Chapter 19

Warning, this story contains dark scenes with graphic detail that some readers may find distressing.

I couldn’t exactly say that everyone who witnessed the scene caused by Victoria in the cafeteria instantly forgot what happened. I had to endure hours sitting in class with people stealing glances at me and some were giving me weird looks.
“Is it true? Did she really kill her parents?”
“Victoria told me that she has a mental illness. That’s why she did that to her parents.”
“Yeah, and Victoria said that Lilly almost killed her one time in their home, but it was a good thing that her father arrived just in time.”
“Why is she hanging out with Taylor Stevens, anyway? And why is the Fab Four defending her?”
“Maybe they’re using her as some sort of weapon—kind of like a human shield. Since Victoria did say that she’d kill anyone in her away.”
“Better stay away from her, then.”
The whispers were too painful to listen to. I found myself crying as I ran to the girls’ bathroom as the final bell rang, but before I could get inside, a pair of strong arms grabbed me, and I nearly stumbled on my feet.
“Hey!” I exclaimed. With tear-stained cheeks, I looked up and saw that it was Kingsley who pulled me to the side. He had a worried look on his face.
“Lilly, are you alright?” He asked worriedly. I’ve never seen him so soft and caring before it amazed me. The guy that always had a mask of indifference on looked at me like he cared. I had to shake it from my mind. Of course, he didn’t really care.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I grumbled as I looked away from him and wiped away the tears.
“Look at me.” He whispered.
It was as if his words and use of tone influenced me. I didn’t hesitate to look back up at him and I surprised myself at the submission.
“Tell me.” He said more softly. “Why are you crying?”
I sighed. “After what happened at the cafeteria during lunch, people started giving me weird looks and Victoria kept on spreading rumors about me that I almost killed her and that I have a mental illness. Now everyone thinks I’m a psycho and they’re running away from me!” I could feel the tears burning my eyes again. No matter what I was finding out I couldn’t run from my past. No one would believe the truth. Even I didn’t believe the truth.
“That bitch…” Kingsley began but he stopped himself before the anger got the best of him. Instead, he closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. The anger in his eyes was quickly gone just as it came, and despite the heavy feeling inside of me, I felt my stomach flutter as he pulled me towards him and wrapped his arms around me.
The feel of his hard chest and strong arms wrapped around me made me feel secure. My senses were on overdrive as the smell of pine and outdoors gathered around me. Soothingly he rubbed my back that gave me some comfort. I hadn’t had someone hug me like that in a long time. Not since my parents. I couldn’t help myself but cry harder.
“Hey, hey,” he cooed as he continued to rub my back. “It’s okay. You’re okay.”
“It’s so unfair!” I cried against his chest. “Why can’t I just live a normal life?? I just want to be a normal human being for once!” I could feel my chest burning as the anger swirled within me.
“Lilly,” he called. He gently pulled me back at arms-length and he brought a hand up to my chin, tilting my face upwards so I was facing him. “You’re not a murderer, alright?? You’re a normal human being. You’re a girl who lost her parents, went through a horrible year in a mental facility, you were forced to work and starve by your so-called family, and you’re tired, you’re hurt, and you need change. You crave for change. You feel things deeply and that’s what makes you human. You deserve to be loved, cared for, and treated fairly.”
His words only made me cry harder because of how true it was. The way he said it so sincerely only made my heart ache even more and it made me realize how tough life had been to Mr. And yet, here I was, surviving, finally finding a new family who was willing to look out for me.
I felt relieved.
“Thank you, Kingsley.” I thanked him sincerely, sniffling. “That really means a lot.”
“You don’t have to worry about living with that wretched family anymore. You have us, alright? You have me, Bryce, Elijah, Carter—and Taylor!”
I giggled through teary eyes. “Yes, yes I do.”
A smile formed on his lips when he saw my lips turning upward. “There’s that smile.”
I smiled even bigger. He looked at me fondly as he wiped the tears from my cheeks with his thumb, the feel of his soft skin against mine made me feel weird things in the pit of my stomach.
As if snapping out of a trance, I was suddenly fully aware that we were still in school, and my smile dropped as I looked around. A few students who were passing by were looking at us with shocked looks and I suddenly felt conscious, feeling the heat burning my neck. I knew how it must have looked. The new girl, not in school five minutes and already giving herself away. “Cheap and nasty.” I could hear the new taunting words echoing in my mind.
“What’s wrong?” Kingsley asked, his thumb still on my cheek wiping away the wetness.
“I—I um… we’re still in school. And people are watching.” I told him quietly. I expected him to feel awkward and turn away, giving me the cold shoulder, but instead, he smirked and looked around.
“So? Let them watch.”