enough."
What the hell is she talking about?
"What are you-?"
"Now." Jade cut me and the dangerous look she gave me made embrace myself for the worst, starting to hyperventilate. It isn't over. She stepped and cold fear of realization hit me when I saw how everyone was laughing and taking photos. Faceless people all too eager to catch my fall out moment. I was literally froze in the spot so I could only stand there, choking in embarrasment and shaking, fully showered in sticky smoothy. I whimper and curled over myself but the laughs never stop, echoing in my head as the tears start to fall. Jade pushed me as a cherry top of my humiliaton and I landed non gently on the ground. "Now you stay there for good."
Not that I could with my trembling limps. Everybody was laughing. Their chuckles slipped through my skin, right to my core.
I sobbed on the floor, hoping for it all to end. The cruel girl in front of me said something else but I couldn't hear her. Still in daze I wiped some of the liquid from my face with shaking hands and looked up as Jade bend her waist, facing me from above. Fear and hate roamed my chest and guts.
"You see, Alyson. You had no place in here. You've stay away from us, all of us. Other way this will be only the begining."
"W-what had I ever done to you?"
The blond glared at me and stood up again, sneering in disgust. "Like you don't know." she spat at me and stormed away like everybody else, leaving me alone in the empty cafeteria. So lonely...
But then through the crowd of unkown people my gaze locked with a known blue one and my heart stopped.
Brett smiled maliciously and came my way.
"I'll take care of it, okay?" as he came closer I noticed another smoothie in his hand. No please... his cruel smile still plastered on his lips as he retracted his arm. "I promise."
I jolted forward, patting my body in search of the cold liquid but finding none; instead discobering myself covered in sweat and panting, a ragged hammering in my chest. The dark familiar surrounding helped me calm down from my panicked state as I fisted the duvet as an anchor.
A dream.
It was a stupid dream. A nightmare.
The soft moonlight slid in through the blinds of my room in a conforting manner and with a heavy sight I leaned backwards again. I was home. I was safe. It was all in my head...
Only that it wasn't.
Maybe that episode had never happen... but my days off were running out and in no time I'd be attending that hellhole all over again. It's been three days since Mr Jones came take report and so far things hadn't change that much. True, the girls involved got a warning but since there were no evidences and their families were kinda powerful there was only so much the school body could do to protect me from 'phantom attackers'.
So, so great, right?
I got cramps everytime I thought of going back after having pissed them off.
Granny was decided to take them down. She had a very heated argument with all their families but it ended changing nothing. She also was very touched when she learned Brett was part of the students that had bothered me. She refused to believe it at first... well I thing she still is in some kinda denial phase.
I shuddered when the end of my dream came again vividly. Ever since he came and promise to take care of it I hadn't heard from him. Well, he had called several times and even shown up again but considering everything I didn't answer nor Granny this time.
The ache in my heart clenched further every attemps he made.
I don't know what else he had to say, but I had enough of him. I won't fall again nor endure their bullshit anymore. I was done. For good this time.
Julia Ryder just called me yesterday too. I took it hesitantly but as always she ended up being the sweetest. She shown me her support and how disappointed she was on Brett, that there must had been some mistake but that he will be properly grounded for his doings. She also offered some motherly comfort and an invitation to come over.
I really missed that woman. She was always like a second mother but lately I'd barely seen nor talked to her and it was then that I realized how I missed her in my life. Another thing Brett took away, I guess.
A quick glance to the clock by the door told me it was barelly pass 3am.
Damn! I could still got some sleep. I better got some sleep. Considering how badly I'd been resting lately, at least now the physical pain was almost unnoticeable and I'd recovered from that massive cold.
After some more rolling and calming my frantic beat I finally managed to drift back to sleep, dreamless this time.
********************
The wooden parquet from Norah's room vibrated as my phone lighted up. It was the first time I left home after everything, and the three of us were currently on our weekly 'studding session', gathered on the floor with our belongings splashed around. I ignored it writting the essay due to next thrusday but it beeped three more times catching as well Macy's attention.
