Best Friends With The Bad Boy ✓

36 - Aftermath

"The post has been taken down and the account reported." Benji informed me.

"But over a hundred people have seen it." I responded, dejected. He sighed, nodding.

I sniffed then sat up, leaving his embrace. Benji glanced up at me questioningly. "I'm done crying and moping around. We need a game plan, to figure out who did this to me and why. I'm sick of people walking all over me how they please and me staying silent, first Dave and now this? Everything on that post is lies, Benji. I love my mum more too much to ruin her relationship. I-I..." My fists were clenched tightly, my nails biting into the flesh of my palm.

Benji gently took my hand in his and it immediately relaxed. His brown eyes were earnest as he spoke. "Whatever you want to do, I'm with you. And the others."

I shook my head. "I don't want to speak to anyone else right now. I know it might not be any of them... but I feel like I can't trust anyone right now." I shot him a quick smile. "Apart from you."

Benji smiled back. "Glad to hear it." He responded, kissing my cheek. "I have to leave for school now, so should we start the investigation after?"

My heart sunk and I couldn't hide my upset expression. "You're leaving?"

Benji nodded, looking regretful. "Yeah, I have an exam today I can't miss."

I sighed, looking at my hands. The pressure from my nails had formed crescent shapes on my palm. I stared blankly at the bedroom door until Benji's face appeared in my line of vision.

He smiled, his dimples poking out. "I can leave school during lunch so we can hang out then?"

I perked up at the suggestion, nodding and glancing at the time. Only two hours away. I could last until then.

"Cool, get ready while I make us some breakfast. I'll drop you at your house, I'm sure your mum wants to see you."

"She'd be at work right now." I responded, getting out of his bed and stretching. I looked around for my things.

"Oh. You'll be alright, alone then?" Benji asked, his dark brows furrowed as he watched me.

I shook my head with a small smile. "No, but I'll find something to distract me. Maybe count the minutes until lunch." I teased and Benji's head ducked, a blush spreading across his cheeks.

"I'm going to make breakfast now." He informed me awkwardly and I made a face.

"I'm actually not that hungry."

Benji turned back to face me, leaning against the doorway of his bedroom. "When was the last time you ate?"

"Um, when I was with Joe I think."

"Cool, how does a chicken sandwich sound?"

I sighed. "Benji, I'm really not hungry."

His expression turned serious. "It's been over twelve hours since you last ate, Chloe. This isn't up for discussion. So, chicken or ham?"

"Chicken." I grumbled, fiddling with my fingers. Benji nodded and left.

It didn't take long for me to find my things so I headed to meet Benji in the kitchen. I stood next to the fridge silently, watching him work like a creep. I was dreading us parting...

I blinked and Benji was in front of me, holding two plates with an amused expression. "Hey, Space Cadet. I called your name like three times. You good?"

I took a plate from him gratefully. "For now, yeah."

We ate quickly as Benji had to get to school for his exam. After I enquired he informed me all his family members had gone to school or work, with Brea at their aunt's house to be looked after. I wished I had someone at home to keep me company.

After a silent drive we arrived at my house. I looked through the window at what was meant to be a comforting image but serve to remind me of my solitude.

Benji's hand rested on my knee and I faced him. "Promise me you won't be in your head too much." Even he knew it was a dark place.

I nodded biting my lip. "I'll try."

He held his arms open and I climbed over the console to hug him. In this position I could settle my thoughts, clear my head. Breathe.

"Two hours." Benji murmured softly.

"Two hours." I repeated, willing myself to not cry. I looked at his face, my eyes skimming his features as if to memorise it. This close I could pinpoint a few freckles scattered across his nose. It made him more handsome in my eyes.

We shared a chaste kiss and I left the car, walking up to my house without glancing back. If I did I wouldn't be able to leave his side.

I checked under the foot mat for our spare key and entered my house. Loud silence met me when I closed the door behind me. If I focused I could pinpoint dust particles floating in the air.

Almost robotically I removed my shoes and headed straight to my room. I placed my phone in my wardrobe. I hadn't dared to turn it on since last night.

I closed the curtains and went to lie in my bed. I wasn't sleepy but I felt lethargic. I wasn't in the mood to use any form of technology, so the best plan of action was to sleep.

I almost cried in relief when I felt immediately felt myself dropping off. Hopefully I would wake up by Benji knocking on my front door.

*****

Harsh knocking startled we awake. My eyes opened and I looked around, trying to settle down.

Excitement immediately filled me when I came to my senses. It must be Benji!

I practically sprinted downstairs and arrived at my front door. I quickly smoothed down my hair, practically bouncing with joy. Without looking in the peephole I unlocked the door and opened it wide.

My smile fell from my face, being replaced by a confused expression. My heart sunk in disappointment as I took in the person standing before me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice giving away my surprise and hostility.

"Can I come in?"

*****

Who's at the door?

Whoever guesses right FIRST will have the next chapter dedicated to them!

I wasn't going to leave it at a cliff-hanger but I asked on my Instagram and you guys said I should, so 🤷🏽‍♀️...

I MIGHT post a mini-spoiler on who a certain someone's POV is... so make sure you go follow! I'm putting my account on public now.

Part 2 of this chapter is being written now!