CHAPTER FIFTEEN – THE BOX
The girls sat in the coffee shop, a heavy silence hanging over them, their to-go cups cradled in their hands. The upcoming school renovations meant two weeks of online classes, a prospect that Stella welcomed. These days had been exhausting, and she could use the break. Aisha cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention. But instead of speaking, she seemed to be clearing her throat out of nerves.
Stella broke the silence, rubbing her temples. "Girls, are we going to sit here in silence forever? If we don't talk about what's bothering us now, we won't make any progress."
The girls looked at her, a mixture of relief and nervousness in their eyes. Musa cleared her throat next, her voice low with guilt. "I want to apologize," she began. All eyes turned towards her, and Stella could sense Musa's remorse. "It's my fault. Everything. I mean, the first time Stella and I went to Red Fountain was because I wanted to make sure that dickhead was okay."
Stella realized how guilty she must've felt. "Musa…" she started to say but Musa wasn't finished, "You came with me to make sure I wasn't alone and nothing bad happened. And I, like a stupid girl I am, let you come with me."
Stella inched closer to Musa, shaking her head. "Let me? Who asked you? I was there with you because that's what friends do. Aren't I right, girls?"
The others nodded in agreement, all having discussed this already. Tecna spoke up, her voice measured. "The only fault lies in not giving us the chance to be with you during those days. If we were together, none of this would have happened."
Flora added, "Speaking of the past won't change anything. It's not like you hid anything from us." And the silence was back at the table.
Bloom observed her friends, deciding it was her turn to contribute. "You girls don't have to blame yourselves for having a crush on the racers."
Stella, Aisha, and Musa snapped their heads up, indignant. Bloom jumped back on her seat. "Who has a crush? Who said I have a crush on him? Why would I have a crush on that jerk?" they protested in unison.
"Stop." Tecna intervened sternly. "We're not naïve. It's okay because you all are there too..." Now confusion was back, they looked at Tecna not really understanding what she had meant.
She pointed her finger to Aisha, "You and Nabu. Their deal is definitely just starting, they probably are going to a date soon." Aisha felt her cheeks blushing. She really didn't talk to him that way, maybe they flirted a little, and maybe he had offered his bike for the ride back home last night even though Bloom was driving. But that doesn't mean he likes her back! Does it?
Tecna spoke again before Aisha could object to her statement. "Musa is cursing and insulting to that Riven guy, who apparently is the main reason for us all to meet Red Fountain, but she really is hot for him! Look at her cheeks! She was worried for him, and went to check on him. Who does that? Wait, no, you don't have to tell me anything. A person who likes him does that!" Without even giving a chance to Musa, she moved to her next victim.
Tecna's finger shifted to Flora, making her brows shot up in shock and panic. "Me?" she asked kindly. "Yes you, don't use the tone to me today, I'll be speaking about the truth and you're going to listen! You've been seeing Helia. When you go to visit your mom in hospital you often see him, you like him! When you got to talk to him the first time, you spat at him. Which was odd because you don't argument to people even if they hurt you, unless you like them of course... That's what happened with Helia." Flora now was looking like a red rose. Her mother was working as a nurse, and Helia was a med student who was doing his practices in the hospital.
Before any of the girls could protest her finger was in front of Bloom's nose. "You don't have to tire yourself. I'll say it, I have a crush on Sky. I saw him yesterday, and we still are texting each other since last night. Here, happy?" she asked Tecna with a smirk playing on her mouth. Tecna nodded her head, thanking her.
Now Tecna had her eyes on Stella, who wasn't looking in her direction but playing with her coffee cup. "And as for you." Her voice had a tone that sent chills all over her arms. She had to face her eventually, raising her head Stella looked at Tecna, sending her what she thought looked like a puppy stare. "Those eyes won't work on me, maybe try them on Brandon. Oh, I forgot that you already did try them last night before he kissed you." Tecna words were not a shock to anyone since Stella had told them everything, "We didn't kiss!" Stella through her the handkerchief that barista gave them with coffee and muffin. "He kissed me on the cheek." She murmured slowly. Her cheeks were turning all red remembering what had occurred last night. The feeling on her abdomen returning, her insides warming slowly. All the girls were sending smiles on her direction except Tecna who was judging the girls with strict stares and shaking her head disapprovingly.
