TIFFIN 2

37

Hey everyone 💗💗 I'm so glad Josephine stood her ground. She really is evolving
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I already knew I was in trouble. I didn't have to see Hero's expression to know that. 

Staring at Josephine retreating back into the house, I knew I had two choices.

Following my best friend seemed the better option so I did just that. I could deal with a grumpy boyfriend later.

I barely stopped Jo's bedroom door from closing on me when she paused on the middle of her carpet, scratching at her face.

She looked like she was close to exploding.

When she saw me on the threshold, she did her best to compose herself. 

"Kristina... I'm sorry you had to see that. I'm usually pretty good at holding myself accountable."

I furrowed my brows.

"You did hold yourself accountable..." 

"No, I didn't-" Jo ran her hands over her tightly coiled bun. "I can't believe I said that to them. My parents raised me better- I said I hated Chad-"

I rested a hand on her shoulder.

"He knows you didn't mean it. Besides, that's the least of your worries. You heard what was said. What Chad did was..."

"Deplorable," Josephine finished, "what he did was deplorable. Though they were both young when it began, he didn't stop it from happening later on. I thought I knew the kind, thoughtful man who was my brother."

"I didn't expect that from Chad," I admitted, "he seemed harmless, but sometimes you never really know a person. You did the right thing, you know. I think it's the first time you stood your ground." 

Jo shook her head, her eyes filling with tears again. 

"I had to. I always thought Hero was the problem child, picking fights and being unaccepting of the fact that Chad was bettering his life in ways he couldn't... stating that now makes me sound like a prude."

I remembered how judgemental I'd been because of the years of brainwashing from my parents.

I definitely couldn't blame her. 

"You were trained to think like that. It's not your fault. Trust me. After my therapy session today, I've learned a lot. Hero won't forget what you've done for him." 

Josephine laughed, looking down.

"Crazy that all I wanted was a special dinner." 

I smiled.

"Your parents seemed to be okay with Niall. You're still getting married, right?"

Josephine nodded. "I'll have to marry him after he got me this." 

She lifted a hand, showing off a glistening diamond carat ring. The rock was like a boulder and looked like it costed more than any college student could afford. 

"Oh my god!" I exclaimed. "How much did this cost?"

"A couple grand," Jo replied as I fingered the diamond, "but it's no big deal. For Niall anyway. He has a stable job in construction that pays well."

I grinned.

"I couldn't be happier for you. Gosh I can't wait until I find my happy ending." 

"Do you think you'll ever bring the idea up to Hero?" 

I yanked my head up at this question. 

"Perhaps one day. Come on. I need to get home and get some rest for work tomorrow."

After a quick hug, Josephine and I made our way outside. Unfortunately everyone still stood on the gravel, but I wasn't about to stick around for much else. 

"I'm sorry," I apologized to Leo and Georgia, "I have to go get some rest. I was hoping tonight would have gone better." 

"It is what it is." Georgia forced a smile. "We always enjoy having you here. You'll be at the wedding, right?" 

My heart stuttered at her unwavering encouragement. 

"Of course I will. I'm hoping to be the bridesmaid." 

After giving her and Leo a brief hug as well, I headed over to Hero, though his expression wasn't at all welcoming. He was still simmering with rage.

"I know you're mad at me," I explained, "but just come home with me. You can be angry at me in our bed." 

After staring at me for a long minute, Hero strided towards his car without another word. Each movement and buckle in the Ford Capri was like a death sentence but once we drove up the hill, I allowed myself to relax.

The entire ride was silent with a Christian station playing lightly in the background. Hero didn't make a move to change it and I was okay with that. 

It wasn't until we had stepped into the apartment that Hero started grilling me. 

"What the hell were you thinking telling my aunt about Diedre?"

Oh, here we go again. 

"Hero, can we not rehash this?"

"No I think we will," he snapped, "you went to their house and gladly told them everything. Now they have even more of a reason to demonize me. Do you realize what position that puts me in? Chad and I are now in a bad place-"

"To be fair," I said, "you weren't on talking terms before." 

Hero glared.

"That's not the fucking point. What happened between Diedre and me was supposed to be kept between us. Now, Georgia is going to talk with Dorinda and it's going to cause more drama." 

I shrugged.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't let it go. It was too serious. I mean... Josephine respects you. She knows how her brother is now." 

Hero rolled his eyes. "Yeah she'll probably enjoy spreading how weak I am around that office." 

I scoffed.

"You know she's not like that... look, now they know what went on. Jo's right. If we could prove that these things happened to you-" 

"No," Hero spat, cornering me, "no one is going to prove anything. What happened will stay a secret. It's not something you can throw around. It was our thing, Diedre and me." 

I raised an eyebrow.

"Excuse me? Our thing? You were molested Hero. It wasn't a simple affair between you two.... that's not how you see it, is it? That it was some meet-cute between you two?" 

Hero huffed. "That's not it and you know it."
 
"Then what is it?" I snapped. 

After a long moment, Hero replied. 

"I deserve it, Kristina. Everything I endured was for a reason just like Chad pointed out. It worked for us because my grandfather died. Is that what you want to hear?" 

I shook my head.

"No... Hero... that wasn't your fault-" 

Before I could say much else, Hero was making his way towards the front door with his keys in hand. 

"Wait! Where are you going?" I shouted. 

He looked back. 

"To find somewhere I belong. You don't want me damaged and it's getting clear." 

The final slam was a message that he wasn't to be followed.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter 👌🤗

Where do you think Hero is going?

We shall see.