OUTCAST by Marionette Fantome (best non fiction books of all time TXT) 📖

but they just brushed it aside. They have never once told me that they loved me, and--and--" I felt arms around me. They pulled me into a strong embrace. It was...warm, and sincere.

"Is that why you're hurting yourself?"

 My eyes widened. "H-How did you--"

"David noticed. Then I noticed. You're wearing long-sleeved shirts. You know, you're not a disgrace. You're probably one of the smartest people I've ever met. You're you. A fan-fucking-tastic human being, and nothing anyone ever says should make you think otherwise. I--"

"Scott, stop." Please stop. Don't force yourself.

"Stop what? Telling the truth? I don't think so. You're not alone anymore. I'm here now. I know I may not seem like much, but I'm willing to be the start."

"But...Myra..." She'll kill me.

"Apparently, she's been cheating on me." So he found out. "I wanna know if it's true. I bet she's threatened you about telling me, huh?"

He could see right through, couldn't he? "Yes."

"I thought so. Indigo, I want you to come to me from now on. I don't care about Myra right now. From now on, it's gonna be you that I give my undivided attention to. You and I are gonna spend time together. Alright?"

"But--"

"I'm not taking no for an answer." He was something else. No wonder he was so sought after. He was stubborn, too, but, he meant well. But...should I let him in? What if he used this against me? What if this was all a joke? I looked at him...and melted. He was almost as much of a mess as I was.

"A-Alright."

"Good. Now, let's get started on this poem, shall we?"

 

<><><>

 

After three hours of work, Scott drove me home. "I hope you're okay with this."

I nodded. "I am, just as long as you are."

"I am definitely okay with this. So...same time tomorrow?"

"...Y-Yes."

"Awesome." He pulled me in for a hug, prompting me to tense. "I know it's a lot to deal with...to take in, but bear with it, okay? Just know that you have people that care about you. Come to me when you feel lonely, or upset, or if you just wanna hang out. Yeah?"

"Yeah..." He was doing so much for me, and it was overwhelming. I sucked in a breath and he rubbed my back.

"I got you." I pulled away and smiled, and he chuckled at my bashfulness. Did I dare say he was enchanting? Yes, I did. Enough that I want to kiss him? Absolutely, but I held myself in check. He hadn't officially broke up with Myra and it was way too soon to start any romantic relations with him or anyone for that matter. 

I gathered myself and went inside to find no one home. Figures. I put my stuff away and decided to call it a night. But, I couldn't sleep. Not when the afternoon's events played through my mind. I practically spilled my guts to Scott and look where it got me. A potential ticket to getting attacked by the football team. If Myra found out--which she most certainly will--I'm not sure that Scott would be able to protect me. I knew he meant well, but what if it wasn't enough? I was already in enough trouble as it was with the amount of blood I lost in the past. I doubt he would be able to stop my only coping method that I had.

But, I had to try...for him. He planned to end a relationship with the most popular girl in school for the likes of me. It was the least I could do. How could I even begin to thank him? He was too good for me. His heart was made of gold. How could I go to him when the need arises? He was everything that could get him anything that he wanted: handsome, smart, athletic, a sweetheart to boot. He had smouldering eyes, a melting smile, a laugh that was music to my ears, and a face that entranced and frightened me. It was interesting. I couldn't describe the feeling he left in me.

"Scott, what are you doing to me?"

 

<><><>

 

Myra apprached me completely livid, accusing me of making Scott break up with her. She then accused me of telling him, which wasn't entirely true, but wasn't entirely false either. Then, she vowed to get revenge on me when I least expect it. I bet she was going to let her "friends" get a hold of me. I went to tell Scott and he pulled me to his side, refusing to let go, especially in front of watching eyes. He wanted everyone to know that no one was allowed to lay a finger on me. How did Myra ever manage to keep this wonderful creature?

David noticed walking together and decided I was in need of another "bodyguard", even though I was against it. This interesting predicament caught the attention of everyone, and I found myself attempting to recede into the depths of obscurity. However, Scott refused to let that happen and opted for a more daring choice: taking ahold of my hand and walking to class together.

"I could care less about what people say or thought of me. I'm more worried about you. I'm gonna protect you from the cruelty of everyone. Now, sit here with me. No more sitting in the back. Alright?"

"Okay." We sat and I instantly felt self-conscious. My god, I never thought that I would be sitting with the most desired guy in the school. I could practically feel the glares burning holes into me. Whispers of insults toward me reached my ears, but I chose to ignore them. However, Scott was having a difficult time doing the same thing. Before the lesson began, he turned towards the harassers and sent a death glare their way.

