Chapter 6 Six

'So did you see her?' Joshua asked, walking up to Aaron.

'Yeah.'

'Has she come around yet?'

'Last night.'

'Is she going to grass?' Joshua asked, lighting a cigarette.

'No, I convinced her not to.'

'How the fuck you do that?'

'Apologised.'

'You sap.'

'She fell for it, amongst other things.'

'Like what?'

'Me and her.'

'Seriously.'

'Yeah.'

'Wow, I'm jealous.'

'There's no need to be, it's been on the cards for a while.'

Joshua tapped his back. 'Are you sure she won't say nought? And she won't go back on her word.'

'I'm positive. I was there when she told the police she didn't know who did it and why. She told them her head was a little hazy.'

'I'm impressed.'

'I only wanted to make sure she didn't bail on me.'

'You do me, proud son.'

He smiled.

1 month later

Lily had returned to school. She was dreading her first day back. Though Aaron had assured her that Josh wouldn't do any harm to her, he'd told him that they were an item now and he was more than pleased, to say the least, and he wouldn't do anything to her. He'd made an oath and that was more important to them than bullying an innocent girl.

He kissed her goodbye and told her he'd meet her during the break. She simply smiled and walked away. She hadn't got any lessons with him today and was hoping to opt out of break and lunch. She just wanted to be alone. But that was impossible. He'd called around for her that morning and had told her mom he'd take care of her and make sure that what happened would never happen again and he'd be with her every break and lunch. She felt nauseous because she knew the truth and so did he.

She walked alone after her final lesson before breaking into the girl's bathroom. She washed her hands after relieving herself. The door swung as it closed and he stood behind her. She looked up into the mirror. 'Good morning sweetheart.'

She turned her back and bounced against the edge of the sink. 'Josh, what are you doing in here?'

'Relax princess, I just want to talk.'

'S-s-sure what about?'

He took a step closer. Nerving her, Aaron had promised her, so what was he doing here? 'I just want to know what you told the cops.'

'Hasn't Aaron already told you?' She asked nervously.

'Briefly, but I'd like to hear your side.'

'I lied happy.'

'Not really. I want every detail.'

She swallowed. She didn't like him being this close.

'Well, I'm waiting. And you can't keep Aaron waiting, can you?'

'I guess not.'

'So details.'

'I told them I didn't know who did it. I told them my head was a little hazy about what happened that day. I told them I didn't see their faces. I told them I was forced to the ground and...' She stopped, her eyes filling. Reminding her of the horrific event that she just wanted to forget.

He got closer to breathing on her. 'See that wasn't hard was it?'

'I...I.. have to go. Aaron is waiting for me.'

His mouth got closer to her ear. 'Once he's done with you I will come looking for you.' He said, kissing her cheek and was gone.

Tears streamed down her face now she knew it wasn't over. It never will be. She was paralysed, she couldn't move. She had to pull herself together, she was meeting Aaron but her legs wouldn't move.

The bell rang and she had to make them move. After at least ten attempts, they finally relaxed and she walked jelly-legged out of the girls' bathroom to her final lesson before lunch.

Aaron was vexed. He had no idea where she was; she was supposed to meet him for a break. Josh had said he'd seen her in the corridor heading for the girl's bathroom, so maybe she'd had a not-so-great first morning back.

Lunchtime had arrived and she walked alone out of her class. He slid his arm around her, kissing her cheek. She flinched. 'What's wrong babe?'

'Nothing.' She lied.

He looked at her. 'Where were you break?'

'The library I had a headache.'

'Oh, only Josh said he saw you.'

'Oh.'

'He didn't say anything to you, did he?'

'No, I didn't even see him.' She lied.

'Oh okay, let's get some lunch.'

They walked into the dinner hall, grabbed their lunch and sat down. He slipped his hand into her knee, squeezing it. 'It will get better you know.'

'I know,' she sighed. 'It just feels like everyone is staring at me, feeling sorry for me. I don't want that.'

'I know, babe, it will pass. I promise.'

'I hope so I feel like a leaper.'

'Don't say any of this is your fault, okay? Josh holds grudges.'

'And I happen to be one of them?'

'I guess.'

'Why does he hate me so much?'

'I don't know babe, eat your lunch.'

They ate their lunch in silence.

'Come on, let's get out of here.'

'But we have lessons.'

'Just outside, babe.'

'Okay.' She sighed.

They pulled themselves up and he took her hand. They walked outside. Joshua looked up smoking his cigarette, his eyes cut through her. She felt it yet chose to ignore it.

'Az.'

'Josh.'

'So we're having a party this weekend. Fancy coming?'

'I don't know.'

'Bring Lily.'

'I..'

'Come on, there's plenty of room. You can again be one of the bedrooms.'

'Thanks for the offer.'

'I won't take no for an answer.'

'Sure I'll be there.'

His gaze went to Lily. 'What about you princess? Will you be joining us?'

'Thanks for the invite, but I'm busy.'

'I'm sure you can fit us into your precious schedule.'

'I..'

'Settled.'

'But..'

'Tell your olds you're staying with friends.'

'Fine.' She huffed.

'Well, we'll see you in lessons,. I guess you've got more important places to be than with us.'

She just looked at him and he winked, fucking winked after everything. She didn't want to go to his stupid party or stay at his stupid house. She'd rather be as far away from him as possible.

'Sure, bro, later.'

They began to walk away.

'The party begins at nine. Wear something nice, princess.'

Her stomach knotted, she wanted to throw her middle finger at him but thought better of it.

'Sorry babe. He doesn't take no for an answer, you can bail. I'll go on my own.'

'No it's fine, I'm just not sure how mom will take it.'

'She'll be fine. You'll be with me.'

She smiled wearily. She didn't want to go, but she also didn't want to feel his wrath if she didn't.

'So did you fuck her?'

'No.'

'Why the fuck not, you like the girl, don't you?'

'Yes, but I don't want to rush things after everything that we did to her. Plus it's your house.'

'I don't give a fuck, neither should you. You need to man up Az and give her one.'

'Sure whatever.' He said, walking away.

'You'll give into temptation Az.'