Temporary ✔️

Chapter 6: Comfort

AN: here's chapter 6. Enjoy, people.

Lexi's POV:

I did my usual routine and got ready for another day of school. Xavier left a note on the kitchen counter, saying that he had some important business to attend to, but would be back later.

Sadly, it was raining heavily, even my flimsy waterproof coat wouldn't be able to withstand that. I would have to pack a second outfit and change at school.

Sighing, I went downstairs and opened the door. At that moment, lighting flashed, causing me to yelp in shock and jump back. I had a moderate fear of lightening and thunder- all those days Liam and Isla would lock me out took its toll.

Flashback: (WARNING: CONTAINS SOME ABUSE!)

I was seven years old. I'd just washed the dishes, cleaned the house and cooked some food. I lay the table neatly and kept their drinks next to their food. I was starving, but didn't dare touch anything- the last time I did, I got a beating.

"Brat, we're home!" Isla shouted, charging into the kitchen, followed by her husband. Fortunately, they were too drunk to take much notice of me.

As I was clearing the table, a plate slipped from my hands and crashed on the floor, quashing any hope that I'd escape a beating tonight.

"YOU LITTLE *****!" Isla screamed, slapping me.

"HOW DARE YOU BREAK OUR PROPERTY!" Liam yelled, pulling my hair and punching me multiple times. I didn't dare cry out.

"Hmmm... there's a storm outside, darling," Isla said, smirking wickedly, "why don't we leave the kid outside? Teach her a lesson."

Without a word, Liam grabbed a fistful of my hair and dragged me to the door. I cried and begged, but he didn't listen. He opened the door and threw me outside. I rolled on the wet, muddy grass and curled up into a ball. The door swung shut with a click and I cried myself sick that night.

Thunder boomed and lightning snarled, terrifying me. I sobbed, praying that someone would see me.

Fortunately, he was passing by. He saved my life for the second time. He was my rock, my anchor, my saviour.

He was gone.

End of flashback.

Tears were streaming down my face as I looked at the weather. Trembling like a leaf blowing in the wind, I let out a strangled sob. I liked rain, but not thunder or lightening.

"Lexi?" Someone asked from behind me.

Without seeing which brother it was, I turned around and hugged them, sobbing into their shirt. At first, they tensed. Then, they hesitantly wrapped their arms around me before whispering calming words in my ear.

I pulled away, feeling a lot better. I looked up and saw that it was Antonio who comforted me.

"Thank you," I mumbled, wiping my eyes.

Antonio's POV:

I was going to the kitchen to make breakfast when I heard the front door open. Thinking it was Lexi, I decided to drop her off to school today. It was raining and I didn't want her to catch a cold- not because I cared for her, but because of our reputation.

Yeah, that's totally the reason.

I heard someone sob and frowned. To my surprise, I saw Lexi standing, frozen in shock, in front of the open door. She was staring in horror at the lightening and seemed to be having a horrific flashback.

Gently, I called her name. She turned around and began hugging me, crying profoundly. I was shocked, but slowly embraced her back, whispering soothing words in her ear.

When she pulled away, she seemed surprised to find that it was me.

"Thank you," she muttered, wiping her eyes, "sorry for ruining your suit."

I smiled slightly, "it's fine. I'll drop you off at school, okay?"

She nodded, lost in her thoughts. We walked to the car and she sat in the back, drawing her knees to her chest and staring forlornly out the window. We drove in silence for a bit.

"I love the rain," she spoke quietly, "but I'm scared of thunder and lightening. It's weird, but true," she began fiddling with her necklace- something I noticed she did when she was nervous or sad.

Finally, we pulled up in front of the school. The rain had abated a bit, enough for Lexi to run quickly inside the school without getting too wet.

"Thanks," she muttered, "I know you had better things to do than drop me off, I appreciate it. Don't worry, you don't need to pick me up after school."

I was about to tell her that it was no problem, but she was already gone.

As I was driving away, a thought occurred to me that made me sigh in frustration.

I'd actually started to care for Lexi.

Great.

End of chapter 6.

I hope you guys liked it!

Stay safe and thanks for reading :)