Page 210 of Only With You

It’s been two weeks since Cole confessed and I confronted Sienna. And two weeks since I went to the police.

It took a lot of convincing from Landon to finally get me to go.

My worry stemmed from whether or not the police would care and believe me. It’d been two years and even with the proof, I wasn’t sure it was going to be enough.

After I told them everything, it felt like a shackle I’d been tied to had been taken off me. The only unfortunate part about speaking up is hearing that I wasn’t the first person who said something about Cole. The police couldn’t tell me everything, but they said I wasn’t the first one, but I was the first to have proof.

I hate that it took me forever to talk about it. Those girls were and are so strong, and here I was holding back. Landon keepsreminding me that I’m still just as brave even though some days I don’t believe it. Some days, I hate myself for being so scared. Some days, I feel pathetic because I feel like I failed those girls and myself.

It’s an ongoing battle I have, but Landon refuses to let me fight it on my own. Whether it’s reminding me how brave I am, or hugging me because he knows I need it.

Because of him, I’ve decided to start therapy. Hearing him talk about it motivated me to do it, so my first session will be after winter break.

“Doesn’t feel enough. She deserves life.” Daisy’s lip curls in disgust.

Everyone simultaneously nods.

Since the investigation started, things have been chaotic and messy. Because Cole’s dad is a district attorney, it garnered the local media’s attention. You’d think they’d keep things under wraps, but Cole has done nothing but point his finger at Sienna, and now it’s a he-said, she-said situation.

They’re both facing Title IX from the university and criminal charges, but from what I hear, Sienna might just get community service. I’ve been hearing a lot of things, so I’m not sure, but everything is still falling on Cole.

It’s shitty that may be all that she gets, but I guess something is better than nothing.

Bre told me the Chapter didn’t take it lightly and de-pledged her after they found out. I didn’t anticipate for it all to happen as fast as it did, but I guess they’re worried it’ll taint the sorority’s image. Most of the girls also stopped talking to her and showed their support to me. But a few refuse to believe Sienna would do that and don’t talk to me. Which is fine with me.

I shift my gaze to the Christmas tree. “Trust me, I hate it, but I hear it might be a year’s worth of community service. So there’s that.”

El still looks displeased but then sighs with acceptance. “I can’t believe she did all of that because she was jealous of you. Over a guy who wasn’t even hers.”

“I didn’t even know she liked Landon. She never talked about him, at least not until this year when we started talking about semi. Even then I wasn’t trying to get with him. I just needed help with tutoring…” I trail off at the knowing smiles on all their faces. “Stop looking at me like that.” I hide my own smile behind my mug and take a drink.

“First TJ, now Landon. I wonder which starter will be off the market next. Jayden?” Darius beams and suggestively glances at Cara.

“I’ve already told you all, it’s not like that. We’re just…” she flips her long, thick curly hair over her shoulder. “Friends.”

Daisy snickers. “Yeah, sure Care. Friends don’t?—”

Cara cuts her off. “What about Jagger?”

“Not him,” Polly snorts, taking a sip of her own drink. “He’s not a fan of monogamy or relationships.”

“Malik?” he suggests next.

“Doubtful. I saw him making out with two girls at the party the guys hosted two weeks ago. Pretty sure he took them to his room,” Polly says.

“Saint?” He cocks a brow.

“He’s currently in an on and off relationship with Breanna. I’m not sure I can even call it a relationship,” I reply absently.

I still don’t know if Bre really likes him or just likes the attention he gets and it brings her.

“On and off?” Daisy asks passively, but something lingers in her voice.

“Yeah, they—” I stop at the subtle shake of Cara’s head. “I mean, I don’t think they’re?—”

Daisy interjects, shrugging it off. “I’ve seen them around. I was just curious.”

The knock on the door stops me from having to say anything and thank God for it because I wasn’t sure what to say.

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