Page 122 of Savage Vicious Heir: Part Two

“I know, I know. But what you’ve been through…” Guilt flashes in her eyes and for a second, I mirror her emotion. Because she’s right, I didn’t tell her.

But that’s no reflection on our friendship.

“You’re a good friend, Tally,” I say. “I just hope this works.”

The article had been my idea, but I knew she was the right person to help me pull it off. I just don’t know if it’ll be enough to get Mr Eaton to back off.

News travels fast because the second we reach the hallway leading to the dining hall students start staring and whispering and staring some more.

Tally gives my hand another reassuring squeeze. “Hold your head high, you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of.”

For the first time in my life, I believe it.

Anxiety, depression, grief… They are valid feelings. Feelings so many of us—especially young adults—experience. But somewhere along the way, we’re taught that it’s better to keep those things inside. To put on a smile and pretend we’re fine.

I’m not fine.

I haven’t been fine ever since I survived the accident that killed my mum and turned my father into a shell of a man.

And yes, maybe I didn’t deal with it all in a healthy way. Maybe losing my father was the catalyst that sent me spiralling into a dark, dark hole, but I survived.

I’m still here.

And I know that’s partly thanks to Elliot.

My scars, my grief, the darkness that lives inside me didn’t scare him away. Because he gets it. He knows what it’s like to hide those parts of yourself. To go through the motions.

To pretend.

A smile graces my lips as I think about all we’ve been through. The things he taught me about myself, about what I’m capable of.

It’s his acceptance, his love and friendship that makes me lift my head higher and meet their stares with my own.

“Go girl,” Tally chuckles as the group drop their gazes and pretend to be talking about something other than the article.

“Oak.” My friend lights up at the sight of her boyfriend heading towards us but his expression is anything but happy.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” she asks.

But he looks straight at me. “I need you to come with me,” he says grimly. “Now, Abs.”

I nod, my heart plummeting into my toes as I rush out, “Where is he?”

Oakley leads us through the crowd gathered around the stairwell just past the dining hall just in time to see Elliot’s fist fly straight into one of our classmate’s stomachs.

“Oh, shit.” Someone nearby lets out a low whistle.

“What the fuck did you say about her?” Elliot growls, all up in his face as he pins him to the wall.

“I-I… Come on, Eaton. It’s all good. I was just?—”

“Elliot, no!” I cry, hurrying over to them. His head twists and his eyes find mine. “Don’t do this,” I beg.

“Thank fuck,” the boy breathes, relief skittering across his face as Oakley and Tally manage to disperse the crowd.

This is all my fault.

The thought hits me like a fist to the chest.

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