"Do you guys have a problem? Because I can't seem to see how our personal lives seem to be yours to talk about. Honestly, so what if I dumped Myra? It's not just because of Indigo. It's because she was a bitch that harassed her about her weight, which is actually perfect for her. You're just jealous because you can't compare to her. Now, how about you do us all a favour and shut the fuck up?" He turned and pressed his hand into mine, helping me release the breath that I didn't know I was holding. I didn't realise that he was so angry about it until I looked at him.

"You know, you didn't have to bother with me. I deal with stuff like this all the time."

"But, you shouldn't. I'm gonna put a stop to this. You deserve repect and I'm gonna make sure you get it. No  more bullshit from everyone, understand?"

"Yes."

"Good. Now, can I get a hug because I think I need one."

I blinked at him. He's oddly emotional, which made me worry. He was gonna sprout gray hairs at this rate. I pulled him in for an embrace, and I felt the tension he was holding dissipate. I squeezed for good measure and released him, a small smile present on my face, and I held his cheek. He returned my smile with a slightly larger and maybe a little sheepish one. I needed to make sure he didn't have to worry about me so much or it was gonna make stressed. He was way too sweet for this. I knew it was only a day, but I couldn't help myself. I was becoming infatuated with him. I was falling for Scott. This couldn't be good...could it?

 

<><><>

 

We were in his room this time. We were translating the poem and at the same time, analysing it. It was quite powerful, and I enjoyed it. Scott seemed to be taken by it as well.

"That last stanza always gets me. Jesus, it's fantastic."

"I agree. This soldier is telling you to shoot him because he doesn't want to fight in the war. That's quite a statement."

"Yeah." Before he could say anything more, he heard the front door unlock, and he swore under his breath.

"What's wrong?"

"My family's home."

I blinked. "D-Do they know I'm here?"

"Yeah, but they're gonna bug you about it. They love to embarass me."

I giggled. "Don't worry. I bet it'll be fine."

"Sorry."

"What for?"

"What they're gonna do to you."

Chapter 5

We decided to go downstairs to greet everyone, even though I knew better than to let Indigo encounter my family. My siblings were a pain in the ass, and so were my parents. So, there was a very logical reason as to why I groaned when Leonard asked if Indigo was my new girlfriend, which Lucas and Mark proceeded to tease me about. How did they already find out about Myra?

"Damn, you work fast," dad chuckled.

"Jesus, dad, no. This is Indigo. She's my partner for that project I told you about."

"As long as I don't see that two-timing slut around here, I'm good."

"Oh, but Indigo's awfully cute," Allison said, but Leonard beat her to the point.

"How do you feel about dating older men?"

"Oh, my god! Bye, all of you! Indigo, let's just go back up and work."

"Don't forget protection!" That came from Mikayla.

"Shut up!" I tugged her back upstairs and we sat in my room, processing everything that had just happened. I must have had the most embarrasing blush on my face, because next thing...Indigo was on the floor, laughing. Actually laughing. It must have been funny for her to watch me get so flustered, but I didn't find it the least bit amusing. So...why couldn't I keep myself from laughing along? Because it was so damn ridiculous not to. Once she calmed down, she sat back up, still smiling and giggling.

"I'm--I'm sorry, bu-but your face throughout the ordeal was priceless."

"I bet. I never was like that when they met Myra, but then again, they didn't like her."

"They only embarrass you when they like the person?"

"They're all a very good judge of character. But, the only reason why they dealt with her was because I was happy. I guess her parents told mine that I broke up with her, so yeah. But, since my family tried to pretty much ruin my life, they definitely like you and would probably bug me about you."

"Ah, Allison and Leonard..."

"Yeah...Ally's a lesbian. Sorry I didn't warn you about that. Or that she goes for sweet and quiet girls, so you're in danger. Leonard was actually being serious. He may try to court you. When he takes interest in something, he makes sure everyone knows it."

"Oh...Oh dear."

"Yeah. Sorry."

"No, it's fine. You have a colourful family. And they care about you. My parents hardly remember me, and my siblings never care to even call."

I swear if she's this lonely, she's gonna live with me. I couldn't bear to see her this depressed. Where was that smile I just saw?

 

<><><>

 

After much begging on my part, I convinced Indigo to stay for dinner, which my mom was delighted about because she was already fond of her small talk. Leonard and Allison still made advances towards her, which she cleverly shot down, earning my dad's favour all over again. But, I think she had a huge impact on Jessibelle, who wouldn't leave her alone after dinner. She might've become Indigo's favourite as well. She even managed to get her to loosen up around us. And