Having Fayth

Rumors

Fayth

Eyes followed me down the hall as I walked toward my locker. Whispers from my peers, my friends, echoed in my ears as their hushed breaths passed on the rumors, they thought they knew as truth.

Between last night and today the story went from, I was cheating on Toni with Blain, possibly cheated on everyone I ever dated with him as well, to I'm pregnant and don't know the father of my baby and I'm sleeping with all of my teachers for better grades. I rolled my eyes as I passed by a group of girls standing just outside the double doors and made my way to Blain's awaiting car.

"How was today?" he asked when I closed the passenger door with a huff. "Fine," I sighed and stared out the window. "Fayth," he spoke my name to gain my attention, but I couldn't bring myself to look at him. I knew it wasn't his fault that these rumors were going around, but I didn't want to lay all of this at his feet. He was going to have enough to deal with when my dad finally returns from his work trip.

Brice Ross may be a loving father and a devoted family man, but he was also a hard man to deal with if he felt anything threatened his way of life or the unity of his family. If he thought our fighting was bad, I don't want to think what he is going to have to say about our relationship now.

Blains fingers cupped my chin as he leaned over and turned my face to his. "I know when you are lying. What's wrong, love bug?" I always fall for that tone. Moments like these make me think that maybe I have always felt this way for my stepbrother. No one else could make me bend to their will and open up completely the way he does. It's a tone that has me spilling my guts but knowing whatever I say is kept safe with him. That I am kept safe with him.

"People have been talking." I nod my head toward the school building we sat parked in front of. He only glanced in the direction of the small crowd outside of the double doors and brick siding. "And them talking bothers you?" He asked with a brow raised. "How bad is it?"

I shook my head not wanting to answer.

"Fayth, how bad is it?" he gritted out once more.

Tears pooled in my eyes threatening to spill. I've never been this emotional. I don't usually let things get to me, but this was more than I've ever dealt with all at one time. The whole school was talking about me. I was a pariah in my clubs, my teachers kept their distance as if being five feet from me would implicate them in the web of lies and I would be their downfall. My locker was broken into earlier in the day and filled with pregnancy tests and condoms. If my father didn't actually have an issue with Blain and I being together, he surely would have an issue with the mess that just being with him caused me at school, but this was my choice. It was my doing and I'm not going to put all of the blame on him for this one. We did nothing wrong. This small town was just filled with small-minded people.

I leaned into his touch holding his palm to my face with my own. "I'll be ok, B. It's only a couple of weeks until I start going to classes on campus and I will only have to be here for one class a day. I'll be ok. I promise."

He scrutinized my expression as he let the words sink in. Yes, his concern and tone of voice would eventually get me to confess everything that was happening, but for now, I wanted to let it all go and leave it within those halls.

 

After what seemed like forever, he kissed my forehead and turned back to put the car in drive. We would leave this topic alone for the time being. Neither of us could do anything about what people say in hushed tones behind our backs. It's just something we might have to get used to.

 

 

 

"Hey, sweetheart. How was your day?" Christie hollered from the kitchen as we came in through the front door. I guess girl's spa trip was over. I gave a non-committal "ok" before giving Blain a look telling him not to tell her about what happened at school and heading up to my room to put everything away.

A knock pulled my attention to Christie standing in my doorway. "Your dad called. It seems his business trip isn't going to plan, and he will be held up for another few days." I simply nodded and said "Thank you."

"Is everything alright? You and Blain have talked things out?" She asked with a soft smile. She has always been a very kind person. Not fake nice like those who just want you to like them. She's nice in a way that shows she genuinely cares about you. My mom would have liked her. Sadly, she died when I was young. I don't remember much about her, but I imagine she would be happy for my dad and I if she could see us now.

I smiled shyly not knowing exactly how much information to divulge. He's really close to his mom, but would he tell her about us? "Yes, we talked. We're all good," I said turning back to my desk to organize my homework.

"Good," she repeated to herself before she walked to me and placed her hand on my shoulder to gain my attention. I looked up into her bright eyes shinning with secrets I know she would never tell. "Are you going to be alright talking to your father about this or do you think you will need me there?" Her voice held the gentle support and kindness that only a mother could convey. My heart filled with relief at the knowledge that she not only knew but was on our side. Observing my silence, she cleared her throat. "I would like to be there, if that's ok."

Overwhelmed in happiness and the comfort she provided, I threw my arms around her shoulders and hugged her tightly. "I'd really appreciate that. Thank you so much, Christie" I gushed. 

Unknown

Unknown: My my your daughter has been a naughty girl.

Mr. Ross: I beg your pardon. Who is this?

Unknown: A friend of a friend.

Unknown: Tell me Mr. Ross, do you know what your darling princess has been up to in your absence?

Mr. Ross: I don't know who you are, but I suggest you leave my family out of your business.

Unknown: But Mr. Ross, your family is my business.

Unknown: Also, I would want to know if my child was bringing on the detriment of my family, as well as myself, and my business.

Mr. Ross: What the hell are you talking about?

Unknown: *Image Sent*

Unknown: Oh would you look at the time, it's time for me to go. Have a pleasant night, Mr. Ross... I'm sure your daughter and stepson are. 😘