“I’ll be okay,” I reassure her. I take hold of her hand and hold it between both of mine. “You need to see how to stand up for yourself. I’ll always try to be there, but I want you to learn how to handle these assholes.”
She shakes her head, and after a couple of seconds, mutters, “They won’t ever listen to me.”
“You have to make them listen,” I say.
Brie pulls her hand from mine, and she looks so tired that I say, “You don’t have to do anything now. I just want to show you how to deal with them.”
Reluctantly, Brie nods.
“We should get going. Do you know where Devil’s Bluff is?” I ask.
Brie nods again, and we get up from the bed.
“Let me just tell my mom we’re heading out.” I walk to Mom’s room, and not finding her there, a grin spreads over my face.
I catch up to Brie, where she’s waiting outside her room. “She’s probably downstairs.”
We find Mom in the kitchen. She has the fridge open, frowning.
“We’re just going somewhere. Do you need me to stop at the store?”
Mom shuts the fridge. “Yes, can you get some eggs and milk?”
“Sure.”
Brie waves at my mom, and then we walk out to the truck. Once settled in the cab, she says, “It’s on the outskirts of town. I haven’t gone there much.”
I steer the vehicle down the street. “Show the way.”
The area grows thicker with trees as we near the first lookout point.
“I’ve heard students like to come here to make out,” Brie mutters. “There’s also a waterfall with a pool where they usually party if you follow that trail.”
I stop a distance from the other cars, so I don’t get blocked in. My eyes go over the already forming crowd as I unbutton the cuffs of my school shirt. Rolling up my sleeves, I say, “Just stay behind me.”
“Do I have to go with you?” Brie asks, apprehension evident in her voice.
She’s had a tough day, and the last thing I want to do is add to it.
“No, you can stay here and watch.”
Brie lets out a breath of air.
I reach for her hand and give it a squeeze. “I’ll be right back.”
Climbing out of the truck, I stalk toward an arrogantly grinning Michael.
“Finally,” he calls out. “I thought you were going to chicken out.” I don’t reply, and as I near Michael, he says, “Two hits. My fist hitting your jaw and you hitting the ground.”
When I’m close enough, I throw everything into the punch, and Michael drops like a sack of potatoes. He groans in pain as he struggles to turn onto his side.
“Next time you fuck with Brie, I’ll kill you,” I growl. My gaze darts over the other students. “The same goes for all of you. Leave her the fuck alone.”
I turn around and walk to the truck. I slide in behind the steering wheel and say, “That’s how it’s done.”
I start the engine and glare at where Michael has managed to sit up. He shakes his head, and when our eyes meet, there’s no sign of the arrogance he always wears like a damn cloak.
Next time I’ll break his damn jaw.
The tires kick up dirt as I pull away, and then Brie murmurs, “I’m glad you’re on my side.”
Our eyes meet for a moment, and as I turn my attention back to the road, I whisper, “Always.”
After stopping at the store, we head home. I set the bag with the milk and eggs on the kitchen table and look at the flour and other ingredients spread out on the counter.
“What are you making?” I ask Mom.
“A cake,” she grins happily. “I figured we should celebrate Brie moving in.”
“Great idea,” I agree, especially because Mom hasn’t baked since we moved here. “I hope it’s chocolate.”
“Of course,” Mom gives me a playful smile. “I wouldn’t dare make anything else.”
I go to press a kiss to Mom’s cheek and whisper, “I missed this. Thank you.” Pulling back, I say, “We’re going to unpack Brie’s clothes.”
“Brie,” Mom calls as we begin to walk away, “will you make a list of everything you need?” Mom signals something with her eyes. “You know, personal stuff.”
Ugh.
I roll my eyes but then can’t stop the chuckle when I see Brie’s face redden with a blush as she nods frantically.
Walking into Brie’s room, I say, “Let’s get you settled in.”
Brie grabs the smaller bag and begins to shove her underwear into the back of the closet. She’s cute, and I have to suppress my laughter because I don’t want to embarrass her.