"Who's texting you... at this time?" she added the last part a bit hurriedly, trying to cover her surprise at me actually interacting with someone other than them. I take no offence, tho, I was very aware that no one ever texted me. But I felt the pit of my stomach tightening thinking of a certain person that's recently been trying to contact me.
Instead I shrugged, shifting a bit from my position laying on the floor. The dark skinned girl gave me an unsure look but nodded and go back to her book as well. Several seconds went by but there was another 'bing' and I almost cursed out loud.
This time Norah gave me a glance as well. "Whoever it is seems pretty determined to talk to you."
"Yeap."
Another beep and they exchange a look. "So... aren't you gonna take it?"
My guts curled but I played deaf. "Mhm?"
Norah glanced the phone, back at me and an amused grin appeared when she read the hidden nerves my gaze held. "Here." she place her pencil on the half filled sheet and reach out. "I'll get it for you."
"No!" before giving the order my own arm shot out to beat her. Last thing I wanted was for her to saw a text or call from Brett and read even further into things that weren't even there. "I'll take it, thank you." She chuckled and I bit my lip to prevent it from trembling. Very hesitantly I opened the messages and as soon as I read the name above a huge breath escaped me. "Oh." my chest relaxed in relief and confusion. "It's... Dylan."
Macy frowned, getting into a sitting position and stretching her arms to get rid of the numbness of being in the same position for so long. "Dylan who?"
"The model." I mumbled absentmindly as I scanned the words he sent quickly. "From the Studio."
"Oh my God." Norah shut the book and sat as well, excited as I read his text and inevitably a smile stretched my lips as the meaning sink in me. "Tell us, girl. What's he saying?"
"He... Dylan say Drew's presentation went perfect and that they got interested in my work as well."
"Mh." Norah wiggled her brows. "How many texts does he need to say that?"I glared her and she immediately held up her hands, but her expression wasn't the one of someone apologetical. "Hey! I'm just wondering."
Macy shook her head but sent me a smile. "Alyson, that's awesome! Does that mean they're interested in you applying for Nebraska?"
"That's what he says." my cheeks were hurting from being stretched that much but for the first time in a long while I felt hope. Like, really. I typped back a very emphatic thank you before lowering the phone once more. "He said it went perfect and Drew gave them my resume and phone as well, just in case."
Macy hugged me tightly: "That's so incredible, Alyson!" Norah was the next and almost tackled us to the ground.
After that it was basically imposible for us to focus back in work. I just couldn't. Not when my mind was driffting to possibilities. What if they do like me? If they gave me a chance? If I could properly apply for a schoolarship?
Oh my God, we were talking about an actual future here. Something I'd been seing as rather impossible for so long...
So yeah, it didn't came as a surprise when an hour later we were gossiping through a rerun of Friends with our things still sprawled on the floor. What? You can't mix us and act like we would actually work... especially not when I felt like high on sugar.
Macy was halfway throught last prank her sister Raven put on her when we were interrupted by another phone sound. Only this time it wasn't mine.
Norah twitched from her position to reach the nightstand where her mobile was charging.
"So... who's texting you, uh?" I tried mimicking her previous brow's wiggle but I'm sure it look weird.
"You silly..." she playfully narrowed her gaze and went to read her text, her mouth gaping right after. "Oh my God!" she shrieked making Macy jumped and almost fell from the ottoman.
"Jeez, Nors! You scared me. The hell is wrong with you?"
"Girls," she beemed, eyes wide and looked up at us. "Jade's got expelled."
I froze, gaping at her. The words last a long between us before I finally was able to process them. Jade? Expelled? Too good to be true. I must have heard wrong. "What?"
"Ian just texted me." Ian? as in the delegate? She grinned brightly, turning the screen so we could read it as well. "Jade. Got. Expelled."
Macy took the phone from her, frowing as she read it and I leaned closer to do the same over her shoulder. I couldn't believe it.
