Uploadeed! yay I uplaoded this quick! :)

Wow...even surprised myself!

I was really hoping to gett this story done by the end of the yearr...buttt I really have a feeling it will go over intot eh new year! SO I am aiming to get it done within the first few weeks of the new year! as I will become a little busy over christmass for a few days...it might possibly go over into next year...BUT! that's alright...because then it will be done. and I need to get this book done...aha

I've been doing it for nearly two years! Aha it neeeds to end! :P

Hmm...wondering if I should end it at 80 chapters.....but that seems to quick! unless they will be very long chapters....

Anywaay....hope you enjoy!! tell me what you think! :)

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CHAPTER 78

It's been three days

Three days since that awful night.

Three stays of staying in the same place.

Ever since I bumped into Noah....I have stayed coped up in my room, refusing to get out for anything.

As much as I didn't want to be this crying, miserable wreck, I couldn't stop it. As much as I tried to, I couldn't. I would suddenly crumble and retreat back to my room, so I thought it was best to stay in here until I could control myself.

I've had my phone switched off for two days, after getting annoyed from the constant texts and rings I received from him...I couldn't stand it any more.

I didn't want to talk or face anyone. Hiding myself under my covers if anyone came into my room. I stayed locked up in here much like a prisoner. Seth couldn't even get me to talk.

But now, now it's Monday. The start of a three day week at school before we break for Christmas holidays.

Christmas.

That has been the last thing on my mind. Something I have forgotten and it's only a week away. I'm not in the Christmas spirit and especially with decorations going up it just makes me more irritated...as everyone around me seems to be happy.

Why can't I?

Because of Noah ….My thoughts tell me and I glare at the ground as I can't lare at myself. No, no I won't think of him. No. not today.

I tried to avoid being here today, to avoid coming to school by persuading mom that there wasn't much point with only have three days, but she wasn't having it. And practically forced me out of bed and kick my sorry ass to school, telling me it will do me good even though she knows that's not true.

It won't do me good. I bet everyone already knows everything.

How could they not? It involved two people that the whole school knew....and now I'm going to look like a idiot for falling for it all.

Groaning, I rest my head against the window of the car, frowning as the doors slam shut around me and a figure comes to stand in front of mine.

“Come on Lex, you need to get out” Evan says, opening my door and I frown grabbing my bag in my hand as he nearly just about drags me from the car.

“It'll be alright Lex..” Blake tells me quietly as Evan shuts the door.

“Yeah...don't worry, if he gets anywhere near you I'll pound him to the ground before he can even speak..” Chris growls, angrily throwing his bag over the shoulder and I cringe a little internally, knowing that he is deadly serious as that's all he's been on about the past three days...

I just hope it doesn't come to that.

Strangely though, the boys have all become more angered over the past few days, yes I would expect them too but not as much as they have. Especially Blake who has suddenly kicked of the other day ranting about god knows what and just so happening to bring up my situation. It's a little weird if you ask me, something must have provoked them to all act out, including Seth who seemed to be even more livid and full of rage, not coming into my room at night to try to get me to talk.

No...something is definitely different. And I'm just hoping it isn't all because of me...

Avoiding looking at anyone directly, I keep my head low as I shuffle slowly behind the boys as we head towards the school. It really is stupid making us come in for three days when all we will probably do is watch films and do stupid Christmas activities, what's the point? It's ridiculous and I keep cussing the person who thought it would be a wonderful idea.

As we step foot through the doors, my stomach is doing it nut with flipping and churning every few seconds, and I keep swallowing hoping that I will not puke up the emptiness in my stomach as the thought of continuing in the day makes me feel sick. I didn't eat breakfast and am glad at this point because I might just have spilled it all back out.

Lifting my head slowly, I see that the boys have been walking almost in a protective barrier around me, keeping me shielded and that causes me to frown. I don't need to be shielded...protected! I can't get hurt any more than I am now!

With a roll of my eyes I side step around Evan, quickening my pace to try to get to my locker but am stopped when a hand shoots out to grab my arm.

