Chapter 7 #3
Spencer is in the group on the other side of the hall; I try my best to beeline past them, basically running out the door.
Just before my hands make contact with the door, Spencer yells my name.
“Scarlett!” Every single person in both circles turns and looks in my direction.
Feeling my face flush red, my hands grew clammy fast, and my throat tightened—shit, shit, shit.
I give a small wave, and he waves me over.
Seriously, could he not sense my need to flee?
Levi walks over to me, throws his arm around my shoulders, and walks me in the direction of Spencer and the team, all huddled together.
“This is Scarlett, my sister. My very OFF-LIMITS sister. Unless you want to be running bases before breakfast every morning, you will keep your distance.” The guys all nod and greet me.
This is so embarrassing. He goes back to talking with his new friends, and I slowly slip out of his grasp and make my escape.
Levi lets me go with ease, knowing how I feel being surrounded by people.
Stepping outside, I catch my breath; everyone's eyes on me makes my skin burn. I don’t have any bruises right now, and I have nothing to hide.
They aren't looking at the bruises; they aren't there.
Walking to the car, I repeat the line over and over again—so many voices and people.
I'm not on the floor in the bedroom... I'm not being taken away.
Getting to the car, I lean over, placing my hands on my knees, attempting to catch my breath.
Grant's voice fills my head, my mind stumbles over my mother's words; “Don’t tell, he’ll kill me, please don't tell anyone, I'll make him stop.” She would beg me to keep his secret, to hide what he did, because it was better for me than for her.
I can feel my chest tighten, and the constriction grows with each breath I inhale.
The heat blasts onto my back, and breathing becomes labored.
Just as tears start to swell in my eyes, there is a palm placed gently on my back.
“Scarlett?” Spencer's soft voice registers over my heavy breathing.
Looking up, I try to slow my breathing and form words.
“Hey, hey, it’s alright.” He keeps his hand on my mid back, and begins to rub it with the gentlest touch.
“It’s alright, breathe slow, nice and steady.
” He reaches his hand around, searching for mine.
“I’m going to grab your hand if that's okay? Stand up for me.” I straighten my hunched-over body as he takes my hand and places it on his chest, right over his heart.
“Breath with me. Slow and easy. Feel me and use my heartbeat to steady yours.” He takes slow, controlled breaths.
I focus on the beat of his heart under my palm.
I feel each hit and listen to the air leave his mouth as he breathes in through his nose and out through his mouth.
Slowly, my breathing becomes less labored and my chest less tight.
He removes my hand, setting it down with tenderness.
Leaving one hand on my back, his thumb rubs back and forth.
“Does that happen a lot?” His eyes hold so much compassion as he looks at me, like he sees me, and that scares me. I nod my head, unable to find words.
Spencer removes his hand, and Levi finally makes his way over to us with a smile. A genuine smile, his eyes wrinkling at the sides, and his bright white teeth glisten in the sun. I haven't seen him smile in ages; not like that, anyway.
“Hey, Letty, you good?” His eyes bounce between me and Spencer.
Spencer pretends to be winded. “We just raced to the truck; loser buys lunch tomorrow. She’s fast.” He wipes his non-existent sweat off his forehead. Glancing over to him, he winks and smiles.
Levi walks around to the driver's side. “So, Letty, tell me what boy did you make out with in the bathroom today?” Blush shoots up my face, seriously. Spencer whips his head from my brother to me, and his eyes grow twice as big.
Spencer’s curiosity displays across his face. “You did what now?” He tilts his head.
Flustered, I opened the passenger door. “It was a joke, you dick, I’m not a slut.” I turn towards Spencer, who looks like someone just kicked his dog. “It was a joke. No kisses over here.” I slouch into the car and shut the door.
Before I lie in bed, I grab my schedule out of my bag and flip it over, running my finger along his number.
I should thank him for helping me and not ratting me out to Levi, that would have ruined his day.
He’s always picking me up and walking me off ledges; he’s always my savior.
It's time I start saving myself, relieving him of his duty, and releasing him from the burden he didn’t ask for.
I grab my phone and type his number, looking at the blank screen, secretly hoping the message would type itself.
What do I even say? Thank you for holding my hand today at school, walking me to class, drawing me a map, and talking me out of a panic attack without telling my brother.
No big deal. I’m such a joke. I type out seven messages before finally sending a simple two-word message.
Me
Thank you.
Within moments, bubbles appear on the bottom. My heart skips a beat as I replay today's events and think about how kind he was, trying to block out Grant's voice.
Unknown
Glad I could help. u good?
Me
Yeah thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Unknown
Yeah I'll meet u outside the doors again. Get some sleep beauty queen.
Me
Whatever you say Mamas boy.
Unknown
u stalking me newbie?
Me
You know what they say, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Spencer
Noted
Within seconds, my phone beeps with an Instagram notification: a new follower request from Spencer_Collins. I smile and send him another message.
Me
That was quick.
Spencer
Please don’t ever say that to me again. That's a way to hurt a man's ego.
Me
Thought your ego was so big you needed a spotter?
Spencer
I’m not going to say what I want to because your brother will read these and beat my ass. You are going to get me in trouble, aren't you?
Me
Night Spencer
I set my phone on my side table and smile, the biggest smile I’ve ever had, and fuck does it feel good.