Chapter 100 Perfect Daughter
ISABEL'S POV
It was almost like something was ripped out of my chest. I looked up at my mom, and my eyes were tearing up. That was the most that I felt like I wasn't a Quinn. For most of my life, I was brought up like one. And it was suddenly going to end just like that?
I got on my feet immediately, holding on to my mom. “You can't do this to me. You know how we started.”
She gently shrugged my hands off hers. “If you were really the girl that I raised, then we wouldn't be in this position right now.”
Every single head was turned in my direction. People were waiting for me to make the next move. Anna moved closer to my mom, as if she was scared my mom was going to break.
She was trying so hard to be the perfect daughter, which made my skin crawl. James suddenly took a step forward, taking his hand in mine.
“She'll be coming home with me,” he said, and I quickly looked up at him. What did he think he was doing? Was this some kind of joke to him? I didn't know where he was living, and I wasn't sure that I even cared. But there was no way I was going with them. Not when Melissa was looking at me like she might kill me if I agreed to anything.
“You're joking right?” She said, grabbing James's shoulder as she made him look at her. James didn't even answer her at that point in time.
His eyes were still fixed on me. The crowd was silent as well. There was no way that whatever was happening there wasn't going to make the headlines. But fuck it. I wasn't exactly willing to go to any of my friends for help.
“What do you say?” James asked. I swallowed hard as I gave my answer.
“I'll come with you,” I whispered, and gasps went around. I didn't care. I looked back at my mom, with my chin tipped. “I'll be back to pick up my things.” I quickly wiped the tears that were flowing down my cheeks. I didn't know what I was going to do from then on, but it didn't even matter. I just needed a space to rest my head for the meantime.
“You don't have to worry,” Daniel said, taking a step towards me. “I'll make sure your things are sent to your new home.” The words stung, and I couldn't help but snort.
“To think we grew up together. Just look at how quickly you switched sides.”
His jaw tightened. “I only support the truth. I barely even recognize you anymore.”
They didn't deserve any more answers from me. I looked up at James. “Let's leave.”
He pulled me along with him, towards the gate, leaving Melissa there. Her jaw was practically on the floor as we left.
As I got into the car, I finally felt like I could breathe. I didn't know how I managed to keep up the act that something was going on between me and James, but we managed to do it somehow.
James got into his side, glancing over at me. “Are you okay?” He asked, and I gave him a small nod.
“You can just drop me off at some hotel. Thanks for saving my reputation out there.”
He bit the insides of his cheek. “I wasn't joking when I said you could come stay with us.”
“But Melissa.”
He clicked his tongue. “You don't have to bother yourself. You can stay with us until things get sorted.”
I was wringing my hands in my lap as I weighed my choices. Being around people was going to help me. I finally nodded.
“Fine. Let's go home.” James gave me a small smile as he put the car in drive, and headed towards his house.
If I didn't get the information on what he had done to Anna, I would have thought he was some kind of gentleman. And if Melissa came back, that only showed how stupid she actually was.
A few minutes later, he stopped right in front of a chic-looking bungalow. I cocked an eyebrow at the sight. It looked more expensive than I thought he would have been able to afford.
“Pretty expensive for a pharmacist,” I said, and he shrugged.
“That much money comes from drugs. I can only hope that I don't lose everything soon.”
“Maybe you can just come up with another drug,” I suggested, trying not to think too much about his issues. I had too much of my own to focus on.
He cleared his throat, looking away. “It's not that easy.”
He obviously wasn't as smart as he claimed to be. How did Melissa cope?
I didn't ask any more questions as I stepped out of the car, and he followed suit. He pushed the door open, and the inside was just as chic as the outside. Maybe… just maybe it wasn't going to be a bad idea resting my head at his house for a while.
“Do you like it?” He asked, and I nodded, taking in the marble floors, and white walls.
“It's a very pretty house.”
He took my hand immediately. “Let me take you to your room.” I quickly removed my hand from his grasp.
“We're inside. There's no use in touching me.”
He nodded stiffly. “Follow me.”
I did as I was told, and he led me to what was the guest room. It was a simple room with a queen-sized bed, and plain walls. Nothing like where I would usually stay, but I didn't have much of a choice.
“It's alright,” I said, shrugging. The bed was bouncy, so I could do with that.
“And…you really shouldn't worry about whatever Melissa says. She's just pained.”
I waved my hand in the air, shutting him up. I wanted him out of the room as soon as possible. I needed my own space. The last thing I needed was anyone fussing over me like I was some kind of baby.
“Melissa is the least of my problems. I just need some sleep first.”
“Of course,” he answered, scratching the back of his head. After what felt like an eternity, he was finally out of the room. I headed for the shower like my life depended on it.
By the time I was sure that I was properly clean from all the filth of that evening, I scrolled through my phone aggressively. There was no news just yet. I had just a few hours before everything was out for the world to see.
I quickly texted the one person that I've been avoiding for years.
“Can we see? I believe we need to talk.”