Foul Play (Whithall University Book 1) (16 page)

“I don’t care. He deserved it. And if you won’t let the law punish him, I will.’’

“How dare you?’’ Amanda snaps.

“No, how dare you,’’ I shout, stepping in front of mum and Sam. “You knew all along what your sick son was capable of. You put gag orders on my family and friends so they couldn’t even warn me, yet,
you
could. You could have told me or even told Logan to stay away from me, but you didn’t. He raped me. I might not remember it, and I’m actually thankful for that, but I feel it. I feel it here every time I take in a breath,’’ I scream, pounding at my chest. “I feel disgusted, shamed, dirty and all because of your fucking son. He did this to me. Open your eyes for once. What if Logan was a girl, huh? What if this situation was the opposite and it was you coming here because your daughter was raped? Would you make her drop the charges because his parents were cowards?’’

“Wait a minute,’’ Mick starts, but I interrupt.

“Go, now! And if Logan presses charges against Cole I will do everything in my power to get proof of every crime he’s ever committed. I’ll round up everyone he’s ever hurt or sold drugs to and get them to testify. I will follow him around like a fly on shit and record every waking moment until I catch him in the act,’’ I promise, my voice dead and calm.

“Come on, Amanda. We should have known the riff raff wouldn’t be reasonable,’’ Mick scoffs, placing his hand behind his wife’s back.

We all watch in silence as they leave, looking disgusted about taking the elevator. I want to laugh at Logan’s mum’s expression, but I hold back, trying to calm my racing heart.

“You are the bravest girl in the world, young lady,’’ my Mum chokes out, tears running down her face. She’s still leaning into Sam, his arm around her shoulder.

“You have to say that, I’m your daughter.’’

“No, she’s right Willow. What you just did takes courage, bravery. I’m very proud of you,’’ Sam states. Allie nods her head in agreement, a small smile on her lips.

“Me and you are gonna be best friends,’’ CJ states, grinning and when I turn back around I give him a small smile. “As much as I love you all and love seeing you in those,’’ he winks at Allie before giving Sam an apologetic look. “I’m starving and I have a pot noodle cooking.’’

“Cooking?’’ Allie whispers when he disappears, shaking her head.

“I’ll only be a second,’’ I tell Mum and Sam and they nod their heads, heading back inside.

“So...’’ I say once Cole and I are alone. I’m aware I’m still wearing his hoody and I begin to blush.

“So,’’ he says before clearing his throat.

“You hit him?’’ I whisper, wondering whether to thank him or apologise for getting him into trouble.

He grunts. “Yeah,’’ he says shortly.

“Are you going to be in trouble?’’ I whisper, feeling ashamed.

“No. He’s not pressing charges, the cops already told me. Though, even if I were, I wouldn’t care. He deserved it.’’

“He did,’’ I tell him. “When did you get arrested?’’

“I didn’t. Not really. The police showed up when we were fighting and when they asked Logan if he wanted to press charges he said no. The fucker knew why I was there and didn’t want me telling them why I hit him,’’ he growls, looking pissed.

“I can’t believe all of this is happening. I’m going to have to face him every day until he leaves. I know, I just know, even without talking to the police that he’s going to get away with this. I had a shower before I went to the hospital, washing all the evidence away,’’ I sniffle and feel myself begin to harden, wanting revenge.

“You’re not going to be alone. One way or another he’s going to pay for what he did.’’

“What do you mean?’’ I ask wide eyed, hoping he’s not talking about killing him.

“What you said to his parents, it held merit. I think we should get proof that he’s a crook; find out what else he’s been up to.’’

“His parents would just pay them off,’’ I tell him. The truth is I was full of it when I sprouted all that off. I knew when I said it that it would never work, though, his parents didn’t need to know that.

“No...’’

“What are you crazy kiddies talking about this late?’’ CJ asks, waking into the hallway with a pop noodle in hand.

“About the stuff Willow said to the dicks parents,’’ Cole answers.

CJ rolls his eyes grunting. “Jesus, I thought she was going to ask for a red carpet to be put down and demand some tea in perfect china.’’

I giggle, it’s small, but it’s there. “They are a little snobbish.’’

“A little? Did you see the Dad? A pipe sticking from his mouth and a moustache and the fucker could be called Hitler.’’

Cole gives him a dry look, yet, I struggle to hold in my laughter. It feels good. Natural.

