How is everyone week going? Mine is joining decent.

I have to thank the ladies you helped me get through these last chapters without them this would not be as good as it is lol. See you at the bottom.

Chapter 22

Lucian POV

Damon hangs out on the bleachers as Mike and I have football practice. In the past, my brother would be at his own practice doing his own thing, but his accident prevents him from participating in sports for at least six months, depending on his physical therapy.

I stare over at him while we run, seeing that he's zoned in on his books. The freaking books; I should be proud my brother is still focusing on schoolwork, but I swear he changes covers or purposely puts covers on books to deceive outsiders because when I walk up behind him, I think I see medical jargon before he huffs and slams it shut.

"Focus, Cullen!" Coach yells at me.

Rolling my eyes, I get in the huddle, trying to put my brother out of my head and focus on practice. Mike passes the ball as we run pass drills and some formations. Very basic stuff, thank God, because I can't keep my mind from worrying about Damon.

I read everything I could get my hands on that talked about what he went through. I wanted to grasp what I could do for him. To be there for him. Statistically, he should have gone on a bender, but instead he just shut down, doing the bare minimum in almost everything but school and taking care of our baby brother, Wyatt.

I know we have a session with a counselor as a family and as individuals. Mom and Dad thought it would be best for us with everything going on. I know it's more for Damon than us, but I'll do it because it's best for my brother.

Coach divides us up, and I can't help but spot Damon's old crowd walking up to him where he's sitting. I try to focus on what the coach is saying, but I can't help trying to hear what the others are saying. Damon isn't paying attention to them, his eyes staying on his book and paper. His buddy—Rich, maybe—his face is getting red and his hands clench as Damon seems to ignore his presence. Unable to stop myself, I walk over to find out what's going on.

"You should be celebrating, dude, you ain't saddled with a fucking kid and a baby momma telling you what to do anymore."

Damon's entire body stiffens, and his fingers curl into his book, turning them white.

"Hey, fucker, why don't you show some fucking respect?" I walk up to them, pulling myself taller and wider.

Damon doesn't move, but the little group of dicks walk up to me, standing a millimeter away from pressing against my chest. "You can actually cuss, Golden Cullen?"

"I can do more than that." Using my entire body, I throw my fist, hitting him in the face.

There's a roaring sound in my ears, and my vision goes blurry as I continue to hit him until I'm physically pulled away. My gaze goes to my brother's brown ones. For the first time in months, I see a spark, the spark that died with my niece, but it's gone as quickly as it appeared.

Before I can grasp what I just did, I find myself in the office surrounded by cops, parents, and lawyers alike. I thought I hit him more, but I guess I landed three punches, the first one breaking his nose.

Everyone is loudly trying to talk over one another. Rich is at the hospital with his mom, but his arrogant dad is here to make sure there's enough punishment laid out. "I want him expelled and arrested!"

I will myself not to roll my eyes while Mom quickly pushes Dad away. "I want to know why my child felt the need to hit someone. This is not like Lucian." Her gaze searches over me.

"Yes, could you please tell us what happened?" Mr. Sanders' question silences the group of people.

I clear my throat, side-eyeing Damon, who's staring out the window. "I was at practice when I noticed Rich and some other kids talking to Damon. I observed them getting upset, so I walked over there and heard Rich tell Damon he should celebrate cause he won't be saddled with a kid and a bitch baby momma."

Tension fills the room so thick it chokes me. We might not be 'A' list celebrities, and we tend to act like we aren't in the spotlight, but really my dad is a billionaire and my mom runs a famous center that does so much humanitarian work.

Everyone in this room knows about the accident, they know about the fighting at the funeral. They know exactly what happened in October. The school has been there for the family, making sure Damon is continuing his education. Of course, at the time, we were preparing for the worst, but now they just let him be since he does his work and disrupts nothing.

"I see." My principal looks over to Rich's dad, who's gone pale. His hands shake as he pulls at his hair.

"I think, given the circumstances and the simple fact that Lucian has no record of being violent, we can forgo any charges. Maybe a week suspension and he sits for two games is punishment enough."

Rich's dad looks at everyone. Uncle Jasper raises his brow, daring him to argue. Dad is shaking, his arms crossed as Mom rubs his shoulder, but her face is blank, staring the guy down.

The cop doesn't even have a pad out.

Rich's dad clears his throat. "I guess."

The room clears out, leaving Mom, Dad, Damon, and the principal.

"Your week suspension will start Monday. You can finish out the week. You and your coach can discuss the games you will sit out on, and which practices."

I nod, not trusting my voice.

"I really hope this won't become a regular occurrence. You're the brightest student of your grade and have a promising future; don't jeopardize that because of people who don't understand the pain your family is going through."

I don't acknowledge him; I know what he's saying is true, but I couldn't let that stuff slide. My brother is already hiding behind so many walls that he doesn't even talk.

"Thank you, Mr. Potters." My dad reaches out and shakes his hand.

I get out of the chair and leave the office, feeling my parents' stare on my back, but I really have nothing more to say.

"Lucian, we're meeting with the counselors today. I texted you the address, and I expect you and Damon to be there!" Mom hollers at me.

I turn around. Dad tries to hide his smirk, but Mom's eyes are wet and her hands are clasping his.

I've never made my mom look like this before. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me."

Dad slaps his hand on my shoulder. "As much as I enjoyed this"—he smirks—"next time, just use your lawyering abilities."

I laugh, nodding my head. "Okay. We'll meet you over there."

We go our separate ways, and when I get to my car, Sam and Damon are leaning against it. Her green eyes widen before she runs to me and jumps in my arms.

"Wow, babe, it's okay. I just got a slap on the wrist."

She hugs me tight, kissing my lips. "I'm partly mad at you for making such a mistake when you have Harvard and Yale trying to buy your love, but also so turned on that you would do that for your brother."

My head falls back as I groan. "Sam, you can't say things like that."

She giggles, sliding down my body. "Now that I know you're okay, I have to get to work. Text me after your appointment."

I roll my eyes and give her a quick peck before climbing into my car.

Damon leans back in his seat, looking out the window. It's the usual, nothing different as I begin our drive.

"I know I'm the reason we're doing this."

I swerve, hearing his voice. It's been several months since anyone has heard it. "I think it's a good idea for all of us." I hear the uncertainty in my voice, but what am I going to say?

"True. Can you help me with something?"

"Anything."

"I need to see Jake."

What do you all think? Did you see it coming? I had more bantering thought out but Lucian decides to hit first lol.

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