all that we got | adopted by zerkaa

✧ CHAPTER SEVEN ✧

Silence. Awkward, awkward silence. Uncomfortable silence. The shock-stricken silence that I caused. Why did I have to open my mouth? Why did I have to say that? Idiot.

The adults glanced between one another, holding conversations with their eyes. Josh's eyes fell upon me with confusion, shock, and just the slightest bit of disgust. I didn't know if that was aimed towards me or what I said, but I lowered my gaze away from his. He'd probably hurt me worse if I stared too long.

Simon still held his hand out, pushing it towards me, but I picked myself off the pavement, shoving his hand away. He jerked his hand away, giving me an apologetic look, though I knew he couldn't possibly mean it.

I quickly stormed past everyone, their eyes following me as I headed in the direction of Josh's car. The boys quickly bid each other their goodbyes before Josh, JJ, Simon, and Vik dashed after me.

I climbed into the car, Vik on one side of me while Simon scrambled in on my other side. Ethan couldn't take JJ back so he tagged along in the front seat while Josh got behind the wheel.

I hunched my shoulders so neither of them were brushing up against anyone, and I kept my legs held tightly against each other. I didn't even want to look at them, let alone touch them.

My eyes focused out of the windshield, where I could watch the shops and buildings fly past. I knew the others were sharing words with their eyes, but I ignored it. I felt subtle glances at me from Vik and Simon, but my will was stronger than their gazes, so I didn't turn to them.

I flicked my eyes to the mirror settled at the top of the car, where my eyes met Josh's. I quickly lowered mine while I heard a quiet sigh come from Josh's mouth. That was the only sound during the whole car ride. Then we were surrounded by more awkward, uncomfortable, shock-stricken silence.

I couldn't help but replay the events over and over again. The slam of my body into Simon's back. The cold, hard contact of the pavement. The true and real fear I felt in my gut when Simon's hand moved towards me. The squeak of my voice echoing around the lot as I begged him not to hurt me. The emotions striking through everyone's eyes.

I closed my eyes as it flashed through my head again and again. That moment only led to my kind reliving more memories of my past. The dark, cruel times I couldn't hide from. The ones I couldn't escape because it was imprinted in my brain.

By the time Josh turns into the driveway of the house, tears are brimming my eyes, threatening to spill over like the waterfall of thoughts rushing through my head.

I slid out of the car after Vik, who shut the door after I had gotten out completely. I hurried after Josh, who was focused on unlocking the front door. He didn't even know I was right behind him.

As soon as he opened the door, I pushed past him, heading for the staircase. My pace is a fast walk, just slow enough not to be considered a run. I didn't get far, though.

"Ellie! Wait!" Josh called behind me.

I didn't stop, I just kept going. I wasn't going to stop. The minute I stopped I was doomed.

He ran after me, his footsteps echoing around me. His long legs caught up to me just as I reached the staircase. I gripped the banister, turning slightly to look at him. His eyes held mine as the other boys followed in behind him, watching the scene unfold.