EMILY'S POV
Pretending to be asleep hasn't been the easiest job. It hurts my eyes that I keep forcing them close when all they want to do is gaze at nature's smokefall. I rolled to the side of my bed and remained under the blanket. It was cold outside and I could feel it from the window. Xavier left the window open and I couldn't close it because I was pretending to be asleep.
I was trying my best to avoid any conversation with Xavier because I didn't have the balls to explain what happened with Nigel. I knew he was not going to ask me anything yet but the thought of what was going through his mind was enough to make me nervous.
"I'm coming," Xavier replied to his name. He stood up from his reading table and stormed out to answer dad. Dad called from the door saying there was someone outside for him.
I honestly didn't have so much energy to think or be curious. Ordinarily, if I wasn't pretending to be asleep, I would have asked Xavier who he was expecting. I didn't have the strength to be curious, what happened that night already drained me enough. I couldn't believe I was stupid enough to trust Nigel and become a victim.
The moment I noticed he was acting all flirty around me, I tried to move away but I was too tipsy. He tore my clothes and threatened me. I felt so scared and helpless.
When I saw Xavier walk into the room, I felt a flush of relief. His eyes were fuming with anger but his body was still. I bet he was gobsmacked and needed a minute to understand why the heck I was on the floor naked.
Someone ran to me almost immediately and threw his arms around me. The moment I perceived the familiar scent of his cologne, I raised my head to see Devin. His arms were wrapped tightly around me as he kept assuring me I was going to be fine. I sobbed in his arms, wore his jacket, and remained on the floor with him covering me. I was sure Xavier would defend me but I didn't think Devin would try to protect me.
Devin.
I've always been afraid of Devin, he has this scary demeanor, I can't describe it. I only know having a reputation as a fighter earned you more respect and fear than you may deserve. I sprawled up from my bed and slid my legs into the V-cuff slippers by my side.
I felt so dirty like I disgusted myself so much. I walked into my mom and dad talking. I barely heard their conversation. Dad turned to see me standing by the door frame.
"Emily," he called. He was dressed in a grey shirt and loose trousers.
"Dad."
"Come here sweetie," he gestured and dropped the popcorn he was holding. He held me tight against his chest and patted me softly.
Dad didn't say anything but I knew I had failed them in some way. I shouldn't have gone to that party in the first place. I felt like a cheap girl who could've avoided the situation but chose to fall. If Xavier and Devin weren't there to help me, I don't know what could have happened. I probably would be trending as the talk of the school.
"Do you care for some?" Dad asked the moment he broke the hug. He took a handful of popcorn and poured it into his mouth.
"I'm good, thanks."
Is he not going to be mad at me? Won't he just yell at me?
"Dad? Please don't be mad at me. I know I probably have disappointed you but I'm sorry."
"Emily," he said turning his gaze to me. "It's fine Sweetie, I'm glad you're okay. That's all that matters right now."
"Mom."
She turned to me and gave a quickly faded smile. "Like he said Emily, we're just glad you're okay."
"Am I—"
"Yes you're still double grounded," Dad chirped. "You and Xavier are grounded for two weeks. No more parties, no outings.'
My jaw clenched as I nodded. I obviously deserved to be punished and I wasn't going to plead my way out. Xavier didn't deserve his punishment though, he did nothing wrong aside from trying to kill that perverted asshole, Nigel.
I have seen my brother angry, I have seen him irritated, jealous and possessive but that night is still a shock. He threw relentless punches at Nigel's face and he kept coughing blood. That was truly a traumatic experience I never want to experience again.
"What's for lunch?" I asked stepping closer to my mother. I had a loss of appetite but the aroma coming from mom's kitchen caused me to salivate. "Can I have a taste?"
I loved the fried chicken and I could see some in a bowl. She handed some to me and I smiled sheepishly.
"Where's James?"
I noticed he wasn't around the house. Since he came around, he's been looking suspicious. I was afraid to say I felt unsafe around him.
"He stepped out, I think he will be staying in a hotel."
"Hmm," I managed to say after seconds of thinking.
"Is there any problem, Emily?" Mom asked.
No there wasn't but I didn't feel comfortable enough. I had no idea why he showed up but I hope he leaves faster than he came.
"Why's he here?" I inquired with so much disgust in my tone.
"He's just visiting," Dad replied with a cold stare. "Why are you worried?"
I was glad it was obvious that I was worried, I mean why wouldn't I when this man was breathing the same air with me in the same city?
"I don't believe James is just visiting," I answered. "It feels like he's here for an ulterior purpose. I just feel very uncomfortable."
"Emily."
"Dad, is he coming to get me? I just feel like he wants to come get me."
My mom stopped what she was doing at that moment and took closer steps toward me. She could see I was sobbing already, I felt a rush of different emotions and the outburst was as expected.
"Emily, will you go with James if he comes to get you?"
She was asking it like she didn't know how much I hated that man. There was no way in earth I was going to choose him over my dad and Xavier.
"Never," I gasped. Dad placed his hands on mine and squeezed them. "He's not taking you, Emily, not from us."
"I've got you, baby." He pulled me into a warm hug and I relaxed on his chest for a minute. They are my family, the ones who stood by me in my hardest times.