Secrets Of The Mute

Chapter 18

Emmett's POV: 

I never really understood what was up with Bean, but after I saw what River was doing...

I got that feeling I think everyone has had for awhile. 

There's something so vulnerable about her. 

Something we all want to protect. 

I was kind of rude to her. 

But she was so frozen. 

I think something like this has happened to her before. 

Xander's POV: 

I can tell Nick is trying to keep it together for Bean, but it's not working. 

"I'll just say this. What was going through your mind. He's in the hospital. You could be taken away." 

"So I was just supposed to let him rape her?!?" 

She flinched. 

Fuck. 

"Watch it." He said through gritted teeth. 

"Emmett is the one that put him in the hospital." 

"His family has money. You could go to jail Xander." 

"What? He wa-" 

"I understand what he was doing, but you were being reckless. I am thankful you were protecting Kiddo, but there were other ways to go about it." 

"I just saw red." 

"I know. We'll talk more later." 

Bean wouldn't let go of my arm. 

"I have to pee." I said in an attempt to get her off. 

She's freaking me out. 

I was horrible to her. 

If one act like this is all it takes for her to forgive everything I've said and done then we need to seriously work on some self worth.

"Are you ok?" 

Nothing. 

"Bean. Speak." 

Wait don't do that. 

"Never mind. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do." 

Why am I such a dick. 

We're just sitting in her room. 

"Xander?.." 

She looked at me with tears in her eyes. 

"Yeah?" I tried to say in a soft tone. 

"Was he going to...." 

"Yeah..." 

"But but Ezra said-he said he wouldn't let it happen again." 

"Has River harassed you before?" 

She nodded. 

"Did Ezra tell anyone?" 

She nodded again. 

"Who Bean?" 

"Sage and and Zero. Then Nick." 

"And they did nothing?" I kind of snapped. 

"I-I want to be done talking now." 

"Ok I'm sorry." 

Nick's POV: 

I'm keeping Kiddo home from school today. 

We have got to figure out what all has happened.

Drew left last night too. 

I hate to admit it, but he was helpful to have around. 

"Hey Kiddo I thought we could spend the day together and have some fun."

Her head snapped in Xander's direction. 

She stepped closer to him. 

"You should use different language." Zero said. 

"That's what River says. "Have some fun."' 

Fuck. 

Shit. 

"No Kiddo not like that. Like cook together maybe watch a movie or go to the store." 

She tapped Xander on the shoulder and then whispered something in his ear. 

"She wants to know if I can stay too. To make sure."  

She asked. 

So I'm inclined to say yes. 

But I can't do it for just two kids. 

Just her is a different story. 

"Why doesn't everyone stay home today and we have a family fun day." 

"Coach is gonna be pissed if we miss practice." Ace said. 

"So will our Coach." Xander added. 

All the boys are on a sports team. 

Ace and Arlo are on the swim team, while Zero and Xander play lacrosse

"I'll deal with them. Should we go to the book store and then maybe get some snacks and treats to prepare for a movie night?" 

"Ooh Yes!" Arlo said. 

"Could we invite the others over for the movie night?" 

"Sure why not." I said.

We went to the book store and we repeated the same as last time. 

This time though Xander was the one telling her to get more books. 

This kid is a reading fanatic. 

I will buy as many books as that kid will read. 

Although I was thinking about getting her a library card. 

Everyone was here. 

Garren, Caleb, Iris, Jade, Sage, Ezra, even Emmett. 

Kiddo sat next to Ezra which surprised me.

Along with Zero.

Xander finagled his way into being able to sit with his girlfriend Jade. 

The night was going great. 

We were watching the Goonies and we had so many snacks. 

Snacks for dinner is sometimes the best. 

Kiddo ended up falling asleep on Ezra's shoulder halfway through the movie. 

I clicked a picture. 

"Hey delete that Nick." He said trying to grab my phone. 

"Careful, don't wake her up." I said grinning. 

This was a good choice of a day.