Page 29 of Betraying Bexley

“I should have said this earlier.” Eito leaned closer. “I believe in you, Bexley.”

She choked, drawing the unwanted attention of several of her classmates. “N-No, you d-don’t. You d-d-don’t know me.”

Eito sighed. “Then get to know me. Okay?”

She stared at him, get to know him? Why? What would be the point of getting to know anyone when they would be out of school in a few short months, never to see each other again. It was stupid. Get to know him? The guy who fought Kenner, then sneered at her as if it was her fault. The guy who hadn’t given her the time of day since he started school there, except for a quick smile. He wanted her to get to know him?

“W-What’s in it for you?” She cocked a brow.

He shrugged. “Making a new friend, I guess.”

“A f-friend? W-Who says I-I need one?”

“It’s not a matter of need, Bexley. It’s a want of yours. It’s written all over your face you yearn for friendships or being a part of something bigger. You want people in your life, but you’re so damn afraid of your shadow, you won’t let them in.”

He hit the nail on the head. “Perhaps if people didn’t let me down c-constantly, I’d let them in.”

“There you go. Get pissed off, Bexley. Use your rage as fuel to find your true voice.” Eito grinned. “So, can we work on this together?”

She sighed. She didn't understand Eito Watanabe. "Y-You're not going to leave m-me alone if I d-don't, are y-you?"

“Nope.” Humor filled his features.

“F-Fine. Y-Your d-death sentence,” she grumbled. “Anyway, thank you for the meal.”

“The one Kenner smashed, and you didn’t get to eat?” he hedged.

She nodded. “I’m sorry about y-your box.”

“Not on you,” he answered. “You have nothing to apologize for. I’m sorry you didn’t get the chance to enjoy it.”

“I-I’m sure I would have enjoyed it.” Heat spread across her cheeks and she dipped her chin. “W-Where d-did you w-want to s-start?”

“From the beginning of course,” Eito replied. “Because, when we’re done here, we’re going to make sure every student is protected and safe at all times.”

She kind of liked that idea. “L-Let’s d-do this.”

By the end of the day, Bex was exhausted. Trying to lay her life out there for Eito or anyone to see was rough. The worst parts, she kept hidden. No one deserved to be exposed to it. Instead, she focused mostly on what happened at school, minus the video of her and Jannica. She didn't think she could ever offer up that part of her life. It'd been the catalyst for her amputation and the ramping up of the torture she dealt with daily at school. She knew deep down the video was still being passed around. The looks from her fellow students showed as much. She also knew, even if the video was yanked or someone got in trouble for having it, her worries wouldn't end there. The retaliation for having it removed, would be just as bad if not worse than the original consequences.

After wrapping the thin scarf she'd been given around her neck, she stepped out into the frosty afternoon air. Since the time changed, walking home put her at her apartment as the sun was setting. She didn't care. It wasn't like anyone waited on her. However, she did find, since Bronx made some modifications to her leg, it made the trek home easier. She did feel a bit stronger on her leg too. Not so wobbly. It was nice for a change.

As she started down the sidewalk, she thought about what she had left to eat and frowned. Two packs of ramen. The sacks of groceries had been a comfort for her, but she’d used them rather quickly. Thinking about the food she had left brought about another reality for her. Her father had never gone six weeks without sending her money or left money on her table after beating her. Come to think of it, she’d never gone as long as she had without being beaten by him. She’d been so used to it, not feeling the stinging snap of his belt across her flesh, scared her more than the abuse.I wonder what happened? Questions swirled through her mind as she began the two-mile walk home.

She glanced around the area, again, waiting for her bodyguards to step from their hiding spots and at least show themselves to her, but they were gone as well. Why? She felt like she was missing something—something big. Ever since her leg had been amputated, her father’s visits were fewer and farther between. Could it be he tired of her and she was free? Bex snorted. No way that would happen in a million years. She understood the ramifications of knowing more than most about her father's business, and she could be considered a liability. If it came down to her talking or her father killing her to keep her quiet, she was pretty confident she knew which one he'd choose. It wasn't even her choice. It was always his. No matter the circumstances.

Lost in her circling thoughts, she bumped into what felt like a brick wall and fell on her ass. Bex winced.That’s going to leave a mark. She glanced up at the looming shadow above her. Her stomach pitched as her heart sank.Kenner.His menacing features were distorted by the black eye and bruising he took from Eito. When he smiled that crazy ass smile of his, her blood ran cold. Crimson seeped from the crack in his lip, adding to his demonic visage.

“Well, well, well,” he muttered. “What have we got here boys?” Dawson and Matthew flanked him.

“Looks like we finally have Bex all to ourselves.” Dawson licked his bottom lip.

Bex scooted back on her ass, her hands trembling. She needed to stand up. Needed to run, but she’d been petrified. Rooted in her spot unable to do anything to defend herself. “N-No.”

Kenner laughed. “N-No?”

“S-Stop it.” Terror welled within her. She was off school grounds, alone with no one to help her. Her worst nightmare was coming true, all because someone stuck up for her.

“What are you going to do, cry?” Matthew laughed. “You should be crying, bitch. You got Kenner in trouble today for no reason.”

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