Death of the Perfect Girl

64- The Better Man

Poppy walked down the front steps with Liam.

"I just feel so disappointed," Liam shook his head. "I should be saying 'I told you so' but I liked the kid too. I thought he was good enough for you."

Poppy blocked Liam out concentrating on getting home. A group of boys skipped past them stopping at end of the steps.

"Poppy," one of them called out to her, cupping his hands around his mouth.

The other boys turned around.

"Still keepin' it tight?"

The boys laughed but one stared at Poppy.

She shook her head.

"What was that about?" Liam looked at her.

"I don't know and I don't give a sh*t," she glared at the ground as they walked past the group.

They started making their way towards Liam's car.

"Uh- Poppy?"

She sighed and turned to the voice calling her. "What?" She looked at the one not who couldn't laugh. Noah.

Liam stood with folded arms trying to show the guy that he didn't mind fighting for his friend.

"I'm not here to say anything dirty," Noah chuckled. "It's fine."

"Then what do you want?" Poppy raised her brows.

Noah shrugged. "I don't know. I just-," he looked at Liam. "Do you need him here?"

Poppy looked back at Liam. "I don't need him here, but I don't mind him being here. What do you want?"

Noah looked at the other guys then he leaned closer to Poppy. "I'll walk with you. I don't want them to hear what I'm telling you."

Poppy started walking away with Liam.

Noah quickly followed. He looked at her as they walked. "So...your name's Poppy?"

She glared at him.

"It is? I thought it was a nickname. Do you know my name?"

Poppy shrugged. "You play football. So yeah."

Noah furrowed his brows at her. "Are you...okay? You seem angry."

"It's a long story. Had a long day. That's it. What do you want?"

They stopped at Liam's car. He got in.

Noah stared at Poppy then he looked down. "I'm not sure if you heard as yet, but most of the guys from the team are claiming that you've slept with them."

Poppy's brows arched. She frowned and looked away.

Noah looked at her. "I'm...one of the guys."

She looked at him with wide eyes. "Why are you telling me this-"

"Because we're being blackmailed. I especially didn't want to do this. Then she gave me some story about you hurting her and I thought you deserved it."

"What changed your mind?"

"I saw who you were," he sulked. "I didn't know your name but I was at the back of our class when you got pushed by Chris. I felt bad for you but it was none of my business. So, I did nothing just like everyone else who wanted to help. I'm sorry. I honestly didn't want to do this to anyone whether they hurt her or not but I could end up in jail-"

"What is she blackmailing you for? Murder?"

"No," Noah snickered.

Poppy smiled a little.