"Mom," Amelia began just after sipping her espresso at the breakfast table, "Have you ever done something that you thought was right but deep down you felt the opposite?"
Her mother dropped her fork and eyed her daughter curiously. "What have you done?"
"That's offensive." Amelia stated. "How can you just assume I did something wrong when I merely asked a simple question?"
"I'm your mother Amelia, I know you better than anyone else." Her mother answered as she picked up her fork and began eating again.
She does have a point, thought Amelia but she wasn't going to admit that, because her mother might've known her a little better than anyone else but she didn't really know Amelia.
"So how much do I have to pay to clean up your mess?" Chantelle - her mother - asked.
"Have you ever had to clean up any of my so-called mess's mom?" Amelia asked.
Chantelle opened her mouth then closed it again and Amelia smugly grinned. "Thought so."
"Just because I haven't had to clean up after you it doesn't necessarily mean you're a saint.
Chantelle pointed out.
"Anyway," Amelia said, "You haven't answered my question as yet."
"Why are you bothering yourself over something that's already done, you can't undo anything so the best advice I can give is forget about it move on." Chantelle said.
"But-"
"But nothing." Chantelle cut her off. "I don't see the point in pondering over something that can't be changed. Just turn the page already, as long as you didn't do anything to jeopardize your family and its name, then I don't want to hear anything about it."
"What if it jeopardizes someone's life?" Amelia questioned.
"Is it anyone's life that will affect anyone of us? Perhaps a relative of one of your father's business associates or someone with a significant influence?" Chantelle asked.
Amelia took a moment before she shook her head. "No."
"Then end of discussion." Chantelle curtly closed the topic. "On to other important matters, have you decided what you're going to do this year?"
Amelia couldn't help but feel a tad bit disheartened about her mother's curt closure of a topic that's been bothering her ever since Hillary's party.
"I was hoping the three of us - dad, you and I - could go on a family world tour... you know visit many different countries together and make memories together and then I could spend the remaining months at home making a scrapbook."
Chantelle stared at her daughter for a long moment before she laughed. "Good joke honey."
Amelia looked at her mother pokerfaced. Of course she'd take it as a joke, thought Amelia.
"Seriously though," Chantelle said after taking a bite of her breakfast, "you're a Stanton; the world is your oyster. Wherever you want to go just say it and you'll be there with no questions asked."
"Anyway I've got to go." Chantelle excused herself from the table and stood up. She walked around to Amelia's seat and placed a kiss on top of her daughter's head. "Be good." And she left.
"Thanks," Amelia mumbled as she dropped her fork on the table, "for nothing."
The remainder of the day dragged on, Hillary and Hugh were in Chicago in college, Amelia thought about calling Hillary to see how her fist day was going so far but she assumed Hillary would be busy with college freshman stuff so she decided to rather call at the end of the week.
As Amelia lay on her bed with a magazine in hand and earphones on she couldn't help but recall Lily's drunken face from the party, Lily looked so confused and out of it that Amelia doubted Lily could understand what was happening around her. School had started too and Amelia idly wondered if Lily was given a hard time because of the scene that was created at the party. She knew what high school students were like, they enjoyed picking on any little thing to belittle someone and Amelia had a feeling Aaron - being quite popular - would make Lily's school life quite unpleasant.
A part of Amelia couldn't help but blame herself, if only she knew that Lily was in fact Brady's sister and not his girlfriend she wouldn't have executed her plan to humiliate Lily. The main reason Amelia was guilty was because Lily, while under the influence, could've done something with Aaron that she would've probably regretted for the rest of her life. Amelia could be mean in many ways to people she didn't like but she would never put someone's dignity like that on the line, no girl should ever do something she wouldn't soberly do while she's drunk; it was blatantly wrong.
There was a weird feeling in the pit of her stomach since that night and no matter what she did, it just wouldn't go away. She tried asking her mother that morning at breakfast if what she did was out of hand but her mother's advice wasn't very helpful, Amelia should've known it would be futile going to her mother, all Chantelle ever cared about was name and status, as long as that was untainted she wasn't bothered about anything else.
She could ask her dad but she knew better, Richard was too busy to worry about his daughter's petty matters.
That's it! Amelia thought. If there was one person who could help her rid that feeling it was Stan.
Amelia slipped on her shoes and rushed downstairs to find Stan sitting on a garden bench reading the newspaper.