“Anyway, I think she was on to something,’’ Cole finishes.

“Yeah, I was pondering that as me noodles were boiling,’’ CJ says, speaking all posh and proper. “It sounds like a solid plan. It’s something we should plan further. He’s going to be keeping his head down so we need to be careful we don’t tip him off.’’

I shake my head, feeling a headache coming along. “You can’t seriously be considering this?’’

“Yeah,’’ Cole answers and I roll my eyes. I guess one word wonder has gone back to his old ways.

“It’s brilliant if you really think about it,’’ CJ comments and I give him a questioning look. “This way everyone will get justice and there’s no way his parents can buy everyone off. If there’s enough solid proof to give the police he’ll be going down for a long time.’’

He makes a good point. I do want Logan to go to prison and I want to know everyone he’s ever hurt will get justice too. The more I think about it, the more I know it’s something I have to do. Not just for me, but for Allie and anyone else he’s hurt, but more than anything I need to do it so I can rest easy knowing he’s not out there and he’s paying for his crimes. I also want him to admit it, admit what he did to me and what he planned to do to Allie.

“I’m in,’’ I affirm, and give CJ and Cole a look to not stop me. CJ grins at me in approval, but Cole’s jaw hardens, not seeming pleased that his plan backfired and I’d be joining them.

Monday rolls around far too quickly. Mum went back home with Sam early this morning and has promised to return soon.

I’m actually sad to see her go. I’ve gotten used to having her back and the thought of her not being there when I wake up from a nightmare is concerning me more than I’d like to admit. Each night a nightmare will plague my dreams, not with visions but with memories of pain, of heavy breathing and I’d shoot awake with an unknown heaviness on my chest.

“Are you sure you’re up for today?’’ Allie asks, looking over at my pale face.

No! No, I’m not sure
. But I don’t voice that. “Yes. I’ll be fine. I don’t want to lose my place because of slacking off,’’ I explain. Really, I just need to get out of here. It’s my way of pretending things are okay and that nothing happened. Something tells me that if I lock myself away and hide from
him
then he will have won. I’ll also never be able to move forward.

I think if I remembered the incident then it would be another story, but because I can’t, I’m finding it hard for it all to sink in.

“Your Mom said she spoke to the uni and they’d said that they understand if you need some time off,’’ she explains again. Allie and Mum have both been really protective and attentive of me all weekend and have more than once tried to talk me out of going back to Uni and to go back home for a few weeks instead. The conversation I had with Cole and CJ is what finalised my decision to go back to classes. I haven’t spoken them since last night, yet, the conversation we had out in the hallway has been running through my head. I’ve silently been making plans of ways to take down Logan, whatever means necessary.

“I know, I just think I need to get it out the way, like ripping off a plaster, it’s better to get it over and done with. If I don’t go back now, I never will,’’ I tell her, feeling my eyes water. I hate that he’s ruined this experience for me. University has always been a dream of mine. I took one year at college to get the grades I needed to attend, but with funds being low I had to work my arse off every day to be able to afford to be here. I’ll be damned if I let him take that away from me. Not when I’ve worked so freaking hard to get here.

“Okay. At least we only have two lessons,’’ she breathes, just as the door knocks. We both turn to each other, horror in our wide eyes. “Who is it?’’ Allie shouts, stepping closer to the door.

“I am the Greek God of Whithall,’’ CJ booms in a deep voice. Allie rolls her eyes, stepping forward to open the door.

He and Cole stand in the hallway looking sharp. My eyes rush past CJ, seeking out Cole right away and my chest exhales. The tightness that I’ve been feeling since I woke up, evaporates.

Cole is wearing a pair of dark worn jeans, his white Nike trainers and a blank T-shirt with a leather jacket. His hair is damp from a shower and his jaw left unshaven. He looks every little bit dangerous as ever, yet, I feel utterly safe in his presence.

“What are you doing here?’’ Allie asks, trying to sound annoyed as she looks at CJ with narrowed eyes. She needs to work on her acting skills because the sparkle in her eyes is giving away the fact she doesn’t mind him being here one single bit.

“We’re here to escort you two lovely ladies to class. We thought you might want to grab some coffee with us first since yours is shit,’’ CJ remarks, grinning down at Allie.

“Our coffee is not shit,’’ she lies stubbornly. Our coffee is totally shit. Mum picked up some crap stuff from the supermarket yesterday instead of the normal brand we usually have.