“Hey...” Blake speaks up “Where are you going?”

“To my locker...” I roll my eyes trying to tug my arm free from his grip but he only just holds tighter onto the material of my hoddy.

“No..no not on your own..” He shakes his head with that frown still glued to it, “Chris will go with..”

Letting out a frustrated sigh I glare back, “I don't need some kind of bodyguard!” I shout finally pulling free “Why you insist on following me everyone I do not know..” I grunt when I turn around, feeling Chris's presence behind me as I start my walk to my locker, glancing over my shoulder to see the other three boys still stood there, seeming to be going into conversation and it's my turn to frown as I suddenly realise something...

Someone is missing.

Leon's not here.

Reaching my locker I yank it open, still glaring as Chris leans up beside it with his arms crossed and that sour, angered look on his face that causes everyone that walks by to take a few steps to the left away from him.

Yeah. I would do the same thing.

“You don't need to keep following me...” I mumble as I sort through my books to find the ones I need, “if you think your protecting me in any way, then...your not. Plus it doesn't matter...you can't come into my classes and guard me like a dog anyway...” I shrug stuffing the books into my bag and I hear Chris grunt, shifting position on his feet.

I roll my eyes again, slamming the locker shut and cross my arms. It's not like I'm not grateful of the somewhat caring side of my brothers, because I am. It's just....I don't need the constant reminder. With them following me all the time it just reminds me of the reason why they are. Bringing back all the memories that I have forced myself to push as far back in my mind as they can go....

But they are starting to slowly creep back out...

Letting out a sigh I turn to face his stone hard expression, “Where's Leon?” I question, changing the subject, “I just realized he wasn't in the car....is he sick?” I bite my lip hoping that he isn't.

Chris's features twitch a little as I speak, but he remains silent, pff..what the hell have I done to get the silent treatment?

I huff and roll my eyes at him, looking around the busy corridor and spot a familiar head and soon a pair of eyes.

“Lexi!”

Charlie's deep red hair comes rushing up to me, her eyes wide as she's followed by Nathan and Abby. Charlie seeming to completely ignore Chris as she dives straight to me, wrapping her arms tightly around my body and she sighs in relief.

“Oh! I was so worried about youuu..” She mumbles into my shoulder, “How are you baby girl?”

She pulls away slowly, looking to me with sad eyes and a soft smile. I frown shifting my bag strap on my shoulder and clear my throat.

“Fine..” I reply shortly and can tell she doesn't believe it straight away..but she nods her head almost in understanding and briefly glances up towards Chris who stills wears the same expression.

Sighing she looks back to me, “You coming to class? I heard we're just going to get all our work completed today so we can have free time for next two days...” She tells me, a small smile coming to her face as she tries to distract me...

I shrug my shoulders replying with a short, “Yeah..” Before looking to Chris, “You don't need to follow” I remind him slightly with a glare and see him roll his eyes as he pushes himself from the locker..

“I'll see you at lunch” He mutters, brushing past Charlie who rolls her eyes and he walks back down through the corridor..

I shake my head and give a feeble attempt of a smile to my friend as she takes my arm, joining Abby and Nathan before making our way down towards our first class....

I hope it gets to the end of the day soon...

~

The relief I feel when it comes to the end of first period, and the brown haired boy that I've been fretting to see face to face again, hasn't turned up. I hadn't realised I was holding my breath through the lesson until that bell rang. Oh gosh..I just don't know how to deal with seeing him again...

I'm thankful that English is next so I don't have to worry if he'll suddenly appear, because he's not in this class.

Even though I told myself to stop thinking about it, it has been on my mind since I woke up this morning. Even when I'm telling myself to stop thinking of it...I'm still thinking of it to tell myself not to!

Oh gosh! I'll never win!

With a groan I take my seat in the English classroom, Charlie beside me and I rest my head against the wall the other side heaving a sigh.

“Hey...” Charlie speaks softly, “It'll be alright...you're getting through it...”