"Stan," Amelia began as soon as she reached him, "is there a way to undo something that feels utterly wrong in your gut?"
Stan lowered his newspaper and looked at her with creased brows. "Hmm, it all depends Miss Stanton. However we all know nothing can ever truly be undone."
Amelia knew that for sure but she wanted to do something that would be somewhat equivalent to taking it back.
"What's on your mind?" Stan broke her thoughts.
Amelia took a seat beside him on the garden bench. "Well you see... someone I know did something quite heartless to someone who was completely innocent because she had a vendetta against a person who was really close to this person. Are you with me so far?"
Stan took a moment before he nodded. "I think so. Go on."
"Alright so when she found out that this person was innocent it was a little too late as she already humiliated her and probably did much worse too..." she trailed off as she recalled Aaron near a very drunk Lily in his bedroom.
She took in a breath. "Now she feels... guilty and has no idea how to undo what she did. Tell me what she can do?"
"Well," Stan began, "as I said earlier on, nobody can truly undo something, what's done is done, time cannot be bent that's why I always say think before you act."
"That helps." Amelia sourly mumbled to herself.
"But think of it this way," Stan said and he gained Amelia's full attention, "when you drop a glass of milk on the floor it can't be put back in its original state right?"
"Right."
"So what do you do?" Stan asked.
"Get a maid to clean it up." Was Amelia's immediate response.
"No think of any other average civilian, not specifically you."
"Okay, um I would clean up my mess." Amelia said.
"Exactly, because if you don't you'll just leave a mess and everyone will walk over that mess and make a bigger mess of it." Stan said.
Amelia remained quiet for a while replaying Stan's words over in her head, she knew he made sense and walking over the mess she made was what Amelia feared, Lily was barely even seventeen and she seemed so innocent, it would be awful if she was bullied at school because of Amelia's doings.
* * *
The next morning Amelia woke up earlier than she normally would on a day she had nothing to do. In fact it felt like a school day, she was up bright and early and ready by eight. When she went downstairs for breakfast her mother wasn't at the table and the kitchen staff were surprised to see her awake so early.
"Good morning Miss Stanton." A plump woman named Fiona greeted. "What would you like for breakfast?"
"Oh nothing for me Fiona," Amelia said. "I'm fine with an apple and granola bar." She flashed a grin and after taking her edibles she left the kitchen.
"Good morning Stan." Amelia grinned at the elder man as she reached the garage.
"Good morning Miss Stanton." Stan greeted back. "You're up bright and early."
"Yes I am and I need you to take me to school."
"School?" Stan frowned. "If I'm not mistaken but haven't you already graduated?"
"I have but I have a mess to clean up and that mess happens to be at my old school." Amelia answered.
Stan knowingly grinned at her. "I'm always at your service Miss Stanton."
Amelia got into the backseat of the car and in no time Stan was driving out of her driveway. Amelia hoped that she reached in time and Lily would be somewhere in sight, she wanted to meet Lily and apologize for what happened, moreover she wanted to make sure that Lily wasn't being given a hard time at school, although Amelia had a hunch that after witnessing the scene created by Lily's brother no one would really want to be in Lily's bad books. Brady could be quite intimidating, especially after seeing the way he acted at the party.
"I presume the person you were referring to yesterday was you." Stan broke the brief silence that lingered in the car.
"I thought you would've figured that out sooner." Amelia said.
"Oh I did, I'm just one hundred percent sure now." Stan said.
A small grin crept onto Amelia's face; she sometimes thought that Stan knew her better than her very own family and friends. That was why she was a little defensive of Stan - like when Hillary would comment on his financial status or about how 'lower' he is to them - because Amelia always thought of Stan as part of her family.
No longer than fifteen minutes did they reach the school that most students attended in their area. The school's brick building looked quite old fashioned and pretty much resembled an old church from the outside but it was far more modern on the inside. It was the best school in their suburb and surrounding ones.
Amelia watched as cars drove into the parking lot and students strolled towards the school entrance while others loitered outside, meeting up with their friends. Amelia scanned through many faces to see if she could spot Lily anywhere, she even looked to see if she could spot Brady's truck anywhere but she didn't see anyone.
"Can you see who you're here for?" Stan questioned.
Amelia shook her head. "Nope. But we are pretty early, I'm sure she'll be here soon."
