I know if I leave Brie here, the asshole will probably continue to bully her. I gesture to where my truck is parked. “I’ll give you a ride home.”
“Holy shit, will you look at that,” Michael hollers. “Freak managed to get herself some dick.”
I open the passenger door and snap, “Get in.”
Brie hesitates, then shakes her head. “I’ll walk.”
Tilting my head, I lean down so I can catch her eyes and only manage to hold them for a moment before she focuses on our feet. “You’re wasting my time. Get in so I can drop you off at home.”
Again she hesitates, but then she gets in. I slam the door shut, and walking around the front of the car, I mumble, “This day is un-fucking-believable.”
Micheal walks up to me, and I notice a group of girls trailing behind him. He’s just like Sully. An arrogant bastard who thinks he can do whatever he pleases.
“You’re picking the wrong side,” Michael warns.
“Baby, let's go,” one of the girl’s whines. “I want to get to Devil’s Bluff before everyone else.”
I climb behind the steering wheel and shove my bag into the space at Brie’s feet. Starting the engine, I give Michael the same look I always gave my father – impassive as fuck.
I reverse out of the parking, and unable to contain my anger, I bark, “Why do you let them push you around?”
Brie doesn’t answer me until I steer the vehicle down the road. She sounds scared shitless as she mumbles, “It’s not like I have a choice.”
I glance at her and take in how she’s cowering against the door. “You have zero survival skills,” I snap.
Her eyes dart to me just as I turn my gaze back to the road ahead.
“You can drop me off right here. I’ll walk the rest of the way,” she rambles.
I glance at her again, and seeing the uneasy look on her face, I force myself to calm down.
“We live on the same street. You can ride with me from now on.”
“No… thanks.”
“It wasn’t a question,” I state as I stop at a traffic light.
“But… you don’t have to pick me up,” she mutters.
I swear, a summer breeze could blow this girl right off the face of the planet. It’s infuriating.
“They won’t stop until you stand up for yourself.” Brie doesn’t respond to what I said, and it makes me grit my teeth. “It will only get worse.”
Brie stares out of the window, her arms wrapped tightly over her chest.
God, give me strength!
“Brie!” I snap, and it has her eyes darting to me. “I won’t always be there to stop Michael and Sully.” I take a breath, then add, “Or your mother.”
A look of helplessness makes the color of her eyes turn darker as she whispers, “I never asked you to.”
I let out a frustrated sigh. There’s no getting through to her.
Just like with Brady.
I turn up her driveway, and it has Brie gasping, “Right here is fine.”
“I’ll be here just after seven. Don’t make me wait,” I mention as she pushes the passenger door open.
She nods as she climbs out, then she hesitates and first glances up the road before asking, “Do you really live at number twenty-nine?”
“Yeah.”
She begins to shut the door, then quickly says, “Have a good night.”
I watch her walk up the driveway before I head home, wondering if I’ll ever be able to make her understand that she has to fight back.
Chapter 6
BRIE
With my mother not home to keep time of how long I bathe, I fill the tub and even add some bubble bath that I stole from her bathroom.
I slip into the warm water, and when I lie back, a smile spreads over my face. I gather a bunch of bubbles in the palm of my hand and watch as they pop.
It’s so nice having the house to myself, and I wish I could live on my own. Something small and far away from any town. Maybe a cottage in the mountains. Definitely, something cozy that’s not near other people.
I could grow my own vegetables and fruits. I could have chickens.
I pull a face at the thought. I won’t be able to hurt them, and I’d end up becoming a vegetarian or vegan.
A happy sigh escapes my lips as I close my eyes and sink deeper into the water.
I’d have a long bath every day. I’d have a room with lots of light where I can sketch. I’d hum a tune while preparing dinner. I’d binge-watch a show on TV surrounded by snacks.
I wouldn’t be careful not to make a noise. I’d sleep all day and stay up all night.
I’d paint all the walls in different colors, and it will be like living in a rainbow. I’ll get a puppy, and he’ll love me.
I wouldn’t have to ask permission for anything.
No one hurting me. No fear.
Just me living happily in my house.
I wake up and stretch out, a smile playing around my lips because I slept right through the night. I didn’t even have any dreams.
The past couple of days have been pure bliss.
Mom’s coming back today.
The thought makes a heaviness weigh down on me, and my shoulders slump as I climb out of bed.
Walking to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face, I soak in the peacefulness around me one last time.
She’ll probably be back when I get home from school.
After I’m done with my morning routine, and I’m dressed for school, I grab my bag then leave the house.
I’m hesitant about riding to school with Colton. It’s already been a week, and he hasn’t bullied me. He even stood up to Michael and Sully for me, and though he made me feel like I’m a nuisance, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Colton helped me.
No one has ever tried to help me.
I stop by Colton’s mailbox and stare at the house. The garden is pretty. The front door opens, and my heart beats a little faster as I watch Colton walk to the truck. His gait still gives off the impression that he’s prowling for prey.
Should I ride with him or find a place to hide while I still can?
Dang, I’m running out of time. I need to decide now.
Maybe we can become friends?
He’s a lot bigger than me, and the bullies will leave me alone then.
I’m still in two minds as the truck reverses down the driveway. Colton glances to his right, then to the left. His eyes skim over me and then instantly dart back, and the truck jerks to a sudden stop.
Not wanting to annoy him, I dart forward. Opening the door, I’m careful not to step on Colton’s bag as I climb into the cab.
Sitting next to him, a familiar feeling of apprehension slithers down my spine as I mumble, “Morning.”
Maybe this is a mistake.
“Morning.” Colton checks the road, and as he reverses onto it, he says, “Put on your seatbelt.”
I quickly do it and then stare at the street ahead.
“Did you sleep okay?” Colton suddenly asks.
I nod. “Yeah.” There’s a pause before I ask, “And you?”
“Yeah.”
The atmosphere feels so awkward it makes my neck and face heat.
Colton must notice because he asks, “Are you okay?”