Baby

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Truth Sets You Free

unedited

After being discharged from the hospital, I felt a sense of liberation washed over me. It was time to finally tell the girls about what had happened. Silas insisted on being there, despite Raia's disapproving glances, which he nonchalantly ignored.

Once we arrived back at Oak Hill, and back into our dorm room, I recounted my entire life story, from my birth to the present moment. I told them everything, leaving no detail untold. I spoke about my mother's death when I was born, the torment I endured at the orphanage, and the constant nightmares that plagued me. Tears fell, emotions ran high, and Silas paced restlessly, his anger palpable. After what felt like an hour, my story came to an end, and I fell silent.

The room also fell quiet, a tense silence lingering for several seconds.

"So?" I asked, my voice filled with uncertainty. "You don't hate me?"

Beverly and Raia stood up together, simultaneously throwing themselves at me and nearly knocking me over. They burst into tears all over again as my arms embraced them.

Raia's voice broke the silence first, her words sincere. "We could never hate you. I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that. You didn't deserve that."

I could hear the genuine emotion behind her words, despite the tough front she often put on. It warmed my heart to know she meant it.

"Fuck those people," Beverly insisted, her voice firm and filled with determination as she pulled away. "Just say the word and we'll hunt down every last one of those motherfuckers."

I couldn't help but chuckle at her unwavering loyalty, shaking my head in disbelief. My gaze drifted to Silas, who stood in the corner, his eyes already fixed on me. His anger had shifted, slowly subsiding, but something in me told me he wasn't done yet.

The word "revenge" echoed through my mind, louder than the other thoughts swirling in my head. I realized these were not my own thoughts. I watched Silas intently, trying to decipher his thoughts and figure out what was going through his mind.

I realized I had been looking at Silas for a bit too long, and I quickly shook off the moment, refocusing my attention back on the girls.

"Now that's all out in the open," I said with a deep breath, physically stepping back, "You guys need to get ready. You can't miss the Alpha Phi party."

Beverly immediately shook her head, adamant. "No, no, no. We're not going anywhere. We're having a girls' night."

My mouth opened, preparing to object, "Bev-"

But Raia cut me off, backing up Bev's suggestion. "She's right, Baby," she said seriously. "Your health is way more important than some damn party. Let's go to my house, have some wine, and watch a movie."

"But what about Alpha Phi?" I protested, feeling a pang of worry for Beverly and her chances of getting into the sorority. "What about Merida? And the beautiful hand made belt?"

Beverly quickly reassured me. "Tomorrow, Valerie Dunn is having a costume party at her apartment. She has close ties to those girls, so I'm sure I'll run into one of them then."

"Trust me. We'd much rather be with you. So, what do you say? Are you in?" She raised an eyebrow, awaiting my response.

As I looked at the two of them, their eyes pleading with me to agree to the idea, I couldn't help but break into a warm smile. The thought of a night with the people who truly seem to care about me sent a wave of happiness through me. With a firm nod, I gave in to their plea.