Chapter Seven

Lily’s POV

I walked through the empty halls of the school, trying hard to hold back the tears that threatened to come out but it was no use.

I hate feeling this way like I was a weak child who anyone can talk to anyhow or control. I thought of what June said about me. “A little girl who’s protected all her life.” I snorted angrily. She thinks I’m protected?? She thinks living with someone like my father guarantees my safety?? She and Crew think I’m judgmental.

Hell yeah. I should be judgmental. I’m living in hell itself and I share a house with Satan himself. They all think because I wear the latest clothes or designer shoes and I cover my bruises with makeup and fake laughter they think I live in paradise. I literally struggle for my life every freaking day and they don’t even know it because everyone expects me to be perfect. No one cares about how I feel, not even my own mom because she’s weak also and she clearly needs help from the Devil she calls her husband.

The tears are streaking down my face and I wipe them away as best I can, irritated with myself for feeling weak. With my mom. My dad. My teacher. June and Crew. With the entire day.

I stayed after school,just as I told Crew that I would and speak again to Miss Smith. I knew she wouldn't budge. She wasn’t mean about it but she has just refused to listen to my reasoning. I was trying to think of every excuse why I don’t want to work with him.

But I’m stuck with him.

Stuck with his attitude and his gaze. His disgusting vocabulary and the way he looks at me like I’m a lost puppy and he can’t wait to claim me as my owner.

I hate it all.

I wipe another tear,sniffing loudly.

“Lily!”

Turning around sharply,I spotted Mr Fig standing in the open doorway of the hallway.

Oh great! The last person I expected to see again. I thought as I wiped my tears and tried not to look pitiful.

“Hi,Mr Fig.”I tried to sound cheerful but my voice sounded like a toad’s voice because I cried my eyes out.

He approached me slowly,his brows raised in concern. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” I hated how my voice betrayed me. “I just had a tough afternoon.”I shrugged my shoulders.

“Want to talk about?”

I shouldn’t. He doesn’t need to know about my problems with Crew or with Miss Smith. But the moment he asked, showing he’s concerned about me. I started talking and I didn’t stop until I told him everything, skipping some of the embarrassing parts like when he asked me if I’ve ever kissed before.

It wasn’t his right to ask me that and plus he already knows I’ve never kissed before. Though everyone in the school knows that. They know how I feel about sex and relationships. I wear my virgin badge proudly until I’ve been feeling burdened by it lately.

Societal pressure is too strong on girls. It's crushing and we need ownership of our bodies in any way we can. At least that’s what my father tells me all the time.

Crew Manchester has no right looking down at me for not wanting to have sex or never to be kissed . I’m not a slut.

I’ve seen him shirtless one time,when the boys were playing ball. I sat at the bleachers with my friends, my gaze piercing through his body as I saw his smooth skin and amazing muscles. I’ve never seen a guy shirtless before physically.

My throat went dry. My heart started racing. He glanced over at me and our eyes locked. He smiled. He knew he had an effect on me.

I shook the thought out of my mind. Fig put his hands on my shoulders as he led me into an empty classroom.

“You want me to talk to Mary?”

I never knew her name was Mary. We just addressed her as Miss Smith.

“I could talk to her.” Fig continued. “We’re pretty close and I’m sure she’ll listen to me.”

I signed tiredly. “I’ll be fine. There’s no need to talk to her.”

“Are you sure?” He asked, concerned.

I nodded and gave him a bright smile.

He wasn’t sure though.

“Maybe I should have a word with Crew.”

My eyes widened.

“What?No.” I shook my head,ignoring the surprise look on his face. “Please don’t say anything to him Fig.” I begged him.

“But I want to help you.” His fist hardens. It’s the fiercest look I’ve ever seen Mr Fig had before. “Guys like him get away with everything. They think they're untouchable and bigger than the law. They don’t care how their actions affect others.”

I moved uncomfortably on the seat.

This wasn’t the reaction I was expecting.

“Really Fig. It’s fine.” I tried to sound like an angel but it wasn’t working.

“No,Lily. I won’t let him hurt you.”

I pressed my lips together worriedly. I don’t want him talking to Crew about me. I can imagine what Crew was going to say to me. Something like me sending my teacher on him or something like that. He’ll call Mr Fig all manners of name and torment me to death. That mocking gaze never looking away from me.

That’s the last thing I want.

“Please Fig.” I said as I touched his hands hastily. He drops his head as he took my hand and put it on his arms while he look at me.

I hated this moment but I had to get him off Crew’s back.

“Please don’t talk to Crew. I can handle him but if you can put in good words to Miss Smith about switching partners that would be fine.”

His eyes were steady as he watch me and I can see the stern look on his face soften a little. “Alright. I won’t talk to Crew and I’ll speak to Mary.”

“Thank you Mr Fig.” I smiled at him then he suddenly pull me to his arms and gave me a tight hug.

It was awkward since we were both sitting down. He’s my teacher and we shouldn’t be doing this. I pulled away quickly from his arms and gave a weird look. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ears as I rose up. I suddenly heard a familiar voice screeching.

“What the fuck,Fig?”