“I could do with a decent coffee,’’ I nod in agreement, ignoring the death glare Allie is giving me. She curses under breath when she realises she’s lost and I smile.

“Nice hoody,’’ CJ teases and I blush. Yes, I’m still wearing Cole’s hoody. It hangs down to my knees and is so baggy on the arms I have to roll the sleeves up. It most likely stinks of me by now too, still, I can’t seem to part with the thing. It’s comforting and I like the way it makes me feel protected, like if enough of the hoody can cover me, the more invisible I will be when I leave here. I just hope my efforts aren’t in vain and that everyone looks past me.

“Thanks,’’ I whisper. He just chuckles and moves to help Allie with her coat.

“I am capable, ya’ know?’’ she snaps.

“You are? I thought you were struggling, Cupcake,’’ he teases giving her a wink.

“How are you always this cheery in the morning?’’ she moans.

“I have stamina, baby,’’ he chuckles, waggling his eyebrows.

“Ugh, pig.’’

“How are you doin’ this morning?’’ Cole asks once we step outside of the flat.

“Okay,’’ I shrug, not wanting to get into my nightmares right now. Only mum knows about them so far since she stayed in bed with me, holding me all night. I’m sure he can tell I’ve had no sleep since I haven’t put any makeup on to cover up the dark circles. For some reason the idea of putting it on my face sickens me. I’ve not even brushed my hair and that’s saying something. I’ve literally scraped it up on the top of my head in a messy bun. I’ve no motivation whatsoever to faff around with it or make myself presentable.

Self consciously, I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear before tucking my hands into the sleeves of the hoody, gripping the material in my fist.

“Have your mum and Sam gone?’’ he asks, when we step into the lift, ignoring CJ and Allie bickering behind us.

“Yeah. They left this morning. They had to get back to work but Mum promised to come back down again as soon as possible,’’ I inform him.

“It’s going to be okay,’’ he promises me, picking up on my nerves as we step out of the lift. My eyes begin to burn and I have to look away from him before I break down.

“I’m scared,’’ I whisper so that only he can hear. I don’t want Allie worrying or feeling anymore guilty than she already does about me. Hearing the full story of what happened and how Logan brutally goaded her behind my back, I can understand why she’s so worried. She thinks he’s going to do the same to me.

Cole takes my arm gently, pulling me further back from Allie and CJ so that we’ve got some privacy.

“I’ve got the same lessons as you today. If you want me to stay with you, I will. I promise.’’

“I can’t ask you to do that,’’ I whisper, ashamed I actually want him to and even consider it for a split second.

“You don’t need to.’’

“Why are you so nice to me?’’ I ask him, looking up to him.

“Because my sister said I have to?’’

I giggle, finding it amusing he can joke at a time like this. It’s also nice seeing this side to him and that he’s treating me normally, not like I’m made of glass.

“You should laugh like that more often,’’ he whispers as if he’s saying it to himself.

“Seriously, though, why?’’ I ask again, my tone almost pleading.

“I don’t know,’’ he sighs, running his hands down his face. “It’s you. That’s the only way I can explain it.’’

“But you don’t even know me,’’ I argue, needing more of an explanation.

“I know enough,’’ he tells me sincerely and when he looks at me, I see the depth of how true his words are.

“Come on, slow pokes,’’ CJ shouts and Cole grunts in response, shaking his head at his friend.

*** *** ***

We walked to Starbucks and stayed for something to eat. Well, the others ate; I just drank a coffee, ordering another to go before we left. With the lack of sleep; I needed it.

After walking Allie to class we still end up being five minutes early, so we let ourselves in and take the same seats we chose last week. I’m thankful I chose the seat right at the back because now I’m as far away as I can be from other people and their prying eyes.

I’m looking over the email I printed out that professor Moby sent to us last Monday when everyone starts bustling in. I’m so lost in thought, so drowned out by the voices inside my head that I don’t feel the air in the room thicken. I look to my right where Cole is sitting to see his stance is rigid and unwelcoming. I understand why when I notice everyone is whispering and giggling, looking over their shoulders at me like I’m some pet at the zoo.

Knowing exactly why they are whispering and laughing, my body begins to shake uncontrollably. I look around in horror when a girl a few rows down in Cole’s isle lean’s over to show the girl next to her, her phone. I see the picture and an audible gasps slips through my lips.