I open the other bag and throw the clothes out on the bed. Picking up a shirt, I hang it in the closet before turning back to the bundle.
After a couple of minutes, I catch Brie staring at me, a smile softening her features.
“What?” I ask, the corners of my mouth lifting.
“I just realized I have a friend,” she admits.
I grin at her before grabbing another shirt. It’s been a lousy morning, but at least something good came from it – she’s here, and she trusts me. Oh, and I got to kick Michael’s ass. Hopefully, the bastard will back off now.
I glance at Brie again, and my eyes drop to her unflattering uniform. After seeing that photo of her naked, it’s hard not to recall what she looked like.
I wasn’t lying earlier when I told her she’s hot.
That’s actually an understatement. I might’ve only seen her naked from behind, but it was enough for me to know she has a body meant for wet dreams.
Don’t be a pervert, asshole.
I shake my head and grab another item of clothing. Still, it’s becoming impossible to ignore the attraction I feel toward her. Especially now that we’re friends and she doesn’t get anxious around me.
With all the shit that happened in my own life, I haven’t dated the past year and a half. I didn’t have the energy for it.
But now…
My eyes drift to Brie again, and I take in her delicate features and hypnotizing blue eyes. My gaze drops to her mouth.
This girl is nothing short of perfect.
How has no one seen that yet?
All the idiots at school must be blind as fuck.
Brie glances at the remaining clothes, and then she catches me staring at her. “Is something wrong?”
I tilt my head and gather the guts to ask, “Have you dated before?”
“Huh?” Her eyes widen, and then she looks confused as if she can’t comprehend why I’d ask her a question like that. “Like, had a boyfriend?”
I nod. “Yeah.”
She shakes her head then crouches to grab another pair of shorts. “I’m an outcast. Guys don’t date girls like me.”
I pull a what-the-fuck face. “That’s bullshit.”
Brie shrugs my words away and mumbles, “Besides, I’m too awkward.”
“No, you’re not,” I argue. “Yeah, you don’t talk much, and you’re withdrawn, but that’s not a bad thing.”
The corner of her mouth lifts a little. “I always thought you were quiet as well.”
I grin at her. “Are you trying to tell me in a nice way that I talk too much?”
Brie lets out a nervous chuckle. “No, not at all.” A blush begins to creep up her neck as she admits, “When I first saw you, I thought you’d be a bully.” She makes an awkward gesture with her hand. “It was the nose ring and earrings.” Looking thoroughly uncomfortable, she continues, “And when you walk, it looks like you’re prowling for a victim.”
My grin keeps growing, and my heartbeat excitedly speeds up. I can’t resist teasing her, “Hmm, so you think I’m badass.”
“Ahh…” A breath sputters from her, and the blush spreads to her cheeks. “It’s not that I think you’re bad.” I can see it’s hard for her to express her thoughts, so I patiently keep quiet. Brie sucks in a deep breath, then mumbles, “You’re kind and don’t take crap from anyone, and…” her move
ments become jittery as if she’s nervous. Then she rambles, “If I ever get to date a guy, I hope he’s like you.”
That’s seriously the last thing I expected Brie to say. She begins to work faster while I’m still staring at her with surprise.
What the hell do I reply to that?
Let’s date?
Hell no, Brie needs to get used to being a part of a family before she can deal with something as complicated as a relationship.
But I don’t want to leave her hanging either because I know how fragile her self-esteem is.
Shit. I also don’t want to miss my chance, and then some other idiot snatches her up.
My heart is nothing but a nervous drumming in my chest.
“Well,” I wet my lips and trying to be nonchalant about it all, I mumble, “let me know when you’re ready to date.”
The frown deepens on her forehead, and she hesitantly glances at me. “Uh… why?”
Damn, this conversation is challenging.
I shrug, pretending to be cool about it. Which I’m definitely not. “Once everything is better, we can maybe go on… a date.”