A few minutes passed until Amelia spotted someone familiar. She narrowed her eyes and made sure she was right before she said, "I'll be back." And she left.
Amelia took quick but graceful steps, ignoring the few looks she got from people around staring at her. She was once popular in this school but she was no longer in the school so she didn't really care for the students or anything that really involved the school.
She caught up to the familiar face and walked around to stand in front of them. Amelia crossed her arms and raised a brow. "You."
"Amelia. Hi." He smiled widely. "What a surprise!" he exclaimed and moved in for a hug but Amelia took two quick steps backwards and looked at him offensively.
"I'm Adam, remember?" Adam asked.
"I very well remember you." Amelia said flatly.
A goofy grin dawned over Adam's features. "And you said you'd forget me by the end of the night, were you wrong or were you wrong?"
He looked smug. "We're so BFF's now."
"Not a chance." Amelia was quick to say.
Adam looked offended. "But you remember me and we got along so well at the party! I got all excited and thought I made a new friend."
"You got excited for no reason then." Amelia grimaced.
"Why you gotta play me like that?" Adam asked.
Amelia sighed, quite bored with Adam's antics. "Enough already."
"No, not until I find out why I can't be your best friend forever? Am I not good enough? Is it my hairstyle, my clothes or is it just my face? Because if that's the case, I'll have you know there isn't anything wrong with my face, people have complimented it before, my aunt in Texas always tells me how handsome I am... oh and my Nana and uncle Rodger and Aunt Tris and Aunt Georgia and uncle-"
"I don't care!" Amelia cut him off. "Maybe it's your annoying behavior, have you ever thought about that?"
He looked pensive. "It has occurred to me but I think of my personality as a cute perk." He grinned.
"Cut the crap Adam!" Amelia snapped at the annoying blond boy.
"You... you just called me by my name." he murmured. "Uh oh, I better put on my serious mask because this looks serious." He added and flashed a hand in front of his face before his goofy grin disappeared and he put an overly-dramatic serious expression.
"You're not only an idiot but an ass too." Amelia told him.
"Meh, I've been called worse." He waved it off. "Although I am curious as to why you would think so." He raised a brow.
"For starters you were the reason there was scene created at Hillary's party." Amelia pointed out.
"Me? I was pretty quiet if I say so myself." Adam was quick to defend.
"Yeah but you were the moron who called Brady."
"If you were in my shoes you'd do the same missy!" Adam said as he dramatically placed a hand on his hip.
Amelia did her best to ignore Adam's antics and remained serious, although looking at Adam like that was quite distracting - he looked utterly ridiculous.
"Please," Amelia scoffed, "you make it sound as if he's the big bad wolf on the story."
"No, more like the hunter." Adam clarified.
"What?" Amelia frowned.
"The big bad wolf was the villain sure, but the one who committed murder in that story was in fact the hunter - he killed the big bad wolf remember? Brady is a hero, just a hero who can be pretty violent; all in all I wouldn't go to the extent of calling him the villain, that's cold, even for you." Adam casually explained.
"The wolf killed the grandmother, so he committed a murder too." Amelia said.
"Yeah but she lived in the end, which meant he didn't really kill the grandmother, whiles the wolf remained dead when the hunter killed him." Adam paused and grinned, "Look at us, talking about fairytales and you say we aren't BFFs."
Amelia realized that Adam diverted the subject which made her moan in frustration. "Speaking to you is useless!"
"Hurtful." Adam placed a hand over his chest.
Amelia took in a breath. "What's done is done, you're obviously a wuss when it comes to Brady or perhaps anything; you just can't defend yourself."
"Please, cut me more, I don't bleed." Adam said sarcastically.
Amelia ignored him and asked. "Do you know where Lily is?"
"No, no, no, no." Adam shook his head seriously, "I'm afraid you can't be anywhere near Lily."
"Why?" Amelia asked.
"Because Brady will kill you." Adam said each word slowly. "He made it clear that if he sees anyone of you - and I quote, 'effin rich folks' - around Lily again he will have your heads decorating his wall."
"Minus the effin part... he said the full word." Adam added an afterthought. "I don't like cursing in front of ladies."
"You think I'm afraid of Brady and his threats?" Amelia asked.
"You should be." Adam said. "Brady hurts and asks questions later."
"He's just a rude boy with some major issues; I'm not scared of him. He can do what he wants, I don't care, I will see Lily whether he approves or not." Amelia stated confidently.
