28
Serena was appalled when I had told her what Wendy had been doing the past several sessions.
Her exact words being, "That ugly, ugly woman."
I suppose I should have told Serena what was happening sooner but I certainly never expected things to get this bad. Serena was thankfully extremely understanding and overtly concerned.
It was safe to say that I would never be seeing Wendy again.
I had even called Knox that night to fill him in on what had happened once I had calmed down and Serena and I had worked everything out.
I may have left out most of the detail pertaining to my father but regardless, he was just as enraged as I had been.
I suppose anyone whose character was being attacked in such a way would be that upset.
He had asked if I wanted him to come over, but considering how much I still had to process about the whole situation, I thought it was better for me to that on my own.
However, when Knox picked me up the next morning, he didn't hesitate to pull me into a huge hug that thoroughly managed to ease my mind.
I knew I had been sticking up for the right person and he continued to prove that to me in every moment.
I was grateful when the school day passed uneventfully and quite quickly. It was a holiday weekend so my teachers were all more than satisfied with doing the bare minimum today.
After such intense emotions the day before, I was more than happy to mindlessly float through my classes.
A few hours later, I walked hand-in-hand with Knox as he spoke to Sean and Liam while we slowly made our way out of school for the day.
I was completely distracted, lost in my own mind, when Knox called my name.
"Huh." I muttered, looking up at him confused as I tried to refocus my attention.
"Liam's parents have a house on the lake that we go to sometimes. We're going this weekend so ask Serena, baby." Knox said as he tucked a hair behind my ear for me.
"Oh, okay." I whispered, nodding.
His eyes twinkled as he looked down at me, sending me an easy smile.
My insides warmed, sending blood rushing to my cheeks. I wasn't entirely sure what this weekend would entail but I knew one thing for sure and it was that I definitely wanted to keep seeing that smile.
Serena unsurprisingly agreed to let me go.
Although she did seem to be mildly hesitant - probably at the idea of me being alone at a lake house with boys.
However, I was grateful she was giving me the opportunity to continue pushing myself.
A few months ago, I would have never dreamed that I would be comfortable enough to do anything like this ever again.
Knox picked me up the next morning, throwing my duffle in the back seat as I helped myself into the car.
"Where are Liam and Sean?" I asked when Knox started pulling away from the curb.
"They're driving themselves up. It's just a couple hours away so nothing crazy."
I nodded, letting myself relax into the seat since I knew we were going to be here for a while.
The ride was easy. We had only stopped once to pick up some snacks from the gas station. Traffic was surprisingly light and the view out of the window stayed consistently pleasant the whole time.
As we pulled into a long dirt driveway, I started to get antsy. Even though I was confident in my decision to come, it was starting to actually feel real now. I was going to be staying in a house with multiple boys and who knows who else.
As if he could feel my thoughts forming, Knox gently rubbed my thigh soothingly before shooting me a soft smile. I could already feel my anxiety ebbing away.
We came to a stop in front of a beautiful 2 story home with a large front porch facing a cut out in the trees that revealed the sparkling lake.
The gentle breeze tickled my face as I stepped out of the car. The trees rustled with the promise of autumn's arrival as I stared out at the water that glistened welcomingly. A short dock stood out against the water with a small boat laying flipped over in the dirt directly next to it.
"C'mon Annie." Knox called, holding both our duffles as he started up the steps to the house.
I spared one more glance at the water before falling into step behind him and entering the house.
Warm wood filled the house, the sun bouncing off every surface as it reflected in through the windows.
Liam was in the kitchen with Clarissa. She smiled and sent me a warm wave of which I quickly returned.
I felt my mind ease immensely at the sight of her. Although I hadn't been too worried about this trip, I was more than grateful and immensely relieved to not be the only girl here.
Knox led me through a short hallway to a back guest room. It was small with only enough room for a double bed and a couple nightstands. Nevertheless it was cozy and warm so I certainly wouldn't complain.
Knox dropped both our duffles on the bed just as it dawned on me how we would both be sharing this room. I guess I should have realized this sooner but it was something I hadn't even considered until this very moment.
My face grew flushed and regardless of how far we've come in our relationship, I couldn't help feeling a bit shy.
"You hungry, baby?" Knox asked before turning to look at me. His eyes immediately grew darker - twinkling as they took in the realization on my face.
I blushed deeper, shifting where I stood.
Knox hummed, kissing the top of my head before speaking in a much lower tone than before, "Later, baby. For now let's go eat."
I swallowed thickly, trying my best to brush of the promise of his words.
Knox took my hand, leading me back out to the kitchen where Clarissa was tossing a salad. She turned to look at us as we entered, smiling brightly.
"Liam just put some burgers on the grill so we'll have lunch as soon as they're done." She said, refocusing her attention on the salad she was almost done preparing.
Knox sent me a small wink before heading outside, closing the sliding glass door behind him as he went to talk to Liam.
"Do you need help with anything?" I asked Clarissa.
"No, I got it, thanks." She smiled before continuing, "How're you holding up after the race? I'm so sorry that it went like that." She frowned, sparing me glance as she set the bowl on the dining table.
"I'm doing okay. I was more worried for Knox than anything else but it certainly wasn't the experience I was expecting." I admitted, sighing slightly.
"Ugh, yeah. That was the last thing I think any of us were expecting. I'm still glad you came, though. It was nice to be able to hang out with you. I don't get out much unless it's with Liam so I'm so grateful to have another girl around." She confessed.
I smiled back at her, "I totally understand that. I certainly need another girl to hang out with too."
"I'm sure we're going to become quick friends." She smiled, shooting me a friendly wink.