Bittersweet Endings

Chapter Seventeen

I woke to the sound of people talking in hushed voices outside the door. My guess would be all the guys saw Jesse's bike was back and went looking for me, when they couldn't find me they came here to ask Jesse and discovered me in his bed. This was sure to be interesting. 

I couldn't make out the whole conversation but the bits I could hear included what do you think you are doing, possibly casteration and Jesse telling everyone to be quiet otherwise they could wake me.

Standing up I wrapped the throw blanket he had at the end of the bed around my shoulders and made my way out of the room. As soon as I opened the door everyone stopped talking and just stared at me. Not saying a word I continued down to the lounge room and got comfortable again. Waiting until everyone was seated, grateful Jesse had sat next to me.

I was waiting for them all to start talking at once but when I grabbed Jesse's hand it seemed to all just click for them.

"Well about damn time." Max exclaimed.

"Why didn't you just tell us before?" John questioned, looking at Jesse.

"You all wouldnt really let me get a word in." Jesse replied.

And that was that. Nothing else needed to be said because they all got it. With that John and Caleb got up and went into the kitchen, a few minutes later delicious scents filled the room. I rested my head on the edge of the lounge waiting for dinner to be ready. The guys put another movie on and we all sat around eating and laughing just like family should, Tristan even joined us which made me happy that the guys welcomed him.

Looking at my phone I had several more missed calls from my family, Scott's parents and even Scott himself. I'm not sure why he would be calling me I wanted nothing more to do with him. I really wasn't looking forward to tomorrow, except for the faxt that mum and dad would be getting served my emancipation letters. They would officialy have no more control over my life. It was as school I wasn't looking forward to. I didn't know if Scott would be there or if anyone had found out what happened to me or the rumours that would be flying.

"I better head home, school tomorrow and all that." I let everyone know.

Saying goodnight I made my way down the hall. Jesse followed me and reminded me I could call him if I needed him and that he'd come straight down and that he'd be taking me to school tomorrow. I knew that was mainly because he was hoping to see Scott as he had a few things to say to him.

I nodded my head and said goodnight. Tristan was staying here too so I knew I'd be okay. Closing the door I made my way to my room and collapsed on the bed falling straight back to sleep.

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I heard my alarm going off but I wasn't ready. Despite everything I had been through the unknown of what the others from my school knew scared me. I would be able to deal with whatever was thrown my way I just didn't like the thought of others knowing my business.

I snoozed it a couple of times before I had no option but to get up. Grabbing clothes I had a quick shower and got ready. Entering the kitchen I found Tristan at the breakfast bar, bag at his feet. I felt my face drop I knew he'd have to go back eventually but I still wasn't ready for it.

"I'll come visit more and you can come visit me more." He said before I had a chance to get anything out. 

I nodded my head and wrapped my arms around him giving him a tight hug.

"Thank you for been there for me through all of this. I'll miss you." I replied.

He told me he'd miss me too and that he'd always be there for me before picking up his bag and heading off. A couple of minutes later in walked Jesse it was either good timing or Tristan had sent him. I was trying not to be sad about it but it was hard.

I finished getting ready for school and followed Jesse out to the carpark. He unlocked his car and I climbed in. The drive consisted of him reassuring me that it would all be fine and it didn't matter what anyone knew or thought. We knew the truth and thats what mattered. I was grateful for his reassurance.

It didn't take long to pull up at the school and I got out. Jesse followed suit, before I could say goodbye he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in close. People were staring now but I didn't let it bother me. I enhaled Jesse's scent and let it relax me. He was right it didn't matter about anyone else because those who did matter knew the truth. 

Jesse reminded me that if I needed anything to call him and he'd be right here. I told him I'd be fine, said my goodbyes and headed off to find Luke and Megan. It didnt take me long to find them, people still staring. It would be a shock for them to see me letting someone touch me.

Once I founded them we headed around to the spot where I could smoke so that I could fill them in on what happened. I told them everything including what happened with Ian. Anger flashed across Lukes face but I reassured him the boys had taken care of it. Megan hugged me and promised she'd be there no matter.

Hearing the bell ring we headed off to class. Whispering followed me down each hallway but I wasn't going to let it bother me. I passed Scott and held my head high, he went to approach me but the look that crossed my face made him stop. He would find out what was happening soon enough. I had no idea if he'd spoken to our parents or not. Either way after today the wedding was off.

The day passed quickly. Megan and Luke offering their support every chance they could. The whispers continued but noone approached me about them. Jesse was waiting for me in the carpark and the relief that flooded through me was welcome. He checked in to make sure I was okay and then took me to the bike dealership much to his dismay as it meant I wouldn't need him to drive me around.

We finished our business quickly and headed home. I was exhausted. I got comfortable on my lounge and waited for everyone to join us. We were having dinner and movies at my place tonight. The feeling of family didn't surprise me anymore because these guys are my family. With Jesse been much more.

I recieved messages from both my lawyer and the police. My parents had been served and despite the fact they weren't happy there was nothing they could do. They would have to find another way to merge the businesses. I was finally free of them. Ian had woken at the hospital and been taken into police custordy. Given all the evidence he was going to be locked away for a long time.

They were hoping to settle out of court but I reassured them I would testify if needed. Everything was finally falling into place and I now realised I might be able to move on and finally heal. Surrounded by people who I care about and who care about me.