Music to My Ears

Chapter 22 Everything Will Be Okay

The police shortly arrived at the school and escorted Levi and I back inside. Caution tape closed off the door's to the swimming pool while police officers investigated the crime scene. I stood by Levi's side as we watched, our clothes now damp. The only warmth I felt was from Levi's blazer that actually fit me perfectly. And as in the car, we didn't speak a word to one another. However, I wouldn't let this keep up forever. I needed answers and I needed them now. But so many thoughts were spinning in my head right now that I wasn't sure where to begin.

"Are you the two who called in?" Asked a voice behind us. We both turned, seeing a man roughly in his thirties, with dull hair and a sad excuse of a beard.

"Yeah," Levi answered.

"I'm Nile, Chief of the station." He boasted. He seemed more proud of this statement then actually acted like he was concerned about what the hell just happened to me. Before he could speak any further, a door down the hall thrust open; Erwin standing there with frantic eyes on me.

"Rebel," He called and rushed over to me. "Are you okay? Are you hurt? They told me what happened. Jesus, first your mother now you. Are you sure your okay? What did he do to you?" As questions tumbled out of him he held onto my shoulders. I stared up at him with wide eyes and repeatedly nodded. His big, electric blue eyes stared down at me, filled with concern.

"I'm okay," I reassured him. But as I felt his warm touch on my damp shoulders and his eyes just as kind, all I could see was my dad. And those words.

Because I promised your father I would.

I lost it. I couldn't stop the tears as they flooded down my face. "Fuck," I whispered in a crackled and fragile voice as I covered my mouth with my hand. Erwin pulled me quickly into a hug, my face pressed against his chest as I let out a few wails. I could feel the uncomfort reek off Nile and Levi (And even a little bit from Erwin) so I let out as much as needed, and pushed myself away. I composed myself and wiped away my blurry eyes. Expecting Levi to have his sour expression from my sudden cry, I was taken back when I saw the look of desperation heavy in his grey eyes.

"I'm sorry about that," I muttered to the floor.  

"Can you tell me now what happened?" Nile asked, sounding impatient. I briefly explained my situation, but was careful not to mention Levi or his phone.

"Did the man say his name?" Questioned Nile.

"...Kenny." I whispered, fighting my gaze from Levi. But I could not. My eyes were on him like a strong magnet. "Kenny Ackerman."

Levi didn't even flinch as Erwin hitched his breath. He just stared back at me. I wanted to hug him and punch him all at once. Because he knew this. He knew this all along.

But he didn't want this. He never did, and yet he stood back and watched it all. Up until I was finally in danger. Its like watching a bully torment a kid on the playground, and you don't do anything until its finally gone too far.

"Rebel," Levi began, reaching out for me. "I'm sorry."

"You say that way too much to me." I spat, taking a step back.

"Did you know about this?" Nile raised a suspicious eyebrow.

Levi paused a beat, then slowly exhaled the words. "Yes. But not about Rebel."

"I find that hard to believe." Nile squinted his eyes.

"I saved her, didn't I?" Barked Levi.

"But you didn't save my mother!" I felt a scream pour out of me. The three males were startled by my bellow, all of their gaze locked on me. I felt my hands tingle with rage, the tip of my nose burning. "Why did you let this happen? How could you? Fuck you, Levi Ackerman, fuck you!"