Chapter 15

Finn's POV

I sigh, pulling my shirt over my head, damp from Lottie's tears.

Lottie…

I can't believe a man raped her!

I smile a tight smile at Mr. and Mrs. Mellark and my mother as I run past them to get towel for Lottie.

Lottie…

I rush into the kitchen and curse as I slam my hip against the counter.

A box falls out of my front pocket and clatters to the ground.

A box I'd nearly forgotten since I saw Lottie cry.

Lottie…

The only reason I came here this time.

For Lottie…

I slide down the counter side and stare at the box.

I open it with gentle hands and smile sadly at the diamond ring in the box, glinting a deep blue in the sunlight.

As deep as Lottie's eyes…

This ring was meant for her anyway.

I didn't come here for Nick.

As Mother and Mr. and Mrs. Mellark know, I came for something different.

But I should forget it since Lottie isn't too calm.

I sigh and put the box back in my pocket.

I'm one of the few that her deep dark secret, and I thought I'd ask her now, but…

Shut UP Finn!

Stop drowning in your own self pities and help Lottie!

Right.

I stand and grab towel and run past the adults, rushing to Lottie and Nick.

Lottie has her eyes closed when I get back to them.

Nick puts a finger to lips and I nod, kneeling next to her, gently wiping the blood off her chin.

"You love her." Nick whispers, his gray eyes staring at her sister sadly.

I nod, wiping her parted lips.

Lottie's deep blue eyes watch me closely and tiredly as I sneak into her room at midnight.

"Hey." I whisper.

She smiles at me sadly and whispers, "Hey Finn."

I sit next to her and she turns her body to look at me.

I take one of her hands and make her look at me. "When are you going to tell your parents?"

She sighs, tears threatening to spill over her lashes.

"I don't know Finn." She whispers.

Tears fall off of her cheeks, running down her throat.

She freezes as I run my fingers butterfly gentle on her neck where her tears fell.

Her eyes widen as she looks at me, "Finn, what are you-"

I press my lips against hers, and she stiffens.

I pull back reluctantly, a sad smile on my face.

"I've always wanted to do that." I brush a piece of hair off of her forehead, and kiss it.

Fear darkens her eyes.

I sigh, letting her hand go, and walk towards her door.

"Finn." She whispers.

I look back, my eyelids drooping from tiredness.

"Thank you."

I smile a ghost of a smile and slip out as quietly as I came in.


Argh...

So sorry about some problems on this, my computer's trying to get on my nerves.

AND IT'S WORKING...

Review?