Fuelled by Forever

Ch. 12

Imogen

Brittney's a big part of Jude's life. A major part. Hurting her will never be an option for him, but the way our socials are going right now... this could be a betrayal for Brittney from one of the most important people in her life.

It's so obvious she has no idea how to react.

"I'm trying not to lose my shit," she says, frowning at him.

Jude's face drops. "You really think I would print that crap? Seriously, Britt?"

That hurt him—a lot.

My heart takes a beating for him, too, because his shock is genuine. Jude has spent his life protecting her, but after reading what's written online, it's understandable that she's probably so hurt she can't comprehend it all.

Brittney's bottom lip wobbles. "I don't know, Jude. All I see is such hate, and Protech is answering people's comments with even more offensive shit. I texted, but you didn't answer, so I came here to see what's happening."

She looks shaky when she sits, and Jude rests on his knees in front of her. They share a look, and Brittney quickly rubs away the tears on her cheeks. They've been friends since secondary school and have faced so much together. That's true friendship.

"You know what I've had to put up with in my life... and Carrie," she whispers to him, and it feels like a private moment. One I don't want to impose on, so I get up to go back to Jude's office, where Nathan is chatting to our IT engineer.

I sit quietly at my desk, thinking about the best friends I left in there. Even after only knowing Brittney and Carrie for a short time, I feel protective of them. They're fabulous women who're fiercely loyal and kind. Neither of them deserves to feel such hate thrown their way.

Nathan's eyes go to the security screen on the office wall and back to me. "Looks like Brittney's leaving."

My eyes follow him to find her getting into her car and Jude scrubbing his face as he watches her leave. I go to him, and he wraps me in his arms, leading us to the reception when a client enters the car park.

Jude drags the second computer chair beside my desk, and we sit silently, listening to Kyle greet the client from outside.

Jude sighs, and I grab his hand. "Did you manage to explain things to Brittney?" I ask.

He nods. "Yeah. She understands now, but she's shaken up, and I hate that it's something to do with me that's made her feel this way. I know it's not directly my fault, but it's my business that's knocked her confidence."

I squeeze his hand. "I feel so sorry for her. She should never have to see such hate."

He kisses my knuckles. "This is majorly triggering for her. Certain people have ostracised her for her sexuality in the past. I'm fucking devastated about all this," he replies.

If only I didn't leave those bloody passwords out!

I'm tired, and this pregnancy and what's happening with Jude is making me mess up.

I settle in my guilt, thinking about how we will fix it. The longer the hate is online, the bigger its audience will reach. And once you offend your audience, winning them back is almost impossible.

I sigh. "I think you should go be there for Britt while I work things out here."

What a mess.

He squeezes my hand. "I need to let her cool off. She'll call me when she's ready to talk. I won't push her when she's this upset. And I want to take back a bit of control here. How did they manage to hack our entire social media circle?"