The Weight of It All

Chapter 6

*Liv's POV*

I ran down the street, already knowing the way back to my house. The shock of what happened still resonating inside me, taking root in my brain.

My shirt was ripped, but I didn't care.

I didn't want to go home, not now. I've already suffered enough tonight. I don't need anymore violence for tonight. But where else was I gonna go? I had nowhere and no one to go to. I abruptly stopped running once I've realised this.

"Liv?" A familiar voice reached my ears. I spun around and came face to face with Noah. He was leaning against a tree, smoking a cigarette. My heart skipped a beat as his eyes locked with mine. Where did he come from? Was he at the party.

"Noah..." I started, not really knowing what I was about to say.

He squinted his eyes. It was dark out, so it was pretty difficult to see. He walked closer to me, a confused look spreading across his face. I realised what I must look like. My face... My shirt. I turned away from him before he saw me. I didn't want him to see. I would be so ashamed.

"Look at me." He commanded softly.

I didn't move. It was like my body didn't know how to. "Olivia. Look at me." He said again. I closed my eyes and sighed. I turned around and opened my eyes to see him glaring down at me.

"What the fuck happened?" He asked harshly. His hand lifted and I flinched. He froze, waiting for me to realise his intentions. He then slowly reached forward and cupped my cheek. My whole body relaxed as he touched me. My eyes fluttered closed as his thumb traced the broken skin on my cheek.

I ignored the sting. Wanting him to continue. It's been a long time since I've been touched so gently.

"Did he do this?" He spat, jerking his hand away from my face as if I burned him. My eyes widened, his demeanour suddenly changing. "I... N-no." I stuttered, not wanting to make Ryan angry. "You're lying." He spat. He then turned around and stomped away, towards Ryan's house.

I gasped realizing what he was going do to. "Stop! Noah!" I called, rushing after him. He stopped once I grabbed his hand and looked at me. "Do you even know what you look like?" He asked. I frowned. Of course I know what I look like. It's the whole reason for this situation. If I was beautiful, he wouldn't have hurt me.

"Please... just... don't" I whispered, defeated.

Noah looked down at me and frowned. "He hit you, Liv." He stated. I smiled at the nickname he gave me. I don't even know him and I already have a nickname. "He was drunk." I lied. "That's no excuse." He said angrily. His body was shaking. I didn't know if it was from the cold... or out of anger.

"Please Noah. He can't know you saw me. He'll get angry." I said.

After long moments, Noah sighed and took off his hoody. He held it out to me and I frowned, confused. "You're half naked, Olivia." He whispered. I blushed furiously, remembering the ripped shirt. But I was also weary of the hoody. It won't fit me. And if I tried, it would embarrass me.

"Put it on." He commanded. I gulped and shakily put the hoody on. Luckily it fit. And I was pleased to see it was too big for me. "Was... Did he... Did he rape you?" Noah asked, looking at my appearance. I looked at him with wide eyes. "No... He's never forced himself on me." I defended Ryan.

"You say it like that fact alone redeems him." Noah said, glaring at me.

I gulped and looked at my entwined fingers. "Do you want me to take you home?" He asked softly. My eyes widened and I quickly shook my head. "No! Please. My dad... He'll kill me." I said truthfully.

Noah sighed and gestured for me to follow him. "Well come on then." He said. I raised an eyebrow. "Come on Liv I'm not waiting for you the whole night." He grumbled. I suppressed a smile and followed him. "Where are we going?" I asked softly. "My house." He answered shortly.

I didn't know what to think of this. Ryan would be extremely angry if he knew I was even talking to Noah. Yet alone going to his house with him.

Noah lead me to a beautiful 1996 Shelby Mustang. Coal black with white racing stripes neatly placed on the hood and roof. My mouth watered just looking at it. "Like what you see?" Noah asked, opening the door for me. "It's... my favourite car." I said truthfully. And it was.

"Well get in then. Let's take her for a spin." He said in a soft voice. I glanced at him from the corner of my eyes and saw him staring at me intently. I hesitated... but then finally got in the car. What Ryan doesn't know won't hurt him right? Right.

Noah jogged to the other side of the car and sped off, leaving Ryan's house in the dust.

I forgot about Ryan and my dad and my weight... and just enjoyed the feeling of the leather seat against my palms. I couldn't stop the smile that spread on my face as Noah rolled the windows down, letting my black hair whip around in the car. I laughed as a piece of it went into Noah's eye.

He laughed with me and accelerated the speed as we sped down the highway, to heaven knows where. And for once... I felt contempt.

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Hay guys! so I'm really struggling here. I'm trying to show the difference Noah makes to Olivia's personality and I want to show it in bits and pieces like a picture unfolding.

I'm sorry this chapter is so short!

Please vote and comment if you like my story and follow me if you want to try some of my future works.

Thanks!