Moving on with the Bully (Book 2 of the Bullied Series)

Chapter 11

There's a lowkey graphic moment in this. You've been warned. 

Marinette's POV

We got back from the hospital late, and I collapsed into Adrien's bed. He was asleep next to me within minutes. Except I wasn't asleep even though my body ached for some shuteye. I sat there, facing the ceiling. How would I be able to sleep knowing they were out there? 

As I started to feel my body shake, Adrien rolled over and put his arms around me. "Marinette, go to sleep."

"I can't," I said. 

"Okay then," he started. "Close your eyes, and think about something happy."

I closed my eyes, and tried to think about a happy memory. It took a minute, but eventually I was transported back to the London Eye. I smiled to myself as I thought about the beautiful London sights. I remembered looking back toward Adrien who was smiling like crazy. 

"I'll protect you, Marinette," he swore to me. 

He was very capable of protecting me, and I knew that. I wasn't scared about what my parents could do to me; I was petrified about what they might do to Adrien, Natalie, or even Gorilla. These people have become my family, and if anything happened to them, I don't know if I would be able to forgive myself. 

"Good night, Marinette," Adrien whispered, and planted a kiss on my forehead. 

Even with his reassurance, I couldn't sleep for another hour. 

LE TIME SKIP

I had made the decision that morning before anybody woke up. It was around six in the morning, and I had to be smart about the next few moves I made. I couldn't let Adrien figure out what I was doing. If he found out I was trying to leave, he would stop me. 

He got out of bed about twenty minutes after I woke up. I pretended like I was still sleeping. He went into the bathroom, and I heard him run the water for a shower. He came back into the room again to lay out his clothes on the bed. He went back in the bathroom to shower and do other mundane morning activities. I sat in bed, and went over my plan over and over. 

I was going to feign sick. I would assure Adrien that I didn't need him to stay with me, and tell him to go to school. He would eventually let me stay while he headed off to school. From there, I would write a note to him. Then, I would go back to my parents, and pray the punishment wouldn't kill me. 

When Adrien came back into the room with a towel wrapped around his waist, I almost forfeited the plan. He was so sweet, helpful, and not to mention handsome as all hell. I especially noticed how good looking he was with the water dripping down his bare, muscular chest. His abs seemed to be glowing from the light filtering through the window. I had to look away, and repeat that me leaving was for the best. 

He changed as I thought about what I would write as a goodbye to him. Everything I thought of didn't sound right. 

"Marinette," Adrien said in a singsong voice. He walked toward the bed, fully clothed, and crouched down right beside the bed. He stared at me for a few seconds, and I had to will myself to not blush. "It's time to get up, sleepy head." He caressed my cheek to coax me awake. I pretended to wake up even though I could have spent the rest of my life like that. 

"Good morning, Adrien," I whispered.

His face lit up at my groggy sounding voice. "We're leaving in half an hour for school, so if you need to shower, I'd do it now."

It was time to commence the first part of the plan. I rolled in the bed, and made a groaning noise. I held my stomach for emphasis. 

"Marinette?" Adrien asked, soudning worried. He walked back toward the bed, and put his hand on my side; he rubbed my ribs affectionately. "You okay?"