My New Boyfriend (Sequel to My New Brother)

Part 6

I didn't have any classes with Braden this year except for P.E. but we had seperate coaches and weren't allowed to speak to each other. It just so happened that Monica was in that class with me.

"Hey freak how come you left school after the party, were you too embarrassed to show your face after everything?"

"I was actually visiting family in Seattle." I said simply.

She smirked. "Yeah whatever. I know you and Braden made some dumb suicide pact."

I raised an eyebrow. "Where do you even come up with these things? You and I both know that is bullshit. Do you really find entertainment telling everyone that we tried to kill ourselves? I suppose they thought that we died."

"Monica, Hallie get back to stretching!" Then he turned to me and said "Wait, are you Hallie Coleman?" 

I nodded.

"Go to the councilors office. Where is Braden Coleman?" 

I pointed towards Braden. The coach talked with Braden's coach for a moment and Monica blew a kiss as Braden and I walked to the councilor's.

"What's all this about?" He asked.

"I think it has to do with that rumor Monica started about us being dead. She said it was a suicide pact. Just don't let it get to you. We'll sort this all out."

"Hallie it's the fucking first day of school and we already have tons of shit to sort out!"

"I know." I said sadly. "If it gets too hard we could always ask mom and dad to get us in a different school."

He frowned at me. "It won't matter anyway. This is all bullshit. The torture won't end till high school is over or till I drop out."

I didn't say anything back becuase I knew what he was saying was true. Even when we went all the way to Seattle we had to deal with Makena and Tony, who are different versions of Monica and Michael. No matter where we go there was always going to be someone that didn't like us and therefore was mean to us.

When we went to the councilor's office I went in first so that Braden didn't have to.

"Hallie?! Braden?! You're alive?" My councilor said. 

I rolled my eyes at the dumbass infront of me.

"Of course we're alive, someone started a rumor and we're here to confirm it was not true."

"Rumor?" The councilor asked.

"Monica Pearson spread around that we had a suicide pact." I said.

He looked confused.

"Ms. Coleman I know nothing of such rumors. I've called you here reguarding Mr. Coleman. I wanted to make sure he was alive and well after the incident last March."

For the second time today I saw Braden mentally freaking out. The look of terror was clear on his face and I knew he didn't want to talk about it.

"Look, everything is fine now." I said. Although I really wasn't so sure.

"You don't say that with much confidence Ms. Coleman." He said.

Braden spoke up, shocking us both. "I don't have to tell you anything. It's fine now. Please don't ask anything more about this. It's my life and it's bad enough it was on the news for the world to see. It's none of your business and as far as I'm concerned it's an invasion of privacy."

"I just wanted to make sure you're taking everything okay now. That you're safe and taking proper care of yourself."

"I'm fine." Braden said. "Hallie's mom and dad have got me a therapist and I am perfectly safe with them. I am doing wonderful according to my therapist."

I knew this was all total bullshit to cover up having to deal with this man.

The councilor just nodded.

"Child abuse is serious." He said. "I'm glad you're getting along well. How are you dealing with the rape?"

This man was asking way to much of Braden.

"Look Mr. Wade, you're asking a very touchy subject. By law Braden does not have to answer that question. I get that you're trying to help him and all but that isn't necessary. Now if you'd excuse us, we'd better be getting back to gym."

"Oh yes of course." Mr. Wade said.

Braden and I immediently left.

"Are you okay?" I asked later.

"Look Hallie, school really isn't for me. I'm sure mom and dad will understand-"

"They won't." I said. "They never understand. You of all people would know that."

He sighed. "I wish they would." 

"I know, me too. If they were understanding, nice people then I would willingly tell them that we are in a relationship."

Braden shrugged. "I love you and you love me but you know it's not normal. Our relationship is complicated and we have to put me before any love in this whole thing. It isn't fair to you."

I had never even thought for a minute that I put more effort into our relationship than Braden.

"Don't be silly Braden. I love you and will do things for you. I want you to get better. I can see that we have to hide our relationship and can't do much as a couple but we will get there someday."

But he just had a really strange, unsure look. I think he thought he was a burden or something.