“Yeah?” Brie rubs her palms over the fabric of her skirt.
“Yeah. Sure.” I swallow hard, and it feels like I’m going to overheat.
The prom is still months away, but if I ask her now, then at least she won’t say yes to someone else, and it will give her plenty of time to settle in. “Like the prom?”
She wets her lips nervously, then whispers, “Uhm… Okay.”
An awkward as hell silence falls between us, and we work fast to finish putting all the clothes away. When we’re done, I walk to the door and mutter, “Let’s get something to drink.”
“Okay.”
When we walk into the kitchen where Mom’s stirring the cake mixture, I let out a relieved breath.
“Can we help?” I ask.
Mom smiles at me. “I’m just about to put the cake in the oven. Would you mind making dinner later? I was hoping for steak, mash potatoes, and green beans. It was delicious the last time you made them.”
“Sure.” I walk to the freezer and remove three steaks, so they have time to defrost.
Mom glances at Brie. “Did you make the list, dear?”
“Uhm, no.” Brie begins to backpedal. “I’ll go make it quickly. Sorry.” She rushes back up the stairs.
I glance at Mom and whisper, “She’ll get better.”
Mom nods. “Yeah, she just needs time.”
I lean back against the counter and watch as Mom pours the mixture into a cake pan. “How are you?”
Mom shoots me a quizzical look. “I’m fine.”
“I mean, since Brie’s been here, you’ve been out of bed more.”
A soft smile forms around her lips. “I just want to be there for Brie. She’s had a rough go at life.” Mom shrugs.
“So you’re really okay with her living here?”
“Of course.” Mom hesitates, and then her voice drops to a sad whisper, “Maybe I can be a mom for her, and she…”
My eyes are locked on her. “Mom, Brie won’t be able to fill the gap Brady left.”
“I know,” she signs sorrowfully. “But it helps.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “It helps.”
A lot.
I know I have to tell my mom about Brie’s suicide attempt, but it’s only been a little over three months since Brady passed away, and I’m scared it will break her.
“So, you feel okay?” I ask her again.
Mom sets the spoon down and turns to me. “Yes, I know things have been tough, but it’s slowly getting better.”
I clear my throat and suck in a deep breath. “At school, an idiot made a poster. It had a photo of Brie showering. She took it really hard and…” God, this is hard. I watch Mom’s reaction carefully.
“Kids can be so cruel,” Mom snaps, obviously unhappy hearing Brie was bullied.
“Yeah,” I agree with her. “Ah… Mom…” I move closer to her and place my hand on her shoulder. “Brie ran home, and by the time I got there, she was… considering suicide, but I managed to stop her.” Wanting to spare my mom the heartache, I don’t go into the details.
Mom’s hands visibly tremble, and her eyes begin to shine. I pull her into a hug wanting to comfort her.
After a moment, Mom whispers, “But Brie’s okay now?”
“She’ll get there. It’s going to take time.”
Mom pulls back and places a hand against my cheek. “I know I’ve been a shitty mom, but I want you to know how proud I am of you. You have such a good heart.”
“Got that from you,” I tease her.
“I love you,” Mom says. I haven’t heard the words in a while, and they fill my chest with warmth.
“Love you, too.”
Brie walks back into the kitchen, and Mom says, “Oh, sweetheart. Colton just told me what happened this morning. I’m so sorry.”
Brie’s eyes drop to the floor, and she shrugs. “It’s… okay.”
“Whoever did that to you is just petty and mean,” Mom continues.
Brie nods and seeing how uncomfortable she is with this conversation, I ask, “Do you want some coke?”
Brie moves closer to me, her eyes continually darting to my mom. “Please.”
While I pour us each a glass, I think how it’s only been twenty-four hours since Brie walked into this house, and already everything has changed.
At first, it was a desperate hope that Brie would give my mom a new reason to live, but now I know she will.
Brie might need us, but we needed her more.
Chapter 14
BRIE
I feel nauseous as Colton and I walk into school.
