Fracture

CHAPTER FIFTY EIGHT

☆ ♫ Patrick ♫ ☆

After Scarlett and Lizzie's fight last week, I'd been avoiding Liz like the plague.

I mean, since the ball I'd been avoiding her but this was next level.

But somehow she managed to corner me in the sixth year common room. I wasn't expecting to see her and when I turned around she was standing there glaring at me.

"We need to talk," She muttered, her tone laced with venom.

"No," I shook my head, "We don't."

"Why are you on her side?" Lizzie hissed, obviously referring to Scarlett.

"Because she's my girlfriend," I shot back, "Actually no, I would be on her side even if she wasn't, because it's the right side."

"She's accusing my sister of lying!" Lizzie snapped, "After everything I've told you, I thought you'd understand."

"You're accusing her of lying! About something that actually happened to her. She was raped, Liz. She's not faking it," I narrowed my eyes, "You can think what you want, and I'll keep thinking what I want."

"We were friends!" A tear fell onto her cheek, "Since primary school."

A part of me felt bad for her. The girl had pushed everyone away and was finally feeling the consequences. But I didn't feel bad enough that I'd console her.

"I've loved Scar since primary school," I pointed out, "And I believe her. I can't surround myself with someone who keeps doubting her."

"But it's me, Patrick," She was crying now, "Please. You're supposed to be my friend."

"And you were supposed to be hers," I shook my head, "Scarlett has been through so much and she doesn't need you trying to claw your way back into her life through me. I'm sorry you feel alone but you did it to yourself. Now get out of my way."

"You're just like the rest of them," She sobbed as I side stepped her, "No, you're worse! I thought we were friends."

Ignoring the discomfort in my stomach, I kept walking, choosing to not look back at her.

"Patrick!" Scarlett called as I hightailed it out of the common room.

"Hi, baby," I smiled, pressing a kiss to her lips.

"Where have you been?" She grinned, "I was looking for you."

"Lizzie actually just cornered me," I sighed.

"She what?!" Scarlett's eyes widened, "Was one beat down not enough? Did she try anything?"

"What like...kissing me?" I gaped.

"Yes! The girl obviously had a crush on you," She crossed her arms over her chest.

"What? No she didn't."

"Yes, she did."

"No, she didn't."

"You really are an eejit," She rolled her eyes.

"Level with me, Scar."

"She so obviously liked you," Scarlett huffed, "Her calling you and interrupting our kiss, you taking her on that walk, the look of jealousy in her eyes when we started dating. Hello? Ringing any bells?"

Okay so maybe I was an eejit. But I was too focused on Scarlett to even notice, or care. Besides, Lizzie having a crush on me made no difference. I was in it with Scarlett until the end.

"Well, it doesn't matter," I pulled Scarlett to my chest, "I'm always on your team. And it means nothing to me that Lizzie liked me, because I've only ever liked you."

"Yeah, well I love you," She giggled, "You really are a great guy, Patrick Feely."

"And you're a great girl," I kissed her.

"Enough with the PDA, I'm going to be sick," Gibsie gagged as he strolled towards us with Claire under his arm.

"Look at you two," Scarlett rolled her eyes, "You're always touching Claire."

"At least my tongues not down her throat in the middle of the hallway," He scoffed.

"You're just jealous," Scarlett teased.

"Yes, I'm very jealous you get to make out with Patrick," He snorted.

"So, it's Gerard's birthday in a few weeks," Claire spoke, "Are we all down to go to Biddies for a celebration?"

"I'm so down," My girlfriend squealed, clutching my hand in excitement.

"Me too," I nodded.

"Yay!" Claire jumped up and down, "I'm inviting Johnny and Shan too, and Hughie and Katie."

"And Aoife and Joey?" Scarlett pointed out.

"Right! You're so right," Claire nodded, "This is going to be so fun!"

"I can't wait to get drunk and dress like a slut," My girlfriend giggled.

"I'm standing right here," Gibsie wrinkled his nose.

"I know," Scarlett shrugged, "You'll be seeing the outfit on your birthday anyway."

I laughed. Seeing Scarlett's confidence shoot way up in the past month was one of my favourite things. The girl had always been sexy but this confidence made it impossible to keep my hands off her.

"Let's go plan everything!" Claire clapped, pulling Scarlett away from Gibsie and I.

"Your girlfriend just stole mine," I sighed.

"My girlfriend is best friends with my sister," Gibsie shook his head.

"At least we are in this together," I pointed out.

"I fear it's going to be like this forever."