Chapter 21 Chapter: 21
ADDISON
“Addie?” Jess called as she, Emma and the other girls hurry after us, as Shepherd strode out of the school with me still in his arms.
“God Addie, I'm so damn sorry.” She was panting, running after Shepherd who refused to even slow down much less let me down on my feet.
I'd given up fighting him, too exhausted, but also too embarrassed to deal with all the eyes staring and the low whispers of voices following me.
“I came the instant I heard Angela went looking for you but the door wouldn't open. I got you your bag,” Jess added.
“I'll take that thank you.” Shepherd grabbed the bag out of her hand as we walked out of the double doors.
Some of the students have followed us right outside, still staring and whispering loud enough for me to hear.
“I can't believe it's true, so Shepherd is really dating her?” one girl said.
“Yeah, I was there when he kissed her right in front of everyone yesterday at the fields,” another replied.
“Yes, I was there too and I knew this would happen. Everyone knows Angela is territorial about Shepherd, well everyone except the scholarship girl that is.”
“She should have stuck to her level, Shepherd is way above her league. He is the damn king of Brighton, and she's just a scholarship mediocre girl. I mean, I honestly don't see what is so special about her,” another chipped in.
“She's kinda hot. She got nice tits and ass, I'm sure Pres probably just wants to be the first to hit, can't blame him. I would definitely hit that,” one of the guys said which makes the rest crack up with laughter.
Shepherd turns around and I quickly shove my face in the crook of his neck, wishing I'm anywhere but here.
Instantly there was silence. I don't know what he did to get them to stop talking.
The words shouldn't have hurt but they did but at this point even a show of sympathy will feel like an insult to me. I just want to be left the fuck alone.
Cole was waiting right outside the academic block sitting on Shepherd's bike, he straightened up and moved away from the bike when he saw us.
“Ahh shit!” he swore “That bitch really did a number on you scholarship girl.”
“Shut the fuck up if you can't say anything good,” Shepherd gritted. From my peripheral I saw Cole through his hands up.
Shepherd dumps me on the backseat before he gets in the front seat. Here, outside the crowds are even worse.
Though my head was down I could feel the hundreds of eyes on me, my eyes sting with tears but I wouldn't let them spill.
I can't believe this is what my life has turned to.
“Addie, are you okay?” Jess asked, concerned. I nodded, blinking back tears.
I can't fucking talk, there's a huge lump in my throat and I'm afraid the moment I try to speak I'm going to burst into tears and I don't want to give all these people more weapons against me.
“Hold on tight,” Shepherd whispers, grabbing my hands and putting them on his side so I can hold on, I did.
He started the bike and drove out of the school building towards the direction of his house. I didn't even know when we got there until he suddenly picked me up and started up the stairs.
“Put me down damn you!” I screamed, kicking up my feet.
Shepherd didn't stop anywhere until we reached his bathroom, he put me down in the shower and started the water.
I was panting, my eyes burning with the tears I'm still holding back. My chest was aching with so much rage, so much anger and pain.
Wordlessly I dove under the shower head and let the warm water cascade down my body. The tears I'd deny myself suddenly burst free, like a dam.
Tears stream down from my eyes, mixed with the water. My shoulders shook as I sob, my hands frantically scrubbing my hair, face and neck.
Trying to detangle it. Another pair of hands bump into mine. Instantly I knew it was Shepherd's.
What's he trying to do?
Blinded by my feelings I'd completely forgotten he was there, witnessing me breakdown.
Watching me cry and unravel fully dressed in my uniform in his shower.
I turn around to face him, head raised up to his, while his hands scratch and massage my scalp and hair.
Shepherd was standing under the shower with me also fully clothed in his uniform, sleeves rolled up, tattooed arms bared. His hair plastered to his forehead.
His face was set in that familiar mask not giving anything away. He was a walking contradiction, one minute he's making my life hell the next he's saving me.
This was all his fault, he did this, Angela wouldn't have come for me if he hadn't twisted my words and made it seem like we were dating.
He made me the victim. Anger churned inside me at that reminder and I lash out.
“Don't fucking touch me, bastard!” I scream, shoving him with all the rage inside me, he stumbled back. “This is all your damn fault!”
My anger came in the form of more tears spilling down my cheeks and blurring my eyes.
“You made me her target! You made up all those lies about us dating! It's all you, so don't you stand here pretending you care or that you're not responsible for everything that happens today Shepherd!” I was sobbing dammit!
“Shrimp!” He reached for me, his voice hoarse.
“No! Don't fucking touch me!” I screamed, slapping his hands away. He grabbed the back of my neck as he moved closer. I fisted my palms and rain blew on his chest, hitting him wildly even as I sob.
“I'm so sorry Addie.” He yanked me to his chest, trapping my hands and hugging me so tight under the warm deluge of water.
“Shit! I'm so damn sorry.” His arms squeezed even tighter around me. I had no choice but to stand there crying brokenly in his arms.
And because I was pathetic, I melted into his arms and cried for the longest time. Until I have no more tears to give and I was marginally better, logic finally replaced my emotional breakdown.
Here I was in the arms of Shepherd, both of us wet and for the first time I realized my boobs were smashed into his chest.
I pushed myself away so fast I gave myself whiplash. “Stay away from me,” I muttered nervously.