The Phoenix Knights MC

Chapter 2

Olivia’s POV-

I parked in my usual spot at school, finding Benny and Megan already there waiting for me. Even as I parked the car, I noticed that c*****e was already there, watching her like he always did. I still have yet to find out why he watches me so much.

I waved for my friends to get into my truck, as I killed the engine. I didn’t want anyone to hear our conversation.

Megan jumped into the passenger seat, and Benny climbed into the back seats. Megan crossed her arms across her chest, clearly very angry with me. “What the hell is going on with you? Why do you need to run away?”

I sat back and winced. Looking around to make sure no kids were close to my truck.

“What is it? Why are you being so cagey?” Benny asked.

“Because I don’t want everyone knowing about the hell I have lived in for the last ten years,” I replied, as I cautiously pulled the back of my sweater and cami top up, to show the bruising on my ribs.

Benny and Megan both gasped. I pulled my clothes down before anyone saw my injuries.

“Why didn’t you tell us sooner?” Megan asked.

“You know how Harry is. Always telling everyone who would listen that, he took me in and gave me his name, raised me as his own, even though I wasn’t his. He displays himself as a good man with everyone, so many are manipulated by him. Who would believe me? But after last night, I know I need to leave, before he kills me. I just don’t know how anyone can help me either,” I replied.

“What about your biological dad? Is there not anything he can do to help you? I mean you never mentioned him before,” Benny said.

“My mum said he was a one-night stand she had, she doesn’t even remember his name. I am starting to think that is a lie, and I have tried to find him, but if he doesn’t know I exist, then he isn’t looking for me,” I said.

Benny nodded, “What plan do you have?”

“I have the money to leave, I just think I am going to have to drop out of school, which isn’t exactly what I wanted. I always wanted to go to college, build my accounting firm from the ground up. But with how he is, I am going to have to forget my dreams and leave for good,” I sighed, feeling defeated.

Who wouldn’t feel defeated having to give up their dreams because of a man who should be protecting you from harm, not causing it?

Megan launched herself at me, tears streaming down her face, as she wrapped her arms around me. I winced very loudly, as she immediately moved back, saying, “I am so sorry. I didn’t hurt you more, did I?”

I shook my head. “I am still very sore. I didn’t go home last night, so I wasn’t able to soak my muscles and ease the stiffness of the bruises. Add to that, I slept here in this seat. I ache all over more than normal.”

I pulled her back in, this time gently, so that I didn’t get hurt. But this time she was so cautious, touching me gently in an embrace. Benny even joined in on the hug. I was surprised at how gentle he was. He is the type of guy to bear hug you. Why do I get the feeling he understands the position I am in more than anyone I have ever known?

“Do you need to slowly move stuff out of your parents' house before you disappear?” Benny asked.

I nodded, “I will probably need to get a new truck as well, one they don’t know about.”

“Get one, and we will keep it at my house. My mum won’t argue. She will help you if you need it,” Benny said.

“Why would she help me?” I asked, feeling confused. I have never met his mum, and I know his dad is not in his life.

“The reason my dad isn’t in my life is that he abused my mum, and at thirteen-years-old I beat the s**t out of him. I made such a ruckus that the police were called, and my dad got taken away. He is in prison now,” Benny replied.

Now, that explains why he never speaks about his dad, and why he is always at the boxing gym. He is a good fighter. I have seen him sparring before. Megan and I both have. He must have started training young so he could protect his mother. Another reason why I think he will be good for Megan. I have seen the way they look at each other.

I nodded, “If I can hide some things at yours over the coming days, and maybe buy a new truck that I can keep in your driveway until I can leave. That would be great. Thank you, Benny.”

“Always here to help, Olivia. You are like a sister to me, unlike this one,” Benny said jokingly, but he meant it. He doesn’t see Megan as a sister.

I turned to look around and saw that c*****e was still staring at me, leaning on his bike, but he was talking to Mike now. I wondered what they were talking about.

Benny and Megan were arguing, which made me chuckle and then wince, as the pain in my ribs increased. Benny and Megan both stopped concerned and worried looks coming over their faces. I gave them a small smile and nodded to tell them I was okay.

“Come on, let’s go get you a coffee, but we did get you a croissant, as I know you like them,” Megan said, as she handed me a paper bag from our favorite bakery because it has the best pastries in the entire country, and I swear by that.

“Thank you,” I smiled, taking it from her.

I wasn’t starving right now, but I put it in my smaller bag, the one I use for school. I will pick at it when I get hungry. I lost my appetite recently, because I hurt so much, it is getting harder to swallow food. It definitely is hard today, with the bruising around my neck.

We climbed out of my truck, putting on smiling faces. Megan and Benny were already joking around. They were even planning the winter formal. Megan was asking about going shopping.

I looked at them, and smiled, “You two, should start dating already.”

Megan’s cheeks flushed and Benny smirked. I knew they were hiding something.

“You two are dating?”

“I asked her out on a date over the weekend, and well...,” Benny smirked.

“I said yes. We were waiting to see you before telling you,” Megan smiled.

I screamed, and hugged them both. “It is about bloody time you two. Seriously, how long have you liked each other?”

“Since we met,” Megan replied, and Benny nodded his agreement.

Benny chuckled, “Maybe it is time, you told him.”

“Tell who, what?” I asked, hoping they hadn’t realized who I was crushing on.

“c*****e,” Megan whispered.

I shook my head, “If I had to leave, it would be pointless. Telling him would just hurt both of us.”

“I have a feeling things will change today. Anyway, you never told us you had a birthmark,” Megan said, as we began to walk towards the school building and to my locker, just as Kate walked past us heading towards her brother, Mike, and c*****e.

“My mum said that my biological dad has the exact same birthmark in the exact same spot,” I shrugged, biting back a wince, as I have always learned to do.

“Have you tried finding him through that?” Megan asked.

“It wouldn’t be easy, especially with how little my mother has told me about him. Add in how much she lies to me,” I replied.

“I can see why that would be problematic,” she sighed.

We continued to discuss other things, changing the topic to our assignments, as we entered the school building and headed for our lockers. When we arrived at my locker, I noticed that c*****e wasn’t far away, even Mike and his girlfriend Sarah were there. They were heading our way, so this was not going to end well. Here, I was hoping for peace this morning.

A part of me was really worried about what c*****e might have said to Mike, because he would have probably told Sarah, which would just give her more fuel to bully me with.

I was taking as deep of breaths as I could take, without hurting my ribs, just so I could try to keep calm from whatever was about to be thrown my way.