Between The Lines

Chapter 114: ' I don't know how'

Third Person:

Rebecca felt like a ghost moving through the school hallways. Everything seemed muted—the chatter of students, the clanging of lockers, the bell echoing overhead. She kept her head down, her feet shuffling forward, her body on autopilot. She hadn't slept. Not really. Her mind kept replaying her father's words, and every time she thought about Lane, it felt like something sharp twisted inside her.

She had no idea how she would face him.

When she finally walked into class, her stomach dropped. There he was, standing at the front, looking as effortless and collected as ever. She couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes. She slid into her seat quickly, hoping he wouldn't notice her—or at least that he wouldn't notice how much she was struggling to hold it together.

But she couldn't help it. Her gaze flicked up, and for a split second, her eyes locked with his. Her breath caught in her throat. There was confusion in his expression, maybe even a bit of worry. She quickly looked away, pretending to scribble something in her notebook, but her hand was shaking.

For the rest of the class, she kept her head down, fighting the urge to glance at him. She bit the inside of her cheek hard, trying to focus on anything but the lump in her throat that was growing heavier and heavier. Every time she thought about the promise she made to her father, her eyes burned, and she had to blink quickly to stop the tears.

When the bell rang, she bolted from her seat, grabbing her bag and rushing toward the door. But before she could slip away, she heard his voice.

"Rebecca."

She froze. Her back stiffened, and for a second, she thought about pretending she hadn't heard him. But she couldn't. Slowly, she turned, feeling the weight of his gaze on her.

"Wait." His voice was quiet but firm, and she could feel the concern radiating from him.

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to keep it together as he approached her. He stood close, too close, his eyes scanning her face, trying to understand. "What's wrong?" he asked softly.

"Nothing," she said quickly, her voice shaky. She tried to step back, but his hand caught her wrist gently.

"Rebecca," he murmured, his eyes searching hers. "Talk to me."

She shook her head, her heart pounding. She couldn't do this. She couldn't stand this closeness, the way he was looking at her like he could fix everything. "Lane... don't," she whispered, trying to pull away.

But instead of letting go, he pulled her closer, his arm sliding around her waist. "What's going on? You've been off all day."

Her resolve cracked, her throat tightening as she whispered, "Please... stop."

His brow furrowed, confusion crossing his face. "Why are you pushing me away?" His hand was warm on her waist, but the comfort it used to bring now felt like a cruel reminder of what she had to lose.

She squeezed her eyes shut, fighting the tears that were threatening to spill. "Because... because I have to," she choked out, her voice breaking.

Lane's grip loosened slightly, but he didn't let her go. "What are you talking about?"

"I can't..." She swallowed hard, her hands shaking as she tried to pull herself together. "We can't keep doing this. I promised..."

He stared at her, realization slowly dawning on his face. "Your dad," he muttered, piecing it together.

Rebecca nodded, barely holding it together. "He knows... and he'll ruin you if I don't end this."

Lane's face darkened, and his jaw clenched. "Ruin me? What did he say?"