Chapter 3 Pain
1272 Words
Indianna had made it to lunch, and she couldn't be happier.
All she wanted was to find a quiet corner in the library and be by herself for the first time that day. During her third lesson, Ace—Greyson's friend—had tried talking to her, and then Brandon in the fourth. They both seemed nice, but Indianna hated the attention.
She was better alone.
Being alone was what she was good at.
The voice hadn't spoken to her again, and Indianna smiled as she opened her locker.
Maybe she had just been nervous. Maybe she imagined it.
She crossed her fingers, hoping that was the case.
She placed her books inside, and as soon as she shut the locker—
"Indianna!"
She jumped.
Brooklyn stood there, grinning.
"You scared me," Indianna said, letting out a breath, and Brooklyn gave her an apologetic smile.
"Sorry," she laughed.
Indianna found herself wondering if Brooklyn was ever not happy. She had yet to see her without that bright, bubbly smile.
"So," Brooklyn continued, "I was thinking... since you don't really know anyone yet, do you want to sit with me and my friends at lunch?"
"Oh..."
Indianna bit her lip, shifting awkwardly. She avoided eye contact.
"Um, thanks, but I was actually going to go to the library."
"You don't want to meet everyone?"
Brooklyn's smile faltered slightly, and guilt tugged at Indianna—but she still shook her head.
"I... I need to get some work done," she said quietly, making up an excuse.
Brooklyn's attention suddenly shifted to something behind her.
"I told you that you were a social outcast."
Indianna turned.
Greyson stood there, looking down at her, one eyebrow raised in amusement.
"Greyson!" Brooklyn snapped. "Don't be rude!"
He smirked. "What? It's the truth."
"You're an asshole, but you don't see me saying that every five seconds!"
"I already know what you think of me, Brooklyn," Greyson said, brushing it off. "Now why don't you run along so I can talk to your new friend?"
Brooklyn crossed her arms, glaring at him. "You're such a dick."
Greyson's eyes darkened slightly. "Watch your mouth," he warned. "I was just with Harry. He's looking for you. Might want to find him before he finds you."
"Tell him to piss off," Brooklyn muttered.
She turned back to Indianna—but then Ace and Kal walked up, followed by another guy.
Blond hair, pushed back, a few strands falling forward across his cheekbones.
And his eyes—
"Speak of the devil," Greyson murmured, glancing at Brooklyn.
He turned to greet the blond guy, who was already staring at Brooklyn.
She avoided his gaze completely.
"Indianna, do you want me to show you the library?" Brooklyn said quickly, stepping aside—
But the blond guy moved faster.
He stepped in front of her, shaking his head, and placed his hands on her hips, gently pushing her back against the lockers.
"Harry, I—"
"You've been avoiding me," he said quietly, narrowing his eyes. "You know I don't like being ignored, babe."
"I haven't been ignoring you," Brooklyn said, forcing a sweet smile. "Why would I? You're such a delight to be around."
Her tone was light—but edged with sarcasm.
"Now do me a favor and leave me alone so I can show Indianna to the library."
Harry finally looked at Indianna, like he was only just noticing her.
"Find your own way to the library," he said, barely sparing her a glance.
Then he turned back to Brooklyn—
And her mouth dropped open.
"You can't—" Brooklyn started, but Harry cut her off by leaning down and kissing her.
Indianna noticed immediately how Brooklyn relaxed in his embrace, their lips moving in sync. Brooklyn gripped his arms, and Harry tangled his fingers in her curly hair. It was as if the world had disappeared around them—they were completely focused on each other.
Indianna looked away, awkward at watching their intimate moment. She caught Greyson rolling his eyes at the couple.
They only pulled apart when Kal, the ginger boy, made gagging noises and pretended to be sick. "God, you'd think you two don't spend every night going for it—"
"Kal!" Brooklyn cried, eyes wide. "Stop talking!"
Indianna realized no one was paying attention to her, so she stepped back slowly, hoping to slip away unnoticed.
Greyson, however, had noticed her immediately. He turned his head, eyebrows raised.
"Going somewhere, Indie?"
Her cheeks flushed as all eyes turned to her. This was exactly what she hadn't wanted.
"Er... yeah. The library. I'm just..." She took another step back, pointing behind her. "Gonna go."
"I don't mind showing you where to go," Brooklyn offered kindly, stepping away from Harry.
"No," Harry interjected, blunt. He wrapped an arm around Brooklyn, holding her to his chest. Brooklyn narrowed her eyes and elbowed him lightly in the stomach. He leaned down and whispered something in her ear, making her roll her eyes—but a faint smile tugged at her lips.
"It's fine," Indianna said quickly and hurried away, pushing past the guilt of being rude. She focused on weaving through the crowded school corridors, desperate to get away.
Indianna felt utterly exhausted when she finally sat in the library. She let out a long sigh, closing her eyes as she basked in the quiet. For the first time all day, she felt at ease—surrounded by books and the few students who had come to the library during lunch. Even the smell of dust and the stuffy ventilation somehow calmed her.
She was alone.
Sugar?
Indianna sighed. The voice didn't make her jump this time; she had been expecting it. She chose to ignore it.
Indianna, don't ignore me.
Indianna scowled. Leave me alone, she told the voice, reaching into her pocket for her phone to distract herself.
The voice didn't give up. Indianna?
She shook her head, scrolling through her messages, ignoring it.
Indianna! The voice exploded in her head, so loud that her brain rattled. She gasped as a sharp pain seared through her skull. It passed quickly, but she felt disoriented and rubbed her eyes, trying to focus.
Did you do that? she asked cautiously. Did you hurt me?
A silence.
I think I did.
You think! Indianna's mind screamed. You think? That hurt! You hurt me!
I can find it hard to control my anger sometimes, sugar. It'd be wise to do as I say, and we can avoid that in the future.
You hurt me because you got angry? Indianna hissed. What the hell is wrong with you?
This is new for both of us, sugar. I didn't plan on causing you pain, but you made me angry, and it just happened.
Are you even going to apologize?
Are you going to apologize for ignoring me?
That's not fair! You're insane! What do you want with me?
I can't tell you.
Why the hell not! Indianna's frustration flared.
I want to tell you, sugar—
Stop calling me that!
Don't interrupt me. I want to tell you, but I don't know if you're ready.
Indianna frowned, rubbing her temples. Ready for what? she finally asked.
The truth.
What do you mean?
I can't tell you until you're ready, sugar.
I'm scared. You're scaring me, Indianna admitted. Her head was a storm of emotions—anger, fear, confusion.
I'm sorry, Indie. It's not my intention.
Answer me one question?
That depends on the question.
Do you go to this school?
The voice paused. Yes, I do.
Are you in—
Only one question, sugar.
- Writer
