Safe?

Chapter 29

Steven showed us how to catch the bus back to his place and I was glad when we finally reached the front door.

“Ben, Lily!” Nancy exclaimed when she saw us. “How come you’re not with the boys?”

“They had a meeting with some coach…” I lied quickly hoping Ben wouldn’t let his horrendous mood affect his judgment.

“Oh… You should have called me! ”She said. “I’d have come and picked you up.”

“Don’t worry about it, Mrs. Davies…” I insisted. I felt exhausted after this endless day and wanted nothing more than get done with my homework, go for a run and cry myself to sleep.

“How did it go?” She asked cautiously.

“As expected, I imagine.” I sighed.

“Is there anything I could do that would make the two of you feel better?” She asked and I’m pretty sure we could have asked for quite a lot and got it, but I shook my head slowly.

“No, thank you, Mrs. Davies…”

“Luke, However, might need some cheering up…” Ben said coldly and I immediately punched him in the shoulder.

“Well, somebody has to say something…” He said in his defense.

“This is none of our business, Ben!” I exploded. “You had no right to interfere!”

“I have every fucking right, when the dude’s so fucked up in his head he doesn’t even notice he’s hurting my sis in the process…” He snapped.

“Fuck you, Ben!” I shouted.

“You know what, Lil?!” He answered calmly. “Fuck YOU!” The way he said it was like a slap in my face. “Can’t you see how painful it is for me to see them hurt you again and again ?!” He explained. “I couldn’t do much while I was in Texas, but now that I’m here, don’t think for one second that I’m going to stand there and let Luke or this Alison bitch hurt you the way they have for weeks now…”

“What is he talking about, Lily?” Nancy sounded broken-hearted.

I ignored her.

“Don’t do that, Ben…” I muttered. “Don’t destroy this family…”

“Don’t you see that by saying nothing you’re the one covering their lies?” He looked disappointed for some reason.

“These lies are not yours or mine to uncover Ben…” I defended.

“Ok, but tell me something then, Lil…” He said in a tone that turned my blood into ice. “How come you keep falling for boys who lead you on? Boys, who invariably use you and humiliate you… Boys like Jaymie, Luke or even Peter – I swear he’d better not show his face around here because best friend or not, he’s going to get a good feel of my fist if he dares come anywhere near you…” He forced himself to breathe deeply. “Why do you let them hurt you, Lil? Why do you keep finding them excuses for what they put you through?”

“I’m not doing it on purpose, Ben.” I said in a small voice. “I couldn’t know Peter would end up sacrificing his feelings for your friendship, could I?” I explained. “I knew nothing would ever happen with Jaymie…” I added. “As for Luke, we’ve never been anything but friends...”

“Don’t give me that, Lil!” He exclaimed. “The way the two of you are around each other, that’s no friendship…”

“Whatever, Ben…” I mumbled. “Maybe he was my substitute for you or something, but there’s never been anything else…” I shrugged. “I knew Alison was his priority for some reason…” I paused. “I just didn’t know why…”