AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I was fairly certain I heard anoh damnwhispered in the background by one of the men. All those in attendance who knew me were aware I had a temper when provoked. Not much had changed on that front.
Nowadays, however, I didn’t lash out without thought. I had too much to hold inside. I worried that if I let some of that anger show, it would flow too freely and, in turn, I would be punished for it. So, I kept it tightly held within heavy cast iron chains, and held back my physical response. Because Ireallywanted to show her what would come to her instead.
I moved my gaze directly to hers. “You don’t like me? Shame,” I drawled with a mocking smile. “Let me just sit down, take out my diary. I need a few minutes to recover from this tragedy,” I stated sarcastically, my smirk still in place while I mimicked writing in my imaginary diary.
I garnered laughter from those around us from my dramatics. Seriously, I should have considered a drama degree instead.Could have been the next Emma Watson. Nope, I’m definitely an Emma Stone.However, on par with pre knowledge of my psychology degree I was aware that I was classically deflecting from the situation.
Barbie stood up, red-faced and aggressive. Her chair screeched backwards noisily on the flooring and she moved round the table towards me with fire in her eyes that I knew would cause me trouble. Again, it was another issue for future me.
Future me really had some problems to deal with. This girl may have looked like a Barbie, but goddamn, her personality was in alignment with theAnnabelle doll, the creepy looking one.
Before she made it to me, Adam jumped up from his seat and stood in her way, blocking her and protecting me. Coming to a halt, she looked at him in confusion and the question she didn’t even have to ask but got answered for her was given.
“You will leave Milla alone,” he stated confidently. “Remember your place.”
Her hands clenched, it was obvious it infuriated her being told to back off from another legacy holder. As much as we hated it, us legacies had to stand together. It was our institution, and our behaviour reflected our families, who always stood side by side. The same was expected from us. If we fell, it would cause a ripple effect not just through our generation, but from our elders and the generations to come after us. It would rip apart business deals, cut through families. Which was why, knowing more than ever, my lips would never reveal the secrets brimming under my skin.
Lee and Daniel joined Adam in agreement until Barbie turned her back to go lick her wounds. And then I had all the attention again…fantastic.
I addressed Adam, “Thanks for that.” I turned my back to everyone and made a quick exit out the door that I came through back to the hallways.
Waving over my shoulder, I shouted, “See you!” Cheerily, way too cheerily.
Quick decision making was not my forte, and I needed to get out of there before I either cried or laughed. So, I walked briskly and made my way to the canteen. Grabbing a pre-packed sandwich, a canned drink, and some chips, I strode to the library and found a hidden corner with a comfy armchair. I sat down and contemplated what just happened.
One thing was for sure, future me was going to have serious problems if present me couldn’t rein in her claws.
* * *
The icy, stiff wind blew around me. Leaves on the trees nearby had fallen and drifted away. The sudden coldness made my body fill with goosebumps. Stupid September weather. Fall seemed to hit sooner rather than later.Should have grabbed a coat.
But damn it, I couldn’t be bothered to go all the way back to my dorm to get it now. Plus, my driver would be here soon, although I was surprised that he’d not arrived already. Usually, they waited for me, not the other way round.
A fancy black shiny G-Wagon pulled up to the front of the drop-off zone which was outside the main campus foyer, it looked like it’d just been through a car wash and wax. My mouth dried with anticipation. I knew who—years ago—wanted a car exactly like this. It didn’t surprise me in the slightest when the passenger window rolled down and Texas shouted. “I’m your ride, get the fuck in!”
Without thinking, I strolled towards the car and used the step to help hoist me into the seat. Closing the door, I pulled the seat belt over me and all the while he just sat, watched, and waited.Another watcher, fantastic.
“You get in cars with anybody nowadays?” He sneered, trying to start a fight for no reason whatsoever.Prick.
“Clearly not,” I snarled in response. “It’s you. We’re going to the same place. Obviously, you or someone arranged this... can we go now?”
He stared directly at me, trying to figure me out. Good luck with that. With a nod he pulled his eyes from me to the road, accelerating towards the exit.
“You don’t know me anymore, Milla. People change, remember that,” he said, ominously. Warning me.
“Don’t I know it,” I muttered under my breath, though I was sure he probably caught it. Choosing to ignore it, he turned the radio on and put a stop to any further conversation.Fine by me, grumpy asshole.
Arriving at Texas’ parents’ house was my first surprise. I didn’t realise this was where we’d be coming, however, I also didn’t inquire either. Mom just told me where to be for a driver. I was unsure if I was prepared to face all the legacy parents and kids. It had been years. I bit the inside of my cheek to keep myself in check, the pain grounding me.
We parked by an array of cars at the side of the house which gave a view of the beautiful terracotta building directly in front when you drove through the gates. This place had always felt like a home when I was younger.
Texas’ parents’ house was one of the few genuine legacy families with a mom and dad who loved each other—and their son—very much, and who opened their arms to all his friends. I’d never had an issue with his parents; I loved his mom.
Valerie was the proper stay at home type; cooking, serving her boys… but she chose to do it as that’s what brought her enjoyment. Her home-baked goods wereah-ma-zing. I could just about remember the taste of the famous chocolate cake that was devoured whenever it was baked. Chris, Texas’ dad, was a mystery to me. Always kind, friendly and smiling, but I sensed there was more to him than presented. Texas reminded me very much of him, like you’d be peeling layers back to get to the core of who they really were.
Texas parked and switched the engine off, bathing us in uncomfortable silence. He studied me and I glared directly back at him. I raised my eyebrow in question, but it probably appeared as a ‘fuck you’ instead. Terrible shame.
He held my gaze, making me want to look away from his penetrating stare, but I stayed still. I got the impression he wanted to say something, but he refused to let the words materialise. Which was fine. We weren’t entitled to people’s thoughts if they didn’t want to share them. Sometimes… just sometimes though, I wished I could hear the thoughts swirling around in people's minds.
