AFRAID {a.i.}

CHAPTER SEVEN

Song of the Chapter: What Now - Rihanna.

When I got back to my house, I was greeted by silence. But as I walked into the kitchen I noticed Brad typing away on his phone aggressively. He always did this when nervous. When he noticed me, he embraced me tight into his arms.

"B. I was so worried. Where have you been? Why didn't you answer my texts? Why are you wearing a boys hoodie? Who were you with? What were you doing?" His questions flew out of his mouth and his grip tightened. I didn't want him to let go. I just wanted to hold him and cry.

"Maybe we should sit down..." I suggested. He nodded and let me go. Once we were sat down, he looked at me up and down. His eyes stopped at my arm when he noticed a hand marked bruise.

"Zac? No. He didn't." Brad paused. "No. What a fucking prick." Brad stood up and kicked the table, he shifted it out of place. How did he know?

"Brad, wait. What do you think he did?" I wanted to clarify before accusations were thrown about. Even if I didn't care about the consequences Zac would face.

"He forced you into it, didn't he?" Brad started to pace. I stood up and stopped him.

"Me and Zac, we didn't do it. I managed to defend myself and stop it. But you need to promise me that you will not tell Grandma or Jeff! They don't need this. Grandma just lost her baby girl and Jeff had to adjust to me moving in, do not throw this stress on her or him. Okay, Bradley promise me?" I panicked. Brad nodded. "And do not touch Zac, I think everything will come to a head on Monday..." I was worried about seeing Zac but I was more worried about what Ana and Cassie were going to say.

"I can't believe he would dare do this to you as well." Brad sighed, throwing himself on the sofa.

"What do you mean, as well!?" I exclaimed. Ashton mentioned something but I didn't understand.

"My ex, Melissa, she went to one of his infamous house parties and the same thing happened, although he went much further. My relationship with Melissa ended after that... She was scared around me and she moved town. Zac is very good at pushing people into things. I knew it from the start. I shouldn't of let you go." My heart broke for Brad. I remembered Melissa well, they were in love but I never knew why she moved away. It was hard.

Taking a shower made me feel a little more clean and safe. But I still felt so used. I was in the shower for more than 20 minutes. Ana and Cassie were sat in my room when I finished up. I was only in a towel when I noticed them, which was awkward. They looked tired and worried to me but I wasn't sure that was because of the heavy night or me.

"Brooke, your brother explained everything. We are so sorry." Ana stood up, inching closer to me. I shrugged.

"You shouldn't be the one apologising. But just give me a second. I need to change." I stepped into the walk in wardrobe and changed back into Ashton's hoodie with my leggings. I felt safe with this outfit.

"So who picked you up after?" Cassie pulled me to sit next to her.

"Ashton, actually." I reassured them. Ana turned from looking out my window.

"Ashton? You mean he came and picked you up? And took you to his?" Ana was shocked. Her voice was questioning and loud. I nodded. "Did anything happen?" At this point I didn't know whether to be honest or lie though my teeth.

"I mean we kissed... He said he wants to get to know me... But" The girls both clapped.

"Aw Brooke. This is so cute. I never expected this from Ashton.." Cassie nudged me.

"Well I knew he was different.... I told you guys. But that's not the problem." I bit my lip. Ana sat on the edge of the bed, looking at me. "Zac seems to think we are thing or whatever. So Monday..."

"We will never leave your side. I promise." Cassie hugged me tight and Ana jumped in on it.

"Now when's your date with Ashton?" Ana winked.

"Who said anything about a date?" We all laughed and I finally felt okay and my nerves were beginning to leave my mind.