Helanie:
I sat up, watching her stare at my face and wait for my answer. I had been avoiding these questions back when we were at the beach because I didn’t want to spoil anyone’s mood. But there were times when I saw Jenny notice my body language and ask me if I was okay. I would give her my casual head nod and avoid eye contact.
But of course, she wasn’t stupid and had noticed that something had switched in me after that cage incident.
"I really like you, Jenny. You know I befriended you and trusted you when you said nothing was going on between you and Gavin," I started as I recalled how we began our friendship in the first place.
"And there is nothing," she confirmed, but me shutting my eyes made her realize I wasn’t done talking.
"I just want to know the truth, Jenny. The way Gavin saved you just made me feel so itchy. I am not saying he should have let you get hurt, but to do that when he knew his relationship with Lucy started to deteriorate because of her suspicions that there was something going on between the two of you, yet he chose you over her, just made me feel like we are in the dark about something," I watched her look so sad, and her lips quivered when I used a little harsh tone with her.
She had such a gentle tone that even when anyone raised their voice at her, she would freak out and start tearing up. Not everyone, just the people that were her family and friends. I guess she held too many expectations from people around her.
"Why don’t you ask Gavin why he did that? I am not supposed to get between their relationship. Whatever he is doing, he is doing on his own," she spoke in a murmur.
"And I will just say that if she can sleep with Lamar and be friends with him, go out to the academy even now while I have to be questioned for saving my friend out of reflex, it’s a bit hypocritical of you, Helanie. I expect you to make better judgment," Gavin arrived out of nowhere, interrupting us.
"I will leave." I could tell Jenny had had enough of everyone dragging her into their relationships.
"No, you should stay because it is not your fault. You are my friend, and I don’t regret saving you," Gavin had the nerve to want her here after she looked so uncomfortable. And I am so glad she spoke up for herself.
"No, Gavin. You are wrong for this. You cannot drag me in punishing her. I feel used right now. You are doing it on purpose, but you are also ruining my friendship with them," Jenny uttered, tears spilling down her cheeks.
"Fine. I get it. I just don’t get this one thing," Gavin bit the inside of his cheeks, nodding his head before he continued. "How is she a victim and I am not?" Gavin asked us.
"She cheated on me after thinking I was cheating on her. All on the basis of just her thoughts, while I am being crucified because I saved Jenny after knowing Lucy cheated on me. And these are not just my thoughts—it is a confirmed fact. I knew Lucy wouldn’t die; she was fine after one transition. She can take her anger out because of her delusions, but I cannot, even when it is based on factual information."
I suddenly felt a weird guilt hit me when he explained how unfair we had been to him.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates