The Guilt Consumes

Chapter 08

L  I  A  M • B  A  X  T  E  R

I don't understand. What did I do wrong? Was it something I said? Was it something I did? Was it what happened yesterday in my room? Because I didn't mean to make her feel uncomfortable. But she didn't need to be a bitch about it all.

"So, have you decided yet?" I roll my eyes. Why can't she just leave me alone?

"Yes, and I'm still not doing it" I tell her.

"Why?" I turn around giving Ariana my full attention.

"Because, I'm not heartless like you" I tell her through gritted teeth. She pouts her lips and swings back on her heels.

"I need this to be done" she tells me sweetly.

"And why, why do you need it to be done?" I ask her folding my arms over my chest.

"Because... because..." she mutters thinking of something to say.

"Because you don't have a reason. That's why" I fill in for her. She scowls at me and releases a puff of breath.

"No actually, that's not the reason" she tells me bluntly.

"Okay then. Please, enlighten me" I sit down on my bed while she sits on my computer desk swinging her legs back and forth.

"I can't tell you" she mutters under her breath.

"Why?" I ask her a little more intrigued.

"How about we make a deal?" I nod my head encouraging her to carry on talking. "If you do this for me, then I'll tell my mum and yours to let you run your own life. You won't have to constantly look over your shoulder for me. I won't be a burden on you. I'll tell them that I'm okay and that I don't need to be kept an eye on at all" I nod my head thinking about this. It is what I've always wanted. To be away from her and babysitting her. I could get my life back... if I agree to this.

"There's a slight run-in to your plan though" I inform her. She perks one eyebrow up. "You were raped. They won't just say 'oh okay Ari, you can be left alone so you can be a target again' and I don't think I'll have a choice." I clarify. She sighs and nods her head understanding.

"Just leave the parents to me. If I say, that I'm okay, they can't say anything." I purse my lips. I'm not backing down. When is the next time I'll get this offer?

"Okay. So you want me to record it all?" I ask her. She nods her head. "Why? I thought you already know?" She bites the inside of her mouth.

"I don't know if I'm sure about it that's why. I need to make sure what I'm thinking is the real reason. You just do what i need so you can be free" she tells me and I roll my eyes but there's a smirk playing on my lips.

"You make me sound like I'm in prison for being wrongfully accused" I muse and she giggles while rolling her eyes.

"So, it's a deal?" She asks me. I nod but then sigh realising recent events. "What?" She asks me wearily.

"We may have a problem." I tell her.

"And that problem is...?" She asks me more concerned.