“How will it though...” I speak, biting my lip “How will it possibly be alright ever again?...” I shake my head as I swallow harshly to stop the tears that are on the verge of brimming, “I don't understand it Charlie...” I whisper, laying my head in my arms on the table as I look up to my friend who gives me a small sad smile as she shakes her head.

“Neither do I babe.....” She rubs my arm, “I swear I'm going to cause hell to that boy..” She grunts, glaring off into the distance, “And to that tart...”

I squeeze my eyes shut for a second at the stinging sensation in my eyes as the images burn in my mind again.

“We'll make him pay Lex...” Charlie whispers, a sickly sweet smile coming to her lips, “Oh we will make him pay for doing this to you....”

I give her the smallest of smile, but still feel the stabbing of pain in my chest.

Do I really want to hurt him though?

~

“Oh god...”

“What?”

“No nothing!..no...Lexi just don't look around.”

“What why?!” My heart hammers in my chest as I stare at Charlie sat across from me at the table as she stares behind me wide eyes, that slowly turn into slits as she jabs her fork into her pizza on her plate.

“Cus that cow has just walked in.”

I feel my heart sink at her words, partly because I thought she was going to say someone else and as that thought runs through my mind I nearly slap myself at even possibly thinking that I wanted to see him.

“Oh...” The words fall from my lips and my shoulders slump over my food, suddenly not feeling very much hungry at all.

“You know you shouldn't let her see how it's affected you...” Charlie murmurers

“I know...” I sigh with a shake of my head... “I just don't have the effort to do that through the way I'm sitting ...” I frown down at my plate.

“Ha...stupid slu+ is just standing there as if she hasn't done a single thing..” Charlie growls as she jabs her fork down again.

I let out a sigh, sitting up a little straighter as I stare out the window behind Charlie's head, trying to imagine that I am not sat in this hell hole right now.

“Oh...” Abby speaks up nodding her head over in a direction, “Your brother is coming over...” She informs me, snapping my gaze away from the window as I look to my left to see Chris a few meters away as he weaves through the tables.

Great...I thought I got away with him not seeing me..

Sighing I look up to him as he approaches the table, eyes ignoring everyone else sat at it as they only look to me, still wearing that same expression he was this morning...

“What Chris?” I sigh in question.

He shrugs, and takes a seat in the empty chair next to me, “Nothing..” He speaks, snatching a fry from my plate.

I frown, “There must be something..”

“No..” He shakes his head, only then do I see the slight trace of a teasing smile at his lips, suddenly changing his expression and I frown even more.

“Just wanted to see if you were okay..”He says, taking another fry sneakily.

“I'm fine..” I shrug leaning back in my seat.

“Your not eating” He states

“I'm not hungry”

“You need to eat”

“I have”

“One chip doesn't count”

“It filled me up”

“Lexi...”

“Chris..”

I fire back to him, turning to look at him and giving him the same look he is to me.

Raking a hand through his hair he sighs, “You can't not eat Lexi...it could make you ill..”

I snort rolling my eyes, “I'm perfectly healthy..”

“Yeah...now ...but what about in a week? Two weeks time?”

“I'm not going to starve myself Chris...jeeze..” I roll my eyes, “I'm just not wanting to eat right now”

“Fine...” He flops back in his seat crossing his arms and I try my best to not let the twitch of my lip be seen as I want to smirk at how I won that..

“She will eat..don't worry” Charlie speaks up her eyes on her own plate of food as she does, “I'll make her if need to..” She says, looking up to me with a sly smile and I roll my eyes again, with a faint trail of a smile as the table goes into a few moments of silence before I see someone else walking up to our table..

“Sup!” Evan nods his head in acknowledgement, taking the seat next to Chris as if he just owns the place.

I blink at him, before frowning, “Why are you here?”

“What?...you put up with him...but don't want me?” Evan jabs a finger to Chris a hand covering his heart, “That's hurtful sis, very hurtful..” He mocks his pain and I roll my eyes, not wanting both of them sitting here.

