Sinclair Secrets

Chapter 26: No Huuugs!

ZED's POV

I took Elle near the staircase. Away from prying eyes.

"Hey," I said softly as I let her lean on the jewel.

Her eyes, they changed. The warmth that's usually there was gone. There was coldness there even when her gaze were soft. I felt it. Because I've been there. I've seen it.

"Zed." Her voice. It was eerily calm. Different from her usual cheerful and exuberant self.

"How are you?"

"I'm fine," she said, smiling. But I saw through it.

I reached out to mess her hair. My sweet Ariella. What did he do to you?

A few blonde locks fell to her face and she scowled. I pulled her and messed her hair all over. She tried to fend me off but I just laughed at her.

"Stop it! Sto-op! Your so annoying," she whined.

I just grinned at her. She's so cute. "Yeah, that's me. Now, come 'ere."

I pulled her to me and hugged her.

"What r'you doing?"

'Getting my Sweet Ariella back.'

"No huuuugs!" She tried to peel me off but I wouldn't budge.

I just laughed. She's really cute. "But I like hugs! And you look like you really need it."

"Noooo!"

She tried to pinch my sides but I held her still, laughing. "Yes, you dooo." She gave up struggling a moment later with a huff and I squeezed her to me to annoy her even more.

'I'll make her really smile again no matter what.'

I would do a Mr. Bean Dance, play clown, jump in the rings of fire or even cross a 30-meter rope in a rockettes costume if that would make her smile again.

I did a double take when I looked down though. Standing at the foot of the stairs from the third floor is the bastard himself, Vaughn. He had stopped half step on the stairs and was looking at us wide-eyed and confused. His right hand positioned on the railing.

'Lookit the bastard who hurt my Sweet Ariella. Prick doesn't deserve her friendship.'

Taking my attention off him, I looked at Ariella again. She looked up at me. She wasn't scowling anymore. Instead, I saw her deep sad eyes. It tugged my heart how lonely she is.

I smiled at her and kissed her forehead.

"You'll be alright," I whispered. I hugged her once more before I steered her back to our room making sure she doesn't get a sight of him.

'She'll be alright because I'll make it happen. I'll protect her however I can.

I've heard about the rumors too. The kids were just so gullible to believe every other lie about anybody in this place.

Lunchtime came and even I sensed how our classmates and everybody else looks at Ariella and Vaughn.

I dashed to her right away and held her hand. "Let's go?"