The Other Side Of Fear[1]

Chapter 23

I stuttered unclear words as I gawped at Cal storming away from the scene, Kayne laid on the ground clutching his bloody nose, Orla glancing around at each of us with little Darcy now in her arms and April stood right by me, staring at my blank facial expression, waiting for me to speak.

Cal stopped walking and paused before turning to look at me with an irritated expression; he was waiting for me to follow yet I had no clue what to do right now. What the fuck had just happened?

'Bethan, you don't have to go with him,' April said, slowly. 'Although, it would be nice to know what the hell is going on right now?'

'Just move it, Bethan!' Cal yelled.

Out of all of the things that had just happened in the last five minutes, hearing Cal actually say my name out loud was what had seemed to send me into this strange form of shock. It didn't sound right hearing his voice say it but it was strangely invigorating.

'Someone explain what the fuck just happened right now!' Seamus's voice caused everyone to jump.

'He's a prick,' Kayne grunted as he got to his feet.

'Why did he just kick your ass?' Orla asked.

'Because he's a damn pervert that's why!' April spat. 'Tried to fucking force himself on Bethan!'

'She wanted it!' Kayne snarled.

'Fuck's sake!' Cal barked at Kayne, making us all flinch again. 'I won't hesitate to break your fucking-.'

'Shut the fuck up!' Kayne yelled back.

'You fucking deserve it!' April shouted at him.

I could feel the stress levels in my body increasing rapidly as I took in the arguments of the Lakey family around me. This was all my fault for coming here; this whole argument was centred around me and I knew it was best for me to leave.

'I think I'll go with him,' I said, moving for the porch steps.

'No, Bethan,' April pulled me back. 'You don't have to do what he says. Kayne will leave.'

'Like fuck I will,' the pervert snarled.

'No really, I think it's better if I go,' I smiled calmly.

Cal turned and began heading back across the yard upon hearing my words.

'Why would you go with Cal?' April asked. 'What's going on?'

'I don't know,' I eyed her cautiously. 'I mean...nothing is going on. I have already met him a few times though.'

'How come?' she frowned. 'He doesn't associate with anyone yet he knows your name.'

'He just comes into the store that I work in that's all,' I lied.

'Oh,' she blinked. 'Well, please stay. My Dad will make Kayne leave.'

'No, April,' I gripped her arm reassuringly. 'Thank you but I really have caused enough trouble here. I'll take the ride from Cal and go home.'

'Okay then,' she nodded.

'See you in school,' I smiled. 'Thanks again for lunch, Orla.'

'You be careful on that damn bike with that young girl, Callan Lakey!' Orla yelled out.

I approached Cal's bike where he was sitting waiting for me, holding out the helmet as I neared, keeping his head down low.

'Callan?' I questioned in a teasing tone as I took the helmet.

'Shut the fuck up,' he grunted, pulling his own over his head and steadying himself on the bike.

I chuckled to myself as I climbed on the back and pulled my helmet over my head. Securing my arms around his body, which didn't feel as awkward this time, I waited for the roar of the bike starting and we quickly pulled away from the Lakey yard.