Within the Walls of Kingsbury Prep (Kingsbury Prep #1)

15: The Humanity of Foundry

"Millie, where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you!" Lola runs over to me as I walk into the dorm.

"I just needed to clear my head. I'm so sorry Lola for going off at your Dad like that it was uncalled for. I totally understand if you don't want to be friends anymore." I walk past her and sit on my bed.

"Shut up, you melon, course I still want to be your friend. And what you said to my dad wasn't uncalled for, you were so right. I can't believe he hit you, I am so sorry Millie. After everyone left, I had a go at him to and I told him that you are my best friend and you will continue to be until I say so. I will never stop being friends with you just because my dad says so. He's an entitled dick and he doesn't control me; he likes to think he does but he doesn't. Are you okay?"

I wrap my arms tightly around her petite body. "I love you so much Lola, you're the best."

"Oh, I know," she laughs. "Seriously though are you okay? Roman said he was going to check on you. How weird is that?"

A give her fake confused look. "What happened with Roman?"

"After you ran off, your mum screamed at my dad then ran into the bathroom. Mr Kingsbury came over with his wife and Roman shortly after and began congratulating dad on how he spoke to you and started making sexist comments about emotional women. I blocked most of it out because my blood was boiling but I could see Roman looking out the window at this big tree with worry. My father and Kingsbury started slagging you off and Roman lost it. He told my father how disrespectful he was to not only talk to you that way but to hit you the way he did. That didn't go down well with Mr Kingsbury because then he started to shout at Roman but Roman just stormed away. He stopped by me before leaving, asking if I was okay and told me he would find you. Then he just left. I was just stood there in shock; I didn't understand why he was so bothered and why he said he'd find you. Do you know why?"

I internally debate whether or not to tell Lola but decide that I can't keep something like this from her. So, I tell her everything. The day when I found the tree. The day I saw Roman sitting there crying. Our argument and when I punched him. I tell her about when we agreed to be 'acquaintances'. About sitting with him in English. I tell her what happened at the tree this afternoon, obviously leaving out certain details.

"We've decided to be friends. I can see he's trying to better himself." I look at her in anticipating, unable to read her emotions as she stares at me.

"I don't trust him."

"Lola."

"Millie, I've known him far longer than you have. Our fathers are friends and my brother is his little lapdog, I know what he's like. He's never once been nice to me, except earlier, I guess. He was always the one coming up with ways to taunt me, my brother just going along with them. He's not a nice person."

"What if there was a reason he was like that? What if he didn't know there was another way to behave? I believe he's trying to change so I'm going to be his friend. I trust him." More than you know, I mentally add.

"Just so you know it's a big mistake you're making, being his friend. You're going to get hurt."

"Well, it's my mistake to make but I don't think I will be hurt. Please don't be mad at me. I believe in second chances." I give her my best puppy face.

"Fine, I won't be mad at you. Just stop making that face, you look too cute."

"Gimme a hug," I open my arms wide encouraging her to come over.

"You're a weirdo," she laughs.

"Yeah, but you love me. I'm going to go see my mum, want to come?"