Residuals (COMPLETED)

Chapter 38: The Fallout

Detroit, MI:

Isabella drove through the empty streets of Detroit, her mind foggy with the weight of everything she had just done. The rain drummed softly against the windshield, blurring the streetlights into a kaleidoscope of indistinct shapes. She had barely processed the events of the night the meeting with Bryan, the shocking revelations about Monica, and now, her heartbreaking  conversation with Justin.

It felt like the world was shifting beneath her feet, like she was standing on the edge of some vast chasm that could swallow her whole at any moment. She had spent her life fighting for the truth, fighting for justice, but tonight, the lines between right and wrong felt unbearably thin. What should have been black and white had dissolved into a chaotic mess.

She pulled into her driveway and sat in the car for a few minutes, the engine humming softly. Ambrose's car was there, parked under the familiar porch light, casting a warm glow on the wet pavement. She smiled feeling a bit of happiness remembering what she had at home. She cold never do anything to hurt Ambrose, this situation only made her appreciate him more. 

Finally, she turned off the ignition and stepped out of the car. The cold rain hit her skin, sharp and unforgiving, as she hurried toward the house. The weight of the night pressed down on her chest, suffocating in its intensity. She felt like she was drowning, gasping for air as the reality of her situation closed in around her.

As soon as she stepped inside, the warmth of the house enveloped her, contrasting sharply with the chaos inside her head. She kicked off her wet shoes and hung her coat by the door, taking a deep breath before walking into the kitchen. The comforting smell of something baking hit her, and for a brief moment, she almost forgot everything.

"Hey, gorgeous," Ambrose greeted her as he turned from the counter, holding a plate of freshly baked cookies. He had a soft smile on his face, the kind that usually made her heart flutter with affection, but tonight it only deepened her guilt. "You okay? You got this crazy look in yo eye, you know that look you had right before you beat Emily Johnson up in 3rd period for kissing my cheek in 10th grade?" He asked, and that made her chuckle.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just a long day, that's all. What are you doing with this apron on baking cookies?" She asked.

"I was trying to learn how to bake, this is what Benny is passionate about. He quit football a few days ago and I told him after the season was over with he and I could do some cooking classes together." He replied making Isabella smile.

"Is he okay?" She asked. "Dylan clings onto me like I'm the best thing in the world, so getting him to talk to me is no problem. Benny and Aries though? They never talk to me until they are super angry. Aries always talked to Ben, and well Benny? He never talked, so I'm glad he is talking."

"He's just afraid to be himself, but in time he won't be so afraid anymore." Ambrose replied, Benny didn't want anyone else to know he liked boys right now, and Ambrose would respect that and allow him to tell everyone when he was ready. Benny had been so much better since telling Ambrose.

After finding out about bullies, Ambrose had made his presence known at the school. He'd paid Grant, Aries boyfriend and his friends to catch the guys bullying Benny after school. Benny had no issues since, and he had even broken it off with the guy he was interested in. Ambrose had told him, anyone willing to threaten you, and make you uncomfortable is not for you. Benny took Ambrose's advice well, and was slowly becoming himself.