Misconception

22: Outcast

Clementine's POV

The next day is basically spent exactly like the day prior. I am a prisoner in my own room doing schoolwork because I don't want to look at Vinny and Delilah. I'm seriously considering talking to my parents when they get back and seeing if I can go back to school. After all, this whole homeschooling thing was Vinny's idea just so he could keep tabs on me, right? My phone goes off and I'm looking forward to whoever it may be because anything is better than the boredom I'm currently feeling. 

Ricky: Any progress with Chris?

Me: Sort of. He hasn't been as big of a jerk to me lately.

Ricky: Any juicy secrets dug up about him yet?

Me: No, although I did find out he's never actually been in a relationship before.

Lunch time rolls around and I know I have to go downstairs eventually because my stomach is rumbling like mad. I walk into the kitchen and stop abruptly when I spot Vinny at the fridge. I walk over to the kitchen island and sit down as I ask,

"Is Delilah here?"

He just shakes his head and I can't help but feel relieved. It's been so awkward walking around and finding them necking literally everywhere. I continue, trying not to make it so awkward between us,

"Do you know when Mom and Dad are supposed to get back? There's something I want to talk to them about."

He rolls his eyes before shutting the fridge door and turning to me to harshly say,

"Oh yeah? And what might that be? About how you're dating one of my best friends that's been nothing but a dick to you?"

Even though his words are truthful, I can't help but frown at how cruel my brother's being to me. I stand up from from my chair as I hiss back,

"What does it matter to you?"

"Are you acting out because of Delilah?"

He accuses, leaning against the island. It's my turn to roll my eyes,

"You know what, Vinny?"

"What?"

I think of the vilest, harshest words I could possibly say that I've never used, partially because they're vulgar and partially because Vinny was the one who always told me never to use them, and I shout,

"Fuck you!"

before I storm out of the kitchen, any trace of hunger completely leaving my body. 

Instead of finishing my schoolwork I decide to text my parents asking when they'll be back from their trip and if I could go back to school in person because I'm feeling too, 'pent up' at home. After I send the text to my parents, I text Chris,

Me: Are you busy?

Chris: No, why?

Me: I need to get out of this house!

Chris: Say no more, I'm on my way.

Chris honks when he pulls into the driveway and I rush down the stairs and out the door before Vinny can even finish asking where I'm going. I fly into Chris' car and tell him to drive so urgently you'd think I robbed the place. He listens to me for once and starts driving. After driving in silence for awhile, he glances over at me and asks,

"What's wrong?"

I sigh,

"Vinny's been driving me crazy and I just... had to get out of there."

Chris just chuckles.

"I thought you looooved your big brother."

I roll my eyes for what seems like the millionth time today and say,

"Not when he's being a jerk and making out with Delilah around every corner."

"Does that make you jealous?"

He asks. I blush and ignore his question, turning to look out the window. He pulls the car over and puts it in park before putting his index finger under my chin and turning my head to meet his gaze. He gently tucks my hair behinds my ear as his gaze travels all over my face before he quietly says,

"Because if you are it's not your fault."

"What do you mean?"

I ask, looking up into his brown eyes. Chris scoffs,

"He's been practically grooming you since you guys were kids is my understanding."

"What's grooming?"

I ask. Chris just shakes his head as he continues,

"My case in point. He keeps you on such a short leash that he's practically got you running into the arms of the bad guy just to get away from him."

Chris starts driving again and realization dawns over me as I look out the window. Vinny is the reason for many, if not all of my shortcomings. He's kept me so sheltered all of my life that it's made me an outcast.

"I didn't know..."

I say, quietly. Chris just reaches over and squeezes my hand as silent tears roll down my cheeks. 

The rest of the time I spend with Chris that day is practically silent. He takes us to the movie theater and buys us two tickets to a romance movie, and popcorn. We watch the movie and he never says anything about my tears, whether they're from Vinny, or from the movie. When the movie's done, we head back out to his car and he begins driving again. When we pull up in front of my house I just shake my head and he nods once in understanding and keeps driving again. We pull up in front of an apartment building and he leads me up to his apartment. He never says anything as I curl up on the couch and fall asleep, but I wake up in the morning to a blanket covering me and a note,

Clementine, I had to leave for work, but please help yourself to anything in the refrigerator. Also, I don't even know where to begin in an apology to you, but I should start by saying how incredibly sorry I am. I can say that most of my actions have been fueled by anger towards Vinny, but that's a shitty excuse for everything I've done to you. I can admit that I've used you to upset Vinny over grievances that I've had with him in the past as well. In the end, me blackmailing you into sticking around doesn't make me any better than Vinny, does it? You do not have to put up this façade with me any longer, and I promise on my life that your secret is safe with me. It is yours to tell, or keep, forever. Sincerely, Chris