kingdom of the broken

VII

"What happened?"

I glanced up, Jona was standing there. I was currently in the fetal position, just blankly sitting there.

"I didn't mean anything to him," I replied, my voice breaking.

"Hunter was an asshole. Stop worrying about him," Jona said, crossing his arms.

"That's not who-"

"Vic. I told you! What did he do? I'll kill him!" Jona yelled angrily.

"We were never in a relationship, Jona! I meant nothing to him!" I cried out, standing up.

"You're crying," Was the only thing he responded with, in a soft tone. And like that, I was in his arms again.

"I don't need your pity! I don't need you to always worry about me and comfort me! I don't need it!" I pushed myself out of his arms, stumbling back a bit.

"I don't need it," I said again, wiping the tears from my face. His look of surprise quickly melted into anger.

"You don't need it? Really? Because, if I remember correctly, you attempted suicide when I didn't give you it!" He growled, "Fine, I won't give you it."

As he stormed out, I sobbed into my hand pathetically.

///

Over the next couple weeks, my tank tops and short sleeved shirts turned to long sleeved shirts and hoodies. My tiny shorts and leggings turned into baggy jeans.

I walked down the street towards that cursed store. I slowly moved towards the front door and tapped it twice delicately. Three taps back.

I opened the door, a bell dinging softly above my head.

"How may I help you?" It was Molly.

I placed the bag on the counter, "Any fruit except cherries and blueberries and blackberries. Fill the bag," I said coldly, avoiding eye contact. I turned and walked towards the flowers. This time, there were black roses and lilies on display.

"Gemma, look, I'm-"

I cut her off, "Are you done? I think I want a bouquet of these roses as well,"

"Molly did she- Gemma..." Vic walked in from the back, making me turn towards him.

"Can you get me a bouquet of these flowers?" I asked with an impatient smile.

"I'm so sorry, Gemma. I really am," Vic walked up to me.

"How much-" He cut me off by pulling me into his arms and kissing my lips delicately. My eyes fluttered shut. Luke's lips fitted against mine perfectly, like a puzzle piece. His arms wrapped around my small body, his left hand pressing against my lower back and his right hand cradling my ice cold cheek. Both my hands wrapped around his wrists. The front of my body pressed up to his.

When he pulled away, I opened my eyes and looking up at him, subconsciously biting my lip. He moved his hand so he was cupping my jaw and pulled my lower lip from between my teeth gently. Then, Vic moved his hand back to my sunken cheek and ran his thumb over my cheekbone lightly.

"I'm sorry," He spoke tenderly, his breath ghosting over my lips.

"Why?" My voice was barely over a whisper.

"Because, I-"

"Why did you lead me on?" I cut him off, tears gathering in my eyes.

"I was stupid, okay? I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," Vic wiped the tears as soon as they fell, "I want to be with you, Gemma. Not her."

"That'll be 35," Molly spoke from behind Vic. She held out the bag of fruit and the bouquet of roses. I detached myself from Vic, him not allowing me to move until the last second. Before I could hand the money to Molly, Vic brought me into his embrace again.

"I want you to be in my arms forever," He said in a hushed tone to me.

After I collected the fruits and flowers and paid my debt, I walked out without a second glance.