"You might not be scared but if he knows I'm around when you meet Lily he'll hang me by my manly goods."
"All the more reason to meet her then." Amelia grinned.
Adam glowered at her. "I'm serious here Amelia."
"So am I."
"Look, if you care about Aaron and his sister and yourself, just forget that night ever happened." Adam said.
"No, you might be afraid of him but I'm not. What's the worst thing Brady will do? Break Aaron's nose, maybe vandalize our homes, big deal. I highly doubt he's capable of murder."
"It's not about fear, it's about loyalty as a friend and to be honest I don't want you or your friends to be screwing with Lily again." Adam said in all seriousness.
"Wow look at you being staid for once." Amelia smirked and crossed her arms. "I never knew you had it in you, I see clowns can frown too."
Adam took in a breath. "Look this isn't something I'm kidding about, Lily means a great deal to Brady. I'm not saying you should be scared of him because as you said he isn't some big bad wolf but he has enough on his plate to deal with to then have you adding a load more. So I am sincerely asking you to please just back off, for Lil's sake and Brady's. They're simple people; they don't need to have baggage of the 'Gossip Girl' life added."
Amelia opened her mouth to say something but Adam cut her off. "Please," he literally pleaded, "just let them be, forget about them the way they've forgotten about you."
Adam half-grinned at her and walked away, catching up with a friend leaving Amelia with her thoughts. Just what was the load on Brady's plate that he couldn't afford to add more to - not that Amelia thought she was adding anything anyhow.
Perhaps Adam was right, Amelia though, maybe she should just let it go but she knew the only way the odd feeling in her gut would leave was when she apologized to Lily and that's what she would do before the bell rang.
Amelia blinked away her thoughts when she spotted two girls walk in the opposite direction, one was a short black-haired girl and the other was Lily.
Lily's gaze caught Amelia's and Amelia grinned at her. Lily was hesitant at first but she eventually returned the grin with one of her own, although Amelia noticed that Lily looked quite diffident to approach her so Amelia walked up to them.
"Hey Lily." Amelia genuinely smiled.
"Hi." Lily softly murmured back while the other girl looked wide eyed at the somewhat friendly exchange of greeting between Amelia and Lily.
"A-Amelia." The girl stuttered before she turned her head towards Lily. "I had no idea you were friends with Amelia Stanton."
"I'm not." Lily was quick to say. "I just know her."
"Yeah, everyone knows her." The girl stated.
"Uh, could you please give me a second with Lily." Amelia asked the girl as politely as she could.
"Sure." The girl grinned at the same time Lily said, "I don't think so."
"Please." Amelia asked. "I'll only be a second."
"Alright." Lily eventually gave in.
"How have you been Lily?" Amelia asked after the girl walked away.
"Fine, thanks."
"I mean no one has given you a hard time since the party." Amelia asked.
Lily half-grinned. "After seeing my brother's temper, I don't think they want to give me a hard time."
Thought as much, Amelia mentally told herself.
"I'm actually here to apologize for that night." Amelia was quick to cut to the chase.
"It isn't your fault so you don't have to apologize." Lily said.
Amelia bit on her lower lip and sheepishly said. "It actually is."
Lily frowned.
"I met your brother before I met you and you know what Brady's like, he was rude and that annoyed me to no extent so to get back at him I-"
"You got Aaron to play around with me so Brady would lose it when someone messed with his sister." Lily finished her sentence. "I'm right aren't I?"
"Sort of." Amelia said honestly. "I saw you two at the mall and assumed you were his girlfriend, I had no idea you were his sister, I didn't even know Brady had a sister. So to get back at him for continuously being rude and quite disrespectful towards me, I planned for that to happen, that's why I invited you in the first place. I guess I just got lucky when Hillary told me that you and Aaron were in the same class and did a project once together."
"So you got Aaron to get me drunk and then sleep with me?" Lily asked.
"No, not at all. That was never my intention; I would never stoop to that level, not even to my worst enemy. All I wanted was for Aaron to get a little touchy with you on the dance floor and then get pictures clicked so I could send them to Brady - making him think his girlfriend was cheating on him. Aaron took it too far and I'm glad I stopped anything from happening in time."
"You really didn't intend on that happening?" Lily asked after a moment of silence.
Amelia nodded. "Of course not."