"For how long?" I wondered softly, still not processing it properly.
"Forever." Macy gave me the phone and smiled at my astonished expression. "You hear me, Alyson? She's out of Clayton for good."
"Well," Norah bit her lip. "I don't think it'll be forever since her parents are who they are... but at least for a good amount of time."
"That's... I don't- How?" I looked over the screen but was too shocked to actually read and processed it in my mind. Jade expelled? It sounded like a joke.
"Well, she's been reported to the principal with proves that he abused you and he had no other choice if he didn't want to be exposed to the press."
I felt suddenly light-headed. This is impossible.
"Proofs?" I repeated breathlessly. "What proofs?"
"Well," Macy cleared her throat and shifted a bit awkwardly sending a quick glance over the pink haired girl. "The witness that testified they saw right when she was doing...that to you." she swallowed. "Mr Jones was cornered."
My guts twisted at this new information. My gaze diverted to Norah.
"Connor testified?"she smiled and I felt like crying on relive but also confused. "W-why? I mean I'm so glad but he didn't seemed to care back then... well not too much at least."
I haven't seen him since I fainted on the hallway. I wanted to call him but I didn't have his number and Norah say he was a bit special in who he gives it to. Neither had I seen him in the Mendley's place like I was hopping, so I was still yet to thank him. And now knowing he actually did more than just get me out of there... I felt shittier.
"He's not heartless, Alyson." Norah sighed standing up in one jump to pace around, clearly more unsettled with this than she let seen. "I can't blame you for thinking that. He can be a real pain in the ass but... Anyway, I can assure you he was pissed after what he witnessed and..." her gaze diverted out the window absently but then she frowned and closed the distance in two strides. "Isn't that Lover Boy talking to my brother?" Norah asked in disbelieve and I swore at that moment my heart stopped.
"What?"
Macy and I shared a weird look and jumped to join her, forehead pressed to the glass and my guts fell to the floor. On the front yard of their place were the two of them. Connor seemed as inexpressive as always, lazily leaning on the fence with a cigarette tangled on his fingers, his skate resting by his legs and almost looking bored. But his gaze was on the boy in front of him.
Brett had never seemed so menacing to me as he was at that moment. With his sport clothes and disheaveled hair I could tell he just got out the practices. The boy was gesturing with his hands and for the look on his face I could totally tell if he wasn't yelling he was about to. He was fuming and spiting rage all over the new guy but he just stay there, not a bit impressed by what I supposed was the threatening face of Brett.
I didn't even know this two met each other, let alone had an argument. Had they had a problem? I choked at a sudden idea. Was Brett confronting Connor about the accident? Oh, no. No, no, no. This is bad this is really bad. I'd never meant to drag anybody down with me. Connor had a surprising nice act and now their gonna mess with him as well? My blood was throbbing on my ears and I couldn't hear my friend calling me. I could only focus on the two students talking on the other side of the parking.
Brett kept saying something but Connor didn't even blink, looking straight at him like seeing a bothering fly. I felt like crying. Then the auburn finally shuts and wait for an answer. For a second nothing happen but then Connor lips moved. He barely said a couple of sentences but I saw how Brett's face shifted from rage, to confusion, to horror then anger again. That stung my curiosity. What could Connor possibly had said? Not much since he push off the fence the next second and lazily threw the skate to roll before stepping on it and getting away, without looking back at Brett once.
My heart was wild against my rib-cage, pounding like he wanted to break free, and I could only wondered what this two had been talking about. What could had bothered Brett so much? My thoughts' thread was abruptly cut off when he turned and our gaze locked through the distance and the glass. It was as if the rest of the world faded away and his eyes were the only real thing I could hold on. So intense I felt my lungs stop working and cold sweat covered my back.
Kill. Me. Now.
"Alyson?" call me again Macy and I finally snapped out the sudden trance, pulling away immediately and hidding on the wall by the window, as if that would help. He'd aready seen me watch him.
