After Their Story Began

Chapter 13

Xander's POV

We moved to this summer house last week. I haven't left my room in days. Granny brings me my food and everyone comes and keeps me company throughout the day.

I'm happy they care so much but I hate them seeing me banged up. It's so humiliating to see them walking on eggshells. They treat me like a new born. Yuri is the only person treating me the same.

"Morning dick cheese. How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

"Awww That's a boring reaction."

"Sorry."

"Don't apologize, I'm just joking. Did you put ointment on your bruises?"

"No"

"Sunny you have to follow the doctors orders."

"I know."

"Do you need help?"

"No, I need something to take the edge off." I spoke without thinking

"You better not be asking me for weed." He warned

"I'm not but would you let me smoke just this once."

"Smoke what?"

I bit my lip

"Don't do that."

He reached towards my face and I blocked

"Hey, I'm not gonna hit you." He told me softly

"You probably think I'm a little bitch."

"I don't. I'm honestly feeling nothing but anger but I'm trying to be happy for your sake. I hate the Lombardis for doing this to you again. I hate Charles for selling you out and I hate that despite being tech savvy I couldn't find you sooner so we could rescue you. I feel inadequate and angry that I couldn't do anything."

"I know everyone did their best." I smiled

"Our best wasn't enough to protect you."

"I don't want you to blame yourself. It just makes me feel worse."

"Have you been sleeping? You have bags under your eyes."

"It's hard but I get more sleep than I would've thanks to Jesse." I rubbed her belly

"If I gave you an indica edible do you think that would help you sleep through the night?"

"Yeah."

"Here." He handed me a brownie wrapped in plastic wrap

"Thanks."

"No problem. Has therapy been helping?"

"Honestly, it has. He's been helping me with my anxiety and anger. Normally I'd blame myself for getting hit but I know it wasn't my fault. It's never been my fault and the new therapist has done a good job of reminding me."

"That's good, do you think you can spend less time in here and more time outside with everyone?"

"I'll come out once my bruises are less visible."

"We're in Greece for two more weeks. What if you wear long sleeves and a baseball cap? I can get mom or Lani to cover up the bruising on your face and neck with makeup. We could even cover your arms and legs so you can wear summer clothes. That's what they did for Tyler."

"I just wanna stay in bed."

"That's the depression talking." He pulled my blanket off

"I'll go out with you guys tomorrow."