"Well I guess it's alright then." Lily shrugged.
"I know it was wrong but your broth..." Amelia trailed off. "What? It's fine?"
Lily nodded. "You realize you're wrong now and what's done is done so no point fretting over it. I appreciate your apology."
Amelia was taken aback with how quickly Lily forgave her, Amelia certainly felt Lily should've acted out just a little, that's what Amelia would've done - if not wanting to get even with someone who screwed with her.
"You're serious?" Amelia blurted.
"God honestly serious, I don't see the point in holding grudges. As long as your apology is genuine, my forgiveness will be too." Lily said.
"That's..." Amelia trailed off for a second, "really sweet of you."
Lily smiled. "Thanks."
"I'm really sorry Lily, I shouldn't have taken out my anger towards your brother on you, you're innocent, far too innocent and you didn't deserve to be put in the middle of anything."
"It's alright, really. Don't work yourself up about it. I'm fine and Aaron's back to pretending I don't exist, all's good." Lily said.
"And your brother? He isn't mad?" Amelia couldn't help but ask.
"He was pissed for a good few days, going all out with the silent treatment and that but we're good now." Lily smiled.
"I'm glad." Amelia smiled back at her. "I wish I could do something to make it up to you."
"No, you really don't have to do anything."
"You should come shopping with me. I'll get you anything you want, what say today after school?" Amelia said without giving it a second thought.
"No, it's fine." Lily shook her head.
"I understand why you wouldn't trust me but I promise there is no hidden agenda behind this. I just want to lessen the guilt I feel for messing with a sixteen year old, so what say? Shopping, on me?"
Lily bit on her lower lip. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"If you're afraid of your brother, don't be. I can handle him. Just one afternoon, we can go shopping, grab a quick bite and I will drop you home myself."
"Uh, I..." Lily was hesitant.
"I insist." Amelia pressed.
"Oh alright." Lily eventually gave in. "But this time no foul play?"
"None at all, I give you my word." Amelia earnestly said.
"I'll see you after school then." Lily smiled and just at that moment the school bell rang and Lily had to be off, leaving Amelia feeling relieved of the feeling in her gut. She couldn't help but admire Lily for being so young but smart and sincere at the same time. At times Amelia wished she was more like that at that age but her thinking was the complete opposite. What Lily said about holding grudges and forgiveness really made Amelia think about the way she approached life as a whole.
"I don't think I can accept all of this." Lily said as they sat in the backseat of the car while Stan drove after a long afternoon of shopping.
"What?" Amelia asked. "You barely bought anything."
"I feel as if I bought the entire store." Lily said.
"Nonsense, in my opinion you're a tame-shopper."
"I still think you should've let me pay for at least one item." Lily said.
"I told you it's my treat. Besides this doesn't cover for what could've happened to you at the party."
"I'll accept this only if you forget about that night already." Lily said.
"Deal." Amelia grinned.
They sat in silence for a while until Stan broke it. "Where to next Miss Stanton?"
Amelia glanced out the car window and noticed the sun was setting. "To Lily's place or do you want join me for dinner at home?" Amelia asked Lily.
"No thank you." Lily politely said. "I should get home. Brady and my aunt will get worried if I'm not home before dark. They think I'm at a friend's place so if I'm not home before dinner they'll start panicking and calling all my friends and I don't really want that."
"So home then?" Amelia asked.
"Yes please."
"Stan do you know where Lily lives?" Amelia asked.
Stan nodded. "I do."
Stan took a different turn than the one he usually took when taking Amelia home.
"You shouldn't let your brother boss you around so much." Amelia told Lily. "I mean you're old enough to make your own decisions."
"He just cares." Lily said.
"I get that but he should also trust you. I mean you're a good girl in this messed up society; he should appreciate that." Amelia stated. "I get the impression he's a bit of a bully."
"Brady grew up a little differently than me or probably most young people. He's not a bully, I would say he's more paranoid when it comes to the people he cares about. It can be suffocating at times but I guess I understand him; he means well."
Amelia couldn't possible see how he meant well when she got the vibe he was way too possessive over his sister but she found it out of her place to say anything more so she just kept quiet.
The brief silence was broken when Lily's phone vibrated and she groaned under her breath.
"Everything alright?" Amelia asked.
"Yeah, it's just a reminder about an assignment I dread starting."
"It's moments like this I'm glad I'm done with school." Amelia grinned. "Anyway, what subject?"
