Saving Lexi

Chapter 8

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Little shit.

Little shit, little shit, little Felix Tonelli wannabe shit!

'"I'll chop them off." 

Well, you know what, Melvin? I can chop off some of your parts too! And it won't just be your hands. 

Ugh, I always think of a good comeback hours later. After Melvin said that, I just sat at the table and pretended nothing happened. I was too stunned to respond.

When I got home, I was surprised to see Luke still home. It pulled me out of my Melvin-hate train of thought. His bruise was now faint yellow marks underneath his eye.

"Okay, it's Friday, I know you have plans." I crossed my arms. 

Luke just glared at me but didn't say a word, just like he had this whole week.

"Fine, don't tell me what happened, I don't even care." I had gotten braver this week, talking to Luke, and pouring out my frustrations. It helped that he never talked back.

I ignored him and started on my own homework.

Around 9 pm I decided I would get into my PJs and start my nightly routine, whether Luke was here or not. My brother wouldn't care if I rotted on the couch and ate popcorn all night. This was what I always did if I wasn't with Lydia. Movies and snacks were my comfort when it got dark and I was alone.

*knock knock knock*

I flinched, feeling a jolt of fear at the noise. I couldn't help the panic that seized me anytime I heard a noise at night. Having Luke here was a small comfort, at least I wasn't alone.

To my surprise, Luke got up and packed his laptop in his bag. He slung it over his shoulder and walked to the door.

"Are you leaving?" I couldn't help the high pitch my voice took on. My breath quickened at the thought of being alone in this house again.

I hadn't been alone since the robbery. Melvin had stayed the night that first night, and then I had gone over to the Tonellis' house. Now Luke was here, staying with me out of fear.

Maybe the fear of the Tonelli brothers had run out? His fading bruise must not be enough of a reminder to stay with me.

*knock knock knock*

The knocks were more insistent this time. It must be his girlfriend at the door, pissed that she hadn't seen her boyfriend all week. I wonder what excuse he gave her.

When the door swung open, it wasn't his girlfriend standing there, but Melvin.

"Hi, Lukey." He grinned.

"Took you long enough," Luke spat.

"Just remember to—"

"Leave the car in the driveway, yeah, yeah." He shoved his keys at Melvin and slammed the door behind him.

My jaw dropped to the floor.

Luke left without even looking back at me, I heard the sound of a car pulling up, probably his girlfriend.  

"So, what's for dinner?" Melvin interrupted my stunned silence. 

"What are you doing here?"

"Luke needed to leave." Melvin shrugged.

"How do you know that Luke needed to leave?"

"Luke knows he can't leave you alone. We made that very clear."

"So you're the one that gave him a black eye?"