Amethyst's POV
"It's nothing. I was stressed about my research work and that's why I couldn't sleep for the last few days, as a result, I finally fainted last night," I gave her a tight-lipped smile.
I tried to make my excuse as logical as possible. It's the truth actually.
By the look of Vivian's eyes, I knew that she didn't buy my words but she didn't push me either.
I'll forever be thankful to her for respecting my boundaries. She's a good friend. I wish I was half as good.
"If that's the case then you need to eat a lot and sleep to get healed fast. Don't listen to the pack members. They will repeat the same thing like a broken record. None of this is your fault, ok?"
I nodded my head, forcing myself to give her a smile. The logical part of me knew that it wasn't my fault.
I was a child back then. But when you grow up hearing something over and over, you can't decide what's right and what's wrong anymore.
I ate the porridge she brought me. It's healthier but honestly... I don't like bland things.
Yet, I ate it. Something was better than nothing.
Vivian simply sat by my side, giving me company. She didn't bother saying something or asked anything.
At that moment, I needed this silence.
"Why don't you sleep for a while? I'll be back after classes."
Oh, classes. I needed to attend them.
"I'll go too," I hurriedly got down.
"Hey, hey! You are still sick. You can't jump this fast. And you should join starting tomorrow. You need rest right now."
Rest? I'll take rest on my dead bed. I have worked so hard on this research. I am not going to miss the chance to submit it.
"I can't. I'll submit the papers today."
"Let me do it for you."
"No, it won't work. I will have to explain the entire thing to the teachers. Trust me, Vivian, I am ok. I am thrilled actually. I feel more energized than ever."
I truly was. For some minutes, I forgot about him. I forgot about the injustices life has done to me.
I thrived on academic validation. What was I with it?
Damaged and average at everything, it's something I needed to feel good about myself.
"If that's what you want then fine, let's go."
Even after agreeing so quickly, she won't stop nagging me about how I should stay by her side so that I can call for her whenever I need.
After getting everything I needed, I was finally ready to leave this room. Life was really peaceful for the last few hours.
It's so comfortable that I forgot my reality. As long as I left the room, I was surrounded by a group of people.
"Hey, bitch. You didn't cook our food yesterday. We had to do it ourselves. Don't you think you should be punished?" One of the girls said, her hands shoving me to a side.
She's strong and it did hurt. I almost cried. It's going to bruise.
I mentally cursed myself for not being strong enough. I hated this.
I knew her. She's a friend of Stella.
"I was sick."
I wanted to slap her but I can't do that. My position here was already bad. If anyone expect Vivian cared about me here, I won't have been bullied for so long. I knew my place.
I will leave once I become an adult. I won't stay here anymore.
"You were sick? You expect us to believe this? Why is your complexion looking nice then? I hate liars, you know that, right?" Another person said with a grin.
"I am not lying. If you don't believe me, ask Vivian once she's here," I insisted, knowing arguing was pointless. They were going to believe what they wanted to believe in.
"For how long are you planning on clinging by Vivian's side, huh? Do you think she'll forever stay here? She can't protect you forever. Give up already."
Her face was close to mine. Her eyes are devoid of any emotions.
Iris.
Stella's twin.
Well, the twin who came late. Their parents lost her as a child and she was found this year.
Someone who's personality is opposite of Stella. While Stella was outgoing and talks a lot, Iris was cold and almost... unapproachable.
She never talks to anyone first.
"I-I-"
"Leave. Now!" Her brown eyes didn't have an ounce of warmth. It was rather too cold. It's as if autumn is covered by winter frost.
She's the beta's daughter. They didn't bother saying anything after this.
I started walking away.
But her words were still stuck in my head.
Vivian won't be there for forever is what she meant.
Iris was a smart girl. Few words but direct to the point.
She doesn't like beating around the bush. Does she know something that I don't?
"Hey, sorry, it took some time to gather everything. You good?" Vivian asked with a smile.
And I noticed how her smile didn't reach her eyes. She's smiling but her eyes were crying silently.
I realized how dull they were looking. She's exhausted.
I wrapped my arms around her and I could feel her breath hitching.
"Are you ok, Vivian?"
I wasn't expecting an answer from her. She wasn't and I knew it.
She just needed someone to be there for her.
If souls could choose, mine would always choose Vivian as my family, my friend, and companion for life.
She wrapped back her arms around me. No words said.
I could feel her body shaking. Vivian doesn't cry usually. I could feel my heartbeats quickening.
"I am sorry for not noticing earlier..."
I was such a bad friend. I hugged her tighter and her cries got audible.
We were standing in the middle of the pack house but I didn't care. My friend needed me.
My eyesight was becoming blurry yet I could visibly see a figure looking at me.
His eyes didn't give away anything but for the first time, he didn't seem like he wanted to kill me.
Those eyes rarely paused on me. Today, they stayed.
If anything, they looked defeated and I was left confused.
Something wasn't right.