Stay Strong (IM5/Dana Vaughns)

Chapter 22: Secrets

CITYS POV

"It all started in the beginning of 4th grade." I explained. "As a kid, I was kind of poor, my dad worked as the assistant to this major banker who's son went to my school and my mom worked as a Macy's saleswoman, both barely getting minimum wage. I went to this big fancy private school under a scholarship since my parents couldn't afford it. When I first got there, no one cared about my financial situation. But when I got to fourth grade, I started getting teased and bullied a lot!"

"One day in 6th grade, I got invited to the my dad's boss son's Halloween party. I was so excited. My dads boss was nice to me and he let me borrow a costume since I couldn't afford it. When I got to the party, I went to go change into the costume. It was a maids outfit. At first I didn't think about it, but when I got downstairs and the other kids started asking me to get their drinks and food and to clean up stuff, I knew. I was nothing but the help to them. I ran out of there, costume and everything and took the bus home. When I got home, I saw all the pictures they posted online with all these mean comments about how stupid, poor and beneath them I am. I just couldn't help I-I"

Lily laid here head on shoulder, practically in tears at the moment. All the boys, they were seating on the couches listening to my every word, trying not to look like they were going to kill someone.

"I tried to kill myself!" I screamed before getting up and running out the door. I ran as fast as I could. I just didn't want to be there to see their reactions. I couldn't take the look of disappointment that would show up on Gabe's face, the look of 'the freak show' the boys would give me now on. I just couldn't take it.

It was dark. The only thing nearby that I saw was a small park. I just laid on the bench and cried. I cried until I feel asleep on the bench.

COLE'S POV

After City broke down and ran out, Lily tried to run after her. I tried to tell Lily that City needs her space but she would listen. So I did what any good boyfriend would do. I picked her up, threw her over my shoulder and carried her into her apartment.

"Cole please put me down." Lily begged on the way up.

"Don't worry we're almost there." I told her. When we got to her apartment I dropped her ma she immediately started pacing around the room.

"This is all my fault." Lily repeated. "This is all my fault. I should've have been there for her. I should have gone to that party and been there for her! THIS IS ALL MY FAULT!" Lily eventually couldn't take it anymore and fell on the couch, sobbing.

"Lily it's not your fault. You didn't know this was gonna happen. You didn't think this was gonna happen." I said, laying her head in my lap, stroking her hair.

"But I should've have noticed the signs." Lily cries. "I should've have noticed the teasing, how she was depressed just out of the blue, her bullies invite her to their party. I should've have known."

"There was nothing you could do." I told her. Lily looks at me, tears stains all over her face.

"I'm gonna kill that son of a bitch!" Lily yelled.

"You know who did it?" I asked her.

She nodded. "It was Max. The guy who tried to rape her at the reunion. Him, his brother and girlfriend." She leans on my shoulder and begins to cry even more.

I place my two fingers under her chin and move her face to look at mine. As I'm staring into her beautiful eyes, she does the unexpected and leans in to kiss me. But this wasn't one of our soft and sweet kisses. This was getting very heated very fast.

"Lily are you sure you want to do this? Right now? After everything that's going on?" I asked her and she starts to unbuttoned my shirt.

"Yeah I'm positive. It'll help me take my mind off anything that is going on." With that I picked her up and carried her to her room.

DANA'S POV

After City ran out, everyone went to their rooms and locked themselves in. Gabe and I just sat there, still in shock.

Gabe was broken down, I never seen him this hurt before. "Dana I'm sorry for yelling at you guys. I'm sorry for being so strict on you two. I just didn't want to see her get hurt." He let out a deep sigh before continuing. "But I've seen that, that happened a long time ago. You make her stronger, not weaker. And if it helps, I give you two my blessing."

I smiled. I couldn't believe this was finally happening. "Thank you so much Gabe!" I said squeezing the living crap out of him.

"Okay, okay. Let go!" He laughed. I finally let go of him and he took a big sigh of relief. "Now if you don't mind, I have a lost cousin to find."

"I'm coming with you. She's my girlfriend." I said, smirking.

"Take it easy." Gabe chuckles before we head towards his car.

***

Gabe and I were driving all around the neighborhood, knowing she couldn't have gotten far on foot. We finally pull up and drive slowly around the park, City's safe haven.

I got out of the car to see City lying on the bench, asleep and shivering. "Babe, wake up." I said lightly shaking her. She groaned. "Come its me wake up." Her eyes finally flutter open and she smiled when she saw me.

"Hey." she whispered.

"Hey." I stood her up and pulled her close to me. "It's okay. No matter what I'm here for you." she nodded and smiled again. "No lets go home."

"Sorry Dana I can't go home yet." she said.

"Why not?"

"Because I can't face Gabe yet." she choked, letting out a few tears. "I can't see the look of disappointment on his face."

"No, no, no." I said tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear. "He is not disappointed, just worried about you. Come on he's in the car."

I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her towards the car.

CITY'S POV

I got into the car and I saw Gabe in the front seat. I was going to say something but decided to be quiet. The entire car ride back was silent and I knew Gabe was upset.

When we got back to the boy's house, I ran back to the guest room and just laid on the bed.

"Vero, can I come in?" Gabe knocked.

"Sure." I said, muffled by my pillow.

Gabe walked in and sat next to me, stroking my hair. "Hey Vero. Dana told me what you said him." I groaned, at my loud mouth boyfriend.

"Are you mad at me?" I muffled into my pillow.

"No. I'm not mad, I'm just worried. Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" He spoke softly.

"Because I thought you would be disappointed in me. I thought you would be mad I made such a stupid decision. I thought you would hate me. I thought everyone would hate me."

"No one is disappointed in you. We were all just worried that you didn't tell us sooner. We all just want to be there to help you."

"Thank you Gabe." I hugged him. "I love you."

"I love you too." he kissed my forehead and I fell asleep.