Everyone’s eyes are on us again, but no one says anything, and there’s no sign of Michael.
“I hear you and Michael had a fight,” Sully suddenly says behind us. “One punch, hey?”
Sully throws his arm around Colton’s shoulders, but Colton immediately shrugs it off and growls, “Don’t touch me.”
“So damn sensitive, dude,” Sully says with his hands up to indicate peace, then his eyes fall on me. “Damn, Weinstock. What happened to your hair?”
Before he can say anything else, Colton shoves him away, snarling, “Don’t talk to her. I’ll rearrange your face if you so much as glance at Brie. Stay the fuck away from us.”
The grin fades from Sully’s face, and then he glares at us before he stalks off.
Colton turns to me. “That’s how you deal with a bully. They’re cowards by nature and will only engage if they think it’s a sure win. You might have to snap at them a couple of times, but they’ll get the message and leave you alone.”
Yeah, right. No amount of snapping from me will get the bullies to back off.
I don’t say anything as Colton wraps his arm around my shoulder and pulls me into his side when we begin to walk again.
I have to admit it feels… safe, walking next to Colton, and it makes the corner of my mouth lift slightly.
When I have to go to PE without Colton, I duck my head low and start sending up prayers no one will notice me.
I keep close to the wall as I move through the throng of students, and rounding a corner, I slam into someone. My eyes dart up, and seeing that it’s another student, Carter, anxiety spikes through me like a rocket. He’s not a bully per se, but he’s known for being violent.
“Out of my way,” he growls, shoving me hard against the wall.
I stand frozen as Carter passes by, but he doesn’t make it far before Dr. Montgomery, the school’s counselor, grabs hold of his arm, dragging him to the classroom alcove near the girls’ locker rooms.
I hang back, not wanting to get in the way while she talks to him. It’s clear they’re both upset.
When Carter storms off a few moments later, not looking my way, I decide it’s safe enough to move. The warning bell rings, and gripping my sketchpad tighter to my chest, I walk faster.
“Hey. Wait,”
I hear Dr. Montgomery call, but figure she’s calling after Carter.
Just before I can slip inside the locker room, someone grabs hold of my shoulder. I let out a frightened squeak but seeing it’s Dr. Montgomery, I let out a sigh of relief.
“Hey, what’s your name?”
Crap, the last thing I need right now is the school’s counselor wanting to talk with me. I worry my bottom lip, and keeping my eyes on the floor, I mutter, “Brie.”
“Brie, you should come talk to me soon.”
I glance up and down the hallway, wondering what I should reply with.
“Hey,” she lowers her voice, “No one has to know. Just come see me. Okay? I promise it will be our secret.”
Yeah, right. The last time I went to a counselor because my mother broke my arm, they called child protection services, and a woman came to our house. It only caused me a world of trouble.
Never again.
I nod so she’ll leave me alone and then dart into the locker room.
Ugh, I wish I could have all my classes with Colton. Everything is just so much easier when he’s around.
COLTON
Walking into the cafeteria, I don’t see Brie. I stand in line and get myself pizza, then go sit at a table near the back, making sure I can see the entrance and queue from where I am.
Brie instantly catches my eye when she darts into the room. Her shoulders are hunched, and her eyes are glued to the floor.
She quickly grabs something to eat, then walks in my direction. Her gaze stops on the table she always sits at, but then she keeps walking, and I can’t help but grin as she comes to sit down next to me.
“You okay?” I ask, glancing at the spaghetti on her tray.
“Yeah.”
Some guys holler at a nearby table, and Brie freezes, her eyes snapping to them.
“Tell me who’s who at this school,” I say, hoping to draw her into a conversation.
She gestures to the noisy table. “They’re in a band. Trigger. I’ve heard it’s popular. That’s Cole Travis. The others are Tristan and Benjamin. Michael’s also in the band.”
I stare at the group. “So, they’re Michael’s friends.”
Not My Hero: Black Mountain Academy Page 10
