Chapter 7 Emily's POV

Emily I was at my dorm, safe and comfy. To be honest, ever since I'd been back from the hospital, I'd never stepped out. I was scared. Really scared.

I read the comments people made about me online. Some sympathetic, others saying I deserved it. The Whistleblower posted about my accident and even when I left the hospital.

Ava had teased me that I'd become a local celebrity now, but I didn't want to be a celebrity. I liked being unknown by everyone but my professors. It was all too much for me. I glanced at my legs, leaning back on my chair as I munched on some chips, another hand playing around with my laptop. Because of my fear of going out, Ava took it upon herself to bring her notes from every class and bought whatever it was I needed. Luckily, the university provided the best of everything, so I didn't need too much things. She got me gifts, and made herself available at all times.

She was so sweet, but I didn't want to be a burden. I was planning on leaving for the library at some point during the week.

However, one thing that made me feel better than before was Julian calling. I didn't even know why I was excited, but I just was. He sounded sincere with his apologies. He did have a point about it being his fault... it'd all blown out of proportion and now my face was everywhere. Who would believe that I wasn't dating him now?

I sighed, getting up from my desk, concluding that I wouldn't be able to study no matter how much I tried.

It was nighttime and I laid on my bed, scrolling through my phone when it started buzzing.

[Emily] [Mom's sick. We need some money.] My grip on my phone tightened as I deleted the message and blocked the number.

I knew it was all just a play to get something from me by Ronald. I didn't want to have anything to do with him. I had enough to deal with.

That didn't stop my hands from shaking with nervousness though.

I was awoken by midnight by Ava. A wide smile was on her face. I looked over her and commented. "You're going somewhere?" She grinned. "Yup. Ethan Morgan is hosting a party." Then she turned sad. "It'd be cool if you weren't in crutches." I laughed nervously. "No, no, no. It's fine." At least now I don't have to think of an excuse, I thought gratefully.

She smiled comfortingly and hugged me.

"If you need anything, just call," she told me, getting up and struting out the door.

And so I was left alone. And I fell right back into sleep.

Except... I had a nightmare.

Of chains and whips, screaming, curse words all thrown at me and tears running down my face as my body shook in bed.

"Leave me alone," I whimpered multiple times.

Truly, it was a nightmare I wanted to forget about.

****

Two days had passed and it was finally time for me to move. To get up. And I did. Shakily. Ava wasn't home and I felt claustrophobic now. I needed to do something with myself.

I sucked it up and took a car around to the school library directly from my dorm because I obviously had crutches, and I didn't want anyone to see me.

Sat faraway from everyone's sight, I browsed through the books. But when I tried to reach for a book higher than my height, I winced.

I let out a breath. I didn't want to ask for help from anyone so I didn't bother.

"Need help?" I glanced up to see Julian's friend, Ethan. "Uh..."

He smiled. "Hi, Emily. You look well." "Thanks," I said, still confused.

He laughed, then looked around before he whispered. "Okay, I'll get straight to the point: Julian wants to see you, and I'm here to deliver." I gave him an incredulous look. "D- deliver?!" He nodded, taking out his phone to place a call. "Hey." "What? Is there a problem?" Julian's smooth voice asked through the speakers.

"Nope. Just wanted to tell you I'm at the library to see Emily." "Okay, cool." Then the call ended, and I was left with the hairs on my body standing, my heart racing hard and my ears tingling from hearing just those few words. And I didn't know why.

"So?" Ethan probbed.

I hesitated.

He grinned. "Nothing's going to happen to you, I promise. I'm not a creep and I'm not stupid enough to do anything to harm you." Refusing would be rude. He'd already called Julian in front of me so what more did I need? Plus, I was... curious.

So I nodded. "Okay," I whispered.

He followed me out of the library, and I kept my eyes forward, trying to ignore the glances.

Hopefully this wouldn't be a problem.

He helped me into his car the moment we stepped outside and promptly started the engine, driving away from the building. The car drive was silent for a moment before Ethan asked me if I was alright.

I shrugged. "The doctor said I'll be out of my crutches soon, so it'll be fine." "You're not even worried about who hurt you and all?" he continued to ask.

I thought about it. "They couldn't find the person, and I don't know the person. I can't really be angry even if I want to because at least I survived." And I get a chance to continue school, get great grades and get a really good job. I'd get a chance to live a good life before death. A first in my family, sadly.

Ethan hummed, steering the car farther from other school buildings. "You seem to have an interesting look in life. Revenge isn't a bad idea sometimes." I shrugged. I actually didn't have anything against revenge or being hateful and angry, it's just that I tried and I just could never execute it. I didn't have the confidence nor power. So I just gave up on it. I wished I could say that it's peaceful this way, but it wasn't.

It was nice watching it in the movies though.

Ethan didn't try to continue the conversation and let the silence settle.

The buildings got more and more unfamiliar as we drove, but I didn't ask questions, which was probably dumb because what if he was kidnapping me?

It took a lot of minutes till we reached a very reserved neighborhood that from the outside you could tell not just anybody could enter. We got through after some security checkup and parked by a large building complex. I followed Ethan as we walked inside.

There were so many steps to go through that I was already exhausted by then. I just wanted to sit down and rest.

After going through an elevator, we stopped at a door and knocked. I looked around the fancy walls and marble floors feeling grossly uncomfortable.

The door opened and I returned my attention to it.

Then I saw him.

He stood tall and handsome, his eyes lighting up when he gazed down on me.

"Hi, Emily," Julian said, his smile slowly taking my breath away.