"Oh cut it off Tec. You're screwed as much as we are." Bloom said after she saw the look on her face. Tecna raised her brow at her, asking her the question with her eyes. "You're flirting with one of them too." This brought a new shock wave on the table, now a surprised gasp and sound was coming out of every girl. "Who? What? Tecna you snake!"
"Timmy. Timothy, if I may be clear." Spoke Bloom, smirking to her friend. Tecna narrowed her eyes at Bloom, how did she know about Timmy?
"He's not a racer," Tecna argued weakly.
Bloom countered, "Yes, but he's connected to them. Sky is a talker girls, I didn't even have to ask. We've all got our reasons to be drawn to them.
"It's not fair to judge when we're all in this together." Musa said, sounding a little hurt.
"Timmy is different, I swear." Tecna's voice was coming out as a whisper. Stella could see her regret for being angry at girls earlier. "Tecna, they all are different. The fact that they race or fight doesn't mean that they are bad people. If they were, they wouldn't try to save or protect us. But none of them did anything to harm us. I did get hurt, but neither my attack nor my bruises happened because of them. I swear, the girls saw, ask them." All the girls nodded their head, approving what Stella had just told Tecna. Even Flora, who wasn't with them did nod her head, she had saw the way Brandon protected Stella with Taylor. Even though Stella could handle a Taylor. "It's not just that. Being around them brings only pain and trouble. We saw girls, wherever they are, there's trouble too." Now that was the truth they were trying to avoid. Stella bit her lip, this was turning into a habit of hers.
"That's true, but we do feel those things Tec. And you do too. Even if it's going to turn out to be a disaster, I really want to see and live it. Sky's really cool and the way he speaks," Bloom is not a type to flush while talking about boys, this time she didn't flush or anything either, but the girls were aware how her eyes were sparkling. "I just want to talk to him non-stop about anything."
Stella wanted to say something about Brandon too, but she was too confused herself, she didn't want to show the confusion to girls. "I don't really want to talk about Nabu right now, but I'm so sure, if something is going to happen between us, there's no way he would let anything bad to happen to me. He's been protective to all of us, making sure we're safe and everything. Can't imagine how he would be toward his girlfriend." Tecna looked at Aisha, she really didn't want her friends to convince her to anything. If they do something, Tecna would be there for them no matter what. She just was scared, that's all.
Tecna eventually confessed her fear, admitting, "I'm scared, girls."
Bloom empathized, sharing her own anxiety from the previous night. "When I was terrified for Stella, Sky was a complete gentleman. We need to give them a chance."
Stella's eyes gleamed with hope. Her friends' approval could mean her parents would approve too. Tecna remained skeptical. "We still don't really know them."
Bloom reassured her, "That's why we'll take our time. We'll get to know them properly, without any pressure."
Musa added firmly, "As for Riven, count me out."
Bloom smirked, "We'll see, Muse."
Stella found solace in the company of the dogs, her heart warming as she played with them. She had reluctantly parted ways with the girls, opting for some quiet time with her newfound furry friends. While she longed to join them on their shopping trip, her arm, head, and back protested against the idea. She couldn't help but roll her eyes at her own mess, grateful for the doggie companionship.
As Stella observed each dog, she began to ponder names for them. One of the dogs, overcome by curiosity, attempted to reach her, unwillingly placing a paw on her bandaged arm. "Oh, darn it," she breathed out, wincing. She knew the pup meant no harm, merely curious about the bandage. The dog, sensing Stella's discomfort, retreated in fear. "No, baby, it's okay. Mommy's arm is just a bit sore, so no touching, alright?" she chuckled, hoping the dog would understand. Slowly, she approached the dog, so as not to startle it further. "Here you go," she said, offering a treat. "I suppose you're a bit of a funky one, huh?" she mused, smiling to herself. "Funky?" she repeated. The dog perked up, studying Stella with keen interest. "Ah, you told me your name, didn't you?" she laughed, gently embracing the pup. "Funky it is, then."
