The mug, now empty, was placed back on the tray.
"I thought you don't drink hot chocolate, you know being manly." I teased him. I had been unable to finish the drink, he had offered to empty the mug for me.
"I offered to help you out, that's a manly act." He replied.
"Yeah right." I eyed him, teasing him with my smile.
"You're so ungrateful. You should be thanking me." He went back to making himself comfortable on the bed, it suddenly reminded me of Lucas and how he also assumed that position whenever he came into my room. My eyes stung and I blinked them back. Baron was here to comfort me and I should appreciate him, not thinking of things that would only bring me more painful memories.
Plastering a smile on my face, willing to play along and let Baron fulfill his reason for coming with me to my room. "You're just mad I'm questioning your manliness."
"No one can question my manly abilities." Edging closer, he said in a low voice. "They're top-notch."
That erupted more laughter from me. "Okay boss."
He beamed. "So yeah. Now you're feeling a bit better, can you tell me what's wrong without falling apart?"
Sadness and pain enveloped me again, depriving me of the warmth of just forgetting, if even it was for a while. I exhaled sadly. "I did not do it." I locked eyes with him wanting him to believe me. I needed one person to believe me at least.
His gaze sober, but sympathizing, he replied. "What did you not do?"
"The phone, I did not steal it." I swiped at a single tear. "It was found in my bag and the situation that surrounding the whole awful event left no room for me to defend myself. But it was not me, I swear it." The tears were falling fast now. I did not believe I still had that much liquid in my eyes.
He stared at me wordlessly. His expression was unreadable. My heart pounded, was he going to act like his brothers? Was he going to not believe me too? I said nothing, half expecting him to stand up and leave. Sobs escaped and he drew me close and patted my hair. "It's okay Katherina."
I sobbed loudly, clinging to his shirt. "You believe me, don't you?"
"Yes, I do." He finally said.
I raised my head to look into his face. "You're sure? You truly believe me?"
"Yes, I do." And the earnest expression on his face caused relief flood through me, my sobs got louder. "You're such a crybaby." I heard the harmless teasing in his tone.
I jabbed him, chuckling amidst tears. "Try being labeled a thief in front of your whole class, let's see how you'll fare."
"I've gone through worse."
"Hm. And how did you manage the situation?" I sniffled.
"The details are quite crazy."
"Tell me, I want to hear them. Maybe I'll grab something helpful." I pulled away from him a little, waiting expectantly, wiping the last of my tears.
"There's nothing to grab. Now back to your own situation, how did it happen? Maybe there's a way we can both unravel the truth and know who set you up."
"It all happened so quick so I don't really know." I began. "I was in the cafeteria."
"Which of them? The Salvatores?" He inquired, interrupting me.
"Yes, the Salvatores." I affirmed.
"Alright, continue." He gestured that I go on.
"Lunch was over and your brothers offered to see me off to my class. We heard commotion as we stopped before the lecture hall." I exhaled deeply as I tried to relive that horrible experience. "Concerned, the boys followed me inside and someone complained of losing her phone. The boys were angry and Aaron took the lead and instructed the thief to return the phone, that was after we had tried calling the number but it was not going through." I paused to observe his reaction. There was none, he just stared patiently, I continued. "No one came to out to own up to stealing the phone, so a search was conducted."
"Aaron gave the command I guess." His expression morphed into one of disapproval and scoff.
"Of course, he is the oldest." I eyed him. "Well, at the time. You both are twins, I don't know if you're the older or younger twin." Suddenly curious, I asked. "Which are you?"
"That does not matter. Keep telling me what happened."
"As the search was going on, my bladder decided then that it was full of urine and wanted to dispel immediately."
"I know how suspicious that looks."
"Exactly. Especially when orders have been given for the door to be locked, no going in or out."
"Typical Aaron. Giving orders." He was obviously displeased by anything that had to do with his brothers especially Aaron.
"Will you let me finish? You refused to tell me anything, even the simplest question on who's older, you did not reply. Allow me tell you or I'll just go back to lying on my back and wallow in self-pity and despair."
"My bad, keep going. No more interruptions, I promise."
"So, I was so pressed that I began tapping my feet which increased suspicions because they were about to search my seat."
"Very bad."
"Don't I know." I tried to sigh the sadness away. "A classmate noticed it and asked why I was tapping my feet. I felt so embarrassed in that moment as all eyes come on me, even your brothers stared at me strangely. I went to sit and relax myself, maybe that would work on my bladder. The shocked gasp I heard made me raise my head to see Aaron holding my bag and the stolen phone."
"Now that is a bummer." He uttered, sympathy in his every word.
Another sad sigh escaped. "Tell me about it."
"So the boys all believe you stole it?"
"Yes." My voice broke, signaling the oncoming of another bout of tears.
"This is quite a complicated one."
Unable to hold it in anymore, I let out the tears. "They said I have ruined the Salvatore legacy. Do you think so too?"
He stared at me for awhile. "We'll find the truth, I assure you."