Chapter 15: I Know nothing

Billie POV

Traveling to Grandma's place kept me under control. It was a holiday I thought would never happen. I found out that I was the only one Grandma had invited; she left Blake out of it. I know everyone is aware that Grandma has the least spot for Blake. She always says he takes after Daddy, especially when she first met him years ago the day he came home with my mom. He was arrogant and always looked down on people, though I hadn't seen Dad act that way myself. However, he usually sides with Blake whenever we fight, and I can't be shocked because Blake is his favorite, and looks like him.

I knew I had to be gone for Christmas, but I couldn't stop thinking about leaving Ann alone, even though she said her parents would come to spend the holiday at her aunt's place. Still, she ranted about my trip to Grandma's when I told her. "It's just for a few weeks," I said. But she insisted on going with me, even though her parents were coming too. I had to turn her down. I needed to go alone to find some freedom from Blake and John's taunts. That's why I also agreed to visit her. Grandma said she would pick me up on weekends after the high school Christmas party.

I just couldn't forget Nate's words. He had been kind, and I truly felt he had my best interests at heart. I didn't know if I could trust him; I was afraid of being hurt again. After all, John pretended to be kind and loving. He gave me hope that I had lost long ago; he fought for me and protected me from the bullies, but then he betrayed me. His charade was merely a trick to help with his studies, and once he was done, he was also done with me.

But I don't think Nate is like that, though I can't be sure yet. Alice's words affected me. I know I had just met Nate and gone on a payback date with him. He even asked if he could be my dance partner at the Christmas party, but I declined. He is nice; I can see that. His friendship seems genuine, but I can't just give him the green light yet. I need to keep the red light on until I know he is worthy of my trust and can be my friend. Just a little more time.

I put the last plate in the basket, and as soon as the clock chimed, I realized I had spent hours cleaning and thinking about Nate.

Then the doorbell rang. I went to open it, knowing it couldn't be my dad or mom since they had gone out together, and Blake was off shopping with Alisha. Ann had a science test and was spending the weekend studying, so she couldn't come over right now. So, who could it be?

John stood at the doorway, his face covered in sweat, wearing a short-sleeved khaki shirt—the kind you wear at the beach. I knew where he was coming from: his dad's surf shop. But I wondered why he was here when Blake wasn’t home. Maybe she had told him where she was, or maybe he had no clue and they had fought, which might explain why she wasn't answering his calls. But what did that have to do with me? I thought as I stared into John's intense gaze while he looked down at me, breathing heavily.

“Blake is not home...” I began, but before I could finish, he stormed inside without an invitation, walking over to the couch and dropping onto it with a thud, running his hand through his bushy hair.

“I know, and I haven't come to see her, but you,” he said, his voice a mix of annoyance and coolness.

He looked stressed, but I couldn't quite understand his attitude. I closed the door and moved closer to him. “Why would you want to see me?”

He lifted his head from his palm and looked at me. “I heard you’re going to your grandmother's place for the holiday.”

I nodded, somewhat unsurprised since I knew he must have heard it from Blake. “Yeah,” I answered, wishing he would get to the point.

“And you’re the only one...” he continued, but I wondered what that had to do with him.

John locked eyes with me. “I guess you’ve told your new boyfriend, or do you still plan on going on a date?”

I knew exactly who he was talking about, but I just couldn’t understand him. Why was he concerned? Was that all he had come to tell me?

“I don't have a boyfriend, John,” I said firmly. He shook his head, clearly not convinced.

“Nate is very protective of you, and you said you didn't have a boyfriend.”

“Nate is not my boyfriend; he’s just a nice guy who treats me with respect,” I yelled, feeling frustrated. What was he trying to imply? I noticed his cold glare intensify, and his face darkened with fury.

“If he isn’t your boyfriend, then why was he at my dad's shop telling me to back off? He warned me not to worry or toy with you, ranting about making my dad lose face. He went overboard...”

He didn’t need to finish—I'd already figured out what had happened. It was Nate. But why would Nate confront John? Maybe he thought John was a problem.

In an instant, John pinned me against the wall. “You told him to do it, right? You had him come to my shop and make everything harder for me.”

I struggled against him, insisting, “I didn’t say anything!”

He laughed “Of course you did” he was pinning me to the wall.

I hit his chest but he stayed.

The. The only person I had the least expectation of expecting. Ann walked in and saw John pinning me. She ran separating him from me and helping me stand.

“What the hell John” she yelled, her eyes filled with fury. “You monster”

John smirked. “Well, you had better tell him to watch it next time. Or I won't spare you” he said and tossed a white handkerchief at me. “ That Nates, keep it since he cares for you”

I glared at John as he made his way out of the house. Ann looked confused and at me.

“What the hell is happening Billie”

I also don't understand any of this. It's just that, Nate has gone too far.