“Listen, Elle; all I can tell you is when I see him look at you, I know he likes you. Maybe you should give him a chance. I think you’re fighting your feelings because of me.”
“Chloe, it doesn’t matter.” Elle didn’t want to talk about this.
“It does matter. I want you to be happy, Elle. Don’t do this because of my fears. I don’t think Nero would do anything to hurt you, or me for that matter. I could get used to Nero, for you, of course.” Chloe looked down at her hands.
Elle smiled. She loved her best friend. Chloe meant everything to her. It would take a lot for Chloe to trust Nero, though.
He is going to have to prove himself big time.
The day went on and Elle realized Cassandra still wasn’t back in school. She and Chloe were able to have one more day of peace, and they enjoyed every second of it. The only bad thing about it was they were sure, when she got back tomorrow, it would be Hell.
Elle and Chloe went to the cafeteria when the bell rang and got in line to eat chicken patties, again. They sat down and Elle scanned the room. She knew she was looking for Nero but didn’t want to admit it. When she finally spotted him, he was at his table.
Elle looked back down at her food and began to eat, but then saw Sebastian out of the corner of her eye, heading her way. She had no time to warn Chloe. This is going to be bad.
She paid him no attention when he stood, looking down at her. “Have you heard why Cassandra isn’t here?”
Elle kept her eyes glued to Chloe.
“Well, she was suspended. Do you know why?” Elle could feel him losing his temper with each passing second. She wasn’t going to look at him, though. He honestly scared the shit out of her.
Sebastian slammed his hands down on the table. “I am talking to you, waitress!”
While the whole cafeteria went silent at his outburst, Elle could see Chloe was absolutely terrified; she had practically jumped ten feet. As Elle finally looked up at him, she thought he resembled a complete psychopath.
“Now, do you know why?”
Elle said nothing, only looked at his crazed face. There was never a point in saying a word to Sebastian; it only made things worse. And yes, it’s been worse than this.
“Do you?” That was it; he snapped. Elle could see him jump toward her. He wanted to put his hands on her and make her answer. Elle shut her eyes, waiting for it to come.
“I better not see you lay your fucking hands on Elle, ever. I don’t want to see you talking to her or even looking in her direction, and that goes for Chloe, too. Because, if you do, I will make damn sure everyone in this school will be calling you the freak. Do you understand me?”
Elle was no longer scared of Sebastian with one glance at Nero. His voice was too calm, his face too composed, but his green eyes promised his words were true.
Sebastian was shocked. He knew not to question him, though. He only nodded. That, however, didn’t stop him from giving Elle a look that said he would get her next time, when Nero wasn’t around. She knew he would, too. That, I have no doubt of.
When Nero was satisfied he understood, he finally let him go. Then Nero looked around the cafeteria, making sure everyone was paying attention.
“Their names are Elle and Chloe, and you will call them by their names.”
Elle had not been expecting that, and by the expression on Chloe’s face, she hadn’t been, either. She couldn’t believe he had not only told Sebastian to fuck off, but the whole school, as well. All these years, she had gone with not one person standing up for her, and here Nero had stood up to the whole school.
Elle watched Nero come over to her. “You okay?”
She hoped her face didn’t look as dumb as she thought. It does. I know it does. “Um, yeah, I’m fine.” She looked over at Chloe to make sure she was good. She didn’t look terrified anymore; she looked a little dazed. Elle was certain she looked the same.
Nero grinned. “Do you think I could sit here now?”
Elle knew he deserved some consolation for what he had done. Still, she felt that this wasn’t going to change anything. She didn’t believe his intentions were good and knew a guy like Nero would never like her. Elle figured she could let him sit with her, though. It’s not like he will keep sitting here, anyway.
She glanced at Chloe to make sure she was okay with it. She knew she wasn’t thrilled, yet she would deal.
Elle looked up at Nero and smiled. “Sure, why not?”
“Good.” Nero looked up across the cafeteria and motioned a ‘come here’. Elle saw Nero’s crew get up from their table and come toward them. Oh, shit.
She immediately got up and stood beside Chloe. “What are you doing?” She could feel Chloe getting nervous.
“Uh, I’m sitting here, and they sit where I sit.”
“No, I said you can sit here. I didn’t say they could.”
“What’s the big deal?” Elle saw it dawn on him the moment he asked. He could figure it out by the way she was standing in front of Chloe.
“They can’t sit here, Nero.”
Elle watched Nero hold up his hand, stopping his crew.
“Ba-Elle, listen; letting them sit here will make sure no one will ever say or do anything to you and Chloe again. They won’t hurt you. I promise.” He made sure to hold her eyes, letting her know he was telling the truth. “They won’t touch Chloe, either. I give you my word.”
Elle looked at Chloe. She knew she was running out of room to protect her friend in this Hell. This semester had started out terribly, and it was only the first week. Elle knew she needed help, and if anyone in this school could protect Chloe, it was Nero and his crew. Sorry, Chloe.