I pressed my lids forcefully. So stupid.
"Is he still there?" I wondered with dry mouth.
They shared a confused look and then Norah shamelessly turned outside again. "Yeah, he is. He looks conflicted... sad maybe?" my heart pinched but I pushed it down. "He's looking up here again. Should I wave him?"
"No!" I nearly panicked.
She pouted and looked back out the window. "Poor thing. I get it that you're mad, but isn't the guy miserable enough? It's like a lost poppy and you've only been away for a couple days." I shook my head, holding down the tears and leaned into Macy when she tugged me to sit by her side on the bed, suddenly realizing how badly my knees were trembling. Norah sighed and caresed the glass with one finger, as if writting something invisible. "I'm afraid tonight we're gonna get another good amount of calls for little Mr Rejected down there."
I glanced up, frowning at her. "What are you talking about?"
"Come on, he's been trying to reach you. You know it. And since you refused to take his calls who do you think he turned to?" she dramatically gestured towards herself.
I gawked. "That's not true."
"Mhm."
I turned to Macy who had this bitting-lip-worried-look. "Is it?" I asked breathlessly. It couldn't be. Why would Brett bothered them so much? After I basically tell on him? And now trying to intimidate Connor... But my heart stopped when Macy began nodding to my further startlement.
"He... of course he has."
"That's it. He's gone." Norah finally stepped away from the window and let herself fell on the ottoman in front of us. "Can you actually blame him? After everything he's done."
I tugged the hem of my shirt, tensing at the sentence. "If I doubt him is precisely for everything he'd done, Norah."
"That's not what I meant." she rolled her eyes. "Listen, we might had thought it should come out from him, but seeing you're not at all near to hear him out it's fair to say we should do the honors."
"Honors?"
"Norah." warned Macy but the pink haired just lifted one shoulder.
"What? She should know."
"Know what?" I was begining to feel completely clueless in this conversation.
"We're getting there. You're ready?" Norah smiled and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees, speaking slowly to made sure to remark every word. "Lover Boy is the one who got Jade expelled."
Excuse me? My brows knitted together, not believing I'd heard right. Brett? The one that got that witch expelled? But as I held my breath and they looked at me expectantly I realized they weren't correcting themselves. They were waiting a reaction. My reaction.
I heard right. So in my sock I mustered the only proper word I could form. "Brett?"
Norah smiled. "He got to Connor, he talk to the right people... Believe it or not he was the one who put this whole thing on the road and, man, he was determined. He didn't stop until he get that bitch out the school."
I couldn't breathe. Was that what he wanted to tell me so insistently? Couldn't be. Why would he do that? To Jade? His friend. His girlfried or whatever they were. I still felt the burning stab in my chest when I reember how they kiss right before I passed out.
There must be a wicked reason behind all of this. So many things were blurring my mind at that moment and I only could voiced a trembling:
"B-brett?"
"And you had the nerve to tell me he didn't like you?" snorted Norah. "He's your knight in a fucking shinning armor!"
I shook my head, dazed. "Are we talking about the same Brett?"
"Alyson!"
I shook my head harder. "I'm sorry, I'm... I-if he actually did that was because he felt... guilty or something. About the last years. Not because anything else."
Norah groaned in frustration and threw her arms in the air.
"How could you be so blind?"
"Nors," intervened Macy gently. "You weren't here but these past years he'd been... difficult with Alyson. It's not that simple to forget."
She sighed and relaxed a bit.
"Yeah I know... but it's hard to picture him hurting you in anyway since everything I've seen was him begging your attention and taking care of you."
Taking care of me...
I'll take care of it, okay? I promise.
Could it be that he was staying true to his word?
This whole evening felt unreal.
First I got a chance -small change but whatever- with Nebraska. Then Jade got expelled. And now Brett turned out to be... I don't know.
My head spun, overthinking it all and I felt more dizzy as seconds pass.
Brett?
Really?
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QUESTION: Do you believe in soulmates?
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