“So...what's the goss?” Evan grins, looking around at us all with a raise eyebrow, and I can see what the both of them are trying to do. Distract me from my own god damn thoughts.

It seems the other three like the idea, because they all seem to spark up a conversation, maybe one that doesn't even make sense..but they all put an effort in.....and I can't help but feel the guilt even more as I see what they are all doing...what they are doing for me, yet I don't make my own effort to take part...

As their conversations die, I can feel the slight awkwardness around the table...and I bite my lip hating myself for causing all this...

It's silent until Chris suddenly speaks up..

“Oh hell no...” I lookup to him confused to see a hard glare on his face in the direction behind me.

“What?” I question, looking from him to Evan and the others to see all their eyes widening a little with worried expressions.

“Oh fu*k no...hell no He better get out of here!” Chris growls lowly, his hand clutching the back of the plastic seat behind him and I see the strength he's using to do it.

“What? What is it?!” I attempt to start to turn around to see what they are all staring at until Evan shouts out.

“No! Don't turn..” His voice sounds warning causing me to freeze still and do as he says, but I gulp feeling my heart beating faster as I see their faces and I look to Charlie trying to ask her with my eyes to tell me what.

I see her debating with herself whether or not to tell me, but eventually she opens her mouth...hesitating a little...before she mouths one word....one word that makes my heart drop right to my gut.

'Noah'.

Oh god...oh gosh he's in the same room. He is here.

I start to feel myself nearly loosing control of my breathing so try to calm down. The look on Evan and Chris's faces reminds me that this is first time they have seen him...and oh boy...oh gosh...

Desperately trying to think of something, something to do or say that might possibly just distract them from wanting to run over there and start something that will end badly...

“So..so um...you never told me..” I trail of grasping their attention.. “Where is Leon today?” I ask biting my lip as their gazes slowly fall back to me...

“What?” Chris mutters blinking his eyes with a frown, the amused looks on their faces moments ago completely vanished once again.

“Leon...” I repeat.. “Where is he? He didn't come with us this morning so was wondering if he was sick or something....” I trail off as I see Evan's face twist into an example of pure anger mixed with a little pain..

Pain?..pain for what?!

My eyes dart back and forward between them, suddenly becoming anxious at to why they are staying silent and having these deadly serious and angered looks on their faces...

Oh gosh...oh no please don't tell me..

“He's at home..” Chris finally manges to push out, sounding forced as his knuckles are now turning white from the grip he's got on the chair. “Mom kept him home..”

“So he is sick?” I push for an answer, as I can't help but feel like I'm missing something.

“No...” Chris closes his eyes breathing deeply as he tries to control the anger he seems to be holding.

“No...?” I push, feeling my stomach twist with not knowing the answer...

“Oh for Christ sake! No he's not sick! He's at home because mom refused to let him step a foot back into this school until they sort out those little fu*kers that have screwed him up!”

I stare wide eyed at Evan as he suddenly blurts it out and I blink, taken by surprise as I try to process what he said...

“W-what?” I splutter not being able to make sense of it all..

“He's been getting beaten up in a place that should be safe! Those little sh*ts are going to pay just as bad as that other little fu*ker that messed with you!”

What..what, what?!

“W-what? I don't understand! What do you mean he's getting beaten up!? Who would do that?!” I myself have raised my voice as the panic of what has happened to Leon sets in.

“How do you know this?! When did it happen? Why hasn't anyone told me?!”

“Mom told us the night of the dance! And no...we didn't tell you because you were too caught up in your own problems! Refusing to even speak to any of us so it's no wonder you didn't know!” Evan rolls his eyes.

“You were to damn blind and obsessed with that fu*k up to even realise that your own brother was being bullied!”

And with Evans' word hitting me, causing my chest to become heavy once again as parts of his words are the truth!

I hadn't noticed! I was too caught up with things around Noah to even realise what my own brother was going through! I should have seen it at school!

But no. No, I as far too busy being sucked into all those stupid little lies that Noah had fed me.