“No,’’ I gasp in horror whilst looking around the room to check if any of the others are looking at the same thing. Cole stands up from his chair, the noise of it screeching and echoing through my ears.

“Are you fucking proud of yourselves?’’ CJ shouts, surprising me. I was certain Cole was ready to say something, but when I look to my left CJ is standing, leaning across the table and is eyeing everyone in the room with a dark look.

“CJ, sit down,’’ Professor Moby barks, not pleased with the disruption.

“No,’’ Cole states firmly, his eyes cold and menacing. He looks like he’s about to take out everyone in the classroom, including the professor.

I close my eyes in shame, feeling bile rise in my throat, knowing everyone has seen that picture.

“Excuse me?’’ Moby cautions, looking at Cole with a warning look.

“NO, excuse you,’’ CJ snaps. “All of you should be ashamed of yourselves. Sir, you’ve obviously seen what they’re passing around, yet, you sit there like they’re passing around a joke. It’s sick. You’re all fucking sick.’’

Someone snickers and Cole takes a step forward towards where it came from. Not wanting him to get into another fight over me I grab his belt loop, pulling him back. He looks down at me and I watch in amazement as his eyes soften before me. I shake my head, pleading him with my eyes as tears fall from my eyes. When he realises what I’m asking, his eyes close as if he’s fighting back pain and my chest constricts.

“You,’’ CJ growls. He points warningly to the girl who had showed off the picture of me to her friend and takes a step in her direction. “Would you be showing everyone that picture if it was you in it?’’ he asks and Jesus, the tone in his voice is hard. It’s a tone that I’ve never heard from him before. It’s deadly and nothing like the carefree, cocky bastard I’ve come to know.

She shakes her head, seeming to have the nerve to actually look guilty. I can’t even open my mouth to tell him to stop, to sit down because I’m frozen to the spot, confused on what I should do or I’m expected to do. My head is telling me to run back home, that I shouldn’t have come, but my heart is telling me I need to show them I’m stronger, that I won’t be run off.

“No? Then why show your friend?’’ he asks, but doesn’t wait for her to answer as he addresses the room. “You all may find this funny and that’s only because it’s not you. It wasn’t you who was violated, taken advantage of and drugged,’’ he reveals and some of the room gasp, looking in my direction with sympathetic glance and I can’t stand to look at them. My eyes take on a blank look and I have to turn away from everyone’s scrutinising stares. I keep looking forward, staring at the whiteboard whilst trying my hardest to hold it together.

It isn’t until I catch movement from the front of the room that I look away from the whiteboard, my eyes drawn to a girl sitting at the front of the classroom, her head turned towards me. Her eyes are filled with so much sadness, such sorrow and grief that it makes my pain seem irrelevant. She turns in her seat, giving me her back, but not before a flash of guilt and horror crosses her face. I keep my eyes trained on the back of her head, needing something to anchor me, but also because something is pulling towards her, wanting to help her.

“Yeah,’’ CJ grunts, looking disgusted at everyone. “And you,’’ he points to the lad who snickered. “You think this is funny now, but what happens when you fall in love or have a daughter of your own and this happens to her? Will you be okay when people are doing this to her?’’

“I ent ever havin’ kids,’’ the kid grunts, looking smug.

“No, you’re probably right. No one would want to breed with you,’’ CJ snaps and I feel Cole’s body tense beside me. Out of instinct, I blindly grab his hand. My eyes are still focused on the girl in the front row, but I still feel Cole’s eyes flicker to me.

“Fuck you,’’ the kid growls.

“No, thanks. You make me sick. You don’t even deserve to be at University. You’re not mature enough to live in the real world. You’re still a fucking kid who needs his mommy to tell him right from wrong.

“You might think that this won’t happen to you, you’ll walk around without a care in the world, teasing people who do have to live with it, but it can happen to you. He was her best friend. They’d known each other since they were little, yet, he still did this to her. She didn’t ask for it or want it. She didn’t get drunk and make a bad decision; she was raped. You’d think females would be more sympathetic to her, but you’re all just bitches.

“And lads, take a look in the fucking mirror, man. You’re all getting off on seeing a girl attacked,’’ he says and a pained whimper escapes my mouth. Cole scoops me up and sits me in his lap. Immediately I hide my face in his chest, needing to breathe in his comfort. I knew the picture would get around, but not once did I consider people getting off on it. It makes me sick.