𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 | B.E

PART 20

020; manic

tw: mentions of alcoholism and violence.

katherine's pov

ever so gently, i positioned the cold ice pack into billie's bruised knuckles that were resting on the bathroom counter. she sat on a small stool with her legs spread and chin tilted up gazing at me. i caught the smug smirk that attached to her lips, clearly proud of herself for knocking callie's lights out.

my facial expression remains blank still rendering the situation. a very small part of me is extremely flushed by the thought of billie standing up for me. unfortunately, she ended up hurting herself in the process which i obviously cared more about than revenge or protection.

"are you mad at me?" billie asked after reading my complexion. a moment went by as i readjusted the ice before answering with a simple yet blunt "yes"

"for what? rocking callie's shit or flushing your booze?" she questioned sarcastically. the grin lacing her lips angered me, billie was so self-satisfied with what she'd done the now injured hand didn't even cross her mind.

"both" i replied. attempting to completely ignore the conversation and prevent it from happening i awkwardly began folding towels slipping one between the racks on the wall. sensing billie's eyes burning into the back of my skull, i glance over my shoulder witnessing a curious stare on her face.

"it's a comfort thing. okay? i like having it around in case my life turns to shit" i explained regarding the alcohol, "why do you always predict the worst?" billie questioned forcing my eyebrows to furrow.

"have you met me? nothing goes right" i responded in a stressful tone. i palm my forehead then light comb through my hair with my fingers while avoiding eye contact with the mirror. the last person i wanted to see was myself, especially in the nervous wreck i'm in right now.

suddenly, the silence in the bathroom became uncomfortably loud. i stepped over to the counter and tenderly lifted the chilly ice pack off billie's hand, examing the light purple bruising across her knuckles. either she was truly good at hiding pain or it didn't hurt at all since she never winced or hissed once.

"it'll be gone within the week" i assumed utilising my own healing time to figure it out. billie let out a little huff, "since when are you a doctor?" she joked attempting to lighten the mood.

as much as i desired to pretend nothing happened i simply couldn't. i'd spent a considerably long period of my life protecting myself from my own feelings with substances and it was the most painful thing i had ever endured.

so i refused to let billie do it for me.

"are you okay?" i asked intentionally brushing over her joke, "are you still mad?" billie questioned reverting to a serious tone.

smoothly, i seated my hand on top of the counter opposite billie's. our fingertips millimetres away from touching. while gazing down let out a small sigh, "no i'm not" i replied quietly.

"trust me, i love that you were protecting me but if you ever get yourself hurt by doing it... it's not worth it" i elaborated. she remains quiet in understanding, billie then quickly licked her lips wetting them while shaking her head in sudden disagreement.

"you know i'd do anything for you right?" she states in a stern voice. billie glances up at me immediately feeling uncomfortable my eyes dart away from hers. in my peripheral vision, i see her standing up attempting to gain my attention.