NINA
After a few minutes, the tightness in my chest began to ease. My shoulders slumped as I exhaled shakily, wiping at my tear-streaked cheeks. "I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice hoarse. "I didn't mean to... I didn't mean for you to see me like this.
"Hey, don't apologise, Luke said firmly, his expression serious. "You don't have to go through this alone, Angel. Not anymore." I looked up at him, my eyes red and puffy. Why are you being nice to me? Luke gave me a small smile, his eyes warm. "Because you're my friend. And I take care of my friends." A fresh wave of tears welled up, but this time, they were different. I quickly looked away, embarrassed.
Luke reached out hesitating for a moment before placing a hand on my shoulder. "Listen to me, Angel. I'm not going anywhere. I mean it. You can push me away all you want, but I'll keep coming back. You're stuck with me now. His words were simple, but they hit me harder than anything Zane had said. For the first time in what felt like hours, I felt a flicker of hope. Thank you, I whispered, My voice cracking. Luke smiled, standing up and offering me a hand. "Come on. Let me drive you home. I don't think you should be alone right now. I hesitated before taking his hand, letting him pull me to my feet. His grip was steady, grounding and for the first time all day, I felt like I might actually be okay.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
The soft hum of the car engine filled the silence as Luke navigated the quiet streets. I sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window, my hands fidgeting in my lap. I could feel Luke's concerned gaze flicking toward me every few seconds. "You don't have to tell me, you know," he said gently, breaking the silence. "But I'd like to understand what happened back there." I hesitated, my throat tightening.
"It's nothing. I just.... had a bad moment." Luke sighed, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. "Nina, I saw you. That wasn't just a bad "moment; Something hurt you, and I want to know what. "I bit my lip, debating whether to say anything. But Luke's tone wasn't pushy-it was protective, concerned. I took a shaky breath. It was Zane, I admitted quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. Luke's jaw clenched. "What did he do?" I looked down, my fingers twisting together. "I accidentally saw him with some girl in the hall, and he noticed me. He.... he said things." What kind of things? Luke asked, his tone sharper now. I swallowed hard. He called me invisible. Said no one would ever want me; my voice cracked, and... I blinked rapidly, willing myself not to cry again. He made me feel like... like I'm nothing. Luke's hands tightened on the wheel, his hands turning white. "That son of a-" he cut himself off, exhaling through his nose like he was trying to keep his temper in check. Luke, it's okay, I said quickly, though my voice wavered. I'm used to people like him. No, Angel, it's not okay, Luke said firmly, his eyes blazing with anger. "No one has the right to talk to you like that, especially not Zane. I glanced at him, hesitant. "You seem like you don't like him." Luke's jaw tightened, and he sighed.
"We used to be friends. Best of friends, actually. But not anymore. What happened? He shook his head. It's a long story, and I don't really want to get into it right now," His tone softened as he added, What matters is that he has no right to treat you like that. Ever." I nodded, grateful for his support. As we pulled up in front of my house, Luke turned to me, his expression serious. "Listen to me, Angel. You're not invisible. And you're not 'nothing; You're stronger than you think, and I see that. My heart swelled at his words, and I felt a flicker of comfort.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
The next day at school, Zane's absence was impossible to ignore. I found myself glancing around during class, wondering where he was. By lunchtime, I was still distracted, barely touching my food. Gracie plopped down beside me at the table, with Malik sliding into the seat across from them. "Alright, spill," Gracie said, eyeing me closely. What's got you looking like a sad puppy?" It's nothing, I mumbled, stabbing at my salad.
Is it Zane? Malik asked, leaning forward.
I froze. "What? No!" Gracie rolled her eyes. "Relax, Nina. If it is, you don't have to worry about him. He's not even here today." Yeah, Malik added. Probably off doing whatever Zane does when he decides school isn't worth his time. And he didn't even tell me about not being in school today, I've been calling him all day but he doesn't pick. "I'm pissed at him. Gracie snorted. "True. Anyway, forget about him. You're sitting with us now, and we don't let drama ruin lunch." I smiled faintly, grateful for their support, even if I still felt the nagging weight of Zane's words.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Getting home from school later that afternoon, I walked into the house, bracing myself for the usual tension. I wasn't disappointed. My mom was in the kitchen, slamming pots and pans around. "You're late," she said without looking up. I stayed at school for a bit, I said quietly, hanging my bag by the door.
"Of course, you did," my mom snapped. God forbid you actually help out around here. Do you think everything just runs itself? My shoulders sagged. I'm sorry."Sorry doesn't cut it, Nina! You're always off in your own little world, acting like you're better than the rest of us." I'm not! I protested, tears pricking my eyes."Then start acting like part of this family!"Before I could respond, Reid stepped into the room, his expression stern. "Mom, that's enough." My mom glared at him before storming out of the kitchen. Reid turned to me, his face softening.
"Hey," he said, pulling me into a hug. Don't let her get to you, alright? She's just stressed. I buried my face in his shoulder, grateful for his steady presence.