LOVE IMPERFECTION

5*

Lily's POV.

The only time I get to have some peace during the day is when I spare an hour or two in the park during the evenings. Granted, I would enjoy the sight of so many people freely roaming around the street, some enjoying a good moment walking their dog or with their kids.

Today was no different, except that I found myself brooding over the life, that brought tears to my eyes. It just happens to be me, who's mother left as a baby. I always use to think that a mother's love for her child is different than the rest of the world's, I guess my mother wasn't included in that group.

My mood ran down the street, leaving me with a mixed thought and a packed lunch.

"Do you want some more?". He must be very hungry, seeing as he finished it quickly.

He shook his head shyly "No, thanks".

"Where do you live?". He wiped his mouth and forwarded the food box to me. All of a sudden a basketball came flying out of nowhere and landed on the plastic food box.

I stood up quickly, startled and looking around, BC did the same. Adrian was standing with two older boys each holding a basketball.

Oh crap. What are they doing here?.

It felt as though the ground should swallow me as fear engulfed me, I wasn't ready or expecting another hurtful, embarrassment event.

Bc and I exchange dismayed look.

"What are you guys doing here?. Smooching?"..  They let out a bark of laughter.

I felt bemused, staring at the boy infront of me, devoid of all human pity.

"You think I wouldn't be able to find you outside school." He smirked his signature annoying smirk throwing his ball towards BC. The ball came flying at BC's head, he raised his hand in the air to catch it but they tricked him, throwing another ball that hit him hard on the stomach, his back arch.

My eyes widen, another ball landed on his head with such an impact that he fell to his knees, fear was visible all over his eyes.

I didn't know what to do so I also went on my knee asking him if he's okay, he gave me a look mixed with fear and pity.

"Stop it Adrian" I wanted to shout at a strong voice, maybe people will come to our rescue. But fear took over my voice  it came out shaky. Curse this certain secured side of the park.

" stop please" I cried.

"No lily, don't cry. I won't hurt you". Adrian said feigning pity. "He will hurt you". His voice turned cold, pointing at bc.

His two friends grabbed bc, clamping him by the shoulder.

"Here boy, take this". He leaned in and whispered into bc's ear.

"Hit her, just like I hit you in the head and gut with it". He instructed bluntly. I felt a rush of adrenaline.

I stood there feeling my stomach twisting into knots. I know BC is scared of them, I won't blame him if he did. I closed my eyes shut feeling my head swirling.

"Hit her or I will trash you." Adrian shouted, my eyes shot open. For a moment I felt surprise wash over me as bc continuously shook his head.

"Fine". Adrian huffed of exasperation, driving punches into bc's gut.

"Stop, stop it". I ran to them using all my strength to try push them away from BC. But Adrian push me and I fell on my face.

"Hit her I said". He commanded with gritted teeth.

BC shook his head making Adrian more angrier. He clenched his jaw and fist punching hard into BC's gut.

I jolted towards them, pushing him and begging him to stop.

He pushed me again and kept punching bc till he got satisfied. He raised a hand at his friends, they let go of BC and he fell to the ground groaning in pain.

With tears running down my cheeks I ran to him and went on my knees. I didn't know what to do, or who to call.

I ran down the street to get a cab, maybe to take him to the hospital, not minding that those bullies could still hurt me. Then I remembered I had no money on me.

I ran back to him, he was rolling and groaning in pain.

"BC, stay here...I will..I will be right back" I said in a haste with a shaky voice.

I wiped my tears and ran back home, my dad wasn't in the house but the front door was wide open. I searched around for him, I was about to shout his name when my eyes caught his wallet.

I wasn't in a good state of mind, i opened it, removed some money and ran out of the house.

I called a cab, the cab driver helped me put BC in the car and I took him to the hospital.

I sat with him on the back sit as I weep.

"Am so sorry" I whispered.

"Am sorry". I repeated, feeling miserable for not helping. I didn't know what to do. I am just a weak miserable being.

BC mufffled but I shush him, I wasn't the one that was just beaten but I felt his pain. Its all my fault, I could have done something but I didn't. I just stood there like the coward I was.

My chest was heating up and my cry intensified.

***

I took BC to the hospital, a doctor checked on him and gave him pain killers and sleeping pills, he slept for Two hours. Then the doctor told us we are free to go but to be careful, he gave us such a lecture about getting ourselves into fights, if only he knew.

"Where's your house?" I asked him so that the taxi driver can take him.

"No, take me back to the park, I will go myself" he replied softly.

"But you are hurt?"

"I will manage" he said.

I reluctantly agreed even though I wanted to take him home and maybe explain to his parents.

We drove in silence till we reach the park, we stepped out of the cab and I paid.

"I am sorry". I apologize sadly turning to him.

He gave me an apologetic smile and walked away in a hurry despite his pain.

I sighed and walked back home. My dad was busy pacing around when I entered.

"Dad!".

"Lily, Hi". His forehead wrinkled with worry.

"What's wrong dad?".

"I could have sworn, I left it here". He looked puzzled.

Then I remembered I came in earlier and took money from his wallet, I must have thrown it somewhere he couldn't find.

First I looked under the table couch, luckily it was right there.

"Here it is". He took it from me with a smile. I chewed on the inside of my cheek.

"Am sorry dad but I took some money from your wallet earlier". I admitted.

His face creased. "Lily! why would you do that?". He asked not even the slightest hint of anger in his tone.

*

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