HER BULLY

Chapter Five.M

I walked home alone, my mind was crowded with thoughts. I was badly hurt, and it was all Ryan's fault. Tears rolled down my cheeks as the memories of what happened replayed in my head. I have never been kidnapped before..

I reached home and walked inside. My mum and dad were sitting on the couch, chatting and laughing together. I forced a smile so they wouldn't notice something was wrong with me.

"Oh, my princess is here," my dad said happily. "How was school, darling?"

"It was fine," I muttered, faking another smile.

"Honey, are you okay?" my mum asked, walking closer to me.

"I'm just tired," I replied.

"Okay, get some rest and come out for dinner later. We're inviting the Hartleys over tonight," my mum said.

I nodded before heading to my room.

I closed the door behind me and slid down to the floor, hugging my knees as tears streamed down my face. I had never felt this way before. My chest ached so badly that I could barely breathe.

I shut my eyes and tried to calm myself. I didn't want my parents to worry.

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After taking a cold shower, I managed to feel a little better, but every time I remembered what happened, I couldn't stop crying.

I changed into sweatpants and a hoodie when my mum walked into my room holding my favorite chocolate. That woman always knew how to make me feel better.

"I bought your favorite chocolate. Take it and come downstairs, our guests have arrived," she said.

I nodded, taking it from her.

"I'll be down in a minute," I said, and she left the room.

When I got downstairs, I saw the Hartleys. They were very comfortable around my parents. Of course they were — they had been friends for years.

Ryan was already seated. I avoided looking at him, though I could feel his gaze on me. I didn't want to be anywhere near him at that moment. He said he was going to torture me, and I guessed he had already done enough. Maybe he would do even more.

I sat on the couch, staring at the floor as my mind slowly drifted away.

"Maven," my mum called, touching my shoulder and making me jump. "We asked you a question."

"What did you ask?" I said quietly.

"We asked if you'd like us to throw a party for your next birthday."

My birthday was still four months away, so I didn't understand the rush.

"Nope," I answered.

"Are you sure? We planned a lot of things for your eighteenth birthday," my mum said excitedly.

I was tired of hearing about my birthday.

"I'm going to the washroom," I muttered before walking away.

I splashed water on my face and stared at my reflection in the mirror. I looked pale, and my head was spinning.

The doorknob twisted, and I thought it was my mum.

"Mum, I'm coming," I said, turning around — only to see Ryan standing there.

There was something in his eyes, though I couldn't figure out what it was. Maybe satisfaction. Maybe he was happy that he had finally started breaking me.

I immediately tried to leave, but he grabbed my wrist, stopping me. A strange tingling sensation spread through my body where he touched me.

"Are you okay? Did he touch you?" he asked softly, pulling me closer.

His eyes searched mine for answers, but I didn't want to talk to him. I tried to pull my hand away, but his grip tightened slightly.

"I didn't send them to you, Maven," he said quietly.

"I don't care," I snapped angrily.

I tried to free myself again, but the memories came rushing back. My head spun violently, and suddenly I couldn't think straight anymore.

My vision blurred, and everything went dark as I collapsed to the floor.

"Maven!" Ryan shouted.

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I opened my eyes to find myself lying in bed. My mum rushed toward me immediately while Ryan stood silently near the door. His parents sat nearby, watching me with concern.

"Honey, how do you feel?" my mum asked.

I tried to sit up, but she gently stopped me.

"You should rest."

"I'm okay, Mum. I was just tired," I whispered.

"You had a panic attack, for goodness' sake! How can you say you're okay? What happened to you?" she scolded worriedly.

I had never seen my mum look so frustrated, and somehow it still felt like Ryan's fault.

"I need some fresh air," I said, standing up carefully before heading to the rooftop.

"It wasn't me, Maven," Ryan said as he followed me outside.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I turned to face him. His eyes were filled with concern, but I didn't care.

"Congratulations. You finally succeeded in breaking me. Maybe you should keep going if this still isn't enough for you," I said bitterly.

"Maven, I—"

"I'm sorry that I don't remember what happened the night Hayden died!" I interrupted angrily. "And if my apology still isn't enough, then you can continue bullying me after I get better."

Ryan looked caught off guard for a moment before pulling me gently closer.

"I didn't send those guys," he said firmly. "And I promise I'll find whoever did."

His arm rested around me, and it felt strangely comforting. I hated the fact that I was too weak to push him away.

"I'll keep my word, Maven. I promise," he said before walking away.

I returned to my room and laid down on my bed. A few minutes later, my mum came in holding some pills.

"Honey, take these. You'll feel better afterward," she said softly.

I swallowed the pills with some water while she sat beside me.

"I'm sorry for scolding you earlier," she added.

I gave her a small smile.

"I know you don't want to lose me, Mum. I know how much it hurt when we lost Ethan."

She immediately pulled me into a hug.

"That Ryan boy is really nice," she said. "He looked terrified when you passed out. I think he likes you."

I nearly scoffed. Ryan hated me.

"Mum, let me sleep. I'm tired," I said, quickly changing the topic.

She nodded and quietly left the room.

Ryan had never acknowledged me when we were younger. Maybe that was why he hated me so much — because I had been beside Hayden when he died.

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The next morning, I woke up and headed downstairs after getting ready.

I found my mum in the kitchen making soup, and surprisingly, Ryan was helping her cook. My mum was a terrible cook, and unfortunately, I had inherited that from her.

But why was Ryan here? Was he planning to remind me that he still hated me?

"Good morning, Mum," I greeted.

She smiled warmly while Ryan turned to look at me. Dark circles sat under his eyes. God knows what he'd been doing all night — not that I cared.

"Morning, honey," she replied.

I sat on the counter quietly.

"You're not going to school today. You need to rest," my mum said. "And guess what? Ryan is staying over to make food for you."

I rolled my eyes.

"Okay."

"I should get going now. My shift is about to start," she added, glancing at her watch.

She kissed my forehead before leaving the kitchen.

The moment she walked out, my eyes met Ryan's. Something flashed in his gaze, but I didn't know what it meant — and honestly, I didn't care.