Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Fifteen

ARIS' POV

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I'm standing inside the school gates waiting for Elodie, purposely avoiding the tribe of mothers gossiping away at the other end of the playground court. My eyes keep wandering out of curiosity but I know once I catch a glance with one of them, it's game over.

The last person I want to talk to is Emily. She's cornered me a good few times, always asks questions about Nick. I certainly didn't miss the massive diamond ring on her left hand which had me raising my eyebrows in suspicion.

I get it. Nick is a fine man. They're certainly missing their eye-candy and unfortunately I'm his replacement. Clearly below average. But I don't care. I'd rather not be swarmed by them like seagulls circling someone holding a portion of chips at the beach.

If anything I got lucky and I should be grateful.

The doors to the school open and the children come flooding out as usual. I glance above the heads to find Elodie glancing around desperately, as soon as she sees me she comes running towards me. But something is wrong.

Her face is covered with tears, eyes burning red. She's sobbing. I take two large steps forward to meet her, lowering down to her level.

"Sweetheart," I say desperately as I grip onto her shoulders, searching her face for an answer. "What's wrong? What's the matter?"

My entire heart shatters which isn't good for its weakness in general. Seeing children upset is like treading on a puppy. It fucking hurts and right now, the last thing I want is for Elodie to be upset. This bright and bubbly child, completely devastated and down.

Elodie continues to cry, her little hands wiping away at the tears that stain her cheeks. "I want to go," she whimpers in a blubber.

"Go where, Elodie?"

"Home. I don't want to be here."

I glance over her shoulder looking for something–I'm not entirely sure what. "Okay," I nod and without hesitation I take her in my arms and carry her away from the school. Those tiny arms wrap around my neck and she clings onto me for dear life.

We walk down the road to where I've parked my car. Luckily it's a quieter area with barely any parents or children walking by. Before I reach the car I perch her on the edge of a wall and place my hands on her hips.

My head dips as I glance at her face. "Tell me what's wrong, Elodie," I say calmly. "Because I need to know if I should go back into the school and talk to someone about this."

She hiccups and slows her breathing. "T-They were all talking about a party," she mumbles quietly. "But I'm not allowed to go. They were being mean and made fun of me in front of everyone."

"Els," I whisper and stroke back her hair. "I'm sorry that people aren't kind."

"I-I don't know what I did." Her little lips begin to tremble. "I don't know why she doesn't like me."

I give her a hug because I can't stop myself. She clings onto me once more. I pray this hug helps even a fraction, to remind her that she's not alone and that I will wipe away her tears from bullies. I know the feeling. "Is this Faye again?"

A flash from a past conversation crosses my mind, I remember how badly Elodie wanted to be friends with this girl. I wouldn't be surprised if it's the same kid.

Elodie nods into my shoulder. "Yeah."

A silent sigh falls from my lips as I glance down the road at the school. From a distance I can spot Emily with a girl Elodie's height who I presume must be Faye. My jaw grits at the thought of someone being nasty to this kind soul.