"You're looking good mommy," a voice interrupted Stella's moment with Funky. She turned to find Brandon standing there, looking at her. Stella's own smile was infectious, lighting up the space between them. Brandon knelt beside her, his fingers brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Hey, beautiful," he murmured. Stella swallowed hard. Did this mean they would be close like this from now on? She needed to know more about him, and she needed to start now. "Hey," she replied. "Meet Funky. He just told me his name," Stella shared. Brandon arched an eyebrow, regarding Funky, who was still assessing whether Brandon was a friend or a potential threat. "Hello, Funky. I'm glad we finally met. I was wondering who was looking out for her when I wasn't around," Brandon said. Stella's eyes sparkled as she gazed at Brandon. How was he able to make her feel so happy?
Brandon's attention shifted to the other dogs, who were now resting nearby. "And what about the others?" he inquired. Stella shook her head lightly. "They haven't shared their names with me yet," she admitted, her lower lip tugged down slightly, concealing her upper lip.
Brandon's eyes drifted to Stella's lips, his hand inching forward to caress her cheek. "I must warn you about your lip movements, sunshine," he breathed. Stella met his emerald gaze, her own eyes shimmering in the sunlight, mirroring her radiant spirit. Brandon couldn't help but marvel at her. "Why don't you come inside? I'll make you coffee, and we can... talk?" she offered, her voice laced with warmth and invitation.
Brandon nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on Stella. "I'd like that. I want to talk to you too," he admitted. Stella returned his nod. "Alright, let's go. Just give me a moment to change. Playing with the dogs always leaves a bit of a scent," she explained, chuckling. Brandon couldn't help but admire her, appreciating her authenticity.
"Sure," he replied, his eyes never leaving her. Stella headed upstairs to change, her arm causing her noticeable discomfort. Brandon took the opportunity to explore the living room, his attention drawn to the baby photos of Stella scattered around. "Why am I not surprised?" he mused to himself, each image highlighting Stella's natural beauty. Whether wearing glasses or sporting bracelets, her allure was undeniable.
His fingers lingered on a current photo of Stella in front of her Jeep, dressed in her cheerleading uniform. The sheer joy in her eyes hinted at a heartfelt surprise from her parents. Startled by Brandon's presence, Stella descended the stairs. "I'm sorry, my arm is giving me a hard time while changing," she explained. She swiftly prepared the coffee, returning with two mugs in hand. Brandon settled on the couch, and as Stella approached, he remarked, "You could've just called, you know. I would've been more than happy to help." His words left Stella momentarily stunned. She turned to him, whispering, "What?"
Brandon's initial inclination was to laugh, but her tone and expression held an intensity that gave him pause. He cleared his throat, masking his affection. "Does it hurt?" he inquired instead. Stella tried to take a deep breath, nodding. "Especially at night. I can't sleep," she confessed. Brandon's jaw tightened. "No more pain, sunshine. I made sure of that," he stated firmly.
Stella's worried question hung in the air. "You didn't... kill him, did you?" she asked, her fear palpable. Brandon gave her a wry smile. "I'm not a murderer, Stella," he assured, softening his tone as he realized the impact of his words. "But you would've, if it wasn't for me to stop you," she added. Wrapping his arm around her and drawing her close he finished her words, "Yeah, but you were there." Stella found solace in his embrace, breathing in his comforting scent.
"I could though," he admitted quietly. "I can see I'd do anything to keep you safe." Stella was at a loss for words. Did Brandon realize the weight of his confession? He gently lifted her chin, their faces now inches apart. "I told you," he whispered, "You have a hold on me. If you ask me to destroy, I will. If you say kill, I won't hesitate. If you lie, I'll believe you."
Stella's heart raced as she met his gaze. "Why do you think that is?" she asked, her voice trembling with trepidation. "We're going to find out together," he promised, his voice filled with a quiet resolve.
Stella's gaze fixated on Brandon's face, curiosity guiding her words. "What are you studying?" she inquired abruptly. Brandon's smile was warm. "Law," he replied briefly.