"Chemistry." Lily sourly mumbled.
"Chemistry isn't so bad." Amelia admitted honestly.
"Try Advanced Placement Chemistry."
"You're in Advanced Placement?" Amelia asked.
"Yeah, I'm uh, sort of in the school on a scholarship." Lily said with a slight tint of pink to her cheeks.
Amelia felt a little uncomfortable talking about money but she knew that there were fewer rich people in the world and unlike Hillary, she never really look down upon people because of their financial status... well not to the extent as Hillary.
"That's great, really." Amelia grinned.
"Not really, I might be getting the grades but the work I have to put into it is literal torture. And I'm really feeling it hard this year." Lily sighed.
"You know I was in Advanced Placement too." Amelia said.
"Yeah, I figured."
"Well if you need help, feel free to ask me. I'm not really doing anything all year and not to brag or anything but I did mostly get A's for most subjects, chemistry included." Amelia said.
Lily's face brightened. "You'd really do that for me?"
"Yeah, I don't mind at all. I enjoy tutoring students and showing of my intellect." Amelia grinned. "Seriously though, if you need assistance just give me a call. I'm glad to help anytime."
"That would be great but..." Lily trailed off.
"I promise, just like today, there isn't any hidden motive behind this. I might have an issue with your brother but you're innocent."
Just at that moment Stan pulled up along the side of the road and Amelia glanced at the two-story house they parked outside, although the house was nothing in comparison to Amelia's, it still looked homely and quite... nice.
Lily opened the door but before she got out she glanced at Amelia with a smile. "You're actually really normal."
Amelia frowned. "Uh... thanks?"
Lily shook her head. "What I mean is you're nice, I see why they say you should never judge a book by its cover, you're nothing like the impression everyone has of you."
"I don't think I even want to know what impression that is huh?" Amelia asked.
"Doubt it." Lily shook her head. "Thanks for today, have a good evening." Lily said and got off with her parcels.
Before Lily could close her door Amelia said, "I'm serious about the tutoring; call me if you need assistance."
Lily nodded with a grin just before Stan drove off.
* * *
"Where did you get all of that?" Was the first thing Brady asked as soon as his younger sibling entered the front door.
"Hello to you too Brady." Lily responded sarcastically as she walked pass him with what looked like a thousand shopping bags - which Brady found odd to be in her possession since Adam said Lily told him she didn't come home with Adam after school because she was going to a friend's place.
Brady strolled down the hallway towards the living room where Lily looked to be struggling to carry all those bags. Brady thought about helping her but then he remembered she didn't answer his question so he shrugged and instead plopped himself on the living room couch.
"Hey Aunt Ellie." Lily yelled, greeting her aunt who was cooking dinner in the kitchen.
"Evening darling." Ellie yelled back.
Lily sighed and started towards the stairs but remarked before she left, "You're one hell of a gentleman Brady."
Brady ignored his whiny sister and turned up the volume of the television instead. What was her issue anyway, she isn't normally this whiny and sharp-tongued, thought Brady. But he wasn't one for fretting over silly things; women did tend to have a lot of mood swings - as he noticed living with two.
Lily soon joined her aunt in the kitchen to help with dinner and they were chatting as normal, they normally did most of the speaking in the house anyway and Brady didn't usually eavesdrop on their conversation but today was different, for one it was the shopping spree Lily went on and another - and most prominent reason - was a name he heard.
Brady lowered the volume on the TV and listened carefully to what the two women were saying.
"Do you think you can trust her?" Ellie asked.
"I was doubtful at first but I saw a different side of her today, she's actually really nice." Lily responded.
"This what's-her-name, how do you know she's not playing nice?" Ellie asked.
"Amelia, her names Amelia and I know for sure. When she's one on one with a person she's a whole different person." Lily said.
"Sounds bipolar-ish to me." Ellie remarked.
"She took me shopping and didn't let me pay for anything Aunt Ellie; I think I can trust her." Lily said. "She even apologized."
There was a pause before Ellie spoke again, "Apologize? For what?"
"Oh maybe I should've let that part out." Lily mumbled.
"No you shouldn't have. I understand if she felt bad for what her friend's brother did but I don't see a reason for her to personally apologize and make it up to you when she was innocent in all of this." Ellie said.
