My Girlfriend's Ex (StudxStud)

7

Beatrix

I laid on my bed, memories of Vonna and I going through my head. It can't be right how I feel about Liberty. My new best friend. I must have the worst luck to fall for a girl that Vonna has in her clutch. I wonder...has she tested the water with Liberty yet? Has she tried hitting her? Messing with her mind? Telling her that she's worthless? She's already starting the overprotective shit, not wanting her to hang out with me for sure and limiting the time she spends with other friends.

Do I just sit and watch the abuse happen? Do I wait for it, if it happens at all? Or do I step in? Will I protect Liberty from that girl if Vonna ever hurts her?

Or will I forever be weak?

"I'm not weak," I placed my hands over my eyes as I laid underneath my covers. I peeked through my fingers, staring out at my dark bedroom. "I'm not weak, Vonna."

The next day, I had agreed to get up a bit earlier than my usual afternoon time to drop Liberty off at her program building. This "program" was designed to help people with stealing addictions find peace and ease away from their problem until they could resist that urge and according to their pamphlet "be a productive member of society".

She attended the meetings in a little office space in the business district of Aster Waters once a week. I'm proud of how far she's come, because according to Liberty, her stealing issue used to be horrible. Her little friend group and her used to scour the stores, stealing random shit for kicks, but she was the only one who couldn't get enough of it. Vonna came into the equation and turned things around for her- along with A'livia. But I think the fact that Vonna got her out of such a dark place was the reason why Liberty fell for her.

It's not that Vonna doesn't have charm, it's just that she can be very disarming and blunt at times. Secretive and very off-to-the side if you really observe her. You get her on a bad day, and you might have a monster on your hands.

The monster she made me out to be to everyone else.

I got us some coffee and arrived at Liberty's crib in about ten minutes tops. "Hey, miss lady," she greeted me, getting into my Maserati. "Thanks for the coffee."

"No problem. You excited?" I asked her, cracking her a smile.

"My first ever meeting. We'll see how this goes," she giggled a little, looking down at her cup.

I wanted to ask her more about what happened last night but I didn't want to ruin her seemingly good mood. "How's your day been so far?"

"Pretty good. Pretty good," she nodded, sipping her cold coffee. "My mom was up playing with Ramyn. My dad was at work though," she frowned a little, "Wish we could all enjoy some family time for once."

"That day will come. And you know your parents are working hard," I commented neutrally.

"Yeah," she sighed.

I wonder why Vonna didn't offer to take her to her program? She knew more about Liberty's not-that-long-ago stealing streak. More than me, for sure. Vonna has a job at her mother's boutique, but she could easily take off whenever she wanted to. Her mother or her muscular cousin Clarence could always hold things down at the store.

I decided not to ask why.

I drove and drove until we reached the place. I missed the entrance twice and had to make a U-turn but we finally got there. "Thanks for supporting me, Beatrix. I appreciate it," she smiled at me.

"No problem. I'm here for you. What time is it over? I go to work at two," I told her.

"When are you ever off? You don't get tired of working all summer? I only come in at select times since it's summer now for my job at Mr. Cherry's."

I forgot Liberty is a grocery bagger sometimes. "The dough. My crib. Expenses," I gave her an easy smile. "I'm here though. Anytime you need me."

"They said it'll probably end around twelve. I know that's cutting it a little close to your work time but," she rubbed the back of her neck.

"We can grab something quick to eat once you're done here and chill until I have work. If...you know, it's okay with Vonna," I said hesitantly.

"I don't really care," she exhaled, looking out across the lot like she could see her troubles passing by her. "If she wants to hate the world and not have any friends except for mine...then that's her, but I'm gonna do me. You know?" Liberty turned back to look at me with a determined expression.

Maybe Vonna won't do what Liberty did to me. Liberty has some things that I didn't have: strength and determination. And I'm not saying that's an excuse or anything...but maybe Vonna has changed. Maybe she'll remain that way. Maybe Liberty and her will grow old together.

As I watched Liberty walk into the building, I tried to be more optimistic about their relationship, and stop putting my past onto her future. Even if I want this girl, I'd rather her be happy with someone else than unhappy with me.