Page 36 of Betraying Bexley

Tears slid down her cheeks and dropped into her hot chocolate. They shouldn't be so kind to her. It was easier for her to deal with people who yelled and cursed and threw things at her. She knew how to handle being beat or having her life threatened. Kindness hurt more though. It made her body cramp with fear because when it was all said and done, the kindness they showed her would end and she'd go back to the black hole of desolation and cruelty. "I-I-I should go."

“No, stay.” Bronx placed her hands over Bex’s. “You’re safe here.”

She wasn't safe anywhere. Her father saw that every chance she got. "T-T-Thank you, b-b-but I—"

“So, this car outside,” Jamie, drawing Bex’s attention. “What kind of modifications are you wanting to do?”

Bronx grinned, standing up. She clapped her hand then rubbed them together. “I’m glad you asked. It’s going to cost a pretty penny, but when it’s done, Bex is going to be the head bitch of the high school.”

She shook her head. No. No way. She didn’t want the attention. “Y-Y-You maybe, n-n-not me.”

Bronx laughed. “You will.” She glanced at Jamie. “It’ll need an automatic transmission dropped into it and then I have to get the conversion kit for hand controls, so it’s easier for Bex to drive.”

Jamie whistled. “You have your work cut out for you.”

“It’s a pleasure project. I can’t do it all at one time.” She shrugged. “Besides, Bex doesn’t have a license yet. She needs to take the written test first.”

“Sounds like you have some work to do too.” Jamie pointed to her cup. “Don’t forget to finish that.”

Oh, right. Finish her hot chocolate. She took another drink and sighed. "I-It's good."

Jamie has the touch. Bronx placed her hand on Bex’s shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here. I know shit gets scary for you, but you can trust us.”

Trust wasn’t a luxury Bex had, still, she wished she could trust them. They were good people. Of everything she could do, Bex had become proficient when it came to judging a person’s character, and she wouldn’t be there if she thought she was in any danger from them. She took another drink of the creamy chocolate goodness and nodded, unable to answer Bronx.

“Pizza for dinner?” Jamie looked at Bex.

“P-P-Pizza?”

“You’ve never had pizza before?” Bronx stared at her in shocked confusion.

“S-School. S-Sure.”

“Not the same.” Bronx went to the refrigerator and removed a blue paper from the door. She brought it back to Bex and handed it to her. “This is where we get ours. Pick out a couple with the toppings you like.”

Toppings she liked? She stared at the paper. There were at least fifty toppings if not more. They were broken into categories; meats, cheeses, and vegetables. She continued to take sips from her mug while studying the menu. What did she want? What if what she wanted; they didn’t like?

“I think you’re overwhelming her,” Jamie muttered. “Help her pick something.”

"Well, we know the guys will want a meat pizza with extra cheese. So, how about we get a veggie lovers and one with three kinds of cheese?" Bronx pointed out each pizza to Bex. "That way you can try one of each."

Three pieces for herself? Her mouth watered. Bex nodded. “O-Okay.”

“Perfect.” Bronx grinned. “When Alé calls, I’ll order.”

“W-Where did he go?”

“Oh, due to some shit, we have to check in with our social workers. So, once a month we each have appointments. Today was Alé, and I think Alex’s day to talk about our feelings and how things are going.” Bronx rolled her eyes. “It’s what Eito was talking about when it came to our timeframe earlier.” She spun and faced Bex. “Speaking of which, how are your hands? Do they hurt?”

She handed the empty mug to Bronx before glancing down at her palms. She hadn’t even thought about them. She’d been so caught up in the moment, she’d forgotten about the pain. Or maybe she’d been so used to it, the minor scrapes didn’t register in her brain as hurting. “Good. S-Stings a little.”

“You are a tough bitch,” Bronx snarked.

“N-No.” Bex dipped her chin. If she was tough, all of the bullying would have stopped way before then. No, she was a scared little girl who was afraid of her own shadow.

“Well, if my opinion means anything,” Jamie said, “I think you’re very brave, and you should remember you’re not alone, even if it feels like it sometimes.”

Bronx’s phone rang and she squealed. “Hey! Where are you? Sweet. We’re ordering pizza. Yeah... Yeah... I know. I’m putting it in now. Pick it up on your way? Yep... See you soon.” She crossed to Bex. “Here.”

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