"Law?" Stella echoed, taken aback. "Why so surprised, sunshine?" Brandon teased, playfully mimicking her expression. "You do realize, you're trouble out there, right?" she asked, wishing she didn't overstep. He let go of her chin but maintained his gentle hold on her body, a silent promise not to let go.
"Actually," he began, his tone shifting to something more serious. But he trailed off, leaving Stella hanging.
"I understand if you don't want to share with a girl you just met, like, what? A week ago?" Stella quipped, her sarcasm a thinly veiled attempt to cover her uncertainty. They knew so little about each other, yet here he was, in her home, pushing boundaries she hadn't even realized she was inviting him to cross.
"Stella," Brandon's voice brought her back to the moment, "I know it's all very new and probably too soon for anything. But there's nothing holding me back. You should know that." His eyes held a sincerity that was impossible to miss.
Stella met his gaze, seeing the honesty in his eyes. "If you need time, take all you want. I'm in no rush. I'll wait," he assured her.
"Brandon, I..." Stella started, but her words were cut off by the sound of the doorbell ringing. "I'll be right back," she said, rising to answer the door. Brandon watched her, his eyes following her movements. When she returned, she held a package in her hands. Brandon smirked, teasing, "Online shopping, huh?"
"No, I didn't..." Stella began, her words trailing off as she looked at the box. Brandon could tell something was bothering her. "What is it?" he asked, taking the box from her to ease the strain on her injured arm. "Stella?" he urged when she didn't answer immediately.
"Sorry. I need to call my parents first," Stella said, reaching for her phone. She dialed her mother's number and began speaking quietly. "Hey mom, yeah yeah I'm fine but um, listen, another package just arrived. It's empty mom, no name tag." While she was on the call, Brandon knelt down to open the box, sensing Stella's tension. If this was a problem for her, she would've stopped him. As he carefully opened the box, Brandon's brows furrowed. Inside, he found a collection of items - a yellow pajama set, chocolates, vitamins, cozy socks, and a plush teddy bear with 'For Stella' written on it. He looked up at Stella, who had joined him on the floor.
"What is it?" he asked.
"We don't know. You know the décor I saw that day on the door? It's one of the things we can't figure out where it came from," Stella explained, her eyes reflecting her lingering fear.
"There's more?" Brandon inquired.
"Yeah, there was this vase," Stella admitted hesitantly. Brandon could sense her inner turmoil. "What is it Stella?" he asked again. "The vase was in the house." she said shortly. The fear she felt when she found out the vase was brought by an intruder was still there in her eyes.
"What do you mean it was in the house? Who brought it in?" Brandon's gaze swept through the surroundings, his protective instincts kicking in.
"I don't know," Stella's voice was barely above a whisper. Brandon's body tensed, his jaw clenching as a surge of adrenaline coursed through him. "Are you telling me someone broke into your house and left a vase?" he asked softly, careful not to add to her distress. Stella nodded, her fear evident.
"My parents were freaked out when they found out. They got the dogs for protection and installed security cameras all around the house. The place is filled with self-defense mechanisms I can use in order to protect myself," Stella shared, her vulnerability clear. She hadn't intended to reveal this much, but the presence of the box had rattled her. Suddenly she felt the need of his warmth, she slid a little closer to him hopping he didn't understand what she was doing but Brandon was already carefully looking at her, as soon as he realized Stella's fear he grabbed her waist and pressed her body against his. His arms enveloping her. "It's okay, I'm here. You're not alone," he assured her, his voice a comforting murmur.
Stella took solace in his embrace, finding a sense of security in his presence. Brandon's fingers brushed against the plush teddy bear, but he was squeezing it too tightly. Whoever this was, thought Brandon, is obsessed with Stella. Stella gently touched his hand, mindful of his injuries.
"Brandon," she whispered, holding his bruised and wounded hand.
"Do you have any idea who this is from?" Brandon asked, his voice now filled with controlled concern.
"No, we have no idea," Stella confirmed, referring to her parents' lack of information.
"Why are you alone in this house?" Brandon's question hung in the air, signaling that they were about to embark on a conversation that would likely take some time to unfold.