Mary's Innocence

Heartbreak hurts like a bitch.

Mary spent the next few days in confusion, her feelings for Marc were quite clear, his feelings for her however? She had no idea, but that kiss – it must’ve meant something right?

Nobody would kiss someone that they had no feelings for, would they?

Telling Vivian about it was out of the story, since the pixie faced girl couldn’t keep a secret to save her life. Liz was also ruled out; the elderly lady would most likely start calling for grandchildren, since Mary was technically of age to do the deed.

So it all came down to the one person left. Victor. He clearly knew about her feelings for Marc, but could she trust him enough? After all, he could well use it against her – like blackmail.

But he already knew about it, didn’t he? And he had still taken her to see Marc, instead of leaving her sitting there in the cold, foolishly waiting for someone who had no intention of coming.

Taking a deep breath, she quickly headed over to find him before she changed her mind again.

“What do you want?” Victor had scowled, making her confidence shrivel almost immediately.

“Do you have some time?” Mary asked quietly.

“What is it?” He gruffly snapped.

Maybe this was a bad idea, he seemed far from willing to listen, so what made her think he would even give her advice?

“Just spit it out. You’re probably going to bother me later anyway.” Victor muttered in arrogance.

“I’d rather not waste your precious time then!” Mary hissed back dryly, the constant stick up his butt was really starting to get on her nerves.

 Unexpectedly, his hand shot out to clutch her wrist to stop her from turning away from him, “it’s about Marc, isn’t it?” He stated more than asked.

Mary was too shocked to respond, was it that obvious?

“You should tell him about your feelings.” He added quietly.

“Really?” Mary couldn’t help but blurt out. He was Marc’s best friend so he was bound to know more about that boy, than her.

“He treats you differently than the others, almost as if you are made of glass.” Victor muttered softly with a shake of his head.

Mary blushed at the statement, however she didn’t know if it was due to the strange static between them, or the actual words that he said. “Thanks.” She whispered.

He gave a grunt in response as an unreadable emotion flickered past his gray pupils. “Shouldn’t you be going right now?” He growled at her roughly, simultaneously killing the moment.

“Okay!” Mary bristled, feeling agitated and a little peeved at his sudden change of emotions.

Turning around, she felt his eyes burn into her back but she ignored him, only throwing a ‘bye’ over her shoulder in strained politeness.

***

Mary’s heartbeat had accelerated, pumping with adrenaline from what she was about to do.

She felt invincible. Brave. Like nothing could stand in her way.

But when she found who she was looking for, the strong shield of confidence she was holding up instantly shrivelled into a flimsy piece of plastic, the moment she saw him with Leah.

The classroom door was halfway open and the two were the only ones in the room. A sickening feeling had spurned in Mary’s gut, yet she couldn’t tear her eyes away and she couldn’t help but watch.