Brady agreed with his aunt so turning off the TV he stood up from the couch and walked towards the kitchen. He stood in the doorway, his sister's back was to him and Ellie was facing him, but neither of the two noticed him.
"Maybe she's not innocent." Brady said.
Both the women's faces turned to him.
"So that's why you didn't answer my question. You weren't at a friend's place this afternoon were you? You lied to Adam didn't you?" Brady asked coolly.
"Brady-" Lily began but Brady cut her off.
"You're not avoiding any questions now, I want answers Lil." Brady calmly demanded.
"It's nothing Brady." Lily said. "Amelia did absolutely nothing today, she was nothing but nice. I mean look at me, I'm home in one piece and I actually had a good afternoon."
"Amelia." Brady said the name venomously. "That girl is beginning to get on my every nerve."
"You started this." Lily blurted.
Brady furrowed his brows. "Me?"
"The only reason she asked Aaron to..." Lily trailed off when she realized what she was about to say.
Aaron's name caught Brady's attention, he stepped into the kitchen. "She asked Aaron to do what?"
"Nothing. She apologized and it's over." Lily said.
"Complete what you said Lily." Brady demanded.
"Brady, maybe what Lily is saying is true, maybe this Amelia girly ain't all that rotten." Ellie commented.
"Believe me, rotten is an understatement when it comes to those people." Brady said.
"What do you have against rich people?" Lily asked.
Brady stared at her harshly for a moment before he answered, "have you forgotten about your pathetic state last week?"
"No, but just because there are a few rotten apples it doesn't mean the entire farm is too." Lily said.
"You're so naïve Lily; I don't trust any one of them. They're self-righteous, egotistical and just plainly atrocious! They live in a dog-eat-dog world, they care for nobody but themselves and they will go to any extent to get what they want!" Brady spat.
"Not all of them are like that. I thought Amelia was like that but if that was the case she wouldn't have apologized a million times." Lily said.
"Apologize for what?" Brady asked.
Lily looked at her aunt and it looked as if Ellie was on Brady's side.
Lily sighed. "If I tell you I need you to promise me you won't lose it."
"Spit it out Lily." Brady demanded.
"Not until you promise." Lily retorted.
"It depends." Brady reluctantly mumbled.
"Brady." Lily pressed.
"I said it fucking depends because if she apologized for what I'm thinking then so god help me, girl or not but I will..." Brady trailed off and took in a breath.
"Then I'm not telling you." Lily obstinately said.
"Then I'll have to go fucking ask her myself!" Brady snapped.
"Lillian, tell us the truth." Ellie said.
Lily took in a breath and explained to Brady and Ellie what Amelia told her that afternoon. Brady listened to each word attentively but as soon as he heard that Amelia only invited Lily to humiliate her and take advantage of Lily's innocence to get back at him, he found his previously good mood slipping away very fast.
"But she never intended for Aaron to take it that far that's why she stopped him in time." Lily promised. "I could tell she was speaking the truth."
"How old did you say this girl was?" Ellie asked.
"Eighteen going on nineteen maybe, I'm not so sure." Lily answered.
"What is an almost nineteen year old doing screwing with minors? Is she that childish?" Ellie asked shaking her head.
"I don't know but believe me, if you spent the day with her too, you'd see how regretful she is." Lily said.
"It's what they do." Brady said to his aunt. "They find pleasure in fucking with people, and when they spot naïve idiots like our very own Lily, merry," he sarcastically said waving his hand in the air, "they hit a jackpot!"
"Brady you don't know her-"
"Don't give me that bullshit!" Brady snapped. "I know her kind well enough!"
"Didn't you hear what I said, she never intended for Aaron to have his way with me. She might be mean but not evil." Lily said.
"Stop fucking defending her!" Brady yelled. Brady was mad, furious and what made it worse was that his silly sister refused to see just how poisonous people like Amelia were.
Brady took in a breath; he couldn't just stand there and do nothing when his blood was boiling like that. So he stormed out of the kitchen and grabbed his truck keys off the coffee table.
"Brady where are you going?" Lily asked panicky.
Brady ignored his sister and walked towards the front door.
"Brady, calm down before you leave. Remember Amelia's just a young girl." Ellie said.
Brady stopped in his tracks and with his back to them he said, "So is Lily but she didn't fucking care!"
Ignoring whatever Ellie and Lily were saying Brady slammed the front door and got in his truck with just one place in mind.