Nightingale

3

Hearing a knock on the door I cower back into the cabinet and instantly regret it as the pain comes
"Lacey" Grayson calls "everything okay?" I don't answer as the tears run down my face "Lace baby" I know I'm not hearing things, he really called me baby, but why he just met me, he doesn't even know me. "Lacey" he calls again knocking on the door "Lacey open the door" he says a little less patiently but still I don't move.

"Lacey I need you to open the door" he says again but still nothing, "Lacey if you don't open this door or answer me I'm coming in" he calls one last time all traces of the gentle soothing Grayson gone, yet I can't seem to make my body move. It's like my body's broken, I have no will to move nor do I seem to have a voice to answer him.

My whole body is just numb I can't feel anything, even as the bathroom door comes crashing down I don't move, I don't cry out in fear, I don't even flinch as Grayson rushes over to me. Without saying a word he sits down and pulls me into his lap holding me tight rubbing my back and the tears come harder.

I never cried at home, at least not after my first beating for crying; I always held it in but now that I'm free I can't seem to stop crying. They must think I'm pathetic, just a weak little cry baby; what a great way to make friends. Gabby will probably never talk to me again, she won't even want to be in the same room as me now, "what have I done?" I cry out in frustration prying myself from Grayson but he doesn't allow it.

"Please let me go" I cry harder " I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ruin things, please let me go" I try pushing off his chest one more time, but it's no use he just holds me tighter. "Baby you have nothing to be sorry about" he soothes "I wanna go back" I cry slightly afraid of his reaction but I need to be alone, I need to get it together. School hasn't even started yet and I'm already a mess "back where?" "To my room" "if that's what you want" Grayson answers hesitantly I nod and try to get up but he still holds me tight. In one swift movement Grayson is up and out the door with me clutched to his chest.

"Where are you going?" Gabby asks as we descend the stairs "she wants to go back to the dorm" he answers sounding disgusted. "Great I'll come with, we can have some girl time" she states but instead of being excited over the fact that Gabby still wants to spend time with me I start to panic. I need to get out of here but Grayson won't put me down he just keeps holding me his grip getting a tighter the more my panic rises. "No" Grayson tells his sister "what do you mean no? It's my room" "I don't care, you're staying here with Colton" he answers matter of factly. To my surprise Gabby doesn't say anything; after a minute of not moving I risk a peek to see what's going on and all three of them are intently staring at each other, it's like they are having a conversation with their eyes. I've heard of people being able to communicate with just a look, but I've never been close enough with anyone to experience it myself. After a good five minutes of the most awkward silence Grayson makes his way out to the car putting me in like you would a child before getting in himself.

The ride back to the dorms is silent which I'm grateful for as it gives me time to compose myself so I don't look like such a mess walking back into the dorms. I figured Grayson would just drop me off out front but to my horror he pulls in and parks "you can just let me off at the front" I offer "you're in no condition to be left alone" he answers getting out of the car and coming around to open my door.

"You can glare at me all you want, but I'm still coming with you, now let's go" Grayson orders staring at me expectantly. " I'm fine, really" I mumble not looking at him "no you're not, now unless you want me to cause a scene and carry you inside I suggest you get out of the car" he says angry with his arms crossed on his chest. Hearing that I scramble out of the car and rush towards the building with Grayson hot on my heels.

I don't look up but I can feel everyone staring as we walk by "so much for just blending in" I mutter wrapping my arms around me and putting my head further down praying I don't walk into anyone as I pick up my pace trying to create more distance between Grayson and I, but of course he stays right with me "stupid long legged captain of the sports team" I grumble under my breath and hear Grayson chuckle there's no way he heard me